How to summer proof your make-up routine

When Summer arrives, we all want make-up that will last from dawn to dusk with the assurance that your make-up will stand the test of time, allowing you to enjoy every moment of summer bliss.

The hero make-up products listed below are, of course, moisturisers, primers, setting powders and sprays! These products can support you in creating a lightweight and breathable barrier from the heat, so that you can focus on having a fabulous summer day, rather than worrying about shine or if you need to refresh your face in the afternoon.

A great way to learn how to apply make-up is by visualising the shape of a 3-level pyramid.

Base level of the pyramid: Skin care

Skin care: make sure you use the right products for your skin type! Skincare is the most important thing to consider for a long lasting make-up look.

For normal to dry skin: Consider using a serum and moisturiser (even better if it has SPF to protect your skin from sun damage).

Product suggestions: Bioderma Hydrobio range, LaRoche PoseLa Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV Intense Moisturiser Legere or Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum.

For combination to oily skin: Prep with Bioderma Sebium range like Pore Refiner or Mat Control. They work wonders and keep the extra shine well away.

I’d also recommend using a primer, they are the secret weapon to ensuring your make-up lasts.

Product suggestions: Skin protector SPF 30 primer by ARK Skincare, Under Wear Future resist foundation Primer by Delilah and of course, Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch by Clarins – one of my go to primers.

Midlevel of the pyramid: Foundations and BB Creams

My favourite long lasting foundations and BB creams include;

• Fenty Beauty Pro Filter Soft Matte Longwear Foundation (buildable medium to full coverage).
• Oxy Foundation SPF 15 by Oxygenetix (this is amazingly smooth and has builable coverage).
• Everlasting Foundation + SPF 15 by Clarins.

My favourite BB creams are:

• Bare Minerals – Complexion Rescue SPF 30.
• IODERMA Sensibio AR BB Cream Anti-Redness Skin-Perfecting Care SPF30 (this is also great for skin prone to redness).

Top level of the pyramid: Powders and setting sprays

Powders I frequently recommend are:

First, the Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder by Charlotte Tilbury is one of the best finishing powders I have ever used and I cannot live without – it just seals in the make-up and fills in the pores, creating a wow effect on the skin. It does deliver flawlessness!

The second, the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a multi awarded lightweight loose powder that won’t feel like it’s on, but once applied you can rest assured that you do not need to reapply powder every 15 mins. It is a legend on the beauty market for a reason!

However, if you want to go all the way with setting your make-up, you do need to use setting spray.

They come in different formulations so you can get them also keeping in mind the kind of effect you want to create: one of my latest obsessions is the Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs & Rosewater by Mario Badescu – it is truly refreshing and works wonders if you want your make-up to look satiny and glowy, since this is a hydrating mist. Not to mention the heavenly rosy smell that instantly enhances your mood!

If you are all about matte and set make-up of course there are plenty of options on the market. The popular All Nighter for oily skin by Urban Decay is amazing and your makeup will literally last all day. If you spray it all over your face, eyes included, it will add an extra protective layer to your mascara so you can rest assured you won’t get those panda eyes we all fear and dread. A great alternative is The Setting Spray – Matte from NYX. Guaranteed shine-free gorgeous make-up.

Another spray in my pro kit is the Ben Nye Final Seal Matte Sealer. I highly recommend it whenever you want to look your best around the pool on a hot summer day. It’s water resistant, so be confident while wearing it and do make a splash around you!