Summer Beauty Essentials For the Glowy (Not Sweaty) Look
School’s Out, Summer’s Here…And So Is The Heat.
Summer is FINALLY here today and if you’re like me, you dread the heat because of all the havoc it wreaks on your makeup and skin. From the unwanted sweat to the heat rash…summer weather simply isn’t the best for us beauty lovers who can’t resist a full beat, but also like being comfortable.
First, I would simply like to mention how much my skin does NOT appreciate extremely hot temperatures. I suffer from eczema and heat is one of the factors that triggers a flare up. For that reason, I try to ensure my skin is as cool as possible when I am out. So, here are some products I rounded up to keep us all cool, hydrated, glowy, and refreshed this summer!
Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater
This retails for $7 at Ulta for the 4oz, which is enough to last me for 2 months of heavy spraying.
Hydrating? Check.
Refreshing? Check.
Cooling? Check.
Smells delicious? Check.
Yes To Cucumbers Cooling and Hydrating Mist
This facial mist is *literally* intended to cool and hydrate. From my experience? It does exactly what the name claims. It comes with 5.2 fluid ounces which last for about 3 months. My only complaint with this is that it can feel a little bit sticky, which is uncomfortable on top of makeup. I prefer to use this on days I am not wearing any makeup, or wearing super light makeup.
Nip and Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme
These pads contain glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids — the Holy Grails for a clear and glowy complexion. I’ve seen a drastic improvement in my hormonal acne while using these as well as the gradual fading of my dark spots. They exfoliate the skin very well and are gentle enough to be used daily.
Formula 10.0.6 So Totally Clean Deep Pore Cleanser
If you’re as sweat prone as I am, acne is, unfortunately, one of the skin concerns I always have to take extra precautions to prevent. Summer heat leads to sweat and sweat leads to acne, which you can help prevent with this product. It has salicylic acid, a tried-and-true pore declogger (yes, I just made that word up), which makes it a must-have for all acne prone skin types. Woohoo to clear skin!
Little goes a long way with this; the 6.75 fluid ounces will last you 3-4 months.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with SPF 15
I rave about this hydrator ALL THE TIME. Why? Because it is Queen of all drugstore moisturizers. It is light on the skin and wears great under makeup. Also, it has hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated, plump, and glowing! How can you not have this in your summer beauty bag?!
Neutrogena also offers a version without SPF 15, but you all know how I feel about wearing SPF daily. It’s a must!
Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist
Setting sprays with SPF are starting to get the publicity they deserve. If you’re an avid makeup wearer like I am and also prioritize protecting your skin, balancing the two can be difficult. How am I supposed to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if I have a full beat on?! Supergoop! has you covered with their setting spray that contains SPF 50. This spray leaves your face feeling refreshed in the heat.
Now let’s move on to summer makeup essentials!
Due to my oily skin type, majority of the products I recommend will be targeted towards oily skin types. But, I do have plenty of gems for drier skin types, too.
L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation
This foundation has been my ride or die since it launched a couple of years ago. It offers the perfect coverage, is super breathable, and wears well in any weather. What more can you ask for in a foundation? Actually, there is ONE thing…can L’Oreal work on expanding their shade range for this?!
It claims to last for 24 hours (which I don’t understand why anyone would wear foundation for that long), but the longest it has lasted for me is 12 hours. Around the 6th-7th hour, my oils may start peeking through a little but my skin care routine has everything to do with whether this happens or not.
It comes in a 1-ounce squeezable tube that is perfect for preventing wasted foundation.
L’Oreal Infallible Pro Glow Foundation
Although I do not use this on a consistent basis like I do the pro matte, I would still recommend it for drier skin types. Similar to the pro matte, it offers a breathable wear, SPF 15, and medium (buildable) coverage. It is perfect if you are obsessed with the glowing-from-within look!
This has the same amount of product and packaging as it’s predecessor.
Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Perfecting Primer
Another holy grail for oily skin types! I reviewed this primer a while back, and my thoughts on it stand the same. You are guaranteed a flawless, oil-free wear with this. But, many people are discouraged when they try this because they claim it does not work or it clumps up. My suggestion? Learn how to use it for your skin type.
This is NOT a primer that can just be slathered on. The best way to use it is to apply some to the back of your hand and allow it to warm up, then PAT it into your skin specifically focusing on your problem areas.
Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder
Powders are CRUCIAL in keeping sweat and oils at bay. This is my absolute favorite under eye setting powder for 2 reasons: it does not allow creasing and it does not produce a flashback when blended well. If you have dry skin, try to avoid applying this where there are any dry patches as it will stick to them.
This retails for $2o on Amazon and has lasted me over a year now.
Skindinavia Bridal Setting Spray
The MVP of setting sprays. It is meant for brides so, therefore, it REALLY works to ensure your makeup stays in place through heat and sweat — or, tears. It is a heavy duty setting spray and is really only necessary if you are wearing a full coverage look that you need to last throughout any condition.
NYX Multitasker Mixing Medium
Did you know your eyes actually have NO oil glands? So when your eyeshadow is creasing, this is a result of the sweat glands in your eyes and not your eyelids being oily (they literally cannot get oily). If you have hooded eyes, this mixing medium is a Godsend. It completely prevents your eyeshadow from creasing or transferring even when your eyelids had other plans in mind.
UPDATE:
The dermatologist I spoke to regarding eyelids not having oil glands, was actually wrong. Thankfully, I have a new dermatologist who does NOT give me misinformation, unlike my previous one. Eyelids do indeed have oil glands near the lash line called meibomian glands that secrete oils to keep your eyes lubricated. My review on this product does not change, even with this new information. It is still the best, affordable product out there for keeping your eyeshadow in place. I apologize for the misinformation!
That’s it for my summer beauty essentials! Let me know what yours are.
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Amivi
Gonna buy 95% of things on this list lol. I love what you've been doing with your site, since it's summer I shall have more time to stalk and read :D
Lily Njoroge
Thank you for reading!! <3 Let me know how these products work for you!
Christy Peeples DuBois
I just discovered your blog and am enjoying all of this beneficial information. I do have one question though. On the eyelids Getty oily subject, so you are saying what exactly? That when my eyelids are oily looking that it is sweat? Even when it's cold and I'm not sweating? I am trying to learn, I am not in any way questioning your information. Just wanted to say that up front. Thanks so much for your time and I am going to subscribe now.
Lily Njoroge
Hello Christy! I first want to say thank you for visiting my blog! I truly appreciate it and hope to interact with you more. Secondly, I am glad you brought this up because I am currently in the process of editing this post, specifically that part. I was told by my previous dermatologist (the irony) that eyelids do not get oily, they only get sweaty. My new dermatologist told me the exact opposite that eyelids actually contain oil glands near the lashes known as the meibomian gland.These secrete oils to lubricate the eye and prevent dry eyes. Sometimes the secretions can be excessive due to hormones or other factors such as harsh products around the eye area, and this can cause the glands to go into overdrive and produce oil. You are absolutely correct that your eyelids DO get oily and I truly apologize for the misinformation. Thank you for commenting!!