Beauty Lifestyle

Summer Proof Your Make-Up

Summer Proof Your Make-Up

Skin Care

The Caribbean is one of the most beautiful places on earth but wrapped up in all that beauty is a warm and humid climate which can be devastating to the look you want to achieve on any given day. Summer is full of wonderful things but melting makeup, smeared eyeliner, and super-sticky lipstick are not among them. Makeup artist Tamara Melville gives us her best tips for keeping makeup looking fresh and pretty, even when the weather is working against you.
Skin prep is everything. The old adage, ‘less is more’ certainly applies as the fewer layers used on the skin the more comfortable you will be in this weather. Use a moisturiser suited for your skin type, an emollient moisturiser that will hydrate the skin throughout the day is ideal for dry skin types. Persons with oily skin can opt to use hydrating facial serum or a ‘mattifying’ moisturiser. If your skin type is normal, (not oily or dry), I recommend a lightweight moisturiser. Brands to consider are Dermalogica, La RochePosay and Cetaphil. If you plan on being outdoors a lot, a moisturiser with SPF included is a must.
There are different opinions regarding the need for a primer for long-lasting makeup. I prefer to not use a primer as this is just an additional layer which may cause your makeup to slide.

Foundation

When it comes to foundation, is less, more? Now, if you have experienced Caribbean summers you know that looking good and comfort don’t necessarily go hand in hand. The less makeup you have to apply the more comfortable your outdoor experience will be. Foundation formulas ideal for the Caribbean heat are liquid formulas such as Revlon Colorstay (oil-free formula) for oily skin and Makeup Forever Mat Velvet. These formulas will help to control excess oil production as liquid formulas have the advantage of not needing to be set with powder. They are self-setting and this provides an additional bonus of one less layer to add. Powder foundation formulas are a great option, they give coverage and are light-weight and comfortable to wear. Persons who have little to no scars can opt for one of the new Beauty Balm creams, they are purported to moisturize, protect, and correct, consolodating your skin perfecting products into one product.

Eyes

Give your eyeshadow staying power. If you love to swim don’t worry about getting raccoon eyes, reach for a waterproof mascara and pencil liner, a necessity for high temperatures, they will be less likely to run or smudge. Using an eyeshadow primer as a base will act as your insurance to prevent eyeshadow creasing and also provide a smudge-proof base. A more cost-effective option is to use your foundation (a light layer) on your eyelid and set with a light dusting of setting powder.

Lips

Toss your matte lipstick for the summer and try Stains, the season’s simplest trends which offer sheer coverage that can be built up making them super versatile. Stains are lovely as you can add lip balm for moisture without worrying that the colour will travel.

Finish

Apply a fixing or setting spray for that extra protection. Don’t leave home without your tissues to blot. I love Kleenex as it won’t have you walking around with pieces of tissue stuck to your face after blotting.