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Summer is officially here, which means the temperatures are rising and your makeup is starting to melt off by noon. We all know the feeling when you want to throw out the thick shit and swap in some newer, lighter summertime alternatives. I feel like there are some people out there that can get away with no makeup but, *speaking for myself*, that’s not everyone. So we’ve rounded up all the best summer beauty products that will give you that effortless, no-makeup-but-I’m-still-wearing-makeup look.
Face & Skin
Two words: Sweat. Resistant. Estée Lauder has been in the beauty business for longer than many of us have been alive, and they’ve really hit the nail on the head with this one. With a weightless feel and over 25 shades, your skin will glow all day long.
For those of us who tend to get a bit oilier in the summer (*cough* me *cough*) a powder foundation can keep you shine-free for a lot longer than some liquid products. Bonus points: there’s a built-in primer.
This concealer is honestly everything you needed and more. It’s a concealer, eye cream, and spot treatment all in one little tube. Less time layering products = more time day drinking on rooftops.
I know some of you are thinking, “Setting spray, really? Isn’t it just overpriced water?” But I promise you this product is worth every penny. It’s smudge-proof and transfer-resistant for up to 16 hours and perfect for those late summer nights.
Merit’s cult-favorite complexion stick is not a foundation or concealer, but it also kind of is? Offering breathable and buildable coverage, this lightweight product can also serve as a contour. I mean, what can’t it do?
Eyes
This base layer provides an incredible blank, crease-free (& vegan!) canvas for all the fun beauty trends you’ll want to try this summer. If you’re feeling brave enough to try them, that is. I heard blue eyeshadow is coming back and idk how to feel about it.
Okay, this is definitely a cult favorite of mine. With its smudge-proof formula and shimmery pigments, this stuff is perfect for the golden-hour-every-hour vibe you’re hoping to give off.
Am I the only one whose eyebrows sweat? I didn’t think so. Enter: this Brow Sculpt Shape and Hold Gel by REFY. Whether you want your brows to have that feathery effect or you simply want to make sure they stay in place, this wax/gel hybrid will work wonders.
Talk about natural—the first ingredient listed in this mascara is water. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and makes people around you ask, “Are those your real eyelashes?” It’s buildable so you can take it from day to night and the only thing that’s flaking is you canceling plans.
Cheeks
For those of us who are locked in an office 24/7, it’s still possible to look sun-kissed without going in the sun. This easy-to-blend formula is perfect for both the bronzing expert and the cosmetic newbie.
This cream-to-powder formula has a natural, yet visible shimmer to it. Highlight for the perfect dewy (not sweaty) look that won’t budge. Also, it’s Rihanna… Enough said.
This blush boasts a 12-hour wear, and I can promise it lives up to the hype. Made with Amazonian clay, this blush glides on seamlessly and provides a true blush, not a fake flush.
Lips
There’s quite literally nothing worse than thick, sticky lip gloss in the heat. This Wet Lip Oil is the perfect balance of treatment and color. It’s light, hydrating, and sheer for a perfect kiss of color.
A lip stain is the ultimate summer lip product—it gives your lips natural color while staying in place virtually all day long. This best-selling cream lip stain is transfer-proof and full coverage—perfect for sweat-filled days or nights.
If you are really going for that “no makeup” makeup look, a balm is perfect for you. This Vanilla Lip Butter Balm smells incredible and can even double up as an overnight lip mask. Great for the beach or bed—my two favorite places.
Image: Martin Pisotti /Deathtothestockphoto.com
Sorry to fall into a stereotype that matches my chromosomes, but after Googling “what is the super bowl?” I decided to give it a strong, hard pass. That is, until someone informed me that Gisele Bundchen would be there. And that Lady Gaga would be performing at halftime. Though I was pulling for another meat dress—or at the very least, a revival of her Mona Lisa poncho—I was not disappointed by anything Gaga did on that stage. Including the in-air acrobatics. V impressive.
^^^ Never forget.
The real thing on my mind though (besides wondering if Mike Pence was enjoying the performance or if he was just in the corner of the bathroom rocking back and forth mumbling “no homo”) was Gaga’s makeup. From the bright red lip, to the subtle plastic surgery she’s received over the years, to the eye mask thing. Even through the lens of my alcohol impaired eyes, I could tell that it was spectacular.
According to Allure, the artist behind Gaga’s makeup is a woman-turned-face-magician named Sarah Tanno. Here’s a play-by-play of what she did. In case you are as curious as I am, or want to copy the look and subsequently film yourself hip thrusting in a studded metallic bodysuit to “Poker Face.”
For Eyes:
Sarah began Gaga’s makeup with a petwer cream shadow. She used Marc Jacobs Beauty Twinkle Pop Stick Eyeshadow in Au Revoir.
Next, she smudged a shimmery lavender pencil all around the eyes, Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Crayon in Violet Femme.
Then, she swiped a plum shadow in the crease of the eye, and a light lavender shadow on top of the lids in the middle to give dimension. To top off the shadow portion, Sarah highlighted Gaga’s brown bone with a “frosty pale pink.” She used colors from the Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow palette for this.
For the winged eyeliner, Sarah started with a black pencil and then put a liquid on top of it. (Genius.) She used Marc Jacobs Beauty Magic Marc’er Precision Pen Liquid Eyeliner in Blacquer. Hmm, sensing a theme here.
Lastly, Sarah added a shit fuck ton of mascara (love) and brightened up the eyes by putting Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon in Pink of Me on Gaga’s waterlines. In other words, you’re going to spend hundreds of dollars at the Marc Jacobs section of Sephora buying 65 slightly different shades of pink and purple just to get the eye makeup portion of Gaga’s look. Already questioning if this is worth it, but in the name of journalism we’re going to keep going.
Lips:
To get the perfect red, Sarah put You-Already-Know-Who-Made-This Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick in Dashing, a deep “candy apple red” on Gaga’s very talented mouth.
She then swiped a fuschia gloss over top. (Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lipgloss in Hot Hot Hot.)
Eye Mask Situation:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Self-Stick Eye Crystals. JK. It was just a decal made out of crystals, probably not made by Marc Jacobs but you never fucking know. As for how to replicate this, not entirely sure, but I suggest a trip to your local craft supply store and a dose of humility.
You would think that slapping orange and bright red blush on your cheeks would be a surefire way to make yourself look like a clown, but by some makeup miracle, there are many weird blush colors out there that actually don’t look heinous on your skin. In fact, some colors that you would instinctually throw across the room and set fire to before you would put them on your face, actually look pretty when they are applied. As long as you know which ones to get. Let the following be your guide.
1. Copper
Copper blush is like the halfway point between bronzer and blush. Apply something like NYX’s Copper powder blush on the apples of your cheeks and on your temples to look like you weren’t scowling in a cubicle all week and actually got outside.
2. Lilac
If you’re fair-skinned, lilac will show up on your skin as a kind of cool-toned pale pink. It can make you look instantly icy/rude, and for that it’s great. MAC Blush in Sketch should do the trick.
3. Plum
If you’re tanner (jealous), plums and deep magentas will have the same effect mentioned above. Blush Subtil by Lancôme in Plum Charm works like yeah, a motherfucking charm.
4. Orange
Orange hues tend to warm up your complexion the same way getting a lot of sun, or wearing the correct bronzer, does. Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Melon Pop has the most annoying name you may ever hear, but the vibrance and life it brings to your otherwise sad and dull face helps you forget that fact.
5. Red
Red blush can go from 0 to WTF real quick, but if you use a small amount and remain light-handed, it can give you the most natural, didn’t-even-try-hard color. Try Exhibit A Blush by Nars, but just make sure to use a large brush when applying—unless you want to appear sunburned, and in that case, you do you (but stay away from me).
