Makeup & Muses: Summer Lovin'

Can you believe it's August already? As we hold on to these precious last days of summer (the official first day of fall is Sept. 22!), it's good to be sure that we are truly taking care of our skin. I thought it would be fun to share the makeup regimen (and tips) of others, especially when it comes to keeping your skin looking healthy in the summer heat.

This is a guest post written by my friend Anna

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Now, I am by no means a makeup expert, but I often get asked how I kept my eyeliner from melting while swimming or how I keep my skin porcelain even while spending every day in the blistering Florida sun. So when my friend Cheryl (who also got me the modeling gig with Kathy LaDonna) asked me to write a guest blog about looking put-together in summer, I agreed.

Skin
We hear it all the time: Wear sunscreen! I’m 24, but I know it’s never too early to protect my skin. Besides burning easily, my skin is also very sensitive, which is why I moisturize with Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. Its SPF is 15 and it’s oil free so no pores are clogged and your face feels baby-smooth while also being protected.

Eyes
I’ve pretty much been broke my entire life, but about a year ago I bought my first makeup product from Sephora. I always tried to use cheaper eyeliner like Cover Girl, but even waterproof would raccoon-eyes after a long day. Then I heard about Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils. Heaven!! A pencil is about $18 at Sephora, but the eyeliner stays on all day, even through swimming. I wear “Bourbon” almost every day because a natural brown goes with almost everything.

Along the same lines of skin protection, I’ve recently been using Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes. It acts as a concealer for dark circles and an eye cream, as well as providing SPF 20. Under the eyes is the most sensitive area on the face. The skin is the thinnest and most susceptible to wear-and-tear, which translates to crow’s feet. That’s why it’s important to get some good SPF and eye cream on the regular.

I’ve also tried every cheap mascara trying to find a solution to my sad blond eyelashes. I was about to break down and buy Dior Black Out mascara when I finally discovered L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara. A tube is about $9 and the two-step application process lengthens lashes 80 percent. What I like about this mascara is that it doesn’t rub off. It will never melt in the heat or darken your undereye, but removing the mascara is easy as 1, 2, 3. All you do is splash some warm water on your face and gently pull at your lashes. Another great thing about this mascara is that it generally won’t come off if you’re swimming. Just make sure to keep from rubbing your eyes.

As for lips, my mentality is: Whatever I have in my purse is what I’m wearing. And when it comes to foundation and powder, I’ve never really used it. And I’m still searching for the perfect blush/bronzer. If any of you have the perfect summer-proof foundation or blush let the rest of us know!
♥

--Anna