If you love wearing makeup, but dread outdoor events because you fear it will all melt away (which it will), here are some essential steps to prevent that from happening:
1. Complete your usual skin regimen but change your moisturizer to one that contains SPF 15 or higher. For oily skin, DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew is a quick drying lotion that won’t clog pores and is fragrance free. It contains aloe vera, vitamin A, E and C, and grapeseed oil for even hydration. For sensitive/irritated skin, Simple Vital Vitamin Day Cream won’t leave your skin inflamed. It also contains natural ingredients such as vitamins B5 and E, glycerin, and skin-calming bisabolol. For dry skin, Laura Mercier Mega Moisturizer with SPF 15 is a deep moisturizing cream that combats stubborn dry skin. It calms irritated skin, and it contains vitamins C and E to protect the skin against seasonal changes.
2. Primer is the crucial setting step. This will ensure your skin texture is smooth and even, giving it a velvety finish which is the perfect starting step. Also, this will allow for long lasting results. Four of my favourites are Arbonne’s Makeup Primer, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (with SPF 30), Christian Dior Diorskin Airflash CC Primer, and Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF15. All of these are lightweight primers that glide or spray on easily for long lasting results. Also, Urban Decay Eye Primers work wonders for preventing liner and eye shadow from creasing.
3. Next is foundation application. For dry skin, MAC Face & Body Foundation and YSL’s Touche Èclat Foundation are ideal. MAC provides light and natural looking coverage while moisturizing for smoother and softer skin, while YSL is a light foundation that is hydrating and illuminating and creates a fabulous, non-greasy dewy base. For oily skin, Stila’s Stay All Day Foundation contains oxygen technology that hydrates and nourishes skin without using any oils. Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation contains vitamin E and A, and green tea leaf extracts to moisturize the skin and it provides a full and even coverage without settling into fine lines or pores. Or, a small amount of Kat Von D Lock It Tattoo Foundation will give you full coverage, a matte finish, and is guaranteed to last up to 24 hours. BB creams are a suitable alternative to foundation as they moisturize and provide sheer lightweight coverage.
4. Set your foundation in place with a translucent setting powder from Cinema Secrets. This will stop it from moving or creasing, and prevent shine.
5. Allow a minute for your skin to absorb and warm up to the product, then continue with your eye, cheek, and lip makeup. Finish with a spray setting such as MAC’s Fix+ or Urban Decay’s All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray.
6. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day, and ensure you have a pack of blotting paper handy. Blot, don’t wipe!
Shaylen Anita is a Vancouver hair and makeup artist, and owner of Nae Do Illusion Studio. For bookings, email [email protected].
