For the past 3 weeks I’ve been in the south of France and I was really restrained when it came to choosing the make up I would take. I brought so many books (plus all of the stuff I needed for blogging) that my suitcase space was seriously limited. So here are my summer make up staples – the products I’ve worn pretty much every day and have loved.
Even when I’m away on holiday, in boiling hot weather, I still wear quite a lot of make up. Just because I’m on holiday I haven’t lost my love of beauty! The below isn’t my entire summer face (I still use eyeshadow, eyebrow products, loose powder, blusher etc.) but these are my summer make up staples – the products that give me the easy, quick, summery look I love.
I’ve been trying out the Pixi Flawless and Poreless Primer* (available from Cult Beauty or M&S) while I’ve been here and I really like it. I think primers are hard to get right, especially when you have rosacea or sensitive skin like me. This feels very light on the skin and helps to minimise the look of my pores and uneven texture. It’s not greasy or silicone-y, and contains salicylic acid to help with congestion (which means it’s great for those with spot-prone skin). I had a little bit of shine on my skin by the end of the day, but considering it’s been upwards of 30 degrees here, I think that’s standard!
I’ve spoken about the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation a lot on my blog but it’s yet to feature in my Rosacea Review series on YouTube… that will have to be rectified! It’s the foundation I reach for when I want something really lightweight but I’m feeling more relaxed about coverage. I’d say it’s medium coverage and can be built up but it has more of a natural, dewy, ‘real skin’ look so it doesn’t last a full day on my oily skin, especially in this heat!
Maybelline Lash Sensational is my holy grail mascara and I know you’re probably all fed up of hearing about it (although I’m working on a post about other ones I love, so keep your eyes peeled for that!). It’s just perfect: it lifts my stubborn, straight lashes, holds the curl, doesn’t flake under my eye or transfer to my eyelid, separates and fans out every eyelash. Plus it’s from the highstreet. High fives all round.
Another product I’ve spoken so much about I should be on commission: the Sephora Cream Lip Stains. These are, by far, my favourite matte liquid lipsticks – and that’s saying something as I have far too many! The formula is creamy so doesn’t dry the lips, long-lasting, fades nicely rather than bobbling or going sticky, the colours are flipping great and they’re really affordable (if you can get to a Sephora). I’ve been wearing ’09 Watermelon Slice’ a lot over here and it’s just so perfect for summer:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWIhbCbjLRY/
No make up look is complete without highlighter for me. I think some people avoid it as they’ve seen too many instagram make overs where people look like a glitterball. I love to pile on my highlighter, but it can look really natural and subtle if you use the right products and a light touch. The Maybelline Master Strobing Stick* is a lovely product: really easy to use and buildable so you can go natural or full-on sparkle. I find it applies best when you rub your finger on top then pat onto the cheekbones (and wherever else you want to apply it). You can see it in action here:
If you struggle to keep your make up looking fresh, then the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is here to answer your prayers (you may recognise it from my Friday Faves HERE). It’s a really fine mist that you spritz over your finished make up and it keeps it all in place without leaving skin tight or messing up your hard work. I’ve been using the travel size* which is a great price if you want to try it out before committing and also fits in your travel make up bag perfectly.
A pretty solid selection for my summer make up staples, I think you’ll agree! What are your favourite make up products for summery skin? Whether that’s things that multi-task, things that are ingeniously designed to be super portable, or just colours and finishes that scream summer? Let me know in the comments below!
Lex
*PR samples. Links may be affiliate. For more information, please see the Disclaimer tab at the top of the page.
==PIN ME!==
I used to really like your blog but then it’s all
Becoming bout being sponsored & stuff. I’m out of here.
Author
I’m sorry you feel that way. I actually haven’t done a sponsored post since the end of April so I’m not sure that my blog has become ‘all about being sponsored’ but you’re welcome to your opinion. Take care x
I strongly disagree with Elizabeth– she must be having a pretty bad day to take it out on your amazing blog. I think you’re very balanced and have always felt like you post much less “sponsor affiliated” products than those you just generally enjoy providing personal feedback on. In fact, I haven’t seen one of those in a long time– and regardless, you are always very honest about whether or not your posts are sponsored. And you have a right to post them (I enjoy those too!! Especially about Avene products!). I trust your opinion and enjoy reading your blog pretty much everyday.
Keep up the good work, and in the words of The Handmaid’s Tale… “Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum”.
Author
Thank you so much for this comment Dana. I try really hard to choose my sponsored opportunities carefully. I’ve turned down many offers because I either don’t like the brand, don’t think it would be a good fit for my readers, or I just felt a bit icky about it in general. I will always be totally upfront about whether a post is sponsored, if I got the product for review, or if I bought it myself. Regardless, I’m always honest. The moment you guys stop trusting me, this can no longer be my career: you can’t be a blogger without readers!
Thank you so much again for your kind comment, it really means so much xx
The all nighter spray is ammmmmmazing!!!!!