The weather is officially hot and sticky, and you might be wondering why your tried-and-true foundation is suddenly looking blotchy. You also might be questioning your bronzer application. Why does it look so...fake? Friends, this may seem annoying, but it's important to change your makeup routine in the summer. Did you know there are primers that are better to use during the hotter months? We asked top makeup artists to list the biggest summer makeup mistakes we all make and how to fix them.
You're using a primer with silicone. "Primers are known to help with the longevity of makeup, but silicone-based primers will dry out and suffocate your skin. Use a water-based one instead. Your skin will look hydrated." —Kristine Cruz, a makeup artist at the Antonio Prieto Salon in New York City
You're matching your eye shadow with your clothing. "Everyone should stop matching their eye shadow to their bright summer clothing, as it takes away from your face. If you are wearing a bright color, like yellow, it's better to use a neutral shadow, like M.A.C. Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Stormy Pink, and knock them out with an electric-orange lipstick, like M.A.C. Lipstick in Morange. —Romero Jennings, the director of makeup artistry at M.A.C.
Your foundation is the same color and formula year-round. "Unless you want to look washed out and unhealthy, continuing to use the same foundation formula and color from the fall season is a disaster. Whether you like it or not, you will get some color this summer, so it's best to move on to a sheer formula in a warmer shade. Foundation shelf life is generally three years, so save your fall foundation for next season." —Edward Cruz, a makeup artist who works with Priyanka Chopra
You're not using the right bronzer for your skin tone. "It's important to bronze in the direction in which one would naturally tan. If you turn darker shades of gold in the sun, try M.A.C. Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden. If you turn more red in the sun, M.A.C. Bronzing Powder in Bronze will be a go-to for an authentic, sun-kissed glow." —Victor Cembellin, a senior artist at M.A.C.
You're stuck using bronzing powders. "Overbronzing in the summer is a chronic problem. If your skin has had any sun exposure, chances are it will have a drier texture, and applying powder will make your skin look drier. Try nourishing the skin with a cream bronzing product. M.A.C. Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35 in Golden provides color and nourishment to dehydrated summer skin." —John Stapleton, a senior artist at M.A.C.
You're applying entirely too much foundation. "It's summer. Keep it light and dewy, not heavy and cakey. Heavy foundation and heat will cause you to look very oily, and your foundation will slide all over your face. I love Too Faced Born This Way Foundation. The coverage is great, but it feels so lightweight on the skin." —Daniel Chinchilla, a makeup artist who works with Ariana Grande
You're overdosing on finishing powder. "A lot of people use too much powder during the warmer months, and when powder keeps getting reapplied it eventually just starts to look caked on. Your skin doesn't breathe. Instead, use a sheer foundation or a tinted moisturizer, and opt for powderless blotting papers." —Valery Gherman, a makeup artist who works with Kate Upton.
Source: allure.com
