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Makeup can be so fun and is an incredible way to express yourself. You can do all kinds of different looks from barely there to full beat glam. But with summer around the corner, we're dealing with warmer weather, humidity, and lots of time spent in the ocean and the pool. To combat the sticky heat, people opt for lighter makeup looks that don’t take as much time and won’t melt off after an hour outside. These looks are coined as the no makeup makeup look, and I’m going to break down some of the best products to achieve it!
Rather than a heavy, cakey, full-coverage foundation, a lightweight skin tint is optimal for the summer months. These types of foundations are not really foundations at all. They vary in consistency, but most have a serum-like or a light cream texture that melts into the skin effortlessly and feels weightless. Because these products are lighter and thinner than a typical full or even medium coverage foundation, they don’t pack as much pigment. If you are someone that prefers more coverage, you can still use a skin tint paired with a higher coverage concealer to give a lightweight feel plus opacity.
I am personally not a fan of traditional foundations and have always opted for skin tints or tinted moisturizers. There are so many amazing formulas from different brands at different price points. Recently I’ve been using the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint ($32). This formula is so lightweight but provides a great amount of coverage for a tint. It has a natural satin finish which leaves your skin looking like, well, skin! It lasts for hours without sweating or melting off, and it looks best when it’s applied and blended in with clean fingers, eliminating the need for any excess tools or brushes. And the best part is, it comes in 25 shades, so everyone can find their perfect color and undertone.
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One of the best parts about the summer is getting that sunkissed tan. If you're applying sunscreen daily, like you should be, both your sun damage and tan will be on the lighter side. This is where makeup comes in handy. Bronzer is one of my favorite makeup products ever because it not only makes you look more sculpted but warms the face up, leaving you looking like a bronzed goddess without the sun damage.
Depending on your skin type, you may opt for a powder, cream, or liquid bronzer. During the summer, I’d suggest leaning towards a cream formula to ensure the color stays in place all day but also to leave you with a natural skin-like finish that doesn’t feel heavy. Part of the joy of a no makeup makeup look is adding some depth and color without covering everything underneath.
One of my favorite makeup tricks that I learned years ago was that almost anything can be used as a contour or bronzer. While there are several amazing cream and liquid bronzers out there, my favorite is to use a darker shade of concealer. I use the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer ($7.49) in about 7-10 shades darker than my skin tone. This concealer is lightweight, so it feels like nothing on the skin while still providing a warmth that looks incredibly natural.
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What seems to be everyone’s favorite product these days? Blush. Having a subtle yet healthy flush to the cheeks can make you look awake, youthful, and glowing. I'm all for the look of a rosy sunburn across your nose and cheeks, but the actual sunburn is not healthy or cute. Instead, wear your spf every morning and get the look artificially with blush.
Like bronzers, blushes come in several different types of formulas: creams, liquids, mineral, mousse, and powders. The type of blush you use is a personal preference, but again, since it’s hotter it's best to choose a formula that won’t melt off your face and will feel like nothing on the skin.
Recently I’ve been loving gel-cream blushes. They are a great hybrid between liquid and cream and blend in seamlessly into the skin. My personal favorite is the Glossier Cloud Paint ($18). These blushes are classics and kind of the original product that launched cream blushes into fame. They come in 8 versatile shades with varying undertones. If you don't love any of the options, these blushes are actually meant to be mixed together like paint to create your perfect cheek color.
Mascara is my staple makeup product regardless of what else I have on my face. This is the product that can truly transform your look, accentuating your eyes and helping you look more awake. There are so many mascaras on the market, but this is typically the one product I always favor in drugstores. The drugstore formulas are so comparable and even better than some of the high end mascaras at a fraction of the cost.
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Two of my personal favorites are the L'oreal Telescopic ($11.99) and - a newfound favorite - the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High ($12.99). Both of these are phenomenal formulas that add so much length to your lashes. Pro tip is to layer the two to create a lengthening and voluminous look to your lashes. Many people prefer to use waterproof mascaras in the summertime because you never know when your next pool day is. Both of these mascaras come in waterproof versions as well!
I am typically a strictly gloss girl. I love the look of a shiny and sheer lip color, but the problem with glosses is that they don’t last very long and can tend to dry out the lips. For summer, a lip stain is a perfect substitute. It goes on like a marker almost and packs a lot of punch with the color payoff. Lip stains never dry your lips out, and, just like they sound, they literally stain your lips so the color stays on all day.
A new popular lip stain recently launched from Ariana Grande’s makeup like REM Beauty. The Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker ($16), as well as the entire REM Beauty collection, is now available in store at Ulta. This lip stain comes in 4 different shades that are all fun and bright for the summertime!
Whatever makeup style is your preference, everyone looks the most beautiful when they are comfortable. For those who like to elevate and enhance their natural beauty with just a few products, the no makeup makeup look is perfect for you. You can tweak the colors, formulas, or products to your own personal needs and preferences. Just make sure you wear that sunscreen!
Written by Jordan Hammaren
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