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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
We’re all very well aware of how fucking great the summertime is—tan skin, summer Fridays at the office, the beach, endless cocktails, etc. etc., but what we don’t talk about enough is the fact that the summer fucking sucks for your beauty routine. You know what I’m referring to: dry, frizzy, sun-damaged hair; boob sweat and pitting out by the time you reach your desk in the morning; and, worst of all, shiny skin that causes your makeup to melt off right after you put it on. That’s right, I’m talking about sweat beads of foundation on your forehead and mascara running down your face à la Lauren Conrad on that one episode of The Hills. To prepare your makeup supply (and your poolside selfies) without breaking the bank, we’ve rounded up the best sweat-proof drugstore makeup that you can pick up from your corner CVS.
via Giphy
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
For less than 10 bucks, you can get lashes that are as voluminous and shiny as falsies, thanks to Maybelline’s New York Lash Sensational Waterproof mascara. The fan-like wand will give your lashes major volume, and the liquid ink formula will seal in the drama so that the lovely mixture of sweat and humidity won’t leave you with raccoon eyes.
Courtesy of Maybelline
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Pro-Matte Foundation
If you’re going to opt for any sweat-proof makeup product, it should probably be foundation. There’s nothing worse than beige drops of sweat rolling off your nose, making for an uneven complexion for the rest of the day. L’Oréal Paris’ Infallible 24 hour Pro-Matte Foundation will give you buildable medium-full coverage with a matte finish that lasts for 24 hours.
Courtesy of L’Oréal Paris
NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator
Whether you want to add drops to your foundation for an illuminating base or give those cheekbones a highlight that can be spotted from across the room, NYX’s lightweight liquid highlighter will give your tan summer skin a radiant glow that’ll last in even the hottest bars.
Courtesy of NYX
Wet N Wild Megalast Catsuit Liquid Eyeshadows
When you think of Wet N Wild, you probably get flashbacks of painting your nails with their pearlized nail polishes during your younger years. Well, while the brand has definitely gotten a makeover since our childhood, they are still a drugstore beauty brand staple. Their Catsuit Liquid Eyeshadows shimmer for a little added depth and dry to a matte finish, so they hug the shape of your lids like a snug catsuit.
Courtesy of Wet N Wild
Covergirl Outlast All-Day Soft Touch Concealer
Even though Covergirl totally betrayed our adolescent years when they changed their “Easy, Breezy, Beautiful” slogan a few months ago (still not over it), they do make a pretty good sweat-proof concealer with a super soft sponge-like applicator that will cling to those bags under your eyes all day long, regardless of the temps outside.
Courtesy of CoverGirl
Flower Beauty Color Proof Longwear Lip Cream
Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty Color Proof Longwear Lip Cream stays on your lips for so long without feathering or fading, even if you spend your summer nights riding in cars with boys. The creamy texture dries to a satin finish and comes in five opaque shades to add a seriously bold lip to your look.
Courtesy of Flower Beauty
Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Primer
While I’m not convinced that a middle-aged white dad who wears New Balance sneakers didn’t come up with the name, this primer does do a HECK of a job with controlling shine on even the sweatiest faces for 12 hours straight. What’s more is that while controlling your skin’s sweat and oil level, the primer doubles as a pore perfector to create the perfect blank canvas before applying your sweat-proof foundation.
Courtesy of Soap & Glory
Milani Stay Put Matte 17 HR Wear Liquid Eyeliner
What’s cool about Milani’s Stay Put Eyeliner is that, sure, it’s humidity- and sweat-resistant so it’s great for the summertime, but it can also withstand all of the tears from your PMS-induced emotional breakdown. So, really, it’s good for any time of year. You can cry your eyes out in the bathroom at work and then go on about your day and no one will be able to tell, because your makeup will still be in tact. The thin felt applicator gives you a clean, precise line and it dries super fast so you don’t have to worry about smearing.
Courtesy of Milani
e.l.f. Active Sweat Resistant Mascara & Brow Duo
Seeing as though the athleisure trend isn’t going anywhere, the gurus of the beauty world decided that if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, and in October 2017 along came e.l.f.’s Active collection. It’s makeup you can wear to the gym that won’t make your skin freak out. The collection features things like post-workout body towelettes, workout-ready hydration sticks, and sweat-resistant SPF’s, but the real star in our eyes is the Active Sweat Resistant Mascara & Brow Duo. The double-sided wand features a waterproof mascara and a sweat-resistant brow gel to comb and feather brows.
Courtesy of e.l.f.
There’s something in the warmer air that makes it an acceptable excuse to drink more. But with sitting outside under the blazing sun, trying to look cute sipping a margarita, comes major beauty no-no’s. Looking pale and sweaty on Insta is obviously not an option so, you’re gonna need some makeup that doesn’t melt as quickly as your resolve to not text fuckboys once the first tequila shot hits. So I’ve rounded up your summer beauty essentials—buy this shit like, now and keep them on you at all times. You know, just in case you decide to take a faux candid.
Damn, you are so lucky you have me to guide you.
1. St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse
If you constantly look like Casper the Ghost, have no fear. The best self-tanner is here. The Kardashians literally use their products so that’s when you know they’re actually fab. This award-winning bronzing mousse will be your new obsession. #SorryNotSorry. Depending on how deep you want your tan, wait an hour to shower for a “light sun-kissed” tan, or up to three hours for a dark bronze—no more than that or you’ll look like Tan Mon. To maintain it, moisturize and reapply when your little heart desires. If anyone asks, hell yeah you went to Punta Cana last week. Only you and I will know you just sat in your room developing this tan.
2. Lancôme Bienfait UV SPF 50+ Super Fluid Facial Sunscreen
Before you put your face on, put this shit on first. This life-changing facial sunscreen feels so smooth it’s unreal. It leaves a matte finish so you can start your makeup with a clean slate. When you’re blacking out in 80 degree weather, this will protect your face from stupid UVA rays and from getting burnt AF. Word on the street is that it’s also water resistant so it’s really a win-win.
3. Smashbox Spotlight Palette
This bomb highlighting palette comes in two different hues: Pearl or Gold. Each has three different shades to choose from, but no matter which one you choose, I guarantee your face will be just as lit as Kris Jenner was at her birthday party.
^Me the second 5:00pm hits. Oh yeah and here’s the palette:
4. Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray Bridal
When I’m outside for, like, more than five minutes, I feel like I sweat out of pores I never knew existed. I end up wasting not only an hour of my life, but I also waste a day’s worth of perfectly good makeup because sweat is a scum-sucking road whore and ruins lives. This setting spray was originally created for brides to keep them looking fresh for their big day as they sweat and ugly cry, but it’s really a must-have for anyone during the summer. Whether you’re going to a music festival or hitting a nightclub, you will still look ~flawless when you drunkenly look at yourself in the mirror.
5. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
While we’re on the topic of oily grossness, if you can’t get your hands on the setting spray, it doesn’t get any better than this. These oil absorbing sheets are Major Key to success, as the wise DJ Khaled would say. And they’re only, like, $5 and you can get them at Target so what’s not to like?
6. Supergoop! Fusion Lip Balm with SPF +30
I think this goes without saying, but then again, I always overestimate people. Lips can get real dry real quick, crack, and burn under the hot sun too. That shit is noticeable when you and your BFF are doing kissy faces on Snapchat, so be sure to rub this on beforehand.
7. Tarte Cosmetics LipSurgence Lip Tint
Things that aren’t cute: Licking your lips profusely, getting lipstick on your teeth, and looking like The Joker after a really intense makeout sesh.
The solution? Lip tints: A combo of a stain and a gloss. They’re practically smudge-proof and melt-proof. They glide on smoothly, stay on for hours, and your lips feel so luscious you might start to think you could be the next Angelina Jolie. Your lip tints are cool, your lip tints are poppin’.
8. Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer
I once asked a friend if she had accidentally cut her eyelids, because honestly that’s what it looked like at the time. She replied no, that it was just her eyeshadow so, the whole time I was like ?????. That is why I highly recommend this product and would rate it 10/10. Before you do a smokey eye, put this primer on your eyelids so it stays put and no one mistakes annoying creases for eyelid cuts.
9. Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Nothing says “I’m A Fierce AF Betch Who Takes No One’s Shit” like the perfect winged eye. However, during humid weather, eye liner can be so done with your shit and decide to just drip off your face. I know, so rude. Stila’s waterproof liquid eye liner is here to save lives. One cat eye at a time.
10. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
May your vodka soda coffee be strong, your lashes be long, and Mondays be short. If there’s a mantra I really live by, it would probably be that. No one actually has the time (or the energy) to put on fake lashes when it’s too hot to function so, using this waterproof mascara is your best bet for sexual-looking lashes all summer long.
Stop wasting your money on Sephora because these 8 drugstore beauty products are just as good. Find out here!
