5 Summer Makeup ‘Dupes’ That Can Be Applied All Year
As the expression goes, a ‘girl’s’ got to look her best. While that’s true, we’ll begin by saying that we shouldn’t refer to women as girls at all and for the same reason that we don’t call men ‘boys’ pretty much ever. That said, we agree wholeheartedly with the assertion but will qualify that by saying that the primary reason that’s true is in interest of a woman feeling good about herself and NOT in the interest of being attractive for others.
Right then, with that important statement out of the way, we’re now right smack dab in the middle of summer and that means plenty of hot weather for most of us here in North America. We all love summer days but those high temperatures along with extended hours of bright sunlight make for a whole different scenario when it comes to your makeup.
Makeup is an art, like any it takes time to learn to do it well consistently. So today I’ll share some summer makeup product alternatives that you can use to not only maintain your look when the mercury’s through the roof.
Foundation
This pal likely needs no introduction, as it is the perfect complexion finisher. The first thing you’ll need to know is that full-coverage foundations should be relegated to the back of your cabinet until fall is in full swing. These heavier formulation foundations will allow your skin to breathe, and that in turn prevents them from being challenged by perspiration and other skin responses to not being able to breathe in the heat, according to Deanne Shipneda, a cosmetician consultant working with YesWellness.
Choose to use a lightweight foundation to avoid ending up looking like a hot mess. Apply it more liberally and focus on spreading the reduced amount evenly to enjoy the benefits of a lighter product that’s spread out more to allow your skin to breathe more. Many of the quality ones with provide exceptional coverage along with the benefits of infused antioxidants and Vitamin C.
I like Smashbox’s Studio Skin 15-Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation here. It’s oil-free, lightweight, and sweat-resistant plus it has nice light-diffusing spheres to it.
Eyeshadow
From June to September, you’ll be better served by cream eyeshadows to avoid having creases appearing in your eyelid the way they will with more standard eyeshadows. Cream eyeshadows also tend to be easier applied, and my experience is that you tend to get more in the way of a selection of quality pigmented colors and the cream tends to blend with the natural sebum of your skin.
Cream eyeshadows are also preferable any time of the year because they provide a better base color for powder eye shadow, or for solid, single-color coverage. Be mindful as well about which type of eyeliner brush you use to apply these cream eyeshadows. Blending shadow brushes and blending tip brushes are best.
I like Revlon’s ColorStay Crème Eyeshadow here. It’s long lasting with a very nice texture to it and it applies especially well.
Mascara
This one HAS to be a hot-button issue if we’re talking makeup woes in the hot summer weather. Smeared, smudged, and runny mascara has always been a struggle when it’s way too warm outside, and as such you really can’t go wrong with a waterproof mascara during summertime or any other time of the year too. The one caution here though is that if you have oily skin they might not be practical as these mascaras are usually taken off with oil-based makeup removers. Plus, as a tip – jade green colored mascaras are an excellent choice in summer as the pigment intensifies when in direct sunlight.
I like Covergirl’s Lashblast Waterproof Mascara here. It’s got some serious hold to it and is impressively smudge proof for a product that give bold, volumized lashes.
Highlighter
Much the same as is the case with eyeliner, cream-based highlighter are best for summertime, due to the fact they’re lightweight and provide a nice sheen. In fact, some cosmetics experts recommend skipping a highlighter altogether during sunny summer days. If you are going to use a highlighter, avoid metallic ones as they’ll look too heavy. As for application, use a medium-sized, dual-fiber brush and apply on the highest part of your cheek. Again, be cautious if you have oily skin.
I like Dior’s Flash Luminizer Booster Pen here, it adds plenty of glow without looking too shiny, and I find that’s ideal when you’re going to be out under the bright sun.
Rose Water
Rose water is great for summer, as it’s been used for centuries as a beauty solution with hydrating and skin-soothing abilities. Spritz it on and it’ll cool and refresh your skin. Not exactly a dupe here, but I think it’s a nice way to conclude here today. I like Herbivore’s Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Face Mist as it’s made from pure plant actives and has none of the unnatural preservatives that many of them do. Plus it’s got a wonderful fragrance to it.
Get out there and enjoy the weather and bask in the fact that you look as great as you feel at this time of the year!
