To start off, apply a base of your favorite tinted moisturizer. I say tinted moisturizer and not BB or CC cream because these can sometimes feel heavy on hot summer days, plus they have a tendency to oxidize in the sun and turn a bit orange-y. If you don't have that problem that's fine, but from personal experience I prefer the lightest possible thing I can put on my face for lazy days. I'm a fan of Clinique's Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer ($27), but I've heard really fantastic things about Laura Mercier's Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer ($43) which I'm hoping to try very soon. Both have SPF so you're good to go - just make sure to apply a generous layer of the product to make sure you're getting full coverage.
Photo via lauramercier.com
The next steps all depend on what kind of skin you have. If you have oily skin, apply a dusting of pressed powder with a big, fluffy brush to help keep oil at bay - I'm a huge fan of Revlon's Nearly Naked Powder ($9.99). If you have dry skin, skip this step and move on.
Photo via revlon.com
From here I'll split this how-to into dry skin and oily skin, because the types of products to use vary drastically between the two. For dry skin, apply a liquid or creme bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face - I usually apply to my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, across my hairline and along my jawbone. Blend a little bit of the product down your neck and on your collarbones so the color looks consistent. Try CoverGirl TruMAGIC Skin Perfector in The Sunkisser ($11.99) or Benefit Cosmetics' Sun Beam highlighter ($26). Next, apply creme blush to the apples of the cheeks - Revlon PhotoReady Creme Blush ($12.99) comes in great colors that look scary but go on nice and sheer, or go for Stila's classic Convertible Color ($25).
Photo via sephora.com
For oily skin, continue using powder bronzer. I usually apply to my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, across my hairline and along my jawbone. My personal favorite is Too Faced's Milk Chocolate Soleil ($30) or NYX Cosmetics Matte Body Bronzer ($8.99). Then apply powder blush to the cheeks for a touch of color - I like NARS Blush ($30) for its smooth consistency, but you could also go for Maybelline's Dream Bouncy Blush ($7.99).
Photo via sephora.com
Now that we're done with face products let's bring it back together. For the eyes, apply two coats of volumizing mascara - I like Mally Beauty's Volumizing mascara ($20) or CoverGirl's Clump Crusher ($7.99). You can also apply a nice coat of eyeliner if you, like me, feel naked without it. My favorites are Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($20) or Rimmel London's ScandalEyes waterproof liner ($4.49). Finally, swipe on an SPF-loaded tinted lip balm. My new favorite is Jouer's SPF 15 Lip Sheer ($22), but you could also try Neutrogena's Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 ($8.99). After that you're good to go!
Photo via birchbox.com
