Everyday Summer Makeup

It’s been a while since I shared my makeup routine, so I thought I’d give an updated roundup! Over the last six months or so, I’ve put in a ton of work on my skin, so the makeup I use has changed a bit as a result to better suit my complexion. I have combo skin, with enlarged pores that get easily clogged. I definitely don’t have “dry” skin, but my skin gets very easily dehydrated and rough, and can over produce oil as a result. So when it comes to makeup, I like to use products that let my complexion breathe, even out redness and pores, and keep my skin looking hydrated, glowy and fresh. All of these are my go-to’s for that no-makeup makeup Summer face!

Something to note, I listed a few categories here that I don’t necessarily use every single day, but find my self reaching for a lot in the summer like lips, highlighter and bronzer. I’d say that on a routine day, you can find me using primer, concealer, foundation, blush and mascara!

PRIMER

Hourglass Veil Primer has been my favorite since the first time I tried it years ago. It feels like silk going on and is great for all skin types. It helps reduce pore visibility and allows my makeup products to apply so much better. I also sometimes wear it alone on no makeup days! It has broad spectrum SPF 15 so it also acts as sunscreen.

CONCEALER

Nars Creamy Concealer is fantastic. I wish I had tried this one sooner, tbh. It’s hydrating, creamy and doesn’t cake. It also holds up really well over time and blends like a dream. A super similar product I’ve been loving is the Ilia Serum Concealer, this has a little less pigment, but is incredibly moisturizing and feels fresh all day. 

FOUNDATION

Merit Minimalist Skin Perfecting Stick is my desert island product, it’s an all in one concealer and foundation. You can apply it just to the areas you need a little coverage and correction in, and it blends with the rest of your skin beautifully. Or, you can build for a fuller face. It reduces redness and evens out skin tone. Don’t be intimidated by the smaller applicator, it packs a lot of power. I used to use Bobbi Brown BB cream, and they discontinued it, but I’ve been loving Bobbi’s tinted moisturizer. When I pair the tinted moisturizer with the Merit foundation stick over areas I need a little more coverage, I get the perfect finish that feels breathable and light. It’s sheer, but color corrects and evens things out.

BRONZER

I recently tried the Ilia Bronzer and absolutely love it. I find that it’s similar to the Bobbi Brown bronzer, but it’s a bit more pigmented and you need less of the product overall. I find that it controls oil well throughout the day, too. Bobbi Brown bronzer will forever be my number one, it applies so evenly and they have a nice shade range, too. Some bronzers you apply and it almost needs to be buffed out, this isn’t the case with Bobbi, always a sheer, silk-like application! They are a close tie, it depends how much pigment/product you prefer.

BLUSH

I had heard some great things about Westman Atelier from Megan and Nan. The brand is definitely on the expensive side, but TRULY the Westman Atelier Blush Stick is worth it, and a little goes a long way. I wear shade Petal. It applies so smoothly and blends seamlessly. When I wear it, either on my lips or my cheeks, I feel like I had my makeup done professionally. The value here is the quality, it’s non-toxic and lasts a long time. The colors are incredibly sophisticated and subtle.

MASCARA

I probably sound like a broken record, but the Hourglass Unlocked Mascara is just the best. I found that I prefer a lighter mascara look, but wanted a mascara that still gives me great length and definition. This is just that, plus it’s smudge proof! My lashes are always perfectly separated, coated and feel full without ever appearing clumpy or overdone. I will say, there is a bit of transfer to your lower lashes when you wear it, so no need to even apply there! Easy.

HIGHLIGHT

I have two highlighters I’ve been using as of late that provide different types of glow. The Tower 28 Cream Bronzer is a bronzed glow that has a hint of shimmer, it really gives that dewy effect while not getting oily. I wear shade natural finish. When I want a balmy glow that has no shimmer and light pigment, I use the Merit Beauty highlight stick. It’s great when your face feels more matte or when you just want a little dew that looks super natural. 

LIPS

I really abandoned pigmented lipstick over the last year or so. Maybe it was quarantine and not needing it, but I find that I really prefer gloss, tinted balm or sheer lipstick. I’ve been obsessed with the Merit Lip Oils, they are a mix of a tint, gloss and balm all in one. So smooth and the color stays on even after the glossy part wears off. I have all the shades! A great lip balm with a little tint is the Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint. Never fails and is a purse staple, I love the shades Bare Melon and Bare Raspberry.