Expert advice on putting your best face forward in summer’s heat

August is one of the hottest months of the year and a signal that the end of summer is approaching and fall is right around the corner. Make sure your face survives beach days, evenings by the pool, outdoor festivals, or a night on the town with these tips and products.

Set your face up for success. Before you even pick up a brush or palette, Cassandra McClure, celebrity makeup artist and host of the “Clean Beauty” podcast recommends cleansing and exfoliating your face. “It’s going to make your skin look brighter, tighter, get rid of fine lines and wrinkles … so that your skin can grab onto the next step which is your serum and then moisturizer.”

Primer is also an important starting point for any summer makeup routine. In addition to making your foundation last throughout the day, a primer also ensures a smooth application, allowing for an even skin tone.

“Another great product to use when it’s hot is a toner,” says Liz Jeneault, a beauty influencer and the vice president of marketing at Faveable. A toner doesn’t just help even out the look of your skin, but also makes it easier to apply your foundation.”

Go easy on your face when temperatures rise. File photo/TNS

Is it waterproof? Encountering moisture is an inevitable part of going out during the summer, whether you’re battling a bout of midday humidity, wiping away tears at a summer wedding or hitting the pool on a hot day. Consider waterproof makeup, especially eyeliner and mascara, to avoid streaks.

“A liquid or gel formula will last longer than a soft pencil because the wax in the pencil melts in the summer heat,” de Polish says.

“Even the cleanest mascara (is) harsh on your lashes,” McClure says, “It’s great to give them a break, even one or two days a week if you can.”

Invest in a good setting spray. There are various setting sprays for different skin types. During the summer, you want a setting spray that battles sweat and smearing.

Go easy on your face when temperatures rise. “Less is more,” Mahali says. “By packing on the makeup, you just create a sweaty layer that blocks your pores. Your skin needs to breathe to be healthy in the hot weather, so use loose powders and light finishes, to make sure your makeup lasts.”

Keep your fragrance fresh, too. McClure’s tip for making sure your perfume stays on? Spritz some on your brush before running it through your hair.

And remember to stay cool. “I also keep peppermint essential oil in my makeup kit. For really hot days, I apply a drop of this oil to the back of the neck for an instant feeling of cool.

Tribune News Service