Tips, Tricks, and Products for Sizzling Summer Makeup

Summer is my favorite season for makeup. This is the time of year to experiment with bold eyes, glitters, and bright lips. Not only do the products below allow for a balance between colorful and natural, some of them are good for the unique stage your skin is in. With harsher sun exposure, skin burns more frequently and can dry out quicker. Take care of your skin underneath so you can create beautiful works of art on top.

HYDRATE

In the summer, hydration is key. My favorite primer of all-time is the Too Faced Hangover Primer ($34, Sephora). It’s pricey, but it’s worth it. Formulated with coconut water, this primer provides hydration deep into the surface of your skin and boosts radiance. Making sure you moisturize at night and in the morning is also imperative. My favorite moisturizer right now is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for extra dry skin ($17, Target). I’m also a big fan of just using regular old aloe gel; it’s not just for sunburns.

PROTECT

SPF is one of the most important protections you should be using on your skin—especially the delicate areas on your face and neck—year-round. The Almay Best Blend Forever Foundation ($10, target.com) boasts 40 SPF to help protect you from harsh rays. Plus, it has that classic sunscreen smell to put you in the summer mood all day.

If you’re not interested in switching your foundation, try the Tarte Cosmetics Tarteguard 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen ($28, Sephora). Dust over your makeup or fresh face to add a layer of SPF 30 protection. The powder is translucent and won’t affect the shade of your foundation.

CREATE

Summertime is a great excuse to play around with bold eye looks. This year, I’m loving the color assortment in the Anastasia Beverly Hills Riviera palette ($45, Ulta). With shades like metallic yellow, hot pink, and electric purple, you can let your creative side have some fun.

If you’re more into the natural, warm, glowy look, try the BH Cosmetics Hangin’ in Hawaii palette ($16, Ulta). With colors reminiscent of coconuts and sparkling sandy beaches, you’ll create a summer look that will accent your features without venturing into the realm of neons.

If you’d like to try one bold shade before jumping into a whole palette, try the ColourPop Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadow in Backstage ($4.50, colourpop.com). I like to use this matte blue on a damp flat brush to sweep a winged liner across my lid.

PUCKER UP

Another classic look is to skip the eyeshadow, throw on some mascara,and go for the bright lip. While reds are more winter-appropriate, venture out to the land of purples and oranges for summer. Give the Sephora Collection #Lipstories lipstick in fiery orange shade Hot in Havana a try ($8, Sephora). If purple is more up your alley, the Kylie Cosmetics Velvet Liquid Lipstick line offers a rich plum shade Karma ($16, kyliecosmetics.com).

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