Despite the gloomy mornings (and sometimes days), summer has arrived. Every year we go through this cycle, more coverage (foundation), more color (eyes and lips) and more everything in the colder months, and now it’s time again for the summer no-makeup makeup.
Here are some tips and my favorite products to help you achieve that natural yet perfected summer look!
Skincare is Key
It’s no secret if you take care of your skin and your skin will take care of you. Depending on your skin type, choosing the right skincare products is probably one of the most important things in your daily routine.
What you put on your skin first will determine how well everything will sit on your skin throughout the day.
For example, if you have oily skin and use a heavy cream moisturizer, you makeup will most likely start to show signs of wear sooner than if you had opted for a lighter face serum/lotion.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen has basically changed my life! I was never a huge fan of sunscreen and when I started seeing sunspots around my eyes…I panicked! A client of mine have been telling me to wear sunscreen for probably about 4 years before I started using it diligently. My reply to her was always “I already use a foundation with sunscreen in it”. And that has proven to be not nearly enough.
One of the reasons I disliked using sunscreen is the smell and that sticky, greasy feeling. If you shared the same concerns, well then let me tell you there are plenty of sunscreens out there that are light-weight, non-greasy and without that familiar sunscreen smell. A thin layer is all you need.
My favorites: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Facial Sunscreen SPF 60 EltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Broad Spectrum SPF 55
Using the Right Foundation
The goal for summer is to look like you’re not wearing foundation, but with your skin looking flawless. To achieve this, I’d say it’s a toss-up between using a tinted moisturizer or a sheer foundation when trying to create that natural yet perfected look.
If you have dry skin, then tinted moisturizer should do the trick, as it provides a light coverage while moisturizing at the same time. If you have blemishes that you’d like to cover up, use a medium coverage foundation with dewy or luminous finish so it won’t look heavy. If you have oily skin, use foundation where you need it and blend it out onto the rest of the face.
You can also mix your foundation with a little moisturizer to sheer it down and use it on areas that don’t need as much coverage. There are also tinted sunscreens worth trying out.
My favorites: Giorgio Armani Neo Nude True-to-Skin Foundation Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation Tarte Water Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF15
Easy on the Powder
If your skin tends to get oily throughout the day, I’d say dust a little powder on areas where you need it, like your T-Zone and your chin. You can also use oil-absorbing papers to soak up any excess oil. But remember: real skin is never matte!
My favorites: Kevyn Aucoin Loose Setting Powder Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Loose Setting Powder
Go Light (application) on the Concealer
Less is definitely more when using concealer. For oily skin, a liquid tends to stay put better because it dries down. For dry skin, a cream concealer will give you a more natural look. I recommend pressing it in gently with your fingertip and making sure it’s completely blended with your foundation for a flawless look.
My favorites: RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Concealer By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Try Cream Eyeshadow
I prefer to use cream shadows that are similar to or a shade darker than the skin tone to create that fresh-skin look. Cream shadows mimics natural skin texture the best, so you will be able to define your eyes without obvious traces of makeup. I like to use a fluffy flat brush to apply and blend outwards. The goal is to blend until you can’t tell where the shadow ends and the skin begins.
A quick note, cream shadow dries down quickly so you may need to work faster but you’ll love the staying power once it sets.
My favorites: Smashbox Always On Cream Eye Shadow Lamcome Ombre Hypnoses Stylo Shadow Stick ColourPop Road Trip Cream Shadow
Blushing Naturally
Most of us tend to get a little rosy cheeked when the weather gets warm. So whether a blush is necessary is entirely up to you and the look you’re going for. If you chose to add some color to your cheeks, I recommend using the smallest amount and build up the color if needed.
The goal for blush is to look like you just went for a 10-minute walk. Natural is key.
My favorites: Pixi Beauty On-the-Glow Blush Lime Crime Softwear Blush Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush
Pucker Up
A little color on the lips will complete the look, plus protecting your lips from the sun especially if you’re going to be outside. Choose a tinted lip balm with SPF or a lip stain for extended wear.
My favorites: Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF15 SumBum Tinted SPF 15 Lip Balm Urban Decay Stay Naked Face & Lip Tint
So what do you think? Let me know your thoughts and share with me your favorite summer makeup products!
Kristee Liu + Makeup Artist 