Some say that Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, but us teachers know the truth. The true start of summer is when the last bus pulls away or the dismissal gate is locked one last time. As I turn my alarm off and silence my work email notifications, I ease into summer mode. This means beach reads and minimal make up. And it means my annual summertime guide to sun protection and summer make up.
Before even thinking about applying make up, it is vital to have your sun protection on lock. There have been so many advancements and ways to apply. However, the golden rule is you MUST apply it, no matter what the activity. Spray sunscreen is a favorite, but sometimes hard to know if you got every spot. Both Kiss My Face Mineral Air Powered Spray Sunscreen ($16) and Bare Republic Sunscreen Spray ($15) are not transparent. This way you can see where you sprayed and where it needs to be rubbed in. If spray is not your thing, Bare Republic also has this amazing whipped mousse broad spectrum sunscreen ($17), which allows for an airy application. While sitting pool side, no one said you could not be glamorous, so do it with my favorite Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray ($36). I reach for it every time I want that added luxury while avoiding a burn.
The classic sunscreen in lotion form is the easiest may to make sure you hit every spot. The new Hawaiian Tropic AntiOxidant Sunscreen Lotion ($8) has a more mild scent compared to the brand's traditional options. Love Sun Body ($32) is rich with no chemical filters that also works itself into skin easily. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios 60 ($36) is always a go to for its weightless, water resistant protecting power.
The face must be protected. Pair your body's La Roche-Posay's with its Anthelios AOX ($43) which is a serum with an SPF of 50. In all my years in the beauty industry, I have not seen a serum with protection,just a day cream or lotion. A more traditional sunscreen is the Meaningful Beauty Environmental Protecting Moisturizing Broad Spectrum Sunscreen. It hydrates and protects skin while forming a barrier to external toxins.
Now that you are protected from the harsh consequences of the sun its time to lean into the heat and try and make yourself look presentable. While a full beat is not necessary, there are some products out there that we cannot live without. As always, to prep skin, it is important to start with a primer. Perfect for sun kissed skin is ZuZu Luxe's Color Correcting Primer ($19) that can help even out skin. Flower Beauty's Light Illusion ($10) is a weightless, crease proof concealer that will not show signs of heat, but hide what you need to. There is a reason why every Hollywood Starlette looks as flawless as she does. It is because in the heat she is wearing Hollywood Flawless Filter by Charlotte Tilbury ($44) which just goes on skin like silk and lasts all day through all conditions. BrowFood is a 4-in-1 applicator in its Velvet Glide ($24) to help define your arches. If you crave a brow pencil, Flower's Brow Vixen ($10) is the perfect option for warmer months. Like my favorite eyeliner, this is not a pencil, but more like a marker, which gives that tattoo effect that everyone is lusting for. What makes it even better is that it does not go anywhere. I like to keep my summer look simple, so as my #1 rule states, never leave the house without mascara, and in the summer, water proof mascara such as Allure's top pick, Maybelline New York The Colossal Big Shot Mascara ($7) that maximizes lashes even when sweat is eminent. Finish off your sweat proof, easy look with Clarins Water Lip Stains ($28). Unlike a gloss or lipstick, this only needs one application and the look lasts all day long. It pigments lips for a added color without feeling heavy.
Now go fill up your cart and get out there and enjoy summer!