HOW TO KEEP YOUR MAKEUP ON YOUR FACE THIS SUMMER!
We've got a simple summer beauty equation for you. Here goes... Intense Summer Heat + Perfectly Applied Makeup = Sweaty, Melting Mess!!
But never fear, we're here to help with your summer makeup woes and ensure that your products stay happily on your face, rather than sliding halfway down your neck!
1. PREP
Prepping your skin with moisturiser is key...year round! And we suggest using an oil-free moisturiser in the summer months to keep excess shine at bay. Even if you suffer with oily skin, you need to hydrate it - your skin will go into oil production overdrive if you're not moisturising!
We like Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturiser, which contains clever 'oil-absorbing spheres' and is lightweight and fragrance-free.
2. SPF
Next, choose a super light, non-greasy SPF that melts into the skin and doesn't leave a white cast. Our current favourites are Supergoop Glow Screen and UltraViolette Queen Screen.
3. PRIME
Now for the makeup part...and we have just one word for you. PRIMER! If you really want to ensure that your makeup lasts the course, a great primer is vital. Urban Decay primers are our favourite and we've seen amazing results with the All Nighter Face Primer which really does keep your makeup in place and looking fresh for hours. Smashbox primers are also a good bet, with the original Photo Finish version being something of a cult product. But the Control Mattifying Primer is a winning product when the heat turns up!
4. LIGHT TOUCH
Less is definitely more (and even more so in the summer!). Go for light, sheer makeup formulations in the heat - there's nothing worse then everything turning into a thick, cakey disaster! Ditch any heavy foundations and instead we suggest just using a concealer or CC cream on areas that need 'perfecting'. Erborian CC cream is still a VMM firm favourite, although recently our heads have been turned by It Cosmetics CC+ Illumination, which has a little more coverage but still looks totally natural on the skin. Or grab yourself a concealer wand, such as Illamasqua Skin Base Concealer Pen, which glides over skin and does a brilliant job of concealing any imperfections 'on the go'!
5. MAKEUP ADD-ONS
If you're thinking of using blush, again go for one that's light, creamy and non-sticky. Even better, go for a liquid or gel that just melts into the skin and looks effortlessly dewy. We're both really enjoying using Bobbi Brown Creamy Color for Cheeks and Lips and Natasha Denona Puff Paint.
As for shimmery highlighter, you may want to skip this step on swelteringly hot days, as inevitably you'll have a natural glow anyway, and won't want to look overly shiny!
6. GO WATERPROOF
When it comes to summer eye makeup, we suggest you go waterproof and choose products with staying power that won't end up on your cheeks by lunchtime!
You can apply an eyeshadow primer over your eyelid to ensure your colour lasts longer - Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer and MAC Prep + Prime 24 Hour Eye Base are both great options.
Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Eyeshadow Stick is a brilliant waterproof eyeshadow option in a variety of gorgeous shimmery and matte shades and so easy to use...just one swipe is all you need!
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes is a water-resistant eyeliner that also won't budge.
And when it comes to waterproof mascara, we both love Lancôme Mr Big Waterproof Mascara.
7. POWDER
We're not huge fans of powder at VMM, but sometimes they're a summer necessity, if you want to keep shine at bay and help keep your makeup in place. Go for a super-light, finely milled, loose powder, and make sure your base is dry to the touch, otherwise you run the risk of looking 'cakey'. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is our favourite (and every makeup bag should have it), but for clever powder application when you're out and about, go for Supergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF35.
8. SET
To really help 'lock in' your look, we suggest you spritz with a makeup setting spray as the final step in your routine. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is hard to beat, but we're also fans of Clarins Fix' Makeup which we use to refresh and revive during the day and which smells delicious!
Love and Long-lasting Makeup,
Vikki & Mala xx