SPF
Though we all know it’s important to protect our skin from the sun, fear of a sticky, pasty face keeps many of us from complying. Some savvy brands have found a smart way to get around this common mental block. They’ve cleverly snuck SPF into skin-care products that women already love using!
SPLURGE: Kinerase Lotion with SPF 30. This popular and effective wrinkle fighter is a great source of sun protection for sensitive skin. Even cooler? The formula has neither the opaque look nor the distinctive smell of a powerful SPF. ($135.00; kinerase.com)
SAVE: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, Ultra Calming SPF 15. This oil-free daily moisturizer soothes sensitive skin and visibly reduces redness with ultra-gentle ingredients like chamomile. ($15.99; drugstore.com)
FOUNDATION
Summer’s the perfect time to cheat on your favorite foundation in favor of products specifically designed to battle heat and moisture.
SPLURGE: Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15. This water-resistant, oil-free powder foundation never looks cakey or chalky, and can be layered for more coverage. ($35.00; lauramercier.com)
SAVE: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation. This weightless, fragrance-free mineral powder offers the perfect amount of coverage, plus a bit of a glow—so skin looks soft and radiant. ($12.99; drugstore.com)
MASCARA
Raccoon eyes are a telltale sign of an out-of-season beauty regimen. Even a touch of smeary eye makeup can give the impression of dark circles, or worse, a black eye! Here are a few swelter-proof tools to bring your arsenal up to date.
SPLURGE: Lancôme L’Extreme Waterproof Mascara. Lancôme’s high-quality mascaras have earned a religious following, due in part to their amazing staying power. Another crowd-pleaser? The expertly designed brushes effortlessly separate clumps. ($23.00; lancome-usa.com)
SAVE: Max Factor 2000 Calorie Aqualash Waterproof Mascara. This long-wearing gel-based mascara fattens lashes by 200% without feeling stiff or sticky. ($4.99; drugstore.com)
EYE SHADOW
Think hot summer nights and glamour can’t mix? They can now! Guarantee your shadow won’t slide south when you hit the dance floor by choosing one that holds up under steamy conditions.
SPLURGE: Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow. This gel-to-powder shadow delivers an intense punch of shimmery color that won’t smear or crease even during the most humid weather. ($24.00; sephora.com)
STEAL: Beyond Natural Cream To Powder Eye Shadow by ULTA. As the name implies, the magic is all in the formula. Cream shadows are a snap to apply, and once this dries to a sheer powder, it stays put no matter what! ($7.49; ulta.com)
BRONZER
Summer is the season to swap blush for bronzer. You’ll still get a touch of color, but the sun-kissed glow that bronzer creates will appear much more natural.
SPLURGE: Hoola Bronzing Powder. This bronzing powder creates the look of the glowy tan. Placed strategically on the high planes of the face, it creates dimension and makes features pop. ($28.00; benefitcosmetics.com)
STEAL: Bonne Bell Bronzer. Smooth this lightweight gel over your entire face for the look of a delicate tan. Add a second layer to the tops of cheekbones (where the sun naturally hits) to highlight bone structure and make your face appear more angular. ($4.95; bonnebell.com)
LIPS
A good rule of thumb for hot-weather lip color: Avoid anything creamy or sticky. A stain or tint, on the other hand, is a weightless, user-friendly alternative.
SPLURGE: Becca Beach Tint. Press this pretty, water-resistant stain onto lips with fingers for a look so sheer, it will pass as your natural lip color! Added bonus? It can be used on both cheeks and lips. ($25.00; makeup.com)
STEAL: Revlon Just Bitten. This fruity-hued lip stain (think cheerful popsicle shades) has an idiot-proof rollerball applicator that makes on-the-go touch-ups a breeze. ($10.99; drugstore.com)
