Transitioning Your Makeup for the Summer

For me, nothing is worse than getting dolled up for work or parties over the summer only to feel your foundation sliding off your face 30 minutes later. All that hard work - ruined.

A common mistake for many ladies is to perform the same beauty routine during the summer months as they do for the rest of the year. What usually results, is a mess: foundation slides off, eyeliner runs and lipstick dries out and fades in minutes. For you, I've outlined some great ways to combat the summer makeup mess!

1. The sun is your friend. A slight tan will not only give you a warm summer glow, but will also help hide dark spots and make uneven skin tones appear smoother. What does this mean for you? Less makeup to begin with! Nothing like cutting back in the first step, right? Some things to remember: When possible, avoid self-tanner on your face. Not only does it look unnatural, but you risk streaking from uneven application - which requires more makeup to fix. But, whenever you are in the sun, always make sure that you are wearing a sunscreen or sunblock of at least 15 SPF on your face. The sun is your friend, but don't let him abuse the friendship!

2. Primer, primer, primer. One of the most valuable additions to your summer makeup kit. Facial primers such as this one that I use help foundation blend smoothly into your skin and prevent it from melting off mid-day! I've covered a little bit more about facial primers here, which you may find helpful. You can also invest in eyeshadow and lipstick primers that will keep your shadow from creasing and your lip color from fading too quickly. Powders are another essential to fight the summer heat. Creams and liquid products, because of their consistency, have a tendency to melt off of skin faster than powdered makeups do - yes, ladies, even cream-to-powders! Powdered makeup sticks to your skin better and does not wipe off as easily once it has adhered to the oils in your skin - which work in overdrive in the summer heat!

3. Powder, powder, powder. Powders are another essential to fight the summer heat. Creams and liquid products, because of their consistency, have a tendency to melt off of skin faster than powdered makeups do - yes, ladies, even cream-to-powders! Powdered makeup sticks to your skin better and does not wipe off as easily once it has adhered to the oils in your skin - which work in overdrive in the summer heat!

4. Hairspray - not just for your hair anymore! That's right, ladies. Hairspray can be used not only to hold your hair in place, but it can hold your makeup in place as well. Try going for a spray that doesn't have "makes your hair super shiny!" as one of its selling points - you don't want a shiny face, do you? No, sir! Once you finish your makeup, hold your bottle of hairspray about 10-12 inches away from your face. Close your eyes and mouth, hold your breath and give your face 1-2 spritzes. Let your face dry and pat away any extra wetness or shininess, and your makeup will stick during even the most intense summer luau!