Summer is perhaps a makeup fiend's least favorite season, as the hot sun and inevitable sweat tend to strip you of your face paint just hours, if not minutes, into your day, leaving you stuck with either a half-done face, having to re-do your makeup, or needing to take it off completely. A simple solution is to wear less makeup, but to do it in such a way that will still make it seem like you're as covered as you like, as these summer beauty hacks will show you. Summertime can also do a number on your skin, since sunburns, sweat, and acne flareups caused by clogged pores run pretty rampant. Wearing a lot of makeup can make this worse and ultimately cause your skin to have even less breathing room. Plus, you'll probably be busy frolicking on the beach, tanning by the pool, or soaking up the sun in the park, which aren't great occasions to pile on the products. I personally think summer is one of the best times of year to be carefree and not fuss with your makeup; embrace the natural look!
If you still like to feel polished and have on a face that's ready for anything, though, you can find ways to look primped while using a minimal amount of product. Even better, you'll save a ton of time and money that you can instead use to enjoy the weather. Here are seven summer beauty hacks that will give you the tools do just this.
1. Invest In Waterproof Gel
Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Genius, $18, Nordstrom
Waterproof gels, like this one from Anastasia Beverly Hills, make any makeup smudge-proof, preventing sweat or water from removing your products. This ensures that your artistry will look exactly as you intended all day and through any swimming or sweating — genius!
2. Use Water-Based Toner Throughout The Day
Tea Tree Water Toner, $11, Lush
Water-based toners are a great way to look fresh faced all day. Buying it in a spray form and keeping it in your bag for touch-ups will give you a cool sense of relief, while keeping your face looking dewy, not greasy. This is a great product to use to replace pressed powder, primer, and lotion, since this can be used to set your makeup and keep your skin hydrated. Plus, the minerals and oils in this water deliver vital nutrients to the skin, which will keep it not only moisturized, but healthy.
3. Use BB Cream And Blush Only
BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum, $37, Sephora
Instead of going for your usual foundation, concealer, pressed powder, bronzer, tinted moisturizer, or highlighter for your face makeup, try using BB or CC cream and blush only. This will not only moisturize your skin while still giving you coverage, but will likely last longer and give you a more natural fresh-faced look. You can also use cream blush to contour, saving you from piling on all of that extra product I mentioned. This BB cream is also SPF 30, saving you from having to apply sunscreen!
4. Set Your Makeup
Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray, $17, Loreal Paris
Use a setting spray like this one from L'Oreal to keep your makeup in check. This is a great option to replace all of your powders, primers, and setting products and tools, since it both sets your makeup and keeps it looking freshly applied all day.
5. Use Mascara As Your Eye Makeup Weapon
Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara, $28, Sephora
If you want to forgo all of your usual eye products, stick to mascara — but pump it up. Use a waterproof formula and then use an angle brush to make your mascara look like eyeliner, for added sophistication and all-day wear. This mascara will make you look like you're wearing more makeup than you really are, and you'll be certain that your eye makeup is completely water and sweat resistant.
6. Use Coconut Oil For Everything
Spectrum Organic Refined Coconut Oil (Pack of 2), $19, Amazon
Coconut oil is the goddess of skincare products, as it can basically do anything. You can use it as a primer base for your makeup, as a lotion, lip balm, and eye cream — and those are just some of the ways you can use coconut oil! This can replace as many products as you'd like it to, and you will not only feel fresh faced but you'll also smell delightful!
7. Use Bronzer As An Eyeshadow And Eyeliner
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola, $29, Sephora
If you are wearing bronzer, make your look go further and use it not only for its traditional purpose, but also as an eyeshadow and even an eyeliner. You will not only achieve a look that is radiant, but you will also use less product in the process.
Images: Fotolia; Courtesy Brands
