Use Makeup With SPF Protection
Even if you’re not planning on spending a lot of time outside, you should still use makeup with SPF protection. Even just a little bit of unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin damage.
Choose foundations, powders, and lip balms with at least SPF 30 for adequate protection. Not only does SPF help prevent sunburn, but it also reduces the risk of skin cancer and slows the development of wrinkles and age spots. Touch up your makeup every few hours to maintain protection.
Find a BB Cream
Whenever you don't have somewhere important to go, you should skip the foundation and use a light BB cream instead. These creams are actually good for your skin and won’t weigh you down.
BB creams are perfect for those who prefer a natural, dewy finish, which is especially flattering on mature skin. Plus, many BB creams also contain anti-aging ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid, which can help improve skin texture and firmness over time. Application is simple: blend evenly across your face with your fingers or a sponge.
Go Easy on the Eyeliner
Occasional eyeliner is fine, but the summer time is the perfect opportunity to go for a more fresh-faced look. Use a neutral eyeshadow and some mascara, and you will both feel and look more summery.
For mature women, less can often be more when it comes to eyeliner, especially during the summer. Heavy eyeliner can accentuate fine lines and make your eyes appear smaller. Consider using a brown or taupe eyeliner instead of black, which can be harsh, and smudge the liner slightly to create a softer finish.
Don't Forget a Moisturizer
Even though the air is more hot and humid in the summer months, it’s important to not skip moisturizing your skin. It can still dry out in the summer time and leave you with rough spots and blotchiness.
A good moisturizer not only provides essential hydration but also creates a smooth base for makeup application. Look for moisturizers with added benefits like SPF, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid to protect and nourish your skin throughout the day. Lightweight, non-greasy formulas are ideal for the summer months, as they absorb quickly and won't leave your skin feeling oily.
Use Cream Highlighters and Blushes
Powdered highlighters and blushes can make your skin look dry and dull in the summertime, so you may want to opt for a cream highlighter and blush. These will give you the perfect dewy, rosy glow!
Unlike powder products, creams blend seamlessly into the skin and won't settle into fine lines and wrinkles. When applying cream blush, use your fingers or a damp makeup sponge to blend it onto the apples of your cheeks, moving upwards towards your temples for a lifted effect. For highlighter, dab it onto the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and down the bridge of your nose, to catch the light beautifully.
Stick to a Warm Palette
Gold and brown eyeshadows tend to look best in the warmer months because they add to your natural summery glow. Blues and dark greens tend to look better in the cooler months.
For eyeshadows, choose shades like soft golds, warm browns, and coppery tones to bring out the warmth in your eyes. When it comes to blush and bronzer, opt for peachy or coral shades that add a pop of color and mimic a natural flush. Lip colors in warm hues, such as nude, coral, or rosy pink, can complete the look with a subtle yet polished finish.
Use a Primer
The worst feeling in the world is having a shiny forehead after being out and about for a few hours — but you can combat this by using a primer! Use a face primer before applying foundation or BB cream, and use an eyeshadow primer before putting anything on your lids.
A silicone-based primer can be particularly effective in blurring imperfections and giving your skin a velvety texture. Using a primer not only improves the overall look of your makeup but also helps it stay put throughout the day, even in hot and humid conditions.
Buy a Foundation That's a Little Too Dark
If you’re planning on spending your summer by the pool, don’t buy a foundation or BB cream that is exactly your skin shade right now. Your skin is going to get darker, so before too long, that shade will be too light. Buy one that’s too dark and mix it with moisturizer until your skin gets dark enough.
You can also mix it with your regular foundation to create a custom shade that adjusts as your tan deepens. It also eliminates the need for heavy bronzing products, which can sometimes look unnatural on mature skin.
Find a Tinted Sunscreen
If you’re heading to the beach, you probably don’t want to waste time applying a lot of makeup. Yet, you may want a little coverage if you’re planning on taking any photos. The solution is to find a tinted sunscreen that provides a little coverage in no time.
Tinted sunscreens are typically formulated with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients, and they are lightweight for hot, humid weather. When choosing a tinted sunscreen, look for one with at least SPF 30 and a formula that suits your skin type. Apply it generously and evenly as the last step in your skincare routine before adding other makeup.
Apply a Setting Spray
If you’re going to be active, apply a setting spray over your makeup before you do. This will prevent your makeup from running or getting streaky while you’re out there sweating.
Look for setting sprays that contain ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera. To use, hold the bottle at arm's length and mist your face lightly after applying your makeup. Keep a fan on hand or dry with your hands using a fanning motion.
Use Tinted Lip Balms
If applying a thick layer of lipstick when it’s 100 degrees out doesn’t sound very appealing to you, opt for a tinted balm instead. You can achieve really rich color and moisture without that heavy feeling!
Choose shades that complement your natural lip color, such as soft pinks, corals, or berry tones. These hues add a fresh, youthful touch to your look without appearing too bold. Tinted lip balms are also easy to apply on the go, making them perfect for busy summer days. Many formulas include SPF, which is an added bonus for protecting the delicate skin on your lips from sun damage.
Focus on Skincare
If you take care of your skin properly, you really won’t even need makeup, because your skin will look amazing all on its own! A basic skincare routine involves cleansing and moisturizing twice a day, and exfoliation once a week.
Start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a hydrating toner to prepare your skin for the next steps. Antioxidant serums to protect against environmental damage and moisturizer is a must! During the day, broad-spectrum sunscreen is your best friend. At night, consider using products with retinol or peptides to promote collagen production and skin renewal.
Try a Brown Mascara
Keep your look a little more natural this summer by using a brown mascara instead of black. Brown mascara gives a softer look and will trick people into thinking they’re your natural lashes!
Brown mascara is particularly beneficial for daytime looks or for those who prefer a more understated makeup style. Waterproof options are also great for summer to prevent smudging and ensure long-lasting wear, even in hot and humid conditions.
Avoid the Smokey Eye
Heavy eye makeup tends to look less chic in the summer, especially once you start sweating a little. Use lighter colors and fewer products because, with your summertime glow, you don’t need anything more!
Heavy, dark eyeshadows can settle into fine lines and make your eyes appear smaller. Instead, pick lighter shades that open your eyes. Soft browns, taupes, and champagne colors can subtly enhance your eyes without overpowering them. F
Bring on the Shimmer
Highlighter is all the rage right now, so embrace it if your face is naturally shiny! If it’s not, feel free to dab on plenty of cream highlighter to make your face look absolutely radiant in photos and in real life.
Focus on high points of the face where light naturally hits, such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose. Cream or liquid highlighters are ideal. You can also use a shimmery eyeshadow on the lids to brighten your eyes. For the lips, a gloss with a hint of shimmer can make them appear fuller and more youthful.