Long, hot summer days and warm, humid summer nights have definitely been the trend for these past few months in Edmonton. As much as we all love the sun, it’s always disappointing to look in the mirror mid-afternoon and catch ourselves with shiny t-zones, fading complexions and smudged out eyeliner. Luckily, we have put all of our fave summer essentials to the test and have figured out the perfect way to beat the heat while still looking fresh faced and fabulous.
Light Layers As you probably already know, sunscreen is a daily must-have to keep those complexions looking youthful and smooth, but it can be uncomfortable and cumbersome to layer a multitude of products on your face. Reach for an “all in one” product that provides light coverage, SPF protection and moisture, and then you don’t have that heavy, mask-like feeling to contend with. Coola’s Matte Mineral Tint with SPF 30 is amazing on oily skin, with a smooth, waterproof matte finish and a great super universal tint for even coverage. For those with dry to normal skin, Coola’s Mineral Rose Essence Tint with SPF 20 is perfect, providing amazing non-greasy moisture, sheer blendable tint and soothing, hypoallergenic care. If you are seeking out a solution for fine lines and wrinkles, Canada’s own B. Kamins provides a one-step answer in the form of Diamond Radiance Rejuvenating Cream. With a mix of the strongest anti-aging ingredients, a radiant color correcting tint, light-reflecting diamond particles and SPF 15, your skin will never look better.
An easy way to increase coverage with a light summer layer is to lightly cover up stubborn spots or shadows with a full coverage concealer, and set your entire face with a loose translucent powder for extra staying power. Paul and Joe’s Compact Concealer is a creamy, versatile concealer with a soft powder finish that stays all day long, even in the hot sun! Finish up with Stila’s new translucent Hydrating Finishing Powder to absorb excess oil and maintain that perfect, dewy summer complexion.
Set and Forget A simple solution to maintain a fresh complexion or simply refresh your makeup mid-day is to use a makeup setting spray. When used immediately after applying your makeup, setting spray helps “seal” your carefully applied face and balance out your skin’s superficial hydration levels, which can prevent excess oil and patchy spots. When used mid-day (or whenever you need to refresh and touch up), the spray helps “reactivate” your makeup and keeps your foundation on your face while blotting away slicks or smudges. Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Rose and Aloe works great on all skin types and soothes after a hot day in the sun. Oily complexions will love Skyn Iceland’s Arctic Face Mist, which rebalances and decongests skin with white willow bark extract and hydrates with vitamins A, B, C & E. Dry, sensitive or mature skin can be spritzed and refreshed with John Master Organics Hydrating Lavender Mist, which contains naturally anti-inflammatory lavender water.
No More Makeup Meltdowns A stain is a great way to get color-kissed lips that last all day and night, even in the hottest weather (and underneath your much-needed SPF 30 lip balm!) Stila’s Passion Fruit Crush Lip & Cheek Stain is perfect for that soft, natural, pretty pink color, complete with hydrating vitamins C & E, a lovely cocktail of antioxidants and a tiny hint of shimmer. What’s better is that it comes in a handy click-up brush pen, which means that no matter how long you have it stashed in your beach bag, there’s no risk of a melted mess. Stains can be applied with a light hand for a hint of tint, or layered to provide a full color pout. Touch a little onto your fingers and tap onto cheeks for a natural, pretty, melt-proof flush as well.
Say goodbye to melted, runny eyebrows with Perfekt Beauty’s Brow Perfection Gel. They provide a number of super complementary and natural shades that blend in naturally, tame stray hairs and dry to a waterproof finish. Honeysuckle flower extract and sage extract strengthen and nourish, and you end up with a natural, soft finished brow that won’t budge. To prevent the dreaded racoon-eye, complete your arsenal with Geisha Ink Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner. Both products are made with an incredible polymer blend that prevents smudging and flaking, but is easily removable in warm water. The mascara builds up lashes with tiny fibers, providing smooth, chunk-free volume and length. The eyeliner is formulated in a super easy to use fine brush-tipped pen, which allows for a super thin line application and close control for even the shakiest of hands.
Enjoy the heat while putting your freshest face forward! Be sure to tweet us (@LuxBeautyBtqYEG) and join us on Instagram (Lux_Beauty) with your gorgeous, summer, sun-kissed faces so we can share the love.
~Sarah Woo