Use A Primer
I bet you're thinking: wear MORE makeup? This might sound crazy but you'll actually want to use an oil-free primer in addition to your foundation to keep your makeup from running. A makeup primer gives a base to the foundation. The base reduces creases in eyeshadow, keeps the richness of blush, and brings a smoothness to your skin (which gives an excellent canvas for your foundation!).
I recommend using a separate primer for the face and the eyes. For the face, Laura Mercier Primers work great because they are lightweight and don't irritate my skin. I have had excellent results when I use with the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. For the eyes, I recommend using Benefit Stay Don't Stray. This primer is amazing! Even after 12 hours I don't get any creases in my eyeshadow. When applying, use sparingly. Try to cover the whole lid close to the eyebrow and cover a little on the outside of the eye.
One primer I would stay away from is the Bareminerals Primer for the face and the primer for the eyes. It has caused my skin to become dry and irritated. Not to mention, I didn't notice any sort of benefits from using it. It was like I didn't even use a primer.
Use A Setting Powder/Translucent Powder
Powder will absorb extra moisture and oil on the face so it will keep your makeup looking matte. I recommend the Laura Mercier Translucent Pressed Powder because it is very light and stays on all day. In general, the Laura Mercier products are moderately priced but worth the difference. The Bareminerals Mineral Veil will work in a pinch. The only complaint I have is that my skin always felt very dry after I used it.
Use Waterproof Eye Makeup
I have combination skin so whenever I hear "waterproof" it kind of makes me nervous because most waterproof makeup can cause my skin to breakout. I have tried quite a few waterproof products and I get ZERO percent irruption and ZERO percent raccoon eyes when I use CoverGirl LashBlast Luxe in Black Platinum. I have used a lot of mascaras (Dior, Sephora, Chanel) and I always come back to this one. It's the best $8 I have ever spent on makeup!
Lips and cheek stains are another option if you feel that foundation and powder products are too heavy. I recommend Benefit's Cha Cha tint. Sephora describes it well: "This mango-tinted stain beautifully blushes lips and cheeks with a tropical sunset hue. Smooch-proof and smudge-proof, this sheer stain will have you looking deliciously sun-kissed for hours." I applied this tint to both my cheeks and lips and it lasted almost all day - it lasted after a couple cups of coffee in the morning, after a sandwich at lunch, and all the way through mid-afternoon. The color is very natural looking and it is really hard to mess it up when applying. It has a different consistency than the other Benefit tints.
Try Multitasking Products
Lips and cheek stains are another option if you feel that foundation and powder products are too heavy. I recommend Benefit's Cha Cha tint. Sephora describes it well: "This mango-tinted stain beautifully blushes lips and cheeks with a tropical sunset hue. Smooch-proof and smudge-proof, this sheer stain will have you looking deliciously sun-kissed for hours." I applied this tint to both my cheeks and lips and it lasted almost all day - it lasted after a couple cups of coffee in the morning, after a sandwich at lunch, and all the way through mid-afternoon. The color is very natural looking and it is really hard to mess it up when applying. It has a different consistency than the other Benefit tints.
Benefit's Benetint is WAY TOO red in my opinion. It's also very liquidy and difficult to blend.
Benefit's Posietint was OKAY but didn't really stand out as a product I would use over and over again. I felt like it was REALLY pink and slightly unnatural looking for everyday wear. Might be wearable to an evening event.
And always remember... wear sunscreen!
When in the sun this summer, remember it is totally important to take care of your skin. Make sure products you use have sunscreen in them. My Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer has SPF 20. The general recommendation is between SPF15 and SPF30.
Have fun!
Erica
