Monday, 9 July 2012
Summer Lovin' ~ Radiant Summer Make-Up
What constitutes "summer make-up" is different for everyone. For some it might be a case of ensuring long-lasting, flawless coverage (more on this later!) while for others it may simply be the mantra that less is more.
Me? I kind of fall between two groups; the less-is-more gang and the dewy/radiant/glowy family. I know from reading a lot of your blogs and chatting on Twitter that the aforementioned glowy look is highly sought after during the summer months so, I thought I would share with you my favourite products for creating a radiant glow that is light and comfortable to wear while still looking natural. I hate photographs of myself so please, be kind!
I think it is the absolute Goddess of Make-Up Lisa Eldridge who maintains that, for a natural look, you should only apply coverage where needed. Her theory is a strong one in my opinion as it conceals the worst and allows the best; a natural flush and healthy glow, to shine through. I tend to forgo powder for this look but, if you feel you need it, go ahead with a light dusting.
To achieve a radiant base I use a tinted moisturiser and some concealer just where I feel I need it. My longtime favourite "natural" base is Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint. You can read a full review of this here but, it effectively acts like a second, more perfect skin. Another favourite, when I have a bit of a (fake!) tan is Origins VitaZing.
To spot-conceal, I use my Bobbi Brown concealer and corrector. Together, this duo really is the A-Team of skin perfecting and I can't say enough good about them both. Again, I have a full review here but, for a natural finish, I use my fingers to pat corrector over any darkness e.g. under my eyes and a small brush to dot the concealer on any blemishes or redness.
Cheeks
Depending on my mood, I either go for a sweep of warm bronzer or a spot of bright blusher to give myself a natural-looking glow. The less-is-more school of thought really applies here as you don't want to look muddy with bronzer or clown-like with blusher.
My go-to bronzers during the summer are Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel and MAC MSF in Cheeky Bronze (more on these here!). Both give a natural, healthy warmth to the skin without looking overdone which I really like. For summer blusher I have a preference for cream formulations that add a flush to my cheeks and top of my list this year are MAC Cremeblend Blushes in Optimistic Orange and Ladyblush as well as Topshop's Primetime.
Highlighting
Highlighter, in my opinion, is what fully transitions any make-up look from winter to summer. Adding a light sheen to the high points of the face; cheekbones, browbones, nose, reflects light and is a quick and easy step to instantly lift your complexion. I also dot a small bit of whichever highlighter I'm using in the inner corners of my eyes.
For the most part, I, again, favour cream products with MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl being a long time favourite. However, Benefit's Watt's Up! is a great, slightly warmer-toned option. If powders are more your thing then I heartily recommend MAC MSF in Soft n' Gentle or, if you can get your mitts on it, Lancome's Golden Hat powder.
Eyes
To keep things as natural as possible and as simple as possible, I tend to shun heavy eye make-up during the summer months. A warm creamy base is my shadow of choice when I want to glam up my make-up a little more than usual and turn to either the Laura Mercier Metallic Cream Eye Shadow in Rose Gold or the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze for a sheer wash of colour over the lids.
For liner, I alternate between using a warm bronze like MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy or Gosh Copper Girls and a brightening neutral shade like MAC Eye Kohls in Fascinating and I Get No Kick as well as Stila Eye Kajal in Topaz.
I always try to keep lashes looking defined without being too clumpy, spidery or dramatic. My current favourite for this result is Avon Super Drama but, unfortunately this isn't waterproof so, when I need a little more staying power, I opt for a single coat of Max Factor False Lash Effect 24.
Lips
To round out my go-to summer make-up, I keep lips light and fresh; no heavy mattes here! I have a whole post on my favourite summer lip products but, for daytime especially, I recommend a simple tinted balm like the Korres Lip Butter Stick or a light, glossy stain like Clinique Chubby Stick in Pudgy Peony.
In case anyone cares, in the picture of me above I'm wearing;
Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint - Light
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer - Porcelain
Bobbi Brown Corrector - Porcelain Bisque
MAC MSF - Cheeky Bronze
MAC MSF - Soft n' Gentle
Topshop Blush - Primetime
Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Colour - Rose Gold
MAC Eye Kohl - Fascinating
MAC Eye Kohl - Teddy
Cosmetics Á La Carte Brow Ink - Taupe
Avon Super Drama Mascara
Korres Lip Butter Stick
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You look stunning! So fresh faced. I love how you let your freckles shine through (I also have freckles)
ReplyDeleteLou
Sinead, you are beautiful! Love the look of the MSF, and the peachy colour of the Korres lip butter stick looks wonderfully summery!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you! Was a little bit morto putting up that picture!
DeleteThe MSFs are wonderful products, as are the Korres sticks! I posted on the pink one awhile back and loved it so much I ordered the peachy one for summer! Highly recommend! x
You look so much like Emma Stone in that photo, gorgeous! :)
ReplyDelete-Dara x
http://musingsandreviews.blogspot.co.uk/
Wow thanks Dara! That's actually the nicest compliment, I love Emma Stone! x
DeleteBeautiful pic, you look fab and really natural!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteFabulous girl, and I loooooove Laura Mercier metallic cream shadows!
ReplyDeleteAw shucks thanks Simone! Same this is my first but I really love it! Must resist the urge to buy more!
DeleteYou are stunningly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow thank you so much Katie, that really just brightened up a pretty crappy Monday! x
DeleteSo fresh and pretty!
ReplyDeleteSinead that is a gorgeous picture, you look so fresh-faced and summery and so pretty, you have NO reason not to like photos of yourself! Lovely make-up choices, perfect for summer if it ever decides to make an appearance x
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I always just feel so awkward getting pictures taken that I think I look like such a tool when I look back at them! Oh I know, I think it's wishful thinking on my part that summer will show up if I keep dressing and beautifying myself like it is already here! x
DeleteI feel like such a tool taking photos of myself! I'm know amongst my friends for being an awkward poser/someone who photographs terribly! Takes me forever to get a half-decent one! You look amazing though! x
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