This summer is surely unlike any summer we’ve experienced in the past. With COVID-19 still lurking at an all time high, many states have mandated requirements for wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing. While some restrictions have eased and various places reopening, you may find yourself out and about more often than before. Since I’ve returned to work and the weather has gotten hotter, I had to modify my makeup routine in a way that works with wearing a mask and not irritate my skin. I’m going to share with you how you can keep your skin looking glowy and bronzy, without feeling heavy.
Lather on the SPF
Putting on sunscreen is the most important step you can take in your skincare or makeup routine. Whether you plan to wear makeup or not, always use sunscreen if you plan to be outdoors. Sunscreen has many benefits including lowering your chances of skin cancer, preventing premature aging of the skin and maintaining even skin tone (think sun spots). My favorite is the EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum and for a more affordable option, the Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion.
Skip the Foundation
You read that right, skip the foundation! Anytime I’ve worn foundation and a face mask, I notice my skin breaks out the next day. Instead opt for spot concealing in the areas needed most. I tend to use concealer under my eyes to cover my dark circles and on any blemishes. If you feel you can’t go without foundation, reach for a CC cream instead of foundation, since CC creams tend to have skincare benefits and SPF. You can read my article with more in depth information about CC creams here.
Cream Blush and Bronzer
Because we tend to sweat more during hot summer days, it’s best to stick to liquid products. Typically, if you sweat while having too much powder on your face, the powder can settle in the lines of your face and look cakey. There are so many great liquid blushes on the market that give a natural rosy tint to the cheeks. This one by Benefit doubles as a cheek and lip tint. Milk Makeup also has a great cheek tint with a good color selection and easily glides on like a balm. Now if you’ve read my other articles you may have noticed that one of my favorite products for bronzy skin, is Hoola bronzer by Benefit Cosmetics. Great news, Hoola bronzer is now made in a contour stick form. This shade is ideal for medium skin tones. Don’t be intimidated by cream contour products; many of them glide on smooth and are easy to blend out. The important part is finding the right shade for your skintone.
Glow Baby Glow
Strobe creams or liquid highlighters are my favorite to use during the summer. They are so versatile because they can be used alone, under a powder highlighter or mixed into foundation. My favorite to apply is the MAC Strobe Cream, which comes in 4 different shades. Another favorite is Becca Ignite Liquified Light Highlighter. The key here is the placement of the highlighter. You’ll want to focus it on the high points of your face: your upper cheek bones, above your brows and below your brow bone, tip of your nose, cupids bow and don’t forget to add a small amount to the inner corner of your eyes for a “pop.” You can achieve that glow-from-within look with the right placement for your face shape and features. For an even brighter glow, lightly dust powder highlight over the cream highlighter.
Finally, I’d like to add that waterproof makeup can be used to keep things lasting longer. For example, reach for a waterproof eyeliner or mascara. For eyebrows, go for a gel or pomade formula instead of a pencil or powder. Find what works for you and enjoy your time in the sun.
