Whether this summer you're on campus or off, working or being a stay at home child, in a hot climate or cold, looking for a summer hookup or not, staying fresh–faced is key.
The biggest tip for summer beauty is simplicity. Less really is more. You're probably thinking, "well shit, I just spent all that money on my new Naked palette" and, yeah, that's a good buy, but when you're sweating your ass off, that smokey eye won't be worth it and you'll be wishing you saved your precious palate for a bigger and better things.
Here are some tips for the most important parts of your makeup routine to ensure a clean and hassle free summer without breaking the bank or indenturing you to the Wharton Behavioral Lab.
EYES:
Eyeliner:
I've been #blessed with some incredible friends at Penn. Don't get me wrong, they're always there for me, but they're not there for me the way the Milano Infinite Liquid Eye Liner is. This eyeliner does. not. budge. Conveniently sold at any drugstore, it passes the morning after test, the drunk cry test, pool party pool test, rain and sweat test, and every other test you can imagine that would ruin your perfect wing. This shit is literally liquid gold. And one bottle lasts 5ever. #win.
Eyeshadow:
If you just can't give up the eyeshadow, there are a few things that you have to remember. Primer primer primer primer. Primer ensures that your eyeshadow doesn't crease. There's nothing worse than looking like you didn't spend the 46.78 hours on your makeup. If you don't have a primer, concealer works just–just blot a little bit on your eyelids.
Stay away from dark, smokey eyes and opt for a more nude and pink palate, which will be complemented by the inevitable rosy cheeks of summer. And if you don't want to break the bank on an expensive palate, go for this $11.99 Covergirl Trunaked Nudes palate. Pro Tip: use setting spray on your brush before you dip into your eyeshadow to get a more concentrated and pigmented color.
Mascara:
Waterproof mascara is a MUST. Especially because this allergy season seems to be going on for 5 years. You're bound to sneeze, cry, get pushed in the pool or get rained on at some point this summer, and you definitely want to avoid a Lauren Conrad moment.
If you're one of those go–big–or–go–home types, try Covergirl's Last Blast Volume. Pro Tip: make sure you change out your mascara every 3-5 months! Your eyes are a petri dish for bacteria and the last thing you want is to get a nasty stye.
FACE:
Skin:
Your skin is the most important part of your routine. Regardless of your summer climate of choice, sunscreen is CRUCIAL if you don't want to look like an old leather handbag when you're older. If you are anything like me and can't leave the house without foundation, try to find one that has SPF in it. Clinique's Even Better foundation has 15 SPF and won't make you break out.
When it's hot out, you sweat (duh). When you sweat you break out. When your skin is too oily, you can break out. So, it's important that in the summer, you're not using oil–based foundations. Opt for something that's water or plant based.
If you're not a foundation person, use a water–based moisturizer with an SPF. Even if you're in a place that's cloudy, sunscreen is still a must. Pro Tip: if you have oily or combination skin, go for a matte moisturizer for a smooth finish.
Setting Spray/Powder:
This isn't a must do, but shit it makes a difference. Setting powders and sprays ensure your face stays on. They make sure you don't crease, completely sweat off your makeup, and will keep your makeup looking flawless longer. Laura Mercier's translucent powder (yes, a splurge but lasts a long time and makes skin look like porcelain) or Urban Decay setting spray are going to be god sends this summer. You'll thank me later.
