Summer Makeup for Tanned Skin

Summer is in full swing and I have a killer tan. It's dark and bronze and looks natural. Yes, I got this tan by being outside. Yes, I did wear sunscreen. The color is natural with a hint of pink. I want to wear the best makeup shades possible to accentuate my color. But, my usual makeup just won't cut it. What can I do?

Quite simply my summer makeup routine needs to be a little different. It not only should cater to the hotter temperatures, but I also need to choose different base makeup because my skin tone is a different color. Here is some advice on how to create summer makeup for tanned skin.

Foundation. Summer makeup is not complete without some kind of coverage. But in the summer, it may not be a good idea to wear foundation, at least not when the temperature climbs up into the 80's and 90's. Foundation can be heavy and the wrong formula can clog the pores. Instead, I opt for either a powder or a tinted moisturizer. These give just enough coverage to even out the skin tone but it will keep the skin healthy and blemish free.

Bronzer. There is no better way to bring out that tan than with some bronzing powder. Your summer makeup routine is at its best when you use bronzer. You can get bronzer in a cream, a gel, or in a powder. I like the powder style better. Some bronzing powders have different tints. For example, my cheeks tend to be on the rosy side so my bronzer has some pink undertones. The key is to work with your unique skin tone to find the product that is best for you.

Once you find a bronzer that is in a flattering shade, you'll want to find a bronzing applicator brush if you chose the powder form. If you chose a cream or gel you can just put it on with your fingers. In general, only apply it to your cheeks, forehead, and across your nose. Otherwise your summer makeup routine will make you look tired.

Lipstick. Lipstick is a great addition to a summer makeup routine, especially if the formula contains sunscreen. Choose a color with some bronze or brown undertones to help accentuate the tan. Keep in mind that you may not be able to use your regular lipstick. Depending on how much color you gained over the course of the summer, hour usual lipsticks may look too pale.

Self tanner. Is it nearly impossible for you to tan naturally? Are you so afraid of the sun that you wear high SPF's all the time? If either of these scenarios describes your actual relationship with the sun, you can definitely still end up with a tan. Self tanners have come a long way over the years and the resulting color looks natural. Find a product that is specifically designed for your face and make sure you follow the package directions.