by Kelly Knox

Heat and humidity can be a can be a challenge on summertime make-up so here are some tips to keep your face fresh all season long.

Always start by applying a primer. This affordable product will help guarantee your make-up stays in place all day even in the toughest conditions such as high humidity. Primer should be applied after your tinted moisturizer containing an SPF. A personal favorite amongst many beauty insiders is Smashbox Photo Finish Primer found in any Sephora store or Sephora online.

Bronze, bronze, bronze. Bronzer can be your best friend or your worst enemy depending on how much effort you put into choosing the right color for your skin type. Take the time to find a color that warms up your natural skin tone without it being too dark which can leave your face looking cakey. Bronzers not only provide you with a golden glow but they leave teeth appearing whiter and really emphasize the whites of your eyes leaving you looking fresh as a daisy. Nars cosmetics offers beautiful shades for any skin tone. If you are not confident in your choice don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from a makeup artist in the department store. They are more than happy to help in any way they can. Once you have made your choice, always apply with a powder brush in a circular motion to include your neck and chest area to ensure complete coverage.

Switch to waterproof mascara. These formulas have come a long way over the last decade and are much improved. The best thing about them is they keep your mascara from running down your face while you have fun in the sun and also provide great coverage in places like water parks and the beach. Places we tend to think we have no option of looking decent in! The easiest way to remove them is with an oil based make-up remover solution. You can pick these up at any major drugstore.

Lighten up your lipstick. This is the key to achieving the perfect summertime look. Heavy reds and pinks can be too much. Opt for a tinted balm or nude lip-gloss. Many on the market today even provide the additional benefit of SPF in them. Try Burt’s Bees brand, which provides beautiful summer shades with all natural ingredients and SPF. Some even have a hint of shimmer leaving your pout with a nice glow.

Get cheeky this summer. Cheeks are the perfect place to add a splash of color. Branch out and go for a rosy pink or brighter peach for a little more pop. Stick to powder during the warmer months. Cream blushes tend to smear in hot weather conditions.

Most importantly, protect that precious skin of yours just the same way you would your children. Use a light sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and look for ones that offer “broad spectrum.”

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