I’m a makeup artist – how to get a holiday look without it melting in the heat and the 5 essential products I swear by
ONE thing about summer any beauty fan knows all too well is what a nightmare it is to wear makeup.
As soon as the temperature soars it’s game over for anyone wearing their favourite foundation, mascara and blush – but it doesn’t have to be.
Professional makeup artist Amy Darnell has shared how you can keep your glam look without it melting off your face.
Speaking to Fabulous, she said it’s all about skin prep, as well as a few other savvy tips.
Starting with foundation, it’s important to keep it as light as possible if you want to stop it melting off your face.
“Personally, I think matte foundation and a full coverage is a huge no no for summer.
“It’s hot and you’re bound to get sweaty, it could end up looking very cakey and patchy in places,” the pro says.
That said, if you do want to hide any blemishes, dark circles or even rosacea, it can be done.
Since Amy has rosacea herself, she also “loves a bit of full coverage.”
Prepare you skin
You need to get to grips with the right skincare for a flawless look, “I keep on telling everyone the key to flawless makeup is skin prep,” the Leeds-based artist says.
“I literally spend 30 minutes with all my brides doing a mini facial using cleansers, moisturisers, elixirs and ice balls, prepping their skin before I even touch a makeup brush.”
Of course, you don’t need to spend that long prepping your face for an everyday look, but it will help products sit on the face loads better.
“Get into a great skin care routine of an evening, face wipes aren’t going to cut it honey!”
“It’s a filter without a filter! Skin looks like skin and not a mask,” Amy says.
Application is another thing people forget about, but it can make a huge difference not only to the final look but it’s longevity.
“Mix the two products on the back of your hand to warm them up and apply them to the centre of your face with a small flat concealer brush, use a fluffy face brush to blend out to the ears and sides of face.
“This is not as harsh as going straight in with a foundation brush and is totally buildable,” Amy says.
Dewy skin might seem a bit daunting if you usually stick to matte products, but there’s no better time than the summer to embrace the glow.
Ditch powder products
Powder bronzers, blushers and other products have their time and place, but it’s not summer, the makeup pro says.
“Cream products are better in the hot weather, easily blended and can be manipulated if needed in the bathroom when doing touch ups.
“Cream on all skin ages I feel is better, it sits in finer lines softer and won’t crack and leave noticeable lines like a powder does. “
You do still need to set cream products with a powder to stop them from moving throughout the day though.
You can also make your makeup last longer with a setting spray, Amy swears by the E.l.f matte magic mist and set.
“Just make sure you raise your brows and relax your face spray generously and use a little fan until your face feels less tacky.
“Raising the brows will ensure the eyes stay perfect and don’t budge in the warm weather,” she notes.
Get the right products
You don’t need to fork out for an entirely new makeup kit for the summer, but there are five products Amy relies on when the weather warms up, and they’re all under £20.
- Made by Mitchel – Blursh liquid blusher £14.00
- Iconic London – Prep set glow mini shimmer spray £12.00
- Fenty beauty gloss bomb universal lip luminizer £18.00
- Jordana Ticia – Blusher duo – shade talking stage £20.00
- Indigo Rosee Beauty IRB – Hustle false eyelashes £6.00