Shahnaz Husain
The golden rule for summer make-up is ‘soft, delicate and very sparing’. Water-based and powder make-up items are better during summer, as they can deal better with hot conditions and sweating. Use powder eye shadows and powder blush-on. Waterproof mascaras and eye liners will prevent eye make-up from running during the hot and humid season. Waterproof or water-resistant lip colors and lip liners are also available. Or, go for matte lipstick and add just a dab of gloss in the center for a delicious pout.
Cleansing the skin before make-up is most important. Wash off with plenty of cool water. After cleansing, use chilled rose water to tone and cool the skin. This helps to close the pores. In hot and humid weather, wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and wipe the face with it, just for a few seconds at a time. This helps to close the pores and prevent sweat.
For oily skin, apply astringent lotion with cotton wool, to close pores and reduce oiliness. Or apply a face serum. It is lighter than a moisturizer and provides an ideal cover. Applying primer also helps. Dab it on oily areas, like the T-zone. It is said that Milk of Magnesia works as a primer during the humid season. It helps to reduce oiliness. Take some Milk of Magnesia on moist cotton wool or a sponge and dab it on the face. Allow it to dry.
After a few minutes, apply water-based foundation, blending with a damp sponge for a smooth finish. Use foundation with beige tones, rather than pink. I feel beige suits Indian skin color better. Add a drop or two of water, before applying, to provide a lighter coverage. Then apply powder to “set” the foundation. When you apply powder, press the powder all over the face and neck, with a slightly damp sponge. This helps it to set and last longer. Or use only compact powder, which lasts longer and provides a smooth finish. Primers and powders help to remove the oily look. Try tinted powders, like warm yellow tones of powder. Bronzing powders may also suit. If you want a really healthy glow without the shine, go for a bronzing powder. Avoid applying too much. It should be lightly applied, using a big powder puff. A powder puff is better than a brush in summer.
Subscribe to read the full article: