Life & Style | Beauty & Fashion
Glowing skin during summer
How can you ensure your summer look doesn't melt off the moment you step outside? Ritu Raizada gathers all the info you need to help your make-up beat the heat.
- By Ritu Raizada
- Published: 00:08 June 20, 2008
- Image Credit:
With the sweltering heat of a humid summer mounting, you shouldn't only be worried about switching to a wardrobe of cool cottons; your make-up routine needs a switch too!
"By keeping it sweet and simple and following a basic skin and make-up regime one can sizzle rather than suffer a make-up meltdown in the scorching heat,'' says Natasha Khalid, a freelance make-up artist based in Dubai.
Here are her tips that will keep you fresh and beautiful while ensuring your make-up lasts for hours – even when the mercury is soaring northwards.
Skin
To look effortlessly beautiful one must have one's canvas – the skin – in top-notch condition. During summer, dehydration and excessive perspiration are common.
"True beauty really does begin from the inside," says Natasha, "so ensure that you drink at least two to three litres of water a day for your skin. Not only does it flush out all the toxins but it makes the skin fresh and supple.
"Second, because pores tend to become blocked after excessive perspiration, it is important to be disciplined about one's skincare regime during summer. Cleanse with a cleanser suited to your skin. Exfoliate with a very gentle scrub to rid your skin of dirt and make-up residue, to unclog pores and exfoliate. Then follow up with a toner and finish off with a moisturiser."
According to Natasha, the most important skincare product at this time of year is a sunblock. "I can't stress enough how essential it is that this be a part of everyone's skincare regime. Not only does sunblock prevent skin from premature ageing, sunspots and pigmentation, it also acts as a great shield against all pollutants that could damage your skin."
Primer
An essential part of your skincare regime should be a good skin primer. "This would be the last step in the preparation of your face and neck area, as a skin primer helps keep the make-up in place and last longer," says Natasha.
"A great tip for summer is to put one's moisturiser, sunscreen and skin primer in the fridge. Not only does this mean a fresh, uplifting and invigorating start to your day on application, but refrigeration conserves the products longer. It also reduces any puffiness on your face."
Foundations
Once you've prepared your skin for make-up, the next step is to achieve a natural, smooth and beautiful skin. Most women don't realise that they need not use foundation all over the skin. In summer, keep it as light as possible. Blend the foundation using your fingers or a brush into areas of the skin that have slight discolouration – usually around the nose, mouth, under the eyes and lightly blend it in on cheeks as well.
"Because you tend to tan slightly (or very drastically depending on whether you're a fan of sun tanning), blend a dot of a darker shade of foundation in your usual foundation to achieve the colour that is closest to your skin.
By blending it, you tend to make the texture of the foundation more sheer, which helps the skin breathe and look naturally perfect.
"In summer, switch to a tinted moisturiser, as I feel that not only do these give good coverage, but they're also lighter compared to a thick layer of foundation. "There is nothing worse than seeing your face melt and having beads of sweat all over your skin.
By layering on thick foundation, you can clog your pores, which can lead to skin problems like rash, blackheads and whiteheads. So keep skin coverage as sheer as possible.
"I also suggest switching to products that are oil-free in summer so that you can mix your foundation with oil-free moisturiser to make a tinted moisturiser.
"If you have slightly more skin pigmentation (pock marks, sunspots, veins, redness, under-eye circles and other small imperfections), use a good concealer only in the areas that are darker and blend well into the skin. Then put a layer of sheer powder on top.
"It's another misconception that you should put two or three layers of foundation on top of skin that is already showing signs of stress and discolouration; this only highlights the problem even further and makes those areas stand out.
"Use concealers that have a red or orange base to conceal marks that are tinged blue and maroon, like under-eye circles and skin pigmentation.
"A concealer with a yellow base gives the skin a dirty and uneven look. What you are trying to achieve is an even and smooth skin, therefore follow the rule ‘less is more' in the case of foundation and powder in summer.
"The only other thing I would recommend other than a light foundation or tinted moisturiser are powders that act as blotting agents. Look for powders that contain silica – an ingredient that absorbs the oil that collects on the face. These are great for touch-ups during the summer.
A good blot powder is great to have throughout the day. Another good substitute for blot powders are blotting tissues which are non-powdered and help to remove any sweat and oil buildup.''
Blush
Once the flawless canvas is achieved, the next step is to attain a dewy, rosy glow! Blush is essential and an instant way to give your face a mini-lift!
"I like to use a burst of pink or peach in summer. You can do this in two ways: using a powder blush or with a cream colour blush to give you a glow that seems very natural.
"To apply cream blush, look in the mirror and smile, then place the colour on the apples of your cheeks as this is where you would blush if you were to naturally blush. Blend well for a dewy cheek.
"For those who have very oily skin that reacts to cream blushers, you can achieve the same effect by using a powder blush and dusting it softly on the apples of your cheek. The trick is not to take a whole lot of blush and rub it all over your cheeks as it will look unnatural and give you the appearance of a clown or someone who's just been whacked!"
The best way to apply blusher is to put some powder on the brush, then shake off any excess before sweeping it across the temples, forehead and chin to bring the face together.
Bronzers
Other great products in the summer are bronzers and shimmer powders. "Summer means it's time to give yourself the J.Lo glow! Bronzers and shimmers can be used to give the face shape, dimension and sheen.
"These are contouring products that, when applied correctly, can give a great reflective and sculpted quality to your face. Apply the bronzer very lightly around the hairline and under the jawbone to give subtle definition.
Also look in the mirror and pucker your lips. The hollows that form on your cheek when you do that are where you apply the bronzer starting from your hairline and going diagonally down.
"Once you've done that, you can take the shimmer (if you have oily skin, use one with a powdery texture and if you have normal or dry skin, use the creamy one) and apply it right under your eye on top of your cheekbones and blend well. These two products shape your face and add drama without adding too much colour."
Bringing it together
The secret to flawless summer make-up is to give yourself a translucent natural finish that doesn't mask the real you. Aim for a fresh look that enhances your natural beauty and you'll be all set to outshine the desert sun.
Share this article
More from Beauty & Fashion
The complete magazine
Popular in Beauty & Fashion
Life & Style editor's choice
-
Sexy beast: Maserati Gran Turismo
What does a bespoke Brioni suit have to do with the Maserati Gran Turismo S?
-
Things to see and do in Abu Dhabi
Explore takes a lap round the vibrant and ever-changing UAE capital
-
Me, my friends and Miami
You won't know what fun this city is, unless you are there with your gal pals...
-
Beauty
Taking a short cut?
e+ does the tress tally to bring you our favourite cuts
