Summer Beauty Tips
Tip #1 Skin
SPF
We all know when summer is "supposedly" here. Supermarkets, pharmacies and beauty stores line their shelves with sun protection products. Milky textured, oily smooth, sweet smelling lotions, and potions get us in the holiday mood.However, though easily forgotten, the best advice I can give is to use a sunscreen every day come rain, hail or shine.
Through progressive education we have come to learn that the negative impacts of the sun’s harmful rays are not reserved for the months of June to September – holiday season. Instead rays are present all year round. Even on cloudy days!
THE SCIENCE BIT: There are two types of rays in particular we should be weary of.
UVB Rays: These penetrate until the superficial layers of the skin. They are responsible for delayed tanning and burning; in addition to these short-term effects they enhance skin aging and significantly promote the development of skin cancer.
UVA Rays: These are more powerful and penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. They are responsible for the immediate tanning effect and can also contribute to skin aging and wrinkling. Recent studies have found that UVA rays may be responsible for inducing skin cancer. For this reason, the industry has started producing sunscreens that will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB radiation.
From an early age make the application of sunscreen an integral part of your beauty regime. Prevention is always better than cure and I consider SPF 45 a MUST HAVE! Don’t be put off by the high factor number, long gone are the days of thick creams that never seem to absorb. There are now foams, oils, gels and sprays. I love Linda Meredith SPF 45 because it’s so light in texture, smells amazing and is the perfect base for make-up.
For those still dubious about the benefits of sun protection, sometimes seeing is believing. The sun damaged skin of overly tanned older generations should act as evidence enough. Embrace the anti-aging benefits that sunscreens bestow and avoid sun exposure for prolonged periods of time.
When in doubt, wear your biggest, floppiest of hats and most glamorous a shades. And there you have it a sunshine savvy sexy fashionista!!
Tip #2 Sexy Summer Lashes
When applying summer makeup I stand by the rule less is more. In the summer heat, who wants to be caked in heavy duty products? Keep it light. Keep it simple.
The transition from winter to summer is simple when it comes to some cosmetic products. Foundation can be replaced with tinted moisturizer and lipstick with lip-gloss. But when it comes to achieving a sexy natural looking flutter, what should you do? Well, there are several steps that I like to follow to ensure that my summer lashes remain full and flirty.
- Condition your lashes - Eyelash conditioners contain minerals and vitamins which when applied encourage the growth of healthier thicker lashes. Usage provides a lighter and more cost effective alternative to lash extensions.
- Dye your lashes - to save time over the summer months invest in a good eyelash dye. The end results mean that you can avoid wearing makeup while still having the definition you desire. I recommend that lashes are dyed professionally. However should you prefer to do it at home you can buy a great range of products at Sally’s store or online at Sally Beauty
 . Just remember to take your time and follow the instructions closely!
- Curl your lashes - To open the eye and create added lift, always curl your lashes. I like to use the Shu Uemera curlers as they are lightweight, easy to handle and achieve maximum effect in minimal time.
- Waterproof mascara - The final step to creating a sexy summer look is to coat lashes from root to tip with a good mascara. Which ever you choose, just make sure it's Waterproof! Why? Ordinary mascaras are water based and weigh down your lashes making them flat (not what you want after patiently curling them). Two of my favourite brands are Maybelline waterproof Great Lash mascara and Estee Lauder Sumptuous lifting Mascara waterproof mascara.
And that’s it. Follow these simple steps and you can flitter and flutter the loveliest of lashes all summer long!
Tip #3 Let's Face It
In the summer months, I think it’s so important to strip back on the cosmetic we use. In this season I to create looks that radiate, are light and more than anything let my clients’ natural healthy essence shine through.
Spending time in the sun not only has the wonderful benefits of lifting your mood and increasing your sense of well being. But it also contributes to clearing up skin concerns too. Dark circles diminish, spots seem to disappear and your general complexion seems to glow, right? So why cake your face with foundation. For a carefree summer complexion:
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Why not mix a little of your existing foundation with your face cream. Doing this helps to create an even skin tone, keeps you moisturized and utilizes the products you already have in your beauty cupboard. If however you are keen to try a new summer base I like to use Chanel Vitalumiere as it is light to the touch and creates a look that remains fresh and luminous.
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If you choose to leave foundation out completely – that’s fine. But why not use a little bronzer to give your skin a little lift. I like Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in bronze. To apply use a big round brush to blend, buff under the cheekbones and curve up to your temple. Then, sweep away any excess with your finger tips.
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I love multi-use products in summer. They save on time and won’t weigh down your handbag. One of my favourite items at the moment is Calypso Coral Pot Rouge from Bobbi Brown. This can be used to create a beautiful burst of colour on both the lips and cheeks.
And there you have it! Three easy steps that take less than five minutes, resulting in a light, bright summer you!
At Makeup and Beyond, we are grateful to Lina Cameron for her beauty tips contribution. Lina is a makeup artist and beauty coach. Visit her site here.
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