Clean Summer Makeup

Summer = Hot

Seriously, I love makeup but with this heat, I don't think I could stand makeup meltdown already or the thought of makeup suffocating my face. I've been wearing less of it just for now. However, with my features and probably because of habit, I'm one of those who can't stand going out without the slightest bit of makeup. During the cooler months where I could go my smoky eyes, colorful shadow and full on makeup, I've let makeup take a backseat and go for a fresh look with minimal glam.



First up is skincare. I've started taking care of my skin keeping it hydrated, removing makeup at the end of the day thoroughly, and proper skin care (that includes SPF) so it would be in top condition so I'd have less to cover. Less to cover means less makeup to use. I also try to get an ample amount of sleep so I have less bags and dark circles.



Here's my minimal makeup look. The good thing about it? It takes less than 30 minutes (10 if I'm super systematic) and I have more time to fix and comb my hair or sleep or EAT.

Never mind the dorky expression here but summer for me is supposed to be effortless makeup with fresh, touchable skin. :)

For my base, I even out my skin by applying liquid foundation and concealer only where needed. For now, my foundation is Shu Uemura Face Architecht Fluid Foundation and Paul and Joe Moisturizing Compact or Creamy Compact (this one I apply all over the face and set with powder). Sometimes, I use my liquid foundation as concealer. I set my makeup with powder to avoid makeup meltdown. I use my stock of mineral makeup here or any loose powder would do.

I frame my face by defining brows. For summer, I prefer my brows light since I like the gentle expression my face has with light brows. I use MAC Brow finisher in blonde, which is like a wax stick that sort of shades my brows and keep hairs in place then set my brows with a light brown eyebrow powder. I also use MAC in Lingering, which is a classic and lighten it with brown powder or Paul and Joe eyebrow pencil #4, which is a blond shade. For me, I need an extra help of brow pencil since I have thin eyebrows.

For my eyes, I line it with brown eyeliner since black could be harsh. I line close to my lashline to make my lashes fuller. With this, I could skip eyeshadow and proceed to mascara. If I want eyeshadow, I apply a browbone highlight or a sheer contour on my crease. Then, I curl my lashes and here's where I go heavy on: mascara. Those who read my EOTDs know that I have 7 coats of mascara on my eyes. But yes, I do give it a rest with 3 coats, I just want my lashes alive.

Next up is blush/bronzer. On days when I feel bronzey, I go for bronzer. Usually, I'm using a peach blush or a pink mineral illuminizer for a soft glow.

For lips, I still can go dramatic, knowing full well that I'm still and always will be a red lip fan. I have my staple Russian Red in my purse if I need to go glam in a snap. For now, Im sticking to a sheer lip tint like MAC lip conditioner in Popster (from the Hello Kitty Collection) or a neutral-colored matte or satin/creme lipstick with a slight coral or berry tint, depending on my mood and the color scheme of my makeup. In this picture, that's just lip conditioner.

The good thing with this is that I actually spend less time with makeup, but my hair has been taking a lot of my time since I need to iron it since I just had the layers trimmed and I would need to tame my hair.