What you need in your makeup bag this summer

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: POGREBKOV (THINKSTOCK)
Switching out some of your makeup for the summer is ideal, so your skin can shine as bright as the sun above you.

With the change of seasons and the weather gets warm your makeup bag should change some of the products it contains. There are many products that could ruin the look you are trying to go for if it’s not summer-proof. Summer-proof meaning; is it sweat-proof? Beachproof? And most importantly what’s it doing to your skin? What you used during winter and fall just might not cut it once it starts to heat up. The Interrobang has you covered, here’s what you need in your makeup for the summer.

1) A moisturizer with SPF

Although you will be sweating and may think that you don’t need to moisturize, that’s where you are wrong. It’s important to keep your skin healthy, especially protecting it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Try and find a moisturizer with at least an SPF of 25. That being said aim to find one with SPF 30. The higher the SPF the longer you are protected. An example of a moisturizer is the Neutrogena Moisture Oil-Free Facial moisturizer (SPF 30). If you have oily skin it may be a bit more difficult to find a moisturizer that works for you. The key is finding “Oil-Free” products and testing them out until you find something you like. Know your skin and what works and what doesn’t.

2) Get a good primer

If you want to keep your makeup on your face and not sweat it off, try a primer. A primer can hide your pores and gives your makeup something to stick to. What you’ll want to do is after you moisturize, put on a layer of primer over top your whole face. If you want to be a little extra and help your eyeshadow out, consider getting a primer specifically for eyes. Keep in mind you don’t need to break the bank, there are plenty of inexpensive primers out there. For example, the NYX Angel Veil and the NYX Poof It! Waterproof eyeshadow primer are great drugstore products too.

3) Set it and forget it

When you wear cream makeup (foundation, concealer, sometimes counter and highlight) if you don’t set it, there is a good chance it will get everywhere. To set your makeup, use powders depending on what you’re setting. For the highlights of your face, use a light or translucent powder while for contouring, use a darker powder. Some products you could use is the Airspun Loose Powder and the Madeline New York Fit Me Powder. Once you’re done all your makeup, use a setting spray like the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray.

4) Foundation

Having a waterproof foundation is a great asset to have if you really want that makeup to stay on all day. It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re planning to tan, get a foundation that will be the same colour as your tan. A high-end, but very long lasting foundation, is the Urban Decay All Nighter foundation. Although this is a waterproof foundation, it does oxidize (darkens) when it dries.