Now that summer is finally here, I'm slowly transitioning my makeup products over to lighter, long-lasting products that stand up to the heat and humidity. For me, that means switching from a a liquid base to dabs of concealer and a powder, and sticking to simple eyes with neutral, sun-kissed colors on my cheeks. To help focus my intentions this summer and narrow in on the products I want to use this season I've put together some inspiration for the looks I'd like to create and the products to help me do so.
Much like a capsule wardrobe, I've found that when creating a capsule makeup collection a solid foundation is key.
Whether that's liquid or powder, it's crucial that my canvas look fresh, even and clean so that it can take me from morning to night and everywhere in between without touch-ups.
If you saw my spring makeup capsule then you know that I love the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer for keeping oil at bay and turning my skin to silk and I can't imagine doing my makeup without it so it will definitely be in my summer capsule.
For base, you know that I love the By Terry Cellularose CC Cream (I wear shade 3) and Becca Aqua Luminous Concealer to even out my complexion while still letting my skin show through.
My By Terry CC is almost empty so this summer I'm swapping it for mineral foundation on days when I need extra coverage. I'm a huge fan of mineral makeup because I love how it melts in my skin to become virtually invisible, doesn't irritate my incredibly reactive skin, and stays put during the hot, humid months - especially when layered on top of the Hourglass primer. I love this one by BareMinerals, this one by Laura Mercier and this one by Jane Iredale but I recently picked up this one that I'm loving, so deciding which one makes the final cut will be more difficult that I expected it would be.
For concealer, I still have some of the Becca Aqua Luminous Concealer left so that will be staying in my capsule until it's used up (I apply it with this concealer brush that's super soft and affordable). When that time comes, I may make a switch to something new because I LOVE trying new products. Until then though, this concealer is a must for me.
It's lightweight, blendable, stays put and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin - win, win, win. Plus, I love that Becca is cruelty-free (something I'm looking for more and more in my products), and that it is reasonably priced for a high-end concealer that actually works.
I don't usually use a setting powder simply because I find I don't need one when I use the Hourglass primer but I recently re-discovered BareMinerals Mineral Veil and have fallen completely head over heels! I love this not so much for oil control, which it does beautifully I should add, but because it leaves my skin looking airbrushed while feeling completely weightless. I especially love this on light makeup days when I'm only wearing concealer and I know that this will be a permanent staple in my summer capsule.
This summer I'm loving sun-kissed cheeks with a subtle glow that's equal parts peach and tan like the images here - you can see more over on my Pinterest page here.
To achieve this natural color I'm likely going to turn to a few products and I anticipate that the "cheek" category of my capsule will be the fullest. For blush I'm still in love with my peachy Milani one and my newly discovered Glossier Cloud Paints in Haze and Dusk.
For bronzer, I have a never-ending love affair with "Faux Tan" from BareMinerals. For me, it's the perfect bronzy glow that looks completely natural and lasts all day. I love it so much that it's actually the only bronzer I own right now. If you're someone that doesn't like loose mineral powders, this one by Guerlain is gorgeous and was a favorite for years - I am contemplating picking it up again for summer so stay tuned on that. Plus, it's beautifully packaged and looks incredibly chic on your vanity - which is always a bonus.
For my eyes I've been loving the look of bare lids and bold lashes. To achieve this, I'm in love with this eyelash primer layered underneath my current go-to mascara by Clarins. Combined, these products give me stand-out lashes in a flash and I can't recommend them enough.
For brows I will likely stick to my favorite brow pencil that offers stay-put color in a waxy formula that always looks natural.
To set my brows I tend to use the Clear Brow Gel by Anastasia but have loved my new Cloud Paints so much that I may give Glossier Boy Brow a try. I'll definitely let you know what I think about it if and when I pick it up.
Having great products that I can rely on is half the battle when achieving a makeup look I love. The other half is having the right tools for the job. In the case of my summer capsule I should need a fluffy concealer brush, slightly dense but super soft powder brush for applying mineral powder and setting powder, and a cheek brush (ideally one that I can use for both bronzer and blush.
For the mineral and setting powder I rotate between this one, this one and this one in my collection. The first I like because it is the best I've found for applying the BareMinerals foundation and the second one works beautifully with the Jane Laura Mercier powder and has the perfect shape for applying mineral powder, but can sometimes irritate my skin because it has natural bristles. The third one is a lovely shape and has hypo-allergenic taklon bristles that are so gentle on my skin that I almost don't feel them. I tend to reach for this brush on days that my skin is feeling especially sensitive or I have an active breakout.
For bronzer and blush I prefer smaller brushes that apply sheer washes of color. I love this one, this one, this one and this one and I am planning on filming my entire brush collection for you soon so that I can share my hits and misses.
