Summer Meltdown

Dear BGND,

Please help! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, new eps of Gossip Girl will start on September 1st but I can't enjoy any of it! Why you ask? My make-up is MELTING off my face! I look all sweaty and streaky and that is not a good look anytime of the year. I am not looking for too much coverage (it is summer and I want to be low-key after all) but I do need just a little something to fill in my late 20's baby wrinkles and even out my skin tone a bit. Any suggestions?

xoxo
Sweaty in Santa Monica

Dear Sweaty in Santa Monica,

OMG! I have SO been there! Summertime can be a frustrating time of year for us beauty girls...having to look fresh and natural, stay cool, be low-maintenance - it is almost too much to juggle! Well, have no fear! I have three suggestions to make you look fabulous and smooth which are easy to master and will fix those nasty sweat and shine problems.


1) Primer/Balm (the most low-key fix of all)

If you just want something to smooth and matte your skin but aren't looking for any kind of color or coverage - there are pleny of primers that can fit the bill. My reccomendation?

Dr. Feelgood by Benefit - $28 (Sephora, Benefit Counters nationwide)

Dr. Feelgood is a fabulous balm by Benefit Cosmetics that I have been a fan of for years. Not only does it feel smooth and weightless, but it comes packed with Vitamins A, C and E, makes your pores smaller, your lines less pronounced, absorbs excess oil and makes your skin nice and matte. It is perfect for anyone who wants something to smooth out their skin but does not want to deal with foundation or anything that feels to heavy.
(Fyi- best to apply this after your daily moisturizer but before any other makeup)



2) Tinted Moisturizer ( still low-key but more coverage than a simple primer)

This is a great all-in-one product for gals looking to stay low-maintenance but needing something to cover their skin just a bit. Tinted moisturizers have come a long way since inception and there is something out there for everyone but I have two in particular that are my faves.

Budget Friendly: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 - $11.99 (Drugstores nationwide)
(this is a popular product and can sell out - in a pinch go with the Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF30 Daily Moisturizer - $14.99)

This product is truly an all in one - moisturizer, sunscreen and a tint - what is not to love?! It will smooth your skin like a foundation, but gives you the weight of a moisturizer. (I am not as big of a fan of the Healthy Defense Moisturizer since I find it somewhat stringent but others LOVE it so I still recommend it.)

Premium: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 Oil Free - $42 (Sephora, Department Stores Nationwide)
This is the industry standard - great coverage, lots of shades, SPF...it has it all. A bit pricey to be sure but when you consider what you are getting for the money, it is worth your money and like many before you, you will not know how you lived without it for so long.



3) Mineral Powder Foundation (the most coverage but still easy and melt-proof)

These days it seems like everyone is getting on the mineral bandwagon, and with good reason. Minerals are good for the skin, give great coverage and make the skin flawless. Best of all, they truly give full coverage just like a foundation but without the caked-on look that can often happen in the summertime months.

Budget Friendly: L'Oreal Bare Naturale Mineral Foundation SPF19- $15.25 (Drugstores Nationwide)
This has emerged as my personal favorite among the drugstore mineral powders. L'Oreal in my experience makes some of the best budget friendly make-up and I have always been impressed with their powders. This offers good coverage, a decent SPF and lots of colors to choose from.

Premium: Bare Escentuals- Bare Minerals SPF 15 foundation - $25 (Sephora, Finer Department Stores and BE stores nationwide)
Bare Escentuals started it all and they are still the best. Free of chemicals and providing excellent coverage, you pretty much cannot go wrong. One word to the wise, make sure to have someone show you how to apply or visit the Bare Escentuals website for some instruction on application. Minerals are more concentrated and if you do not know what you are doing you may end up with a muddy look from too much powder on your brush.



Alright, Sweaty in Santa Monica....I know that was a long answer to your question but I want you to have options so you can choose what works best for you. Make-up is personal and not everyone likes the same thing. Hopefully one of the products I have detailed here today will help you and anyone looking to escape from the summer heat!

Stay cool!
BGND