The Ultimate Summer Makeup

Hello again my lovely readers,

I recently came back from my vacation (I will be leaving in August as well), hence the lack of posts, and I had a blast. I finally got a tan, my hair color has lightened up a bit, and my hair's definitely gotten longer. I'm all about that beachy look. I also got the chance to master my summer makeup skills aka douse myself in highlighter or as people like to call it these days, strobe.

Although I feel fashion is more elegant in the Fall and Wintertime, I'm quite sure at this point that summer is the best season for makeup.

Summer makeup is just the best. It's effortless, it's natural and simple. I feel like we all look better in the summer. Part of it has to do with the fact that most of us get a tan and part of it has to do with the fact that we're stress-free and happy for the most part. We actually get to sleep a little more, be more active and take care of ourselves, which is a luxury we deprive ourselves of during the hectic winter days.

The other day I stumbled upon this blog, by makeup artist Ania Milczarczyk and I was simply blown away by the beauty in her work. That kind of makeup - which you can admire in the photos below- is the epitome of mesmerizing, summer beauty.

To get that look, you will need to get every component right by following the steps below:

EYES:

For me, the eyes are the best part. Either all matte or glossy, I feel like the eyes are the focus point of your makeup game in the summer. My warm-weather eye makeup consists of basically two looks: either a classic ombre warm smokey eye or a sparkly, bronzey lid. So I either go all matte or I max out the gloss.

For the perfect, sunset-inspired smokey eye the steps are simple: you will need at least three eyeshadows which belong in the same color group, preferably warm. I start out with a peachy, warm shade through the crease, follow with a darker, more rusty color on the lid and finish with a dark brown close to the lashline. Make sure to blend between steps, so the transition is smooth and there are not any harsh lines. With an angled brush, I use the darkest shade on the lower lashline, really close to the lashes, and I blend with the lightest shade on a fluffier brush. I like to also add a khol pencil (MAC's Teddy is what I prefer) close to the root of the top and bottom lashes and I finish everything off with plenty of coats of mascara and maybe a dab of shimmery eye shadow on the inner corner of the eye.

For the perfect bronzey glossy lid: Your best friends for this look, are a cream shadow and a glittery topper which imparts extra glow.  If you have the extra cash to spare, Tom Ford has come out with a stunning duo which includes a metallic mousse-y eyeshadow and a glittery eyeshadow topper to amp up the sparkle. There are great alternatives to be found chez le drugstore, such as Maybelline's "Bad To The Bronze" color tattoo, which I swear by. MAC's Luster finish eyeshadows are great add-ons to your cream shadows, "Retrospeck" being my personal favorite. Definitely check out Makeup Geek's "foiled" eyeshadows, as these are a powder and cream hybrid with an unseen-before formula that packs a ton of pigment and applies like a dream. The "Grandstand" shade from the line is your perfect summer copper.

The Ultimate Summer Makeup: Eyes by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

SKIN:

During summer, it's all about that gorgeous, bronzed, lit from within complexion. You can literally pop on a bit of bronzer and highlighter and be good to go.

To start it all off, you will need a primer. For me, Dior's Glow Maximizer is where it's at. I can wear it alone too, because it's that pretty. For people with more oily skin, you will need an oil-controlling base to keep your makeup in place. Make sure you have prepped the skin in advance, with the right cleanser and moisturizer so you have a smooth canvas to work with. Maybe give a face mask a go to give your complexion a little boost. Better skin equals better makeup.

For your foundation, go for less is more. The key here is to keep things light. You need a minimal amount of coverage. It doesn't matter if a couple of blemishes show through. Anything is better than that caked makeup, especially in the hot, humid summer weather. A tinted moisturizer or a light foundation should be enough (tip: lighten up your regular foundation or concealer with your moisturizer for your own custom-made tinted moisturizer). Spot-conceal the areas of your face where you feel you can use a bit of extra coverage with a thicker concealer (Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage comes to mind). You should be able to see your skin though through your base for the biggest portion.

Next up is bronzer. I'm definitely not the biggest fan of bronzer year round, I have learned to embrace the paleness. But it's a must during summer. If I'm going to wear anything in summer, it's bronzer.  I always go for the fairest option possible, even when I have a tan. I want my bronzer to look subtle and natural, as if it's my natural shading. Many brands have come out with interesting formulas, like the Hourglass Ambient Lighting bronzer which also gives a nice sheen or the newest Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion, with a gel-to-powder consistency which pretty much grants you a foolproof application with no risk of ending up like an oompa loompa.

As for blush, I like to go slightly darker than my Winter/Spring colours, since I have a tan. MAC's Mocha and Springsheen are two of my favorites because they're subtle enough and they work with many looks. Blush kinda takes a step back during summer, even though it's one of my favorite makeup products to wear, since the bronzing and highlighting take center stage.

And now for the best part part: the highlight! That glow literally gives me life. Pick your favorite powder or cream highlighter (options below) and sweep across cheekbones, temples, upper lip, inner corner of the eyes and even your chest and shoulders! A champagne-y shade which doesn't lean too cool or too warm is pretty much faultless. Of course paler and deep compexions should adjust accordingly (Becca's Pearl shimmering skin perfector is ideal for a very fair girl while The Balm's Betty-Lou Manizer is a great low-key option for a deep-skinned gal).

The Ultimate Summer Makeup: Skin by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

BROWS:

These days, it's all about dem brows. Gotta give special thanks to Cara Delevingne for that.

The perfect brow to go with your effortless, too-hot-to-care look, is soft, natural and full. Don't go overboard by squaring of the ends and painting them on. Use a nice ashy pencil or powder and gently stroke on the skin, don't press too hard. Use your spoolie brush in between too soften the result. Finish with a clear brow gel or alternatively, a bit of hairspray on your spoolie and comb the hairs upwards for a clean, polished look.

The Ultimate Summer Makeup: Eyebrows by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

LIPS:

Again, my summer lip options usually revolve around two looks: either a strong lip, with almost nothing else on the face or glossy, bare lips.

I do like a fiery red or even a wine hue in the summer because I feel it complements my tan and it looks more effortless and modern. Oddly, I feel a red in summer is more wearable because it can be "dressed down" more easily. Just skip on the typical winged liner and falsies for a fresher look.

On most days though, I like a nude lip with a balm-y finish. I don't care for a perfectly carved out lip, I just pop on either Dior's Lip Glow or Maybelline's Baby Lips in Peach Kiss and I'm out the door. Too easy.

The Ultimate Summer Makeup: Lips by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com