summer-proof your look

Ah, Memorial Day weekend - quite possibly my favorite time of the entire year. It's the kickoff of another summer (yay!) and which means it's only going to get hotter from here (finally!). I'm definitely a fan of warm temps, but along with this high heat comes that feeling we know all too well - melting makeup. Seriously, how frustrating is it when you spend time perfecting your look in your air-conditioned bedroom only to step outside be shiny and sweaty within minutes?

Luckily, there are quite a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to avoid this. I won't tell you not to wear makeup (um, and risk looking bad in summer pictures? I think not.) but I will tell you to apply with a light hand. If there's one thing to remember, it's this: the less makeup that's on, the less makeup that can melt off. And then there's always everyone's favorite beauty equation: oil + excess dirt + sweat + bacteria = breakouts!

Issue #1: Sweaty, Shiny Skin

First thing's first, ladies: oil-free is your friend. Would you leave the house with Crisco slathered on your face? I certainly hope not. If you use oil-containing foundation, moisturizer, or concealer, please stop and switch to an oil-free version to beat the greasies. All skin types produce more oil and moisture in humid, hot climates. Get an oil-controlling foundation (Clinique Work Out Makeup All Day Wear is a good summer pick) and add a drop of sweat-proof sunblock to it - you'll stay matte all day and get sun protection at the same time. 

Issue #2: Smeared Eye Makeup

Smoky, messy eye makeup at midnight is hot. At noon? Not so much. To avoid looking like someone colored over your eyes with a black Crayola crayon, just say no to kohl. I love kohl eyeliners (hint: a lot of pencil liners are kohl) because they allow me to smudge the lines and get a sexy, undone eye look. This is precisely what you want to AVOID in the summer because it just translates to unpolished mess. Go for a water-proof gel eyeliner instead- it won't budge until you take it off (Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner is unbelieveable, not too pricey, and will last forever. I also love the wide range of fun shades). Stick to powder formulas for eye shadow and make sure lids are makeup-free and dry before applying. Apply your regular mascara as usual, then add a coat of waterproof on top of it. H20-proof mascaras tend to dry out my lashes, so this trick prevents runny mascara but keeps lashes conditioned.

Issue #2: Messy Lipcolor

Stash away those creamy, opaque lipsticks for the cooler weather and go for a lip stain instead. It'll give your lips a pretty, juicy, tinted look that lasts for hours (Pixi Lip Blush in Purity - at Target gives me a nudish-pink tint that I'm obsessed with). Top it with lip balm for shine and moisture, since lip stains tend to be drying.

Issue #3: Melting Bronzer and Blush

Look for bronzers or blush that don't sit on top of your skin - it'll do a slip-and-slide act on your face in minutes - but tint your skin instead. Apply a facial self tanner before bed and you'll wake up looking like Casper's sexy Brazilian cousin rather than the pasty ghost himself (Jergens Natural Glow for Face is one I recommend to everyone, with no complaints so far). Complement your new "tan" with a pop of color on the cheeks. Avoid powders (they clump) and creams (they smear) and go for sheer cheek stains instead (Pop Beauty Apples Of The Cheeks is adorable and works like a charm).