If you've stepped outside recently, (or actually, even just stayed indoors!) and felt as though you've accidentally wandered into the Sahara wearing a cardigan, you're not alone. The recent heat has had many of us questioning our wardrobe choices and makeup choices.
There was a time when "long-wear makeup" meant it survived a trip to the supermarket. These days, we need products that can withstand so much more than that.
The good news? You don't need to give up makeup altogether, a few simple tweaks can keep everything looking fresh, even when the weather is doing its best to turn your face into a glazed donut.
Start with less
When it is hot, the temptation is to often apply more makeup in the hope that it will somehow stay put. Sadly, makeup does not work like loft insulation. You also need to realise that your skin is not going to be the same all year round, so you will need to adjust what you use according to how your skin looks and feels at different times throughout the year.
When thinking about long-wear makeup, think about what you are applying on your skin before makeup and exactly why you are using that particular product and how? and for what effect? Asking yourself these questions will make you look at your makeup application in a whole different light.
A lightweight moisturiser is a godsend and better than layering on thick products, however, if you feel your skin is hydrated enough, skip this step and just apply your usual SPF if that gives you enough moisture. My TLC oil is also a good option if your skin still feels dehydrated and undernourished. Think of this as dressing your skin in breathable layers, rather than smothering it! By adding just a few drops of oil in or layering underneath a light moisturiser, can make all the difference to make skin look its healthiest.
Foundation - Lighten up
Heavy foundations and heat are not friends. By lunchtime it can start migrating south faster than holidaymakers heading to Spain.
Swap full coverage formulas for lightweight, long wear foundations, skin tints or tinted moisturisers. Apply only were you feel you need it and apply first with fingers then a damp Beauty blender sponge, to ensure ultra-light coverage that will last. Your skin should look like skin, not a carefully iced wedding cake. My favourite product at the moment is Erborian BB creme as it is very light, not shiny but provides just enough coverage, lasts all day and also has skincare benefits. It smooths and blurs the complexion to just make it look so beautiful and fresh. Many of my clients have been impressed with this product after I showed them it on their makeup lesson with me, they then went on to purchase it and are now hooked!
Cream products are your friend
This may sound counterintuitive, but modern day cream blushes and bronzers often perform beautifully in the heat. They melt into the skin rather than sitting on top of it and can still look fresh throughout the day. The key word here is "modern." We are aiming for a healthy glow, not a sticky, shiny finish.
My favourite is by far the Armani Luminous silk cheek tint. You only need the tiniest amount as it is very highly pigmented, but the product is so beautiful when blended, it easily just melts into the skin. My favourite shade is Flaming red 41, (don't be put off by this), remember you have red blood under your skin and you are just wanting to bring the face alive with a little hint of colour. This one stays put until you remove it.
Powder strategically
Powder still has a place, but just not dusted all over your face as though you are icing a Victoria sponge. Concentrate on areas that tend to become shiny, such as the T-zone. Too much powder can leave skin looking dry, flat and tired, especially on dehydrated or mature skin. I love the Delilah cosmetics Pure touch Hyaluronic pressed powder, it just works and isn't cakey or drying on the skin.
Waterproof isn't just for swimming
If your mascara regularly ends up somewhere near your cheekbones by mid-afternoon, it may be time to embrace waterproof formulas. Water resistant is different to waterproof, "You can cry but you can't swim" as the saying goes, (for water resistant.) The same goes for eyeliner and eyeshadow. It is generally preferable for your makeup to stay where you originally applied it. My favourite waterproof mascara is RUM Wrap party Tubing mascara. It is not marketed as waterproof but is exceptionally long lasting and withstands heat and tears, (I have given it a good test run myself.) Just remove with warm water using your fingertips to encourage the "tubes" that wrap around each lash to slide off easily.
If panda eyes are not your thing, then using a long lasting, waterproof eye pencil is key. Urban Decay 24/7 fits the bill perfectly here. The shade "Tootsie" suits most people, (shown below) and you can even use this in your waterline.
Eyeshadow wise I love the Lisa Eldridge Liquid silk eyeshadows, they are extremely long lasting and do not budge, (despite them not being waterproof), they are so beautiful and flattering too. I use them on myself and in my pro kit. Lisa's tip - "Don't apply over rich creams as it may compromise the smoothing and staying power of the liquid formula." Below is the shade "Sylvia." (as shown on Lisa's website.)
For a brow product, I highly recommend the Makeup Forever Aqua resist Brow fixer, it is smudge and waterproof. You can even use this over any other brow products to set and fix.
For a long lasting lippie, look no further than Maybelline Super stay Vinyl Ink Liquid lipstick. Just give the tube a shake, apply as normal and let it set. Voila!
The unsung hero - Setting spray
Setting spray is the beauty equivalent of relying on your furry pet friends when you are at your worse. Ever loyal and reliable. (I call my 2 cockapoos my "velcro furry fam.") A few spritzes can help lock makeup into place and reduce the likelihood of your carefully applied makeup sliding off before you've even finished your morning cuppa.
My go-to for hard-core setting is my trusty Ben Nye Final seal spray. It is the best I have found in locking makeup in...(bear in mind this a matte spray though so sometimes I mix it with the Charlotte Tilbury one too.) I use the Charlotte Tilbury one first then the Ben Nye one sparingly. If you are looking for more of a glow with your setting spray, you will love the Lisa Eldridge Skin and makeup enhancing Hydrating face mist. for a healthy and fresh makeup finish.
Blot, don't pile on
If shine appears after all of this, (very doubtful), resist the urge to keep adding more makeup or powder throughout the day. Blotting papers remove excess oil without disturbing your makeup, plus they are so much more elegant than stealing napkins from a cafe and pressing them onto your forehead, (not that I have ever done that, obviously.) Try Tatcha Japanese Blotting papers they are very soft and absorb any excess oil without disturbing your makeup, beautiful packaging too.
The golden rule
The secret to heatproof makeup isn't perfection, in fact, nobody looks perfectly matte when temperatures soar. The aim is to simply look healthy, polished, comfortable and recognisable by the end of the day. A little glow is nice, as is a little bit of shine. Looking like you have completed an obstacle course is entirely optional.
We cannot control the weather but we can stop it from defeating our makeup bag, and if all else fails, find the nearest fan, order something cold and refreshing then remind yourself that a slightly dewy complexion is very much on trend.
Just to let you know, I have totally sold out of my first batch of TLC Organic Facial elixir oil and I have been very busy making up the next batch. I am really proud that lots of my clients have bought this and put orders in for my next batch! I only make this in small quantities to ensure freshness. Please let me know if you would like to order yours or try some. I am so pleased with the enthusiastic and positive feedback so far, so thank you x
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Bye for now, Tina x
