For those who eagerly await summer to enjoy long rides or relax in nature, the realities of the hot season can be a bit of a letdown. Issues like makeup smudging, sweat, and the tedious need for frequent sunscreen reapplications can make us wish for cooler days.
Fortunately, switching to natural cosmetics can alleviate these annoyances and restore simplicity to our summer routines. Light, summer-friendly makeup can help achieve a fresh, radiant look while safeguarding your skin from sun damage.
Step 1: A Protective Foundation
The cornerstone of your summer makeup routine should be a quality natural sunscreen, applied beneath other makeup products. It’s essential to understand that everyone, regardless of skin tone, can experience sun damage and should use sunscreen.
What to Consider
The Environmental Working Group advises opting for broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens in cream form, as opposed to sprays. Sunscreens featuring zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are highly regarded.
Avoid sunscreens with SPFs exceeding 50, which might not function as effectively as they seem, and stay away from those containing vitamin A, known to potentially increase the risk of skin cancer.
Application Tips
Apply sunscreen liberally and massage it thoroughly into your skin, ensuring you cover your neck and chest areas as well. Remember to reapply every two hours, regardless of the SPF level.
Step 2: Light Coverage
Say goodbye to heavy foundations! Makeup artist Nav Uppal suggests, “High humidity can cause makeup to merge with your pores, leading to unwanted breakouts. Sometimes sticking to less is truly more!” Her recommendation? “A lightweight tinted moisturizer is ideal as it can seamlessly unify your skin tone while providing that ‘barely-there’ look.”
Bronzer can enhance your glow without the sun’s harmful effects.
Key Ingredients
When selecting a tinted moisturizer or any makeup, it’s crucial to examine ingredient labels closely. Avoid harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and BHT. Also, be cautious when choosing bronzers that may contain talc, which can pose inhalation risks and potential asbestos contamination.
Before making a purchase, request a sample or ask the store staff for assistance in color matching. An ill-suited bronzer can appear unnaturally orangey on the skin.
Application Techniques
Tinted Moisturizer
Use clean fingers or a natural makeup brush to apply tinted moisturizer, ensuring a luminous finish. Blend it out toward your neck and temples for a smooth appearance.
Bronzer
For a light summer glow, apply bronzer to areas that would naturally catch sunlight—like your cheekbones, forehead, and bridge of your nose. Some bronzers offer a hint of shimmer for that trendy “illuminated” look.
Step 3: Minimal Makeup Approach
Summer cheek, eye, and lip products can vary from understated to vibrant—there’s no single right choice.
Recommendations
Instead of relying on numerous products, summer is perfect for utilizing multitasking items. Lip-to-cheek balms are convenient for travel and quick touch-ups. According to Uppal, “Finding natural hues can be challenging—pro tip: the shade in the center of your lower lip is often the most flattering for your lips and cheeks!”
While glosses may tempt you, reconsider. Shiny lip products can attract UV rays, heightening sun damage. Instead, seek out natural lip balms with SPF, which many health stores offer in both tinted and non-tinted varieties. Many feature beeswax, though vegan alternatives made from coconut oil or shea butter are also available.
If you prefer eyeliner and mascara, consider natural waterproof versions to withstand sweat, humidity, and swimming.
How to Apply
Several multitasking makeup products are available in stick forms for direct application, or in small pots to be applied with fingers. Apply gently and blend thoroughly.
For lip SPF, use it just like you would facial sunscreen—apply before sun exposure and reapply every few hours. It can even be layered beneath matte lipsticks for a nourishing finish.
Step 4: final touch
Uppal advocates for using setting sprays during summer to “prolong makeup wear and eliminate any powdery finish, giving you a more natural appearance!”
Ingredients to Seek
Explore natural setting sprays or toning mists at your local natural health shop. Ingredients like lavender and grapeseed extract are highly sought after. “Personally, I love rosewater for its hydrating benefits,” Uppal adds.
How to Use
After finishing your makeup, close your eyes and mist your face. A spritz throughout the day can refresh and hydrate your skin as needed.
