While I’m all about makeup trends, this time of year I gravitate towards a more subtle makeup look. Maybe it’s the humidity and it’s tendency to melt the makeup off my face — either way less is more.
Hotter months mean perspiration, so it’s crucial that you find products and techniques that will help keep your makeup in place. A good primer and setting spray are key.
I’ve also been doing some light baking to help keep my makeup in place. The term “baking” is believed to have originated in the drag community. It refers to letting translucent powder sit on the face for about 10 minutes.
The body’s natural heat from the face would set any concealer and foundation leaving a crease-less finish and keep your makeup from smearing.
I have naturally oily skin, and I use this technique because it helps keep shine away.
How To Get a Subtle, Summer Makeup Look
To begin, you want to use a primer to help keep your makeup in place. I start with a pore minimizer around my nose — my pores are really visible there. I really like Tarte’s Timeless Smoothing Primer — it’s like spackle for your pores and does an amazing job at concealing.
In the video below, I used Joah’s Pore De-activator followed by Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer. This combo works well for my skin and I find my makeup lasts all day.
I also tend to use lighter formulas for foundation. Either a tinted moisturizer or CC cream do the trick. This It Cosmetics’ CC cream is great for my oily skin and also gives me the coverage without the heaviness of foundation.
Next, the Elf Bite Size Eyeshadow Palette is a great, no-fuss palette. I use this palette almost daily for a subtle look at work. I love adding some shimmer on the inner corners of my lids to make my eyes pop.
After a couple of coats of my favorite mascara, I add some bronzer to create a faux-tan look — all the tan minus the skin-damage. You can add some blush to get a bit of color as well.
After you have your desired look, that’s when you bake. I just dip my damp blender into some translucent powder and lightly press under my eyes, around my nose and on my chin — areas where you tend to get shiny.
Wait a few minutes and then dust it off. Finish the look with a neutral lip — this creamy nude lipstick is my favorite for an everyday, subtle makeup look.
If you want, you could finish it up with a setting spray, but I’ve noticed the baking does a great job on its own. Some days I do use this setting spray and it just assures that I will stay shine-free.
That’s it, super simple, and subtle — not to mention summer-resistant. Here’s a quick video for you to see how I create my summer-proof, subtle makeup look.
