I scream, you scream, we all scream when the weather decides to behave everyday like Mercury is in retrograde.
From the daily crowded train commutes and rising temperature, my morning makeup routine takes quite the detour. Thanks to the rather prolonged heatwave in Japan this year I’ve become strategic with what I apply on my skin. There’s no need to go bare faced all summer, but rather have a tactical approach under the blazing sun.
Here are my 10 holy-grail makeup products that have helped me endure the summer heat because the sweatiest season is upon us guys.
The L’Oreal ‘Infallible Pro-Matte Pressed Powder’ is my ultimate savior from foundation during the jarring heatwave. With a naturally oily skin that worsens in the summer, this pressed powder gives a light coverage as well as keeps my face matte and shine-free. I’ve gone through 4 of these already and always make sure to keep backups, so this one’s a real keeper.
After throwing on sunscreen, I usually use the Benefit ‘POREfessional Face Primer.’ Apart from the punny name, the primer serves as a moisturizing balm that alleviates the appearance of any nasty pores. Because of the lightweight formula, I use it as a base for my canvas. Again, anything oil-free and matte is an instant makeup triumph for the summers.
The Maybelline New York ‘Instant Age Rewind Concealer’ is hands down the best concealer I’ve tried in years. An all time favorite and gone through so many of them, it covers these heavy-duty under-eye circles and blemishes seamlessly. In addition to being used as a concealer, it can also be used to brighten and contour – see this is what I meant by strategizing the number of products you apply on the skin, especially when it’s unbearably hot and humid outside. On days where I skip products 1 & 2, this concealer helps to cover a blotch or blemish.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills ‘Brow Definer’ is my favorite brow product out of all the ones I’ve tried. As I don’t heavily draw my brows and primarily use it to fill in the sparse areas and define the arch, it does the job so well. During the scorching summer heat as your face feels as though its melting, this brow pencil is smudge-proof hence requires no retouching! The brow pencil helps to achieve a very natural ‘no makeup look.’ Until a few years ago I had a preconception belief that I didn’t have to use any product for my brows, but I was utterly wrong. The difference a brow pencil can make is startling.
Since brows are a key part of the beauty regimen, a brow gel is equally important. The Benefit ’24-HR Brow Setter’ tames unruly eyebrow hairs with its invisible-finish shaping and setting gel. I like this one in particular as its flake-free, budge-proof and lives up to it’s name for being long-lasting.
I stay away from liquid liners during the summers, although I’m kajal/eyeliner obsessed. Heat and humidity isn’t a friend to most eye products, but we all know eyeliner is hardly an exception. The Maybelline New York ‘Master Kajal’ has been my go-to lately. In true Buzzfeed words, ‘every brown girl is in a committed relationship with kajal’ and I couldn’t agree more. This ‘Master Kajal’ is waterproof and the creamy kohl formula offers an effortless application and glides on without a tug.
Continuing with eye products is any look complete without mascara? I am usually interchanging between 3 to 4 mascaras and the one I’ve been gravitating towards is the Urban Decay ‘Perversion Mascara.’ Even though this mascara isn’t waterproof I’ve not had any smudge issues with it all summer. In fact, I love how the product adds thickness and volume to the lashes while staying in place. The creamy and clump-free finish works wonders and definitely gives bigger, blacker and badder lashes.
Moving on to my favorite product for the summers, a good strobing and highlighting powder. Up until my Dubai Sephora trip, the Becca ‘Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Opal’ was my best-loved highlighter. However, I finally caved in and bought the Benefit ‘Dandelion Twinkle Nude-Pink Powder Highlighter and Luminizer.’ Since there is no need for blush in the summers because let’s be real, the heat makes blood rise to your cheeks anyway, I love to achieve a sun-kissed glow by a highlighter. The nude-pink shade of ‘Dandelion Twinkle’ works great with my tanned summer skin. I usually apply it a little above my cheekbones, on the cupid’s bow and the inner corner. I avoid highlighting on the end of my nose because you tend to look greasy and err that’s not a look I’m going for.
I’m particularly not experimental with my lip colors during the summers. I stick to corals and dusty pinks for the most part to enhance the summer sheen. My go-to lipstick is MAC’s ‘Satin Lipstick’ in ‘Retro.’ As I’m not a fan of a full matte coverage lipstick in the summers, this satin finish is my favorite. The creamy, medium-to-full buildable coverage allows you to personalize your look. I generally dab a little on the lips and that does the trick for a long-wearing satin matte finish.
Any summer beauty essential would be incomplete without the infamous Urban Decay ‘De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray.’ This spray has improved the longevity of my makeup in the summer heat dramatically. Trust me, a few spritz and you’re good to go for the whole day!
These are my 10 go-to makeup products when the sun sizzles. While the heatwave in Japan shows no signs of cooling down, these products keep me company to looking a little less of a grease ball.
Perversion has to be one of my favorite mascaras that I have tried. Pore Professional is a one of my favs as well.
Author
I completely agree – they are two really good products!
i love the urban decay mascara. Such a great list! Will have to try some of your other products!
Author
Thank you, Rachel. I’m glad it helped you!
I always struggle with makeup on hot summer days! Love your recommendations 🙂
Author
Yes, the struggle is real Karina. I hope this helped you.
Amazing.. This blog is a complete package for makeup lovers (like me). In summer, I normally prefer less makeup. But I really love your this summer look and products. I am also a huge fan of maybelline products. Thanks for sharing
Author
Thank you so much Sarah! Maybelline has to be my all-time favourite too.
Great recommendations! Perversion is my favorite mascara! I’m currently using L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise which is great, too.
Author
Thank you Stephanie! I haven’t tried L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise yet but will make sure to give it a try next time I’m buying a new mascara.
Great list I am Mac Lipstick gal myself it is my go to every time! I really want to try out the Benefit ‘Dandelion Twinkle Nude-Pink Powder Highlighter and Luminizer, I have been looking for a good highlighter I always feel like they can make everything a little too sparkly and I agree there is no need for blush in the summer, LOL.
Author
Lol yes, no blush fo’sure. I always was a Becca fan for the amazing highlighters they made. But to my surprise and an amazing SA at Sephora persuaded me to try the Benefit one and I was sold. What’s your favourite MAC Lipstick?
I swear by Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer and the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray.
Author
YES! Can’t to without both the products.
Glossier Lash Slick is also GREAT for the summer heat!
Author
Thanks for the recommendation, Karina. I’ll keep a look out for this!
I am not very fond of makeup. But then I saw my friends using makeup and looking fabulous. So I have decided to have a look at it. Your post in very informative. I will try some, especially lipsticks.
Author
Hi Sukanya, natural bare skin is the best beauty one has. But I’m happy to hear that you found my post informative. Thank you!
i love urban decay setters – and i’ve heard great things about the infallible line!
Author
Love me some Urban Decay too!