My Current Summer Base

Between torrential rains and sticky humidity, I have largely been going foundation-free most days this summer. If I want to wear a base, it has to be as "-proof" (sweat, water, cakey, etc) as possible. For 2-3 months out of the year, I bring out this fail safe duo.

Enter a concealer + powder foundation routine. Before you cringe and click off, hear me out. This combination not only adequately covers my hyper pigmentation and redness, it also looks and feels very light on the skin.

As much as I love dewy, glowy skin, I don't find it practical for everyday summer wear. It has the tendency to make you look oily/sweaty and wears off in a few hours. If I want my base makeup to last, using a creamy but dense concealer like the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage and a powder foundation (here I have the discontinued Physician's Formula Healthy Wear powder) works beautifully. I just apply concealer where needed and then lightly buff in some powder with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush. Easy.

Do you have a favorite summer base? I am still interested in a tinted moisturizer (looking at you , Nars).

Side note: I was shocked at how quickly I reached pan on the left side of the Laura Mercier concealer. Anyone else experience this?

Recent Acquisitions

 With one week of my new internship down, a few small surprises greeted me in my mailbox.

Top: Laura Mercier foundation primer. L: The Balm Mary Lou Manizer R: MAC Immortal Flower

 The primer and highlight powder were actually obtained through a swap. I never really got into MUA swaps until recently. They are a great way to try new things without being wasteful. I have never had a negative experience either *knocks on wood*.

The MAC blush was recently repromoted in the All About Orange collection. It's a beautiful light true peach. I heard some people hated the texture from the original Tres Cheek collection, but mine is pretty pigmented and soft. Despite being light, it shows up easily and could definitely be built up. Been wearing it all week!

Note about the highlighter...it is stunning, lots of product but wow it is shimmery. This is not for the faint of highlighting hearts!

 

Have you picked up anything new lately?

May Favorites

We're 3 days into June, so no more procrastinating on my part. It's time to showcase the things I enjoyed in May.

  

 

Only a few makeup products this month, as it has been getting hotter and I prefer wearing less products on my face (it will sweat off anyway if I do...gross but true). First up is the Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge Concealer. I picked up this cult favorite during the Sephora VIB sale and have been loving it ever since. With two different tones of yellow and neutral/slightly pink, I can mix them to get my perfect shade. It is one of those products with a learning curve however; it is very dry at first so you must warm it up (I use a hairdryer). I find this works even on blemishes, and the formula lasts all day. My shade is SC-3.

Sorry it's a little rough looking!

The next thing I loved last month was the NYX lipliner in Natural. I never used to enjoy lipliners (honestly they remind me of my sisters in the 90s with the brown lip outlines...*shudders*) but this one is really nice to give slight definition. Next is another drugstore favorite, the Prestige Total Intensity Eyeliner in Intense Olive. A long unnecessary name but not the worst I've heard. These eyeliners are nothing short of amazing. They are creamy, extremely pigmented and give you time to smudge out but then set for hours. I especially love this dark olive shimmery shade on my brown eyes. Oh and they retail for $5.95. Last makeup product is the Nars Illuminator in Orgasm. I got this as a Sephora 100 point perk a long time ago and just started using it this spring. This is a really nice subtle highlighting liquid. It has a pink base with gold shimmer and somehow looks really natural for a dewy summer face.

Swatches L - R: Prestige Intense Olive, NYX Natural, Nars Orgasm

I saved my favorite favorites for last...skincare!

On the left is the Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid-Lotion Suncreen SPF 30. Like most consumers, facial sunscreen leaves me feeling greasy and smelly - but not this one. It has a very viscous texture, making it easy to blend in. The "break-out free" claim is true too, at least for me. This is impressive as most sunscreens do break out my sensitive acne-prone skin. I've enjoyed Neutrogena as an overall brand for years, so this is another thumps up from me. In the middle looking very puny in comparison is Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse oil. I did a whole post dedicated to this so I will link it here if you're interested. Lastly we have an old summer staple for me, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer in Medium to Tan. Every year I wonder if another brand will knock Jergens off their gradual tan throne. This stuff just...works. Gives a gradual tan, moisturizes well and doesn't smell too bad. What more could you want? I use the medium to tan version because the lighter one comes off orangey on me (the worst type of self tan result).

What have you been loving lately? I hope everyone in the Northern Hemisphere is enjoying the start of summer (sorry Australians).

MAC Bronze

The majority of my MAC eyeshadow collection is housed in a 12 pan palette, but I do have a few pots lying around. I decided to showcase a few of my favorites.

MAC Bronze eyeshadow

In the swatch, Bronze to my eye looks like a true bronze gold shade; not too warm nor too cool. It definitely has a brown base with some orange thrown in.

On the eye, Bronze's orange undertones do shine through more, however this is most noticeable at this time for year for my paler skintone. Personally, I would wear Bronze all year round, but I am sure it looks especially stunning in summer when I am darker.

An oldie but a goodie, I am happy to have Bronze in my collection. Although there are most certainly dupes on the market, it's one of those shades that I love against my brown eyes, and definitely consider a staple. When I want a more toned down version, this looks great diffused in the crease and/or outer corner with something complimentary like Patina on the lid.

Are there any shades that you always come back to? I'd love to know more suggestions for spring/summer which is slowly but surely approaching. x

A Simple Summer Face

Despite my complaints, mother nature has continued to gift us yet another heatwave this summer. This naturally ties into my makeup, and I've opted for lighter bases, a touch of blush, and focus on the lashes. That luminosity you see...that's all natural. It's summer, I doubt I'm alone!

Face:

Garnier Roller Ball

MAC Studio Finish Concealer NW20

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Real Sand

MAC Melba

Eyes:

MAC Quarry e/s to line

L'oreal False Fiber Lashes (waterproof)

Lips:

MAC Cremecup

Are you into minimal makeup lately?