Beauty and the Heat

There’s no better time of year than summer time! With longer days, fun filled nights, and tons of outdoor things to do, you just can’t beat it! Here in the Washington, DC metro area we have so many wonderful things to see and do right outside our doorstep! Any of us who have lived here long enough, however, know that one thing that a DC summer will bring is plenty of heat and humidity! YES, we have plenty of that! So, what’s a girl to do to keep looking fab during the dog days of summer? I have some great tips and products that will help!

Don’t let the heat and humidity put a damper on your beauty routine! Looking great is still at your fingertips, with the right products! What I stress to my clients is that, when it comes to keeping your summer makeup looking fresh, it’s all in what you apply underneath the makeup! Products that prime and prep the skin make all the difference in the staying power of your makeup throughout the day! Keeping your routine simple and doubling up on product use helps too!

Let’s begin with prepping the skin! No matter what skin type you have we all get oily and shiny during this time of year. Oil reducing primers or matifyers are a great choice! They leave your skin smooth and reduce the look of your pores, as well as absorb any oily shine throughout the day. One of my favorite products to use is Makeup Forever All Mat. It’s a matifying primer that helps absorb oil and keeps the skin matte, with minimal touchups throughout the day! Apply a layer of All Mat, allow it to dry and go on to your next step!

I always stress the importance of good skin care and that includes sunscreen. It is vital in keeping your skin protected from sun damage and skin cancer and, during summer months when we are outdoors more, is so important this time of year! I do like combining my products so you can use a tinted oil free moisturizer with sunscreen, to take care of all your skincare needs in one easy step! I love Stila Bronzing tinted moisturizer with SPF 20!

Mineral makeup is also a great option during the summer months, as well! I love using a mineral bronzing powder all over my face, instead of using my foundation. It gives me a nice glow, evens out my pigment, and feels really light weight! My personal favorite is Priori Coffeeberry Perfecting Minerals Foundation SPF 25. It allows you to choose the coverage you like, by building it with layers. The results look great and feel wonderful on your skin!

Using a cream to powder blush is a great way to get a beautiful sun kissed summer glow! Jane Iredale cream to powder blushes work great over or under your powder! They go on creamy and dry to a soft finish!

As far as brow makeup and eyeshadows are concerned, during summer months, I always say to stick with powders. They stay in place and last longer. Use a waterproof mascara, especially for beach or poolside! Maybelline New York Illegal Lengths mascara is a great choice!

In order to keep your makeup looking and feeling fresh all day my best advice is to carry blotting papers in your purse. These magical little papers absorb oil without disturbing your makeup application! You can purchase these at a beauty supply, department store, or your local pharmacy.

For my own personal summer makeup look I like to keep my lips looking dewy, fresh, and natural. I love the sheer hint of color from Cover Girl Lipslicks Smoochie Lip Balms! They come in a variety of colors and add moisture and a nice sheen to my lips, very youthful looking!

Makeup this time of year should look fresh, glowing, not heavy or “cakey”. These tips should help you achieve this look, so beat the heat and stay beautiful ladies!

For more information: www.mbfacedesign.com

~Copa