As part of a sun deprived country, I for one am very grateful for this impromptu heat wave but seriously, a bit of hot weather and we literally go into meltdown. Well, our makeup definitely does. Today my lunch break was like stepping into a surreal Salvador Dali painting - which I will aptly title Melted Makeup Massacre. Makeup smeared, smudged, faces falling off. Ok it wasn't that bad and if you are a loyal reader of my blog you will know I'm pretty drama-arma and enjoy the theatrics. Which makes a better story, right? Anyway, luckily for me I was rescued from streaky incidents at a young age. I have been a fan of primer since my teenage adolescence days when a makeup artist kindly introduced me to one. Clearly my super sebaceous face offended her and she felt it was her duty to save me from more embarrassing shiny episodes. I have previously always hated that encounter but today I feel pretty blessed that it happened. I'm glad I'm not part of MMM, put it that way.
So, to save yourself the hassle of having to scrape your face off your desk at 5pm I've put together some summer cheats you can't beat.
Start by applying a primer before your foundation. I've been using the L'Oreal Studio Secrets primer a while now and it is a great base for your foundation. It's a pinky colour which lifts skintone and makes your skin look dewy fresh. It glides over pores and evens out the texture, leaving your skin feeling silky soft. It helps keep makeup on for an extra 4-5 hours so I'd say it's worth the £14.29 price tag. Nars do an amazing eyeshadow primer which makes the colour appear brighter, smoother and more vibrant. It smoothes fine lines and keeps your shadow on from dusk until dawn, so there's no need to worry about resembling a panda anytime soon. At £18 its a bit pricey but the product lasts months, as you're only applying it to a small area. Sticky and sun don't mix well so try a lip tint. They add a hint of colour and are light on your lips. Every brand from YSL to Maybelline are having a go with them. The best I've tried and the one that lasts the longest without bleeding or budging is AquaLipJelly by By Terry. It lasted a total of 18hrs which is kinda borderline temporary tattoo, I'd say! The hardest summer smearproof product to find has to be mascara. Most brands will promise you 100% waterproof, wind proof.. practically bulletproof mascara, but the only one I've tried that can take the heat is Maxfactor 24hr. It stays put until you chisel it off. Alternatively, you can use an oily eye makeup remover which I'd obviously strongly recommend.
I hope you enjoy my tips that help budge the summer smudge and make the most of this glorious sunshine while it lasts. Which, knowing our temperamental English weather will probably be until 2pm Friday. Urgh!
