My summer beauty routine
Can we all be corny and scream this together? "Ang iniiiiiiit!" (It's so hot!). According to PAG-ASA we're not officially into summer just yet, so the intense heat and humidity that we're experiencing now is no more than a prelude. Crikey. I have already made adjustments to my beauty routine to accommodate summer, and if you're planning to do the same, here are a few tips!
You need to keep only two things in mind: go lighter and go higher.
Slather on higher SPF. Since the heat is more intense, it pays to use products with better protection. SPF30 is a good starting point but if you're out longer than four to five hours, SPF50 is a better number for both your face and body.
I like the VMV Hypoallergenics Armada (both for body and face), Kiehls Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 and Clinique Derma White City Block Anti-Pollution SPF40. For drugstore, Sunplay is a great liquid sunscreen to try. :) Nivea makes great ones as well.
Wear lighter-textured foundation. I'm a huge liquid foundation fan but in this weather it just melts right off! Even if it doesn't, no matter how expensive the brand is, it still ends up feeling heavy and mask-like due to the humidity. So now I try to avoid liquid foundations, even BB creams, as they are quite uncomfortable when worn from 12 noon to 4pm.
This isn't to say that I'll never wear liquid foundation this summer. I will if I need the coverage and staying power, but if not then something light it is.
What I prefer to use during the day are powder foundations. They feel less stifling and are easy to retouch when they start to fade. I highly recommend the Snoe Poudre Extraordinaire (it has SPF30), Lancome Maqui Blanc Miracle Foundation (SPF35), Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF15, and Bare Minerals loose powder foundation (which I have yet to review).
Should you wear primer? Yes if you're really oily and need something to make your makeup stay on longer. As for me, I'm not a fan, and I don't really mind retouching my face makeup.
Lip butters for the win. Tinted lip products are a godsend this summer. They are lighter than wax lipsticks, are more moisturizing, and some of them even have SPF. They allow the lips to breathe! I love the Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm, but if you don't want to splurge there are a lot of great alternatives from Lip Ice, Body Shop, and Nivea.
I also love the MAC Suntints SPF20 Liquid Lip Balm in Au Rosé as it has, well, SPF20. The color is a lovely subtle pink with gold flecks.
Happy colors make for a great summer. Dark fabrics absorb heat better than light ones so avoid those for the sake of practicality more than anything else. As for makeup, bright and/or pastel eyeshadow and lipstick are du jour. Yes I know it's often too hot to wear makeup beyond the basics, but it's fun to do so for a special event or if you're just bored with your look.
Shiseido Luminizing Eye Color Trio in RD299
For 2013 spring-summer, pastels are the new brights. Shimmery, dainty shades are fashionable for the eyes and lips. The look is cool and ladylike at the same time - not too heavy really so it is applicable in our weather.
Artdeco Butterfly Dreams palette (out now!)
Go for liquid or gel eyeliners instead of pencil. Lately, I have been exclusively using liquid eyeliners since they fare better in this weather. Pencils have high wax content so they tend to melt then smudge in the heat! The K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner is my favorite liquid eyeliner of all time. ALL time. This doesn't smudge or budge once it's on, but it's easy to wash off. It also doesn't weigh down on the lids so it doesn't feel like anything when worn.
Be retouch ready. Always bring oil absorbent sheets and a bottle of face mist! These two things will keep your face and decolletage fresh during the day. I love the Evian Facial Spray but if you want something with a bit of citrusy scent the MAC Mineralized Charged Water is worth checking out.
Smell light, feel light. Floral, citrus, aqua, and green scents are in for summer - just make sure they don't have a heavy musk, wooden, or oriental base. Heavy perfumes tend to smell off under the heat; the heat intensifies the oil in the fragrance and messes up with your normal body scent. So avoid those if you're doing out during the day! Perfumes (highest concentration) and EDPs are not recommended.
An EDT spray hits the spot but do consider colognes and body sprays. They don't last as long, true, but they have a lower chance of smelling different as the day progresses. Try the Benetton Bianco Woman to ward off amoy araw and Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Cherry Blossom EDT for a girly fresh smell.
So there you go! That's my summer beauty routine. If time permits, I'll show you a tutorial for a summer look. ;) What's your routine this season? Did you change or plan to change anything?
