Summer Beauty: 11 Cheap, Easy, Quick Fixes to Revamp Your Look
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1. Switch to powder
If you’re prone to oily skin, swap out liquid foundation this summer and try powder. “It's faster and easier to apply. Plus, it won't melt away in the heat as fast,” says style and beauty blogger Mercedes Sanchez, who recommends the MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation.
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2. Use bright lipstick as blush
"In a pinch to add a pop, I like to use hot pink lipstick not only on my lips, but as a cream blush on my cheeks," says Vittoria Woodill, creator of Polished for Pennies.
Use your fingers to apply, gently dabbing the apples of your cheeks. Rub to blend. There you have it—flushed cheeks in a flash.
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3. Mix makeup to make it last
"To get your makeup to last in the summer heat, mix textures," recommends Jeannine Morris, Founder of BeautySweetSpot.com. "Start using cream-based formulas and then lightly apply a powder over it. The key is lightly!"
Pictured: The Body Shop's Extra Virgin Minerals™ Loose Powder Foundation
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4. Lip stain is your new best friend
Another melt-proof tip from Morris: opt for a lip stain. The color saturates lips, is less likely to bleed and can also be used on cheeks as long as you're careful in application. It's called stain for a reason. Remember, it's far easier to add than to remove.
Pictured: IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Reviver Lipstick Stain
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5. Faux glow yourself in a flash
No time to apply self tanner? Make your own tinted moisturizer in a flash. "Mix a liquid bronzer or foundation that's a few shades darker than your skin tone with moisturizer and apply," says Morris. Use on your face and neck to instantly look sun-kissed.
Pictured: Estee Lauder Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer
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6. Keep hair hydrated for summer swim sessions
Ever spray your hair with leave-in conditioner while hanging by the pool or after taking a dip in the ocean? Reap the same benefits and keep your tresses locked with moisture with less effort. Don't rinse out all the conditioner in your hair when you shower if you know you're going to be exposing it to damaging elements. "The extra coating of moisture protects your strands from drying out," says Morris.
Pictured: Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Conditioner
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7. Create your own makeup-refreshing mist
"Create your own makeup refresher to help keep makeup sweat-proof with 3 ounces of spring water, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, 6 drops of lavender essential oil and 6 drops of orange essential oil," recommends Shannon Smyth of A Girl's Gotta Spa! "If your skin is very dry, add in 1-4 drops of coconut oil for hydration. Shake well. To make it even more refreshing, keep the mixture refrigerated to give yourself a cool spritz!"
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8. Go light on shadow and bold on liner
Transform your eyes for summer with a liner that pops, adding only a subtle eye shadow or none at all. Makeup artist Jackie Johnson suggests liner in blue and turquoise. The shades work on any eye color and make it look like you put in more effort than you really did.
Try NYX Slide On Pencil in Azure or Sunrise Blue, $8.00.
Image: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com
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9. Keep skin even and protected
Summer sun can be quite harmful for your skin and a long beauty routine is a drag. Keep it simple. If you only have time to apply one thing, make it a CC cream. CC creams keep skin moisturized, offer light coverage, help even skin tone, and usually offer SPF protection. Read label to make sure!
Try: Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Cream SPF 20 CC cream by Physicians Formula.
"[There are] no bad ingredients. I also find it wears well through humidity and sweat," says Johnson, who uses Physician's Formula's CC cream herself.
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10. Make your products work for you
"Save money by choosing products that can be dually used, such as Three Custom Color Cosmetics Lip & Cheek Stain or Laura Mercier's Radiance Primer," Smyth advises. These products are easy to pack for summer getaways and keep your makeup routine easy.
"Laura Mercier's Radiance Primer adds healthy shimmer and color while keeping the rest of your makeup intact in the sweltering sun." Talk about a problem solver!
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11. Always wear sunscreen
You should know this by now! Safe in sun is the only way, so don't forget sunscreen, especially on days you plan on being outside more. Johnson recommends Coppertone's Clearly Sheer Face Lotion to wear under makeup and on your hands for when you're driving.
