Summer Make-up: Prevent Meltdown and Make it Last

Summer is the favorite season where everyone wants to be outside enjoying the outdoor summer parties and functions during long, sunny days and looks great but steamy temperature wreck havoc on beauty makeup.

The summer has formally begun with temperature is almost at the boiling point in most part of the country mainly in Plains.

Heat and summer here are one of their kinds. A little walk in the sun in the sizzling hot can wash away your makeup due to sweating during the summer season. It is perfect weather for streaky mascara, chapped lips, running the foundation,  smudged eyeliner, and meltdown mishaps; The common question is What’s the best way to make your look sweat and heat resistant and start enjoying the sunshine. Summertime makeup has a completely different set of need and   minor adjustment in beauty routines can prevent melted makeup and sunburn etc.

The golden rule for summer make-up is “soft, delicate and very sparing.” Water-based and powder make-up items are better during summer. Use powder eye shadows and powder blush on. Waterproof mascaras and eyeliners will prevent eye makeup from running during the hot and humid season. Waterproof or water-resistant lip colors and lip liners are also available. Or, go for a matte lipstick and add just a dab of gloss in the center for a delicious pout.

Cleansing the skin before make-up is most important. Wash off with plenty of cool water. After cleansing, use chilled rose water to tone and cool the skin. This helps to close the pores. In hot and humid weather, wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and wipe the face with it, just for a few seconds at a time. This helps to close the pores.

For oily skin, apply astringent lotion with cotton wool, to close pores and reduce oiliness. Or apply a face serum. It is lighter than a moisturizer and provides an ideal cover.

Applying primer also helps. Dab it on oily areas, like the T-zone. It is said that Milk of Magnesia works as a primer during the humid season. It helps to reduce oiliness. Take some Milk of Magnesia on moist cotton wool or a sponge and dab it on the face. Allow it to dry.

After a few minutes, apply water based foundation, blending with a damp sponge for a smooth finish. Use foundation with beige tones, rather than pink. I feel beige suits Indian skin color better. Add a drop or two of water, before applying, to provide a lighter coverage. Then apply powder to “set” the foundation. When you apply powder, press the powder all over the face and neck, with a slightly damp sponge. This helps it to set and last longer. Or, use only compact powder, which lasts longer and provides a smooth finish. Primers and powders help to remove the oily look. Try tinted powders, like warm yellow tones of powder. Bronzing powders may also suit. If you want a really healthy glow without the shine, go for a bronzing powder. Avoid applying too much. It should be lightly applied, using a big powder puff. A powder puff is better than a brush in summer.

Blot your makeup with tissue. When you apply make-up, remember not to smear too much or rub it. Whether it is foundation or blusher, it is best to dot it with a light touch, using a fingertip, or an applicator. It can also be applied lightly and evenly with a damp sponge.

A hint of blusher should be used on the cheeks. A powder blusher is best in summer. Use it after you have applied powder and at the end of your make-up. Apply on the cheekbones and blend it outwards and slightly upwards.

Applying foundation on the lips before applying lipstick to help lipstick last longer. Go for a matte lipstick and add just a dab of gloss in the center for a delicious pout. Use a spray mist to help set the makeup.

If you use kajal, after applying on the lower lid, just below eyelashes, apply a line of gray or brown eyeshadow over it. This helps it last longer.

At night, you need more color. Applying lipstick with a lip brush helps it to last longer. The lip color should match the attire. However bronze, coral, copper, burgundy and even red would look good for the night. Coral lipsticks are in fashion. A coral or dark pink lipstick may look very attractive, even with light colored clothes. Apply a hint of lip gloss after applying lipstick. This gives a fresh and cool look.

For your make-up when traveling, carry an eye pencil, mascara, and lipsticks that are suitable for both day and night wear. Include lip gloss, compact powder and powder blush on. Remember to take a few tissues. If you have oily skin, or the weather is hot and humid, pre-moistened tissues are best.  Take deodorant and talcum powder too.

Remember:

Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and wipe the face with it, just for a few seconds. This helps to close the pores. For oily skin, apply astringent lotion with cotton wool, to close pores and reduce oiliness.

When you apply powder, press the powder all over the face and neck, with a slightly damp sponge. This helps it to set and last longer. Water-based foundation, powder blushers, and eyeshadow are better during summer.

Waterproof makeup cosmetics are also available. For example, waterproof mascaras and eyeliners will prevent eye makeup from running during the hot and humid season.

Go for a matte lipstick and add just a dab of gloss in the center. Apply foundation on the lips before applying lipstick, to make it last.   Blot the makeup with tissue.

The author Shahnaz Husain is international fame beauty expert and is called herbal queen of India