I’ve gone through several trials of summer makeup routines and finally feel like I’ve nailed it. It has been my goal to not have to wear foundation during the summer, but I’ve always known that it would require my skin to look and feel it’s best. I’ve been working extra hard on my skin lately and finally feel comfortable with wearing little to no foundation. If you want to see how I’ve gained control of my skin, check out my step-by-step guide to my skincare routine.
Within the last few months I have been testing out different makeup routines that are sweat proof and long-lasting for my skin. I felt like it would be beneficial to share my discoveries with others who might be on the same makeup boat as myself. Remember, it takes trial and error to discover the right products for your own skin. There is never a need to follow an exact routine of someone else, it’s all about being inspired and finding what works for you.
Here is my product list in the order of application with some tips on how I apply and use them.
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue
This stuff legit rescued my skin. It helps to even out my skin tone while providing hydration and sun protection. I originally purchased Complexion Rescue to go under my foundation and use as a primer and SPF. But during my makeup trials I discovered the decent amount of coverage it provides and its long-lasting capability. This product has seamlessly replaced my summer foundation and it is the first makeup product I apply after my skincare routine. I usually use my hands to apply it or my beauty blender. If you’re still in need of more coverage try applying a small amount of your favorite foundation to help build coverage.
Maybelline FIT me! Concealer
Oooh concealer. What would I ever do without you? I am always on the hunt to find and try different concealers, but find myself going back to this tube of perfection. I have dark puffy under eyes and usually never EVER go out without concealer. I’ve tried several different formulas and consider this Maybelline FIT Me concealer to be my favorite. It provides the coverage and finish I desire, which is full coverage without being too thick or cakey. It goes on super smooth and is buildable for them extra baggage days. Oh yeah, the price isn’t too bad either. My favorite way to apply any concealer is with a damp Beauty Blender sponge.
Laura Mercier Setting Powder – Translucent
I like my concealer to stay in place throughout the day and to not crease. Therefore, it is important that I apply a setting powder. I use the Laura Mercier Setting Powder in Translucent. This powder does the job and doesn’t cast an overly bright glare under my eyes. I’m not into the “baking” technique so I just dab my damp Beauty Blender sponge into the powder and lightly press under my eyes along the concealer.
the Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer
I have a few bronzers I love to use but I feel like this one is a little underrated, so I figured I’d share because it’s pretty amazing. Also, it’s my current fave for my skin tone. I use the Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer as my summer contour shade. I apply this within my contour zones; cheeks, forehead, nose, jawline, and neck. This give me the perfect dimension and blends in great with the Complexion Rescue Hydrating Gel. Contouring my face is something I do every day and has become a must for my makeup routine.
To apply the bronzer I use the Morphe pointed contour face brush, it’s super soft which helps with blending. It takes practice to discover how contouring works for you and your face shape. Practice makes perfect. Never be afraid to give it a shot and don’t steer away from dark shades, just remember to blend. For a contour shade I typically go with a warm toned matte finish, which is what Bahama Mama is. Contouring doesn’t have to end with your jawline, try bringing it down your neckline and collar bones for more dimension.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush – Exposed
I’m a big fan of Tarte products so it’s no surprise that I’m using their Amazonian Clay Blush for my summer makeup routine. This blush blends in so softly and lasts all day, which is exactly what I need for summer. It comes in several different shades so definitely check out the options and find what works best with your skin tone. I typically go for soft rose shades for my every day makeup look. Exposed is my current favorite, but there are so many good ones.
BareMinerals Rose Radiance Illuminating Highlight Powder
This illuminating mineral powder from Bare Minerals is so beautiful I wish I could bathe in it. I’m all about a strobing highlight but for my skin I am more into a subtle soft-focus glow. Rose Radiance does just that and adds a soft rose tint that is unlike anything else I’ve used. I apply this to the high points on my face; top of cheeks, forehead, nose bridge, cupids bow. It’s the perfect final touch to my summer makeup routine, giving me that healthy summer glow. Another favorite of mine is the Laura Mercier Illuminating Powder in Candlelight. They both give me the natural looking glow I want without being too bright.
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette
I do not wear eyeshadow every day. Instead I apply my Bahama Mama bronzer on my eyelid and then lightly apply a medium brown eyeshadow shade under my bottom eyelashes. I usually use the shade Cyprus Umber from the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette. Doing this, softens the look of my eyes and helps to keep my eyes looking awake without any application of eyeliner. When applying eye liner on your bottom lash line you create a harsh line which can tend to make your eyes look narrow, rather than open and awake. A soft-focus on the eyes actually makes them “pop” and more importantly, avoids the hassle of eyeliner bleeding down your face during the hot summer days.
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Brow Wiz
My brows are crazy and that is that. Growing up I thought it was cool to pluck your eye brows and leave little to no hair. Needless to say, I’ve learned my lesson as now I have very minimal hair left on my brows and they are extremely uneven. I’m considering microblading but until then I’ll stick to my favorite eyebrow pencil from Anastasia Beverly Hills. During the summer I rotate from using the Brow Wiz pencil to the DipBrow Pomade. They both work great for me and are long-lasting. If you tend to sweat on your brows, I definitely recommend using the pomade, as it is waterproof.
Lancome Definicils Mascara
Mascara is definitely a product I cannot live without. It’s the makeup product I’d chose if stranded on an island. I love it so much! If concealer fails me, I know my mascara will help keep my eyes looking alive. The Lancome Definicils Mascara is a classic gem and never fails to amaze me.
When picking a mascara, I focus on the formula and the bristles of the wand. I prefer a thin mascara formula so that I can build the type of application I want for the day and avoid clumps. The wand must be full of fine and small bristles without a ton of space between them. Because I like for the wand to softly brush through each eyelash applying a thin layer from each stroke. Lancome Definicils really does all of that and more. It keeps my lashes lifted, doesn’t smudge or flake, is easy to remove, and lasts all day.
Thanks for reading. Good luck with your summer makeup routine.
XoXo
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