Top 6 Summer Makeup Tips for the Changing Season

As summer approaches, you'll find that your makeup needs to change with the season. Not only do makeup trends change, but the way you need to wear your makeup changes as well. The face you present in the winter is a lot different than the face you should be presenting in the summer.

1. Wear Sunscreen All the Time!

You've heard it before. Beauty experts from here to Albuquerque insist that you slather on sunscreen every day. It's true! Although you should have been wearing a high-SPF lotion even in the winter, it's even more important in the summer because you'll be spending more time outdoors.

Purchase two different kind of sunscreen: one for your body and one for your face. Most facial lotion comes with SPF included, but look for a product that has a high number. SPF 15 or higher is preferable. Choose a facial lotion that you can take with you and is easy to apply. For the body, purchase a large container or sunscreen that can cover all sun-exposed skin. As an added bonus, pick up water resistant sunscreen for when you're at the beach or pool.

Reapply your sunscreen throughout the day to keep a shield between the sun's harmful rays and your delicate skin.

2. Skip the Foundation

Classic foundation covers up your pores and sweat glands. While this is fine in the cold and dry air of winter, it can cause problems in the summer. With heavy foundation, you may see an increase in acne. And, if you're outdoors, you'll likely sweat it all off anyway.

If you feel you need a foundation, go for tinted moisturizer instead. This will give you a bit of coverage without the caked-on look you'll get with traditional foundation. As a general rule, avoid most face makeup in the summer, especially if you're going outside. This includes translucent powder and concealor.

3. Go Light on the Liner and Mascara

Unless you're heading out for a night of dancing, be lighter on eyeliner and mascara during the summer months. Dark, heavy lashes don't work for the season. Choose soft black or brown eyeliner and mascara colors and apply them with a light hand. This is especially important for those with fair skin or women with red or blonde hair. Keep black mascara with you just in case you're going from day to night with your makeup look.

4. Choose Summer Colors

Dark makeup colors just don't work for summer. When you're planning out your eye shadow or lipstick, lean more toward pink, coral and pastel colors instead of smoky eye looks. Summer is all about color, so a bright sky blue eye shadow will look appropriate in this season. Other good eye shadow colors include yellow, orange, lavender and light green.

This is also a good time to apply cream-based blush to the apples of your cheeks. Choose a light pink or peach shade with sheer coverage. This is a great addition if you're going light on eye makeup.

5. Choose Lip Gloss over Lip Stick

Lip gloss is perfect for summer looks, especially if it features sheer pink and peach colors with a slight shimmer. Although there are exceptions, such as important events or going to a night club, avoid dark, heavy lipstick wherever possible. Use a simple lip gloss and carry it with you wherever you go to make it easy to reapply. Shiny lip gloss works best for summer as opposed to matte gloss.

6. Consider the Occasion

Even though it's summer, the makeup you wear to a beach party will be a lot different than what you wear to work. When you plan your daily makeup look, consider where you'll be wearing it. For an outdoor concert, wear only a little bit of eye shadow, such as a swath of yellow, along with brown eyeliner and mascara and a coral lip gloss.

For the office, you can get away with the kinds of makeup looks you wear throughout the rest of the year. Remember that, while it may be hot outside, it'll likely be air conditioned where you work. In these cases, foundation is okay, although you should remove it after work.

Summer night makeup is similar to day makeup, although it can have higher-saturated colors. Apply your pink eye shadow heavier than you did during the day and apply a layer of black mascara to instantly bring your look from the beach to the club.