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How to Keep Your Makeup Shine-Free All Summer

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Marist chapter.

Summer is almost here and even though I am looking forward to beach days, the humid weather can make it difficult to keep my makeup shine-free. These makeup products are essential to use in the summer because they keep my makeup look perfect. In general, I also need to use lighter products in the summer so my foundation and concealer does not appear “cakey,” especially since I have oily skin. The secret is in priming and setting your makeup, so go enjoy the hot summer days; your makeup will support you!

1. Use a lighter moisturizer

Even if you use a lightweight foundation formula, if your moisturizer is heavier, it will make your face oily. I rotate between Perricone Preempt Moisturizer and Neutrogena Moisturizer for oily Skin (oil-free). Also do not assume that using a sunscreen moisturizer will be lighter because I learned this the hard way when I tried Neutrogena Healthy Defense Sunscreen Moisturizer, it was actually the worst moisturizer that I have used for my oily skin!

2. Primer before foundation 

Using a good primer is essential to keep your foundation locked in. I have been using Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer-Pore Minimizing for a long time and this is the best primer to use under every foundation formula. I also use Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blur Perfector that was released last year and I find that this works best under cream foundations because it keeps your skin oily free; however, it enhances the radiant finish of a cream foundation.

3. Use a lightweight foundation and/or apply with a foundation brush 

Throughout the year, I switch up the foundation I use depending on the season. This year alone I have used at least 7 different Chanel foundations. In the summer a lightweight foundation will still give a fuller coverage than a tinted moisturizer, the product will just last longer in the heat. A few of my favorites are Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Cream Compact or Ultra-light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup. I am currently using the cream compact and I am in love with the way it looks and feels on my skin, the radiant natural finish is gorgeous! If you prefer a matte finish I highly recommend Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet because it is a lightweight matte finish. Chanel is also launching Les Beiges Gel Touch Healthy Glow Foundation soon and I cannot wait to get my hands on this foundation!!

4. Set with powder using a powder puff 

Setting powder is a must to keep your foundation and concealer in place. However the trick is to use a powder puff instead of a brush because it will set your makeup and prevent oil for much longer than just brushing powder over foundation. This is a trick I learned from Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist, Mario, and is the secret to her flawless complexion.

5. Finish with a setting sunscreen mist 

My foundations have sunscreen in the formula, but additional sunscreen does not hurt. A setting mist will keep your makeup in place and can be used to freshen your makeup throughout the day. Supergoop has a great sunscreen setting mist that I highly recommend.

6. Touch-up as needed using oil blotting sheets 

Finally, use oil-blotting sheets to touch up throughout the day! Sephora has a great blotting sheet compact that has a mirror so it is perfect to stash in your purse.

Summer Blush Tip: 

I love using cream blush in the summer for a more radiant pigment. The trick to set the blush is to apply after you set your makeup with a powder using a powder puff. The powder under the cream formula sets the blush for the day! I just picked up the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Cream Stick Blush in N 20 and it is my new favorite blush! The formula is creamy and delivers a healthy natural radiant color to my cheeks! N 20 is a stunning natural blush that looks amazing with a tan! This blush also has the signature Les Beiges fragrance that I am hooked on! Bottom line: Beautiful color, Heavenly fragrance, Portable, this is a must have product from Chanel!