Creased eye shadow? Runny mascara? Oily skin?
Definitely not the sexiest make-up look this summer.
While many would rather keep their face make-up-less and their body, product-free in this heat, dictates of the office, a party or simply wanting to look better mean we still have to head for our war paint.
So how do we enhance our features without looking like a nightmare at the end of a long summer’s day?

Here are a few tips when choosing make-up to suit the season:
· Switch to gel when moisturizing. If you have dry skin but can’t stand the thought of putting sticky lotion on your face, switch to a gel moisturizer. It hydrates your skin without leaving a heavy residue. Try Celeteque Facial Moisturizer.
· Waterproof yourself. When possible, use waterproof make-up especially in areas that easily sweat and where make up melts off. A good waterproof foundation would be convenient to have, as well as mascara and eye shadow. Try Make Up For Ever’s waterproof products.
· Choose orange if you have a tan. Wearing orange make-up doesn’t have to mean bright. Muted peaches and subtle corals will do the job just as well, if not better, for everyday make-up use. Tanned, summer skin looks awesome in shades of orange, whether they pop up in our make-up or clothes and accessories. Try M.A.C. lipstick in See Sheer.
· The beach or pool will make thick make-up look even heavier. The reflection from the water will make the face look really thick, dark and definitely not flattering! Instead, go for matte golds and bronzes for your eyelids. Or, skip the eye shadow completely and just apply waterproof mascara and a bit of tinted gloss on your lips. Try Maybelline Volum’express The Falsies waterproof mascara.
· Get colorful. Now is the time to put away the black pencils. Pick brighter colors such as teal, purple or emerald green to line your eyes. They’ll look great with your summer hue! Try Shu Uemura eye shadow in dark blue (P696).
· Take your fragrance down a notch. Eau de parfum is the strongest, most concentrated type of fragrance and the longer it lingers on your skin, the more potent the smell gets. It might be a bit strong for the summer so go for mists instead or even scented body washes to give you a subtle sweet smell.
Read more from the author:
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Have a fashion or beauty question for Erica? Drop her a line at ericaparedes1@yahoo.com
Erica Paredes has been working in the publishing industry for almost a decade as a fashion and beauty editor, newspaper columnist, stylist and make-up artist. Nowadays she juggles her time between food and fashion, beauty and travel plus mommy duties to her 8 year old daughter.
