While rising Summer temperatures are very much welcomed in the UK, there is nothing worse than being a slave to your own face with the very best products in your beauty arsenal to later realise it’s quite literally melting off your face in the sweltering heat. I (Jem, Blog Editor) like to call this Summer makeup sabotage, and it’s something that has taken years of product testing (and makeup melt downs) to overcome. Sweat, better known as Summer’s version of the devil, is very much detrimental to a long-lasting makeup look, and in turn, your beauty routine can become increasingly harder to navigate. Whether you’re wanting to blot away shine (or, well, sweat let’s be honest), keep your eyes smudge free (because let’s face it, panda eyes are far from cute) or avoid a patchy complexion, there are plenty of ways to Summer-proof your face. Need a helping hand? I’ve selected some of my favourite Summer staples that’ll assist you in avoiding the dreaded makeup melt.
SWEAT-PROOF COVER
The general rule of thumb when it comes to Summer coverage is the old age beauty hack, less is more. Avoid heavier foundation formulas for a lighter base like the It Cosmetics CC+ Illumination Cream with SPF 50+ (very similar to the cult classic but with added illumination). This made the cut for my Summer makeup bag after first use as it provides a base that is, quite simply, my skin but better. Adding a healthy layer of colour for a Summer glow, this breakthrough colour-correcting cream utilises light reflecting pigments to enhance skin brightness while minimising redness and pores for a supple and flawless looking complexion. The secret? It’s infused with an advanced anti-ageing serum made of hydrolysed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid (the Summer season holy grail), antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C and E. What I love the most? It Cosmetics’ CC cream provides a fair bit of coverage without the need for layering; you can feel it sinking into the skin and merging seamlessly with your natural base for a glowing complexion that doesn’t feel heavy, or shiny.
ALL EYES ON YOU
A mascara that withstands sweat, swims and any other sticky situations you may find yourself in during Summer is an essential. Thankfully, Eyeko has got us covered to ensure our mascara doesn’t run down as far as our cheeks (it’s Summer, not Halloween after all). The Eyeko Sport Mascara, once applied, will simply not budge or smudge – or even clump – making perfect lashes an achievable goal. Try it for yourself in the Red Summer Beauty Edit.
Once you’ve mastered your mascara, if you’re someone who loves a winged liner look, you can now rejoice thanks to CYO’s Eyeliner Marker Pen. Providing smudge-free flicks even the felines will be jealous of, this eyeliner formula glides on a dream to create precise lines of intense colour that last through the heat. Add it to your next box!
BROW THIS WAY
Whether it’s 10 degrees or 30, I simply cannot leave my brows unattended – facial symmetry is a necessity, ladies! Developed with plastic surgeons, It Cosmetic’s Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil has been infused with brow-enhancing biotin, lecithin, saw palmetto, nettle, green tea, antioxidants, grape seed and vitamins A, B5, C and E to help you achieve natural-looking brows that won’t budge, despite the humid weather conditions. Featuring an oval tip that works on brows of shapes and sizes, the pencil is perfect for mimicking the look of real hair, and in addition to that, the built-in spooley brush is ideal for grooming (even on the go).
FEELING CHEEKY
Everybody needs a pop of pink with their bronzer during Summer for that healthy Summer flush and combining a hint of colour with added hydration is the way to go. A go-to for many in the office, the INIKA Lip & Cheek Cream offers a vibrant pigment that hydrates and blends easily into all skin types for a sheer flush of colour that won’t melt away after too many hours in the sun. Whether you’re looking for a bright or subtle flush of colour, this product certainly does the trick. Give a try with the Red Summer Beauty Edit!
If there’s one positive thing about sweat, it’s the fact it can make a great natural highlighter. That being said, we’re not quite sold. If the natural glow isn’t your thing and you want a shortcut to achieving the ultimate glow giving Summer look, I’d suggest going all out on the powder or cream formulas; notably Laura Geller’s Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey. Featuring an innovative hybrid texture that applies like a sheer powder (yet feels like a cream) this translucent wash of colour can be swept over the face for a lit-from-within glow. Another favourite if you’re more into creamy consistencies is the MUA Luxe Ombre 3 Shade Shimmer Highlighting Stick, comprising three shades of subtle gleam that works on any skin tone. Add it to your next box!
What’s your go-to Summer makeup edit? Let us know on Twitter!
