Our new style expert offers tips for looking good in the heat. Part 2 of 2.
By Violetta Markelou
Photo by Violetta Markelou
Is it September yet? Nope. We still have quite a few days of Washington heat and humidity to endure, so the Summer Chic 911 post continues. Last time we talked fashion. This time, we tackle beauty. Here are my tried-and-true makeup, skincare and hair tips that will help you stay
gorgeous in the heat.
1. Moisturize
Great makeup begins with proper skincare. The smoother and more moisturized your skin, the more it becomes a perfect canvas for your “paint.” Is your moisturizer the same one you’ve been using since winter? You may want to lighten it up. Our pores enlarge with the heat and can become a trap for dirt and oil. Don’t bombard it with a heavy moisturizer and tons of foundation. For oily-to-combination skin try a mattifying lotion like Murad’s Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15. It’s formulated without synthetic dyes, fragrances, phthalates or parabens which is always a huge plus. For normal-to-dry skin, my go-to formula is Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair SPF 30 (available in drugstores). The lightweight lotion has Accelerated Retinol SA (a patented form of Vitamin A) that helps soften fine lines and wrinkles, brighten skin tone and protect with an SPF 30. I noticed my skin felt smoother and my complexion looked more even toned. After just a few days base went on smoother, and after a few weeks my complexion looked more even. Give it a whirl.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair (Photo Neutrogena.com)
2. Keep eye makeup simple and reapply translucent powder.
Prevent mascara from smudging under your eyes with a durable formula like Cover Girl’s LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara ($8.99, in drugstores). This mascara is fantastic. It stays put all day. Pat a little translucent powder underneath the eye for even more staying power for both your mascara and concealer. In addition, use this fantastic little retractable brush from Sephora to liberally reapply powder. But not before blotting first! Blotting sheets during hot weather are a girl’s best friend. Don’t leave home without them. My favorite beauty product is Makeup Forever’s HD translucent powder ($32). This advanced powder is so finely milled I call it “magic pixie dust.” It makes pores disappear. Liberally apply this all over your face for an all-day polished and shine-free look. And worry not — the translucent shade is perfect for all skin tones.
Cover Girl 24 Hour LashBlast Mascara (Photo courtesy Cover Girl)
Makeup Forever HD Powder (Photo courtesy Makeup Forever)
3. Skip full-coverage foundation.
Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer is a great choice. It’s loaded with antioxidants that purportedly help prevent future free radical damage, plus it protects with SPF 20. All of Laura’s products are silky smooth and these tints come in a large range of shades that cover most skin tones.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, $43 (Bloomingdales nationwide).
4. Try a long-wearing bright lipstick.
Who wants to fuss with lip liner or gloss when you’re busy wiping sweat from your forehead? Create a simple but polished look with a long-wearing matte or semi-matte lipstick in poppy. Let your lips be the star and skip eye shadow. Shape brows, dust cheeks with a little nude blush and apply tons of black mascara. This look is so elegant, everyone will think you spent tons of time getting ready, but it only takes five to ten minutes. I like Nars’ appropriately named “Heat Wave” lipstick. It’s a gorgeous coral shade that looks beautiful on pale-to-deep skin tones. The semi-matte finish is long wearing, sexy and fun. Nars Semi-Matte lipstick in “Heat Wave”, $24 (Bloomingdales nationwide).
Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in "Heat Wave," available at Bloomingdales (Photo Bloomingdales)
Photo by Yassine El Mansouri
Bonus: Hot Hair
Those of you with short hair are already winning the battle against the heat! For those with medium-length and long hair, try this easy “just took a dip in the pool” wet look. Apply L’Oréal Ever Style Alcohol Free Strong Hold Gel to hair from root to tip. Follow with a leave-in conditioner to keep hair soft and pliable. Gather hair and twist into a low-to-middle ponytail and then wrap into a bun. Keep it in place with U-shaped pins and let the ends stick out a little. (L’Oréal Ever Style Alcohol Free Strong Hold Gel, $6.99 drugstores nationwide).
Et voila! You’re ready to put your best face forward in any heat wave.
Violetta Markelou is a visual artist specializing in photography and makeup in Washington, D.C. When she’s not documenting the art of transformation with her camera, she spends her time uncovering high- and low-end fashion, jewelry and accessories in vintage and second-hand shops. She shares more of her style insights at her blog The Thrifty Fashionista and its Facebook group almost daily.
