We all look forward to toasting away August’s final days back at Penn, but we also nervously anticipate the sauna–like temperatures. If you wear makeup, the anxiety of being able to dance, socialize, move in and not sweat off your face may have begun to creep its way into your excitement–filled head. Here are some tips to ensure that your back to school makeup look is Philly–in–September proof.
Step 1: Moisturize
First thing’s first: moisturize. Moisturizer is like a pregame for your face. Stress, the sun and drinking can take a huge toll on your skin, so after you get your day started, use an oil free face moisturizer before the rest of your makeup goes on. If you get puffy eyes or dark under–eye circles, I would also recommend a separate eye cream.
Step 2: Sunscreen
After moisturizing, lay a good base with a tinted matte sunscreen. I prefer a tinted sunscreen to foundation in the summer because you are less likely to feel like you are literally melting your face off. Pro tip: if you want to try out a shade before you buy it, Bluemercury will give you a free sample of most (if not all) of its foundations.
Step 3: Conceal and Bronze
Next, cover up those tired eyes with some quick concealer. Whether you’re preparing for a day in the sun or a reunion with old friends, go light on the bronzer and blush. Natural lighting can be unforgiving for those makeup lines and you want to be looking your ~best~ if you run into that cute TA from last semester.
Step 4: Eyeshadow
If you choose to wear eyeshadow, I recommend sticking to the lighter colors in your palette, especially during the day. This way even if they semi–sweat off you won’t have black glitter under your eyes. Also—please leave the days of putting one color all over your eyelid in the past. An easy way to blend colors is to use a lighter color on your lid and smudge your crease and the outer edge of your shadow line with a slightly darker shade in the same hue.
Step 5: Eyeliner, Mascara, Set
Finally, apply some eyeliner to finish off the look and swipe on at least two coats of mascara. Lashes are the easiest way to make your eyes look wider and more awake, so don’t be lazy about this one. Lastly, finish off with a setting spray! NSO fun may not last forever, but at least your makeup can!
