JOIN USSummer is a time for bright colours, fun dresses, playful shades, and untied tresses! You can add more to your look by applying some make-up. Summer, however, tends to make that a difficult proposition. But, we have some hacks to protect you from the harsh weather!
* Always moisturise: Moisturising is crucial to any skincare routine. Sweating unblocks pores and drains all the moisture from the skin. Slathering on a good amount of moisturising cream or lotion after bath works well.
* Use a primer: A primer is the best way to prepare and even out your skin tone and texture. In summers, a primer can combat shiny and oily skin without giving your face a caked on look. It doesn't block pores and allows the skin to breathe, which is specially important in this weather.
* Change your foundation: Cream-based foundations work well in other seasons, but not in summers. Apply powder on top of the primer and foundation. This will help the foundation last longer, and prevent your make-up from matting up, as you go about your day.
* Use fewer products: No matter what make-up elements you decide to put on, try to keep them as few as possible to avoid frequent touch-ups.
* Ditch the shimmer: No matter what make-up you put on, your skin will sweat in summer, giving you an oily shine. Avoid putting on make-up with glitter, as it may make you look a little too shiny.
* Avoid deep colours: Summer is the right season for light, bright colours or nude shades. Darker colours attract more heat and they do not flatter the shape or volume of your face in the summer. Deep, rich colours are best reserved for colder climes.
* All in the eyes: Applying eyeshadow on top of foundation, or on naked eyelids in the summer, makes it mat up and start coming off at the creases. Apply an eye primer evenly onto the eyelids first. This allows the eyeshadow to stay in place for a longer time.
* Switch the blush: You can switch to using gel blushes and stains instead of powder blushes for the summer. Top it off with a light smattering of setting powder that will ensure that your skin doesn't shine.
* Blot every time: Don't forget to carry a blotting paper or soft wipes with you if you're wearing make-up. To keep the pores open and breathing, you must dab your face with a blotting paper and remove all the excess make-up that may be on the verge of coming off because of sweat and oil secretions. Do a touch up only after dabbing. This will not only keep your skin healthier, but it will also make your touched-up make-up last longer.
*Waterproof everything: To reduce the number of times you may need to touch up, use only waterproof make-up products. Kohl, eyeliner, and mascara may not seem like they need to be waterproof, but you may end up with raccoon eyes unless they are.
(The author is beauty & make-up expert at UrbanClap.com)