Today is not a tutorial or step-by-step guide; it’s just the products I love to use in summer as stand alone products and also together.
I have read so many articles that claim to be a minimalist step-by-step guide, only to then go on to have a list as long as my forearm. Today is not a tutorial or step-by-step guide; it’s just the products I love to use in summer as stand alone products and also together.
Isn’t it funny how many steps it actually takes to complete a natural look? I am the first to admit my usual “minimal make-up” look includes many steps. From prepping and priming to working the foundation into my skin, to then using the *right* amount of eye shadow and mascara to create a basic and undone look, instead of an over the top look. In Summer though, I really couldn’t be effed to slather on a bunch of products, only to have them running down my face by lunch time, like I am the Wicked Witch of the West. For my own benefit and yours, I have summarised it in only nine basics for summer. They’re the Crème de la crème…and I definitely can not live without them.
- Suncreen: It has taken me a while to find a daily face sunscreen that feels great to wear every day under your makeup or on its own. I love this one by Clarins . I also love the Mecca branded one (which I am now out of!). I used to hate wearing sunscreen on my face as it left me looking like an oil rig, but now I love wearing it. Also; when it comes to sunscreen, look for a blend of physical and chemical ingredients (physical screen deflects the rays, and a chemical screen absorbs the extra UV rays) and always choose a broad spectrum.
- Mineral foundation: Because I could never pull off the natural, I-just-woke-up-like-this look, I still need coverage. I only picked this up this one by Nude By Nature last week, so I am still trialing it, but so far it seems breathable, natural. I would say the best thing so far is the fact it absorbs excess oil and is super lightweight. I get a little scared using powdered foundation as sometimes they can leave you a little chalky or with a dull look to the skin. This one however paired with a primer and highlighter is really nice. No chalk here.
- Mascara: I could never part with mascara. The one I took overseas is finally dried up, so I replaced it with this new MAC Mascara.
- Bronzer: Loving being browner lately! I have been using this MAC Bronzer over the high points of the face: forehead, chin, bridge of the nose and cheeks.
- Concealer: This little wand is a miracle – there are plenty of dupes for this, but it’s always nice investing in this one. It lasts forever! I swipe this under my eyes, because: bags.
- Fixing spray: I never really understood the hype with fixing sprays – I mean, they literally seamed like they were a spray bottle filled with nice smelling water. I however, have come around and like to spray my make up when I am finished, especially in summer! I love using the Mecca branded one – it takes the edge off the ‘powdered look’. I just remember what all my friends and I would do to fix our make up in high school – hair spray. Hair spraying and ironing your hair – what a good look. #sarcasm
- Eyebrow gel: I am still using the Charlotte Tilbury eyebrow gel in Cara. It works so well! I love the size of the brush.
- Lip oil: I got this one just before the USA. I can’t tell you now nourishing it is. I loved it for the plane as it was a lot more moisturising because it’s an oil. I wear this in the mornings – if I know I am going outside I try not to wear this, even though it is my absolute favourite. Anything shiny absorbs and reflects sunlight and will increase your risk of a burning, so use a wax-based balm instead as it will stay put. I use the Clarins lip oil.
- Primer: I use a variety of primers, but I thought because I have been using the Nude By Nature mineral foundation I would use their primer as well. It smooths my skin and minimises pores!
Oh and I forgot to write a nice peach, light orange coloured lipstick. So I guess that brings me to 10 products that I used on repeat.
ft: Zoeva make up brushes. Links to all products below.
MY FAVOURITES
My December favourites so far. The Crème de la crème…
What are your Summer must haves?
Absolutely loved this post Ally! Superb X
Thank you so much lovely! XX