Summer is the perfect time to head outdoors and soak up the sun, surf and sand.
It’s all about understated, natural beauty, but sometimes you just need a little help to get there.
These summer makeup hacks will give you the bronzed goddess vibe, without risking skin cancer for a sun-kiss or melting off your face as soon as you step outside.
Protect Your Skin
Everyone knows the importance of protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. It’s essential when preventing sun damage and fine lines.
Enter physical sunscreens; not only is Zinc Oxide a physical sunscreen which protects against UVA and UVB, it also ticks so many boxes for amping up skin health.
Synergie Skin’s ÜberZinc (SPF 15 and PA+++) (RRP $115) will protect from 93.3% of UVB rays, offering only 3.4% less protection from burning rays (UVB) than an SPF 30 sunscreen. It’s a luxe moisturiser with built-in UVA and UVB protection and is guaranteed to be safe for the skin! Win, win!
Its anti-inflammatory action and can reduce skin redness and healing so it’s ideal for sensitive skin. Zinc Oxide is also a go-to for acne sufferers with its antibacterial and oil controlling activity.
Recent clinical studies have shown that infrared damage is just as destructive to the skin as UV rays and is also a key contributor to photo-ageing. So, once you’ve done all your makeup, spray on Synergie Skin’s Enviroshield (RRP $89) to protect against pollutants and infrared damage.
A Strong Base
Choose a foundation that is designed to be long lasting but isn’t heavy. There is nothing worse than feeling like you are wearing a lot of makeup in summer, so choose something that is lightweight and buildable.
The Beauty Blender Bounce foundation (RRP $64) has a whipped liquid formula that glides onto the skin easily so it never looks cakey or fake- no matter how little or how much you layer on.
Set the Makeup In Place
Traditionally, when we think of setting makeup in place, we think of caking the face with powder. While this may reduce oil, it can also leave the skin looking dull and prevents your skin from breathing. Setting sprays are the summer alternative as they prevent the makeup from sliding around on the face whilst also re-invigorating the skin with a nice dew.
The Beauty Blender RE-DEW Set & Refresh Spray (RRP $45) adds luminosity, refreshes makeup and gives versatility to your existing makeup. This means you can use it on freshly applied makeup to set it or several hours later to refresh.
Tip: The superfine mist is an instant pick-me-up on a hot summer day to cool you down, whilst also re-igniting your glow.
Natural Nails
If you’re going for that ‘I woke up like this’ natural beauty look then you can’t go past a nude nail. Summer is the perfect opportunity to go neutral with a twist, with Smith & Cult Peaceful Paranoia (RRP $32). This dark creme polish has a subtle magenta sheen for a new take on the classic nude, and features a high shine, chip-resistant finish that evenly glides onto nails.
Body Shimmer
Nothing says ‘summer glow’ better than a nice body shimmer. The Napoleon Perdis Radiance- Booster Final Fix spray (RRP $39), whilst designed as a makeup setting spray also acts as a great body shimmer.
Spray it on your legs, arms and décolletage to look like you’re dripping in gold when you step into the light. The super fine mist is small enough that it doesn’t look like a glitter bomb has exploded all over you, but catches the light perfectly to give you a lit from within glow.
If you want an even bigger glow, check out Sally Hanson’s Airbrush Legs Illuminator (RRP $25). The hydrating formula blends easily and glides on smoothly and leaves legs looking slim, sleek, and elongated. Plus, it’s quick-drying, transfer-resistant and convenient with a quick rollerball application to roll on for sleeker-looking legs!