My Low-Maintenance, Heat-Proof Summer Beauty Routine
Happy Hump Day, everybody! Today for Wishlist Wednesday I want to talk about the products I use for my...
summer makeup routine.
Now, being a mom of three, I don't have a whole lot of time to get ready in the mornings, so anything that can cut down the time it takes to put on "my face" is a winner for me.
Summer is my favorite season because (along with sun and water fun) I feel like you can get away with putting less on your face, so it's easier to have a quick beauty routine.
If I'm going to be in the water, I'll just use a good SPF and some lip balm, but on days that I need to look more put together, I'm all about the perfect natural glow, and the slightest definition to the eyes and lips. Cream-based products are perfect for this.
Scroll on down to check out some of my newest favorites, and my seasoned staples!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means, at no extra cost to you, I receive a small commission when you click on certain links below, or if you make purchases as a result of visiting the retailers directly from my website. Please note, I only recommend products that I truly love and think that my readers will also love.
Neutrogena - Hydro Boost Gel Cream: Neutrogena's Hydro Boost line has become my favorite for daily dry skin care. My only issue with this moisturizer is that it's only SPF 15, whereas, to combat aging, I really need an SPF 30 or higher.
I also love their Hydroboost Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion, which comes in an SPF 30 and 50, so it's a good substitute when I need a little more protection. I mix this with number 2 on my list to create a custom BB cream for light coverage in place of foundation.NYX - Total Control Drop Foundation: This is one of my favorites because I can adjust the coverage depending on my skin's condition. I generally like to have light coverage due to my freckles, but sometimes I need a little more, and this foundation is perfect for that! I mix a few drops with my moisturizer, and it makes for a perfect BB Cream.
Note: For some reason, Target has the shade ranges separated on their website *eye roll*. The link above is for the light shades, but you can find the medium shades here, and the deep shades here.Peter Thomas Roth - Skin to Die For Primer: I like to prep my skin with a mattifying primer just on my most oily areas (my T-Zone). I received this sample in one of my Play! by Sephora boxes, and I've been using it a ton. It's a little expensive for my budget, so I'm still looking for a drugstore version that's comparable. I'll let you know when I find it!
Beautaniq - Glow Serum: I received this sample in my most recent Birchbox, and have been wearing it nonstop. This product is really high-shine, so I apply it with a beauty blender to get the most natural look. I just put a touch on my cheekbones and nose.
I also really like NYX's Away We Glow highlighter. Last year for Halloween I was Rarity (a unicorn, for all you non-MLP fans out there) and the Liquid Prism shade was FANTASTIC for an all-over prismatic glow.
The Away We Glow Liquid Booster in Donuts looks like it would also be a really great affordable alternative to the glow serum above.NYX - HD Concealer: This one has a pretty wide cult following, and it's pretty easy to see why. It's super affordable, and has a great formula that's really easy to apply and build up. I don't have to deal with blemishes too much, but my dark circles are pretty bad, and this does a great job of covering them. Plus, it doesn't budge.
NYX - Eyeshadow Base: This is a quick but essential step to keeping eyeshadow from moving around in the heat. I like to use the white because I feel like it helps my shadow pop a bit more, but they do offer different colors.
Revlon - PhotoReady Eye Art: A creme or liquid eyeshadow is essential for a good budge-proof eye look. I purchased this one from Revlon awhile ago just for the glitter liner, and end ended up loving the eyeshadow as well.
Unfortunately, it looks like this product is on its way out, with just three colors left. However, the review's for their ColorStay Creme Eyeshadow are really good, so that might be a suitable substitute.
I've also read great reviews on the Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Crayon, so I'm eager to try that as well!e.l.f. - Smudge Pot Creme Eyeshadow: I like to use this in my crease to give just a touch of definition.
NYX - Eyebrow Powder Pencil: NYX is my favorite brand for brow products because they offer a great shade range, and it is hard to find colors that work with my ash brown/blonde eyebrows. This powder pencil goes on really easy, and the brush on the end is perfect for taming the beasts!
Their Micro Brow Pencil also has great reviews and a retractable pencil.NYX - Matte Finish Setting Spray: Are we sensing a theme yet? NYX has quite a few great products. This setting spray is my last step before applying my mascara and lip balm, and this matte finish helps me look clean and dry without killing my highlighter. It does come in a dewy finish, though, if you want to look really summery.
Maybelline - Lash Sensational Curvitude Mascara: Maybelline is my absolute favorite mascara brand. There is a definite reason that their GreatLash formula has been on the market for.ev.er.
My big struggle with mascara is that my lashes are stick-straight, and it is hard to find mascaras that don't weigh them down after I curl them. This Lash Sensational formula does a great job at lengthening and holding curl without clumping. LOVE!Revlon - ColorBurst Matte Balm: The shade I'm wearing here is "Unapologetic," but they have some other lovely colors as well. I love this product because it wears really comfortably and gives a more natural look that you don't have to worry about being super precise with.
They also have a Balm Stain which, according to reviews, has amazing staying power, so I'll be trying that soon as well.Verb - Ghost Oil: I apply this after I shower to hydrate and smooth strands before either air- or blow-drying.
I received this in my very first Play! by Sephora box and have fallen in love with it. The sample size has actually lasted forever, and it's the perfect size to carry in my purse for touching up fly-aways.
If I'm in a hurry, I'll partially blow-dry my hair, then braid it and let it finish drying. Once I get where I'm going, I'll take it out of the braid and tousle with my fingers for perfect beachy waves.John Frieda - Sea Waves Salt Spray: Speaking of perfect beachy waves, this stuff is THE PERFECT styling spray. You only need one or two sprays, as it can get sticky if you go overboard. I usually go through the process listed in #13, then spritz this into my hair for extra texture (and an amazing scent).
That's it for my summer beauty routine; hopefully some of these products will help you out on your quest to quick and effortless beauty. What are your go-to beauty items during the summer? Let me know in the comments!
Much Love,
