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As much of a makeup junkie I am, I’m all about efficiency during the hot, humid summer months. After taking a couple of beach trips already this year and attending an outdoor concert festival, I realized it was time to adapt the routine and whip out some of my tried and true summer makeup products I always go back to.
As I’m getting older, I realize I don’t like the look of flat matte (even though I’m oily). I need some natural glow and a more satin/natural finish. A face of flat powder isn’t very flattering on fine lines/dehydration (not ALL powders are flat, though… ). For that, I’m actually obsessed with the Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream I found at Target (not all Targets carry it in stores). Up until IT Cosmetics launched their new shade options, Missha nailed the medium tan/olive skin, fuller coverage BB/CC cream formula. It also has brightening ingredients in it and good for acne prone skin.
Making a comeback after a three-year hiatus (because I gave up making Medium or Tan work for me exclusively), IT Cosmetics CC Cream launched their new shade, Medium Tan! *and the fans go wild…* This is nearly identical to Missha, but I’d say Missha is a hint more yellow/olive/golden. IT Cosmetics is a smidge more hydrating than Missha.
For dimension/color, I have not put down the Marc Jacobs Dew Drops gel highlighter I raved about a few months ago (review here; this may make my Best of 2017). The bronzer I have owned for at least three years now and always whip out for summer is the MAC Bronzer in Refined Golden (a warm reddish bronze) thanks to my friend, Andrea. New-to-me is the Glossier Cloud Paints (swatches here). I’m dying over shade Beam* and how nice they sit on my oily skin. In fact, just ordered the baby pink shade in Puff.*
Every day eyes include Charlotte Tilbury’s Color Chameleon in Amber Haze smudged all around (you can tell I’m nearly due for a new stick… thinking of getting Bronzed Garnet next). If I’m feeling a fancy night out, Charlotte’s Golden Goddess palette is everything. Major pan-love there…
Don’t forget to switch out regular mascara for waterproof. I choose my Maybelline Lash Sensational (but hear amazing things about the new L’Oreal Lash Paradise).
Most important to me in the summer is my brows. I need bulletproof brows in these warm months and none can do better than Benefit’s Ka Brow pomade. The formula is waterproof/sweatproof, color is spot on, it’s not too greasy/heavy, and literally lasts through a thunderstorm. I can throw on a little bronzer through the crease of my eyes and fill in my brows (even leave off the mascara) and feel fine.
My first MAC lipstick purchase ever (back in 2008) was Shy Girl (a beige coral peach). I finished that entire tube to the last scrape years ago and finally repurchased it. I love it. I either wear this on its own or pair it with MAC’s lipglass in Beaux (a bronze gold shimmer) for added shine. I’ll also wear Beaux on its own, as well.
-Steffanie