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Summer's Coming - How to Lighen up Your Look

Authored by critty.Pinkpurple_thumb
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I don't know about where you live, but this winter feels like it has gone on for years!    I am so excited to finally see sun and not have to wear my winter coat.  And with this warming up, you may want to change up some of your products.  Before throwing on the flip flops and chilling with a good book, let's go over how you can lighten up ...

If your skin gets oilier in the warmer months, you may want to switch up your cleaner for one specific to oily or combination skin.  Personally, I use the same cleanser, but I switch to a light weight mattifying moisturizer.  If your skin is very dry in the winter, you can probably switch to a moisturizer for dry skin and everyone else just go one step down in moisture-levels.  If you break out a lot in the summer, look for products that contain salicylic acid or beta hydroxy to keep your pores clear (if you have an aspirin allergy, stay far away from these products).

If your skin is pretty good in tone and texture, try switching to a tinted moisturizer.  If you don't want to go to the expense of buying another product, add a bit of your foundation to a bit of your moisturizer, mix in your hand and voila, tinted moisturizer.   Add some SPF into that mix and you will be good to go.  

Speaking of foundation, even though you religiously put on your SPF your skin may darken a few shades in the summer.  No matter what time the year, it is never acceptable to wear non-matching foundation.  So either make your own tinted moisturizer (above) because the pigment won't be as strong when mixed with moisturizer, or get yourself a new "summer" shade.  NO excuses - I will hunt you down - lol.  

If you get oily, you may want to invest in a primer.  I like the Smashbox Light Photo Finish Primer because it is oil-free.  I tried the BECCA SPF 30 mineral primer but it made my skin very sad, but I am ridiculously sensitive.  It's a great primer if you want high SPF in your oil-free primer.  I also NEED an eye primer in the summer and I rotate between Urban Decay Primer Potion and Too Faced Shadow Insurance, they are both great. Primers will keep your makeup fresh all day long.

SPF is essential, even more so in the summer.  I have SPF15 in my foundation, but dermatologists are now recommending SPF 30 as a minimum, so up your SPF to keep skin cancer and sun damage away.  I have a sample of eye cream with SPF 25 in it ... brilliant!  Check out all of the new eye creams out there and choose one with SPF for day time.  If you use any retinol, alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy (salicylic acid) products, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun, so make sure you are well protected.  My best friends in the summer are my giant hat and big sunglasses - very Hollywood!

OK, we have our moisture under control and our SPF on so now you add some color.  Yay!  Self tanners have come a long way, and I am especially impressed with the gradual ones that add a bit of color every time you put them on.  They are available for the face (usually oil-free) and for the body.  Exfoliate your skin first, and remember to wash your palms afterward.  A sun-kissed glow without the sun damage!  Bronzers are also great for adding a touch of color to just where you need it, on your face or your body.  A dab of blush makes your skin blush and you'll be the picture of health.  

Summer makeup is all about sheer washes of color ... no need for a heavy smoky eye.  It can look harsh and heavy with summer clothes and colors.  Use a light hand and you'll look as fresh as a daisy all summer long.  Metallics are always hot in the summer as they make your skin glow, but if you have crepey lids, a soft pretty wash of matte color can be just as trendy.   Pink or nude lips are super hot this year, be it a lipstick or a lipgloss.  Add some sweat proof mascara and you are good to go.  

To keep your look fresh, bring some blotting papers to soak up extra oil instead of layering on another layer of powder.  I like to keep a bottle of mineral water on hand to spray my face or neck if I get too hot - it's cool and refreshing but gentle enough not to mess with your makeup.  

I hope these tips are helpful!  What are your summer tips?  Please write them in the comments :-)

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