ByTamara Corin, Tamara Corin
Whatever the weather, make-up should stay put. But what works well in the winter is highly unlikely to work so well in the summer. Our environment has an extreme effect on our skin and therefore our make-up too.
As make-up should flatter and emphasise our best features while hiding any flaws, getting our cosmetics right is a must.
But throw in a mix of sun, sea and sticky commutes, and many of us will have an unexpected “glow”.
I’m not referring to those Californian-style bronzed and honed ladies (and gentlemen), but the British sunburnt or sweaty type of glow, which can give rise to smudged foundation and caked eye make-up.
To ensure your make-up stays put, whatever the weather, it’s time to rethink your beauty routine and take another look at what’s lurking inside your make-up bag.
Cheek check
Cheeks will adapt better with a flush of colour from a cream rather than a powder. It’s lighter on the eye and easy to reapply throughout the day. Just remember your fingers will have their own natural oils, so give them a quick rinse before applying blush, or any product for that matter.
Prime time
To ensure your makeup doesn’t slip and slide, prep your skin with a primer, your best friend in the summer. A good one will smooth over fine lines and keep your make-up in place too.
Eye to eye
More often than not, your eyes show the tell-tale signs of warmer weather — think panda eyes, smeared mascara and caked shadow. Sweat, oil and water are the main culprits yet they can all be corrected with the right products. Summer is the time to turn to waterproof make-up: mascaras and liners, especially the inky types, are the first ones to swap. Eyeshadows are a little harder to control in the heat, so choose powder shadows over creams as they have better staying power.
Lighten the load
Your base needs to adapt to your skin tone, so if you’ve caught a few rays, swap your foundation for a tinted moisturiser with an SPF. You’ll still have coverage but it will feel less heavy on the skin and has the added bonus of sun protection. If you can’t find the right shade, don’t be afraid to mix two shades together to achieve a good match.
Lip service
If ever there was a time to experiment with colour, this is it! Summer brings an air of confidence that should be embraced and shown through your make-up palette. Move away from taupes and nudes, and instead try intense bright tangerine and berry-inspired shades that compliment sun-kissed skin. Look for formulas that claim to hydrate and last for hours.