The weather is finally getting warmer, and we all know what that means. Behind the oncoming summer vacation, the smell of suntan lotion, and the sweet taste of frozen lemonade hides every makeup-sporting girl’s worst nightmare: the threat of frizzy hair, sunburn that makes you look like a lobster, and melting makeup in response to the heat and humidity. After years of experience going to the beach with a face full of makeup, I have figured out the best products that are long-lasting and resilient even on the sweatiest of summer days.
1. Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soothers, $7.79, Walgreens These Lip Soothers live up to their name. Infused with Neutrogena’s unique Hydragel, the gloss creates a cooling sensation as soon as it touches your lips. Ideal for a scorching day in the sun! Most importantly, the gloss has SPF 20 so that you can avoid that nasty sunburn on your lips (yes, that’s a thing).
2. Wet ’n Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner, $2.99, Walgreens As usual, Wet ’n Wild proves that lower price products aren’t always lower in quality. I bought this eyeliner as a cheaper alternative to the Sephora Colorful Waterproof Eyeliner, and was delighted to find it works even better! This eyeliner will last through thick and thin. Even after swimming, I still had perfectly even wings with minimal smudging. The only downside is that the liner is so long-lasting that it is somewhat difficult to remove with your everyday face wash. You might need to pick up some makeup wipes while you’re at Walgreens.
3. Bare Minerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $28.00, Sephora This foundation not only provides amazing coverage, but also includes a fair amount of SPF to protect you during your sun tanning sessions (but don’t forget to put sunblock everywhere else too!). Its light, powder formula is preferable to a heavy, greasy foundation in the summertime. Wear sunblock under this foundation, if you burn easily, for added protection, and swipe on every few hours.
4. Urban Decay De-slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray, $30.00, Sephora Spritz this oil-preventing spray all over as your final step to your regular makeup routine. It helps keep makeup from smudging or dripping, and doesn’t just control oil production on your face, but eliminates it. A few well-distributed sprays will do the job, and will keep your face matte even in high heat.
5. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum, Extra Strength Formula, $7.99, drugstore.com Although not technically a makeup product, this hair solution is a miracle worker for anyone, like myself, who gets increasing flyways and a halo of frizz when the temperature is upwards of 70. Let’s all worship John Frieda as a god, because with just a pump, hair is instantly protected in extreme humidity. Thank you, Mr. Frieda, for keeping me from looking like Mia Thermopolis.
Before you head off on your summer adventures, make sure that your makeup bag is packed with whatever creams, oils, sprays, or other products that will keep you looking fresh and ready for the season. Try some of my favorite products to keep you from being burned in the scorching sun and that make sure your makeup and hair lasts from sunup to sundown. See if they work for you!