It's July and although it's cooled slightly, here in New York, the temperature and humidity are supposed to climb over the next few days. When both are high, it's time to think of stripping down your makeup to beat the heat and suit your lighter clothing. Here are a few tips I follow that may work for you too:
Don't use the same sunblock on your face as your body. Select one that's formulated solely for your face because it feels lighter and isn't greasy. I use Neutrogena Age Shield Face, with an SPF 70, and like the finish.
Forgo foundation. Even the sheerest foundation makes me sweat, resulting in runny makeup and an unsightly sheen, so now I use a combo of concealer and loose powder. I stipple concealer over imperfections and under my eyes with a small brush, blending with my finger. I finish with a light coat of translucent power over my entire face to set the concealer and whisk away shine.
Switch to a sheer, very bright powder blush. I'm talking bright here, not the shade you wear in winter. But it has to be sheer so that it doesn't deposit heavy color. If not, you'll look like Bette Davis in Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte. Brush your blush over the apples of your cheeks only. Don't know where the apple is? Smile. See that raised mound each of your cheeks forms? That's your apple and it is close to your nose.
Frost your lids. Gild your upper lids with a thin layer of soft iridescence in a neutral like gold, silver or bronze.
Brush on colored mascara. Purple, bright blue, turquoise and grape are several of the colors I've been having fun with.
Keep your lips light and bright. My favorite shade is a really sheer orange. Yes, orange, which I top with clear gloss. Bright pink or coral are also summery and yummy.
The finished look will be light, fresh and colorful, but not overwhelming because the product formulations are so weightless.