How to gradually change your makeup for Summer

[satindesire]

Natural looking makeup, as we all know, is the best looking makeup. While it is fun to play with exciting eyeshadow and lipstick colors, there are things on our face that work the best when they go unnoticed, such as foundation, concealer and rouge.

Millions of women agonize over what their perfect shade of foundation is, and literally spend hundreds of dollars trying to find that EXACT color match that blends well, covers imperfections, and looks great. But once they do find one, so many of us soon realize, to our horror, that our faces aren't exactly always the same color year round!

A lot of us girls don't wear as much sunscreen as we should, and we find that our lighter-shaded Winter appropriate foundation just doesn't match anymore as we get that extra summer sun!

Well, what's a lady to do? Go out and buy an entire new shade of foundation? Go through the hell and torment of trying brand after brand and shade after shade only to stop using that color once the leaves start to change again?!

Not necessarily!

If you use a liquid foundation (shame on you!) then one of the best ways to 'deepen' the color of your foundation is to use a liquid bronzer, such as Bonnie Bell Gel Bronze, and mix the two together to get your desired shade. Another great liquid bronzer is Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% natural Origin liquid Bronzer, PLUS it comes in different shades for your own specific skin color!

http://www.bonnebell.com/gelbronze.html
http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/organic-wear/02253.html

This may take some tweaking until you get the shade perfect, but don't be afraid to experiment! You don't want to be too dark or too light, so making small test samples of color until you get your correct ratio of bronzer to foundation will be worth your time!

To my mineral-foundation ladies (yay!)! Mineral foundation can be pricey, and once we find that perfect shade, it's hard to give up. Even with it's ability to blend seamlessly into our skin, once we get that summer va-cay tan, a new color is just necessary. You -can- use a liquid bronzer on top of the foundation, but for the most natural look, I suggest a powder form.

Clinique has a fantastic bronzer powder, True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer, but it's rather dark so very fair women should use something along the lines of Bonnie Brown Bronzing Powder, because it has multiple shades to choose from, and the lightest shade of tan is perfect for us porcelain girls!

http://www.clinique.com/templates/p...&CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY4906&PRODUCT_ID=PROD7603
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/...&CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY2695&PRODUCT_ID=PROD1154

You can either crush a small amount of the bronzer and add it to your powder minerals, or apply after your foundation with a separate brush. Sweep it sparingly over your entire face, neck and ears, and take a small amount down onto your shoulders and decolletage if you're wearing a top that bares a bit of skin.

No matter what kind of foundation you use, be sure to always apply in natural light, because the yellow or white light bulbs that are in most of our houses cast a color on our face that change what the foundation looks like.

Another great way to transfer from winter to summer makeup is to use slip-resistant eyeshadows and cheek colors that won't drip or wear off due to humidity or perspiration.

Cheek stains can be hard to master for the inexperienced, so practice and patience is critical, but once you have the eye for application a cheek stain can even last through swimming or gym time!

Sephora makes the absolute BEST cheek stain I've ever used, called Tarte. It's eco-friendly, inexpensive for how long the product will last, and the colors look great on almost everyone!

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P38468

For true budget shoppers, The Body Shop has a great product that is only 14 bucks, and it doubles as a lip stain as well! It's called The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain.

http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/body...jsp?categoryId=cat30034&productId=prod4870018

Summer isn't the time for those ooey-gooey soft and fluffy cream eyeshadows anymore...in this heat, it's time to get hardcore! If you're in love with your eyeshadow colors already and just can't imagine buying any more, or even if you're just looking to make those colors last all day and night, an eyelid primer will be your best friend in these hot upcoming months.

Mac's Bare Canvas Paint is one of the best eyelid primers I've seen. It's a neutral Caucasoid-skin color, so women of color should try a darker or a translucent shade like Bare Escentuals barevitamins Eyelid Primer, which is just as good as Bare Canvas Paint!

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product...CT_ID=344&SKU_ID=1370&QUERY=bare canvas paint
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P198218&searchString=barevitamins eyelid

Any questions or comments, or added experiences are welcome!

More great summer makeup tips coming soon!

 

[Cathleen]

I have never agonized, gone thru hell and torment or gone into debt over makeup. I guess I'm not one of the millions.

I'm a less is more, keep it simple, don't kill your skin covering it with crap so it can't breathe kind of girl. When I find a lipstick I like I buy a few, same with an eye pencil etc. If it takes me more than 3-5 minutes to apply my makeup then I'm doing something wrong. I suppose I'm lazy.

 

[KellysCrack]

I have never agonized, gone thru hell and torment or gone into debt over makeup. I guess I'm not one of the millions.

I'm a less is more, keep it simple, don't kill your skin covering it with crap so it can't breathe kind of girl. When I find a lipstick I like I buy a few, same with an eye pencil etc. If it takes me more than 3-5 minutes to apply my makeup then I'm doing something wrong. I suppose I'm lazy.

I'm with you brush it on quick...dab on some extended wear lip color top it off with mascara and I am done.

Two kids, two dogs, and a spouse to get ready in the mornings means I need all time I can get...ha-ha

 

[sweet_escape]

My makeup's very basic: foundation, mascara and lip gloss. If I add any more to that routine, it becomes just another chore. When I'm going out for the evening I put more effort in, though.

 

[daintyfemme]

I wear primer, powder, blush and mascara
and lipgloss

but I love playing with eye shadows

 

[satindesire]

The hottest summer makeup and beauty secret for the pampered princess?

Real, honest to God 24k gold in makeup.

Shannon Nelson of Benefit Cosmetics fame states:

"Along with their Silky Finish Lipstick, Benefit sent me their 24K Gold Lip Gloss to take for a spin. Metallics are in they say, and I am all about the gloss–what a perfect combination!

The gloss itself is sheer with tons of specs of gold. Worn alone, your lips sparkle, worn over your favorite lipstick, it adds another dimension of color."

http://www.splendicity.com/makeupminute/benefit-cosmetics-24k-gold-lip-gloss/

Bronzers, face powders, foundations, and even real 24k gold leaf facials are the smoking trends on catwalks, streets and massage tables!

"Jane iredale Sunbeam is a rich quad of shades ranging from pink to copper, designed to be used individually on eyes, cheeks or lips or as an all over highlighter. This subtle, yet sophisticated combination brightens up any complexion and the gentle, sexy shimmer comes from real flakes of 24-karat gold."

http://www.beautybible.co.nz/makeup/jane-iredale-sunbeam-24k-gold-quad-bronzer.html

The Beauty Blabber website states that gold facials actually:

"...helps against inflammation, reduces wrinkles and lines, lightens, brightens and hydrates the skin leaving it firmer. It will also leave you with a golden tone that lasts for 28 days."

http://beautyblabber.com/?p=1016

The spoilt among us take heart! There ARE bigger and better things out there, waiting to pamper us at our favorite Department stores and Spas! Get your 24 karat gold makeup and facials and be decked out like the Hollywood Elite!

 

[VelvetDarkness]

Wow. I am actually starting to consider myself fortunate. I am a natural born goth and I have just one product in the summer.

Factor 30. Oh... and factor 30 lipbalm.

That. Is. It.

Unless I'm going out in the evening, in which case I'll wear make up but my skintone doesn't change at all. If I try tanning I just go red, then white again and gain a few freckles.

http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/missinghalo244/Icons/Quotes/th_PaleIsTheNewTan.jpg

 

[satindesire]

I'm sure you ladies are all lovely and sweet and awesome, but I truly made this thread for serious makeup lovers, and girls who choose to wear makeup instead of 'being natural'. If you don't like makeup, don't wear it, don't love it and live it, then please feel free to just ignore my silly little thread and not pay another drop of attention to it at all!

 

[daintyfemme]

I've been trying to learn how to put bronzer without looking like going to carnaval..

wwell, Im asian so Im naturally tan.
any tips?

 

[satindesire]

I've been trying to learn how to put bronzer without looking like going to carnaval..

wwell, Im asian so Im naturally tan.
any tips?

Absolutely!

Choosing the right shade is positively the most important thing you can do. Since you are Asian, I'm assuming you have a golden, olive-y or yellow skin tone that is very warm, whether you are dark or light you need to find a bronzer that isn't brown, too blue, or too red.

A good rule of thumb when applying colors that are supposed to mimic a tan, or a rouge, is to look at the palm of your hand as a guide. If the palm of your hand (where the skin is very thin and transluscent) is yellowish, then stick with golden or yellow bronzers. If you have a lot of pink in your skin, a pinker bronzer will work great! Same with blue, or neutral skin tones.

Shop around! There are literally a hundred places on the internet you can guy makeup, and ebay is actually a fantastic place to get small sample-sized makeup of all brands for you to 'try before you buy'.

"Estée Lauder 'Bronze Goddess' Soft Shimmer Bronzer" is a very warm yellow-y bronzer that might work well for your skin tone., if you're fair. If you're dark, go with something like "Jane Oil Free Powder Oil-Free Bronzing Powder, in Sunkissed Bronze".

When applying bronzer, make sure you have a really clean brush that you don't use for anything OTHER than bronzer. You don't want any rouge in your brush or any highlighting powder, etc, so keep that brush for bronzer only unless you plan on shampooing it!

Apply SPARINGLY, and I do mean sparingly, over your entire exposed skin, including the neck and ears, and gradually layer on very thin layers of powder over areas you want to be markedly darker such as the tops of your cheekbones, your nose, and the very top of your forehead (where the sun would strike the highest points of your face).

With another completely clean brush (or a brush you use for face powder only, NO rouge or highlighting powder!) dust off the excess. The key is to look barely sunkissed, not 2-or-more shades darker!

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions, I'm happy to help!

 

[daintyfemme]

I've been told about warm and cool undertone yet I always forget them

I wear MAC NC25. If that can help.
I have Milani bronzer at home. I will try it and will let you know the result

Thanks alot...
I will surely come and ask a lot here

 

[satindesire]

I've been told about warm and cool undertone yet I always forget them

It's very easy to forget! Not really a part of our lives that we devote a lot of time and energy thinking about, honestly. ^_^

I wear MAC NC25. If that can help.
I have Milani bronzer at home. I will try it and will let you know the result

Thanks alot...
I will surely come and ask a lot here

Yes! That does help a lot, thank you!

So I can tell by the color of the foundation that you're quite deeply shaded, with a strong warm yellow undertone. Bronzer should look amazing on you, providing you pick the right shade and use it with a judicious hand.

I can't wait to hear your report!!

 

[daintyfemme]

I think I have to wash the brush first

But I have 2 powder brush..
can I use them? I guarantee there is no rouge or pink or whatever color in them

 

[satindesire]

I think I have to wash the brush first

But I have 2 powder brush..
can I use them? I guarantee there is no rouge or pink or whatever color in them

Absolutely, and use the largest brush you have out of the two. If you're sure they're clean it should be absolutely fine!!

 

[satindesire]

*snip*

Oh and because people hear the word 'vegetable dye' they tend to think it's an easy process and try to do it themselves...but don't...

Thank you WDoll!

And yes, absolutely, under no circumstances should anyone ever try and dye their own lashes, or use box-kit drugstore hair dye to dye their brows or lashes at home.

 

[bailadora]

SD:

have you ever used PF's bronzers? I'm thinking about one of these. I'm a lighter skinned gal and I know you recommended the Bobbie Brown bronzer, but I have a hard time paying that much for cosmetics b/c of the 6 months rule. I know I'd never use it all in time and then I'd be pissed about all the extra $ out the door.

 

[Noor]

sometimes I add mineral makeup on top of tinted moisturizer if I have to wear makeup. I don't do the whole tanning thing so my skin color doesn't change.
Mainly the weight of my sunscreen gets lighter for summer and the spf goes up.

Years ago I would sometimes use Guerlain's dore bronzer in the summer and metorites in the winter, but I no longer live in that world. If I can get sunscreen on my hands and face in the morning these days, I consider myself ahead.

If I were wearing makeup, I would probably just increase my bronzer as we head into summer and lighten my lipstick. I tend to look at the designer catwalks to see overall trends, like metallics and stuff. I would also add one summer trend.

 

[satindesire]

SD:

have you ever used PF's bronzers? I'm thinking about one of these. I'm a lighter skinned gal and I know you recommended the Bobbie Brown bronzer, but I have a hard time paying that much for cosmetics b/c of the 6 months rule. I know I'd never use it all in time and then I'd be pissed about all the extra $ out the door.

Oh yes! I absolutely love PF, and it's easily accessible to the budget hound in me. I use their Mineral Wear face powder all the time, ( http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/loose-powder/03835.html )and I certainly use the Mineral Veil bronzer in the summer!

PF bronzers are one of the most user-friendly products I've used, their very forgiving in color because of the talc-free nature of their formula. Talc makes me itch and break out (I think I may be allergic?).

sometimes I add mineral makeup on top of tinted moisturizer if I have to wear makeup. I don't do the whole tanning thing so my skin color doesn't change.
Mainly the weight of my sunscreen gets lighter for summer and the spf goes up.

Years ago I would sometimes use Guerlain's dore bronzer in the summer and metorites in the winter, but I no longer live in that world. If I can get sunscreen on my hands and face in the morning these days, I consider myself ahead.

If I were wearing makeup, I would probably just increase my bronzer as we head into summer and lighten my lipstick. I tend to look at the designer catwalks to see overall trends, like metallics and stuff. I would also add one summer trend.

My moisturizer and my mineral foundation both has SPF in it, so no matter if I'm wearing makeup or not I'm still getting sun protection...I'd like to keep from having to resort to plastic surgery as long as possible, and I know the only way to do that is to take good care of my skin NOW. ^_^ I'm so glad to hear you wear SPF, so many women just don't, and that's a damn shame!

I don't notice a serious change in my skin color unless I faux-tan, which I do in the spring and summer religiously, so I break out the bronzer.

 

[fire_breeze]

Great thread... I have to get a new foundation anyway, so this is an added bonus!

Thank you

 

[VelvetDarkness]

I'm sure you ladies are all lovely and sweet and awesome, but I truly made this thread for serious makeup lovers, and girls who choose to wear makeup instead of 'being natural'. If you don't like makeup, don't wear it, don't love it and live it, then please feel free to just ignore my silly little thread and not pay another drop of attention to it at all!

OK, I'll consider my wrist slapped.

As a slight tangent, I'm fine with applying neutral makeup but I have problems making it appear vampy and smokey without looking over-done. I am (almost) 30 and because I'm petite with a baby face, I still get asked for I.D. here for alcohol etc everywhere I go (drinking age is 18 and I also get asked when I buy lottery tickets, for which the minimum age is 16 *sigh*). I'm not boasting or exaggerating, it's really a lot more annoying than it sounds.

Since I left nursing and set up my own business as a cafe owner people constantly assume I'm a teenage waitress rather than the proprietress. I've tried looking more put together and sophisticated but more often than not, I look like I've raided my mum's wardrobe.

How do I apply bolder colours without looking like I'm trying too hard? Also, eyeliner. I have never managed to apply it. Either it's imperceptible or I look like a panda's lovechild. I have the added challenge that I'm blind in one eye so I can see what I'm applying to my right eye but have to guess with the left and hope that it matches.

ETA: I'm sorry. This is not what your thread is about. Perhaps you would be kind enough drop me a pm?

I promise to behave... I really will.



I'm leaving the thread... see me leaving?

 

[satindesire]

Great thread... I have to get a new foundation anyway, so this is an added bonus!

Thank you

You are SO welcome sweetheart!

How do I apply bolder colours without looking like I'm trying too hard? Also, eyeliner. I have never managed to apply it. Either it's imperceptible or I look like a panda's lovechild. I have the added challenge that I'm blind in one eye so I can see what I'm applying to my right eye but have to guess with the left and hope that it matches.

Aw, hon, please don't take offense. I just wanted to make sure that the thread wasn't too cluttered up with stuff like "I don't wear makeup", you know? What's the point of coming into a makeup thread if you don't wear lots of makeup, right?

Petite baby faces can be hard to cosmetic. Honestly, I could help you better if I knew what you looked like. Are you protecting your identity/keeping your 'real' self secret? Or can you send me a picture of your face? You can email or PM me a link, I swear I won't share/save/copy-paste it anywhere!

 

[daintyfemme]

I tried some Mineral Make Ups. Ciel, Bare Minerals and Alima. Lasty I tried MAC Mineralize Skin Finish
The thing I hate most of MMu is that they don't last long. So I come back to my MAC Studio Fix

 

[Cattypuss]

I tried some Mineral Make Ups. Ciel, Bare Minerals and Alima. Lasty I tried MAC Mineralize Skin Finish
The thing I hate most of MMu is that they don't last long. So I come back to my MAC Studio Fix

I wear Bare Escentuals mineral makeup. Honestly, it lasts MUCH longer than any liquid foundation I've ever used. I love it and will never use any other brand (unles they go bust lol).

 

[kittyroissy]

Well, I love makeup. I'm I'm still using an old MAC bronzer I've got, and I like mixing moisturiser with this Stila liquid shimmer thing I got way back when. It gives a good glow. And Benefit Georgia! I'm brown and can't use it as a blush but it's a great peach-tinted all over powder.

x

 

[Luna_Bella]

I great trick too, is to dilute you foundation with a little moisturizer or even water, it makes it more sheer so that the colour of you skin still shows through (of course if you use foundation for coverage(acne etc this is not your best option),

as for cheek stain , I naturally tend to have rose cheeks in the summer so I don't use any, but I do use a little bit of shimmery white eye shadow/highlighter on top of my cheek bone, it gives me a nice and fresh look.

I agree with you Satin gold in lipgloss is great!! it gives a nice sparkle. but as for any gloss you have to re-apply often!!

as for staying power, for a very reasonable price (10$ or so) The Maybelline long lasting lip colour is the best I have tried, the only thing is that you have to keep it fairly moist with the top coat that come with it or any lipbalm you like or even just by licking your lips
and it comes and wide variety of shades