Rainy Weather
Summer rain is one of the most relaxing and calming elements of earth. It is the one time during the summer you can relax indoors and just appreciate nature. But if you have to be outdoors, you may feel the opposite way. Hot, sticky rain is a mess with clothes, a mess if you’re wearing sandals, and an even bigger mess if you’re wearing makeup. While you can’t stop Mother Nature, you can at least stop Mother Nature from ruining your look with the right tips. These days there are products that resist everything, and for rainy environments water-resistant products should be high on that list.
First things first: A good base is essential. You do need a good moisturizer, but between the rain and the automatic humidity that comes with it, it doesn’t need to be “ultra moisturizing”. Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar is a good general moisturizing base that isn’t too oily (remember, oil and water do not mix). For those who prefer that extra hold for makeup, feel free to add a primer such as Per-fekt Beauty’s Skin perfecting gel. This water-resistant gel does what a primer does best, providing a blank smooth canvas that gives makeup a strong hold. Remember that the key for summer, regardless of weather condition, is to keep it light!
Now for the fun part: the color. Stick with products that won’t run. For a base you have two choices. If you are comfortable enough to not have a full face, try a tinted moisturizer such as LORAC ProtectTINT SPF 30. This product has all the goodies needed for a rainy situation: oil-free, SPF protection and lightweight coverage. If you feel you need a little something extra, MAC’s Face and Body Foundation is water-resistant and buildable, so you can add as much coverage as you need and not have to worry about the rain’s moisture washing it away.
For eyes, Bobbi Brown makes great quality products and her Long Wear gel eyeliner is no exception. This water -resistant, easy-to-control liner comes in many colors, so you can have plenty of fun while maintaining its place on your face until YOU are ready for it to be removed. Let’s not forget the essential waterproof mascara, not just on hand for weddings anymore. In this case, most mascara brands have a waterproof version, so just pick your favorite. A classic is Revlon’s Waterproof Fabulash.
The rain also provides the perfect time to wear a nice matte lipstick with good staying power. Clinique’s Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick has all day staying power, with a creamy texture and strong pigmentation. Still need to finish off your look? Amazing Cosmetics carries a Powder Set that is colorless and waterproof, great for setting makeup and for re-touching throughout the day.
Humidity
If you live anywhere near water, it is a gift and curse. While you live by the beach or water, you also must fight humidity. This is probably one of the worse summer weather conditions, because unlike rain, an umbrella or poncho won’t resist its power. “Oil-absorbing” will be your favorite phrase, and quick fixes are essential.
Because everything will just melt off your face, choosing a good base is essentially the most important part. Once again, you are dealing with a situation where dry skin won’t be a huge factor. So a light moisturizer, such as Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, provides efficient moisturizing power, while its unique gel formula keeps the skin feeling refreshed. When it comes to primers, use every kind possible because keeping your makeup on your skin will be a hard battle. Josie Maran makes an amazing primer, the Argan Primer Mist, which is a very light spray that does not have the heavy feel of a lot of primers.
To prep the lids for color try out Smashbox’s Photofinish Lid primer, which will help grab and hold onto any color you apply. On top of this should be a sheer, matte foundation like Makeup Forever’s Mat Velvet+ Mattifying foundation. Its buildable formula is oil-free, water-resistant, long lasting and even has its own finishing powder to help it set. This makes one less step you have to do at the end!
For eyes, smudge-proof and long lasting are essential. Mac’s Paint Pot has a wide variety of colors that are long lasting and set to a nice matte finish. Covergirl’s Volume Exact is a volumizing mascara that is smear and smudge proof, but still washable. Both of these eye products have the perfect elements to provide good staying power in humidity.
For lips, a light and fool proof lipstick is necessary, as something heavily pigmented can smear and run on your face during the sticky weather. Mac’s Luster Lipstick is moisturizing and pigmented yet still sheer, which is perfect for any summer condition. One last tip: Carry blotting film! Sephora’s Blotting sheets are easily portable and absorb excess oil, without smudging your look.
Dry Climate
If you live in a dry area during the summer, the rest of the country is jealous of you. In a way, it is a blessing not worrying about the smear and run factor that comes with rain and humidity. Unfortunately for you, the alternative is dealing with the dryness. This means tight skin and cracking foundation. A relatively easy fix, as long as you respect and acknowledge that moisturizing is essential in each of your steps.
Quenching your skin’s thirst right from the beginning is more important than anything else. Clarins Hydraquench cream (with SPF 15) provides a creamy base, which will be a long lasting fix to any drying out problems you might have. Just remember to allow it to absorb for at least five minutes. A primer, such as Nars Makeup Primer, adds another moisturizing base while allowing the makeup to stick.
One of the most astonishing innovations in cosmetics is mineral foundation, which provides your skin with the nutrients it needs to have a perfect skin canvas. A great example is MAC Mineralize Foundation with a high content of minerals and emollients that provide the skin with a moisturizing easy-to-apply cover and a satin matte finish. This product not only feels amazing throughout the day, but it also looks amazing. For contouring, keep it simple with the Nars Multiple, a creamy color stick that works best on cheeks and is amazingly simple to apply.
For eyes, Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear cream shadow is not only long lasting but also has a smooth creamy texture that is less harsh than a powder in dry heat. Diorshow Mascara provides volume, length and curl, which may be a little messy in other conditions, but perfect if you have a nice dry environment.
Last but not least are the lips. Since they can and will dry out as well, a moisturizing gloss will work best. Glossimer by Chanel is an ideal gloss for dry conditions, providing a non-sticky feel with moderate pigment and high shine. For a solid set on your makeup with added boosts of moisture throughout the day, check out Evian’s Mineral Waterspray to keep in your purse.
Now you have all the tips and tools needed to combat whatever war with Mother Nature that goes on in your region. One last follow-up: Always wear SPF at all times, and to keep your skin glowing, use a bronzer. Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder is great for adding that “extra something” of color, and it works well with a wide variety of skin tones.