By Christine Dion of Mode Dion
Summer is here in full swing and now it’s time to adjust your makeup colors for the bright light and protect your skin from the burning rays. Here are a few tips to keep you looking and feeling cool and radiant.
Switch to oil-free products. To help control shine, anything resting on your skin should be oil-free, including your sunscreen.
Change foundation and powder to a full shade darker. If your current foundation is only slightly lighter than your summer skin-tone use an oil-free powder one shade darker and with a golden undertone, to enhance features where the sun tans you, like the sides of your forehead, cheekbones, sides of nose, chin etc. Be sure to powder down past the jawbone and onto the throat to prevent discoloration lines. Watch for under eye concealers that now might appear too light and look un-natural.
Go light on mascara or skip it all together. Even water-proof mascara can run as oils from perspiration cause it to breakdown. Natural looking short false lashes applied to the outer half of the eyes can prevent a mascara ring below the eyes and still provide a thick lash look. Be sure to use water-proof glue as lids might get moist in humidity.
Brighten color on lips and cheeks using peach, coral or pink shades. Avoid dull colors like mauve, plum or brown. If you love bronze tones be sure they have a golden glimmer to catch the light. A little more color onto the cheeks and lips will allow you to go lighter on the mascara and eye shadow, which smudges easily in heat.
Set and hold makeup with a light dusting of oil-free powder including over cheek color, eyelids and lip liner. Blot makeup shine with blotting papers (sold at drug stores) or a soft cloth. Don’t use tissue paper as the fibers can cause irritation. Seal color with lipstick sealer and eye liner sealer (see these products at modedion.com).
Extreme heat
Avoid highly fragranced formulations and perfumes, as heat can increase potential for irritation. Sun combined with fragrance can cause skin discoloration. Use products that contain mint, which has a long lasting cooling effect on the skin. When performing out in the sun always use an oil-free sunscreen, at least SPF 25, under make-up for protection. If you become red or inflamed, either from heat rash or sun exposure, use products that contain aloe vera to soothe your skin.
Quench a thirsty body and skin
The most important fluid your body needs is water, and it needs a lot of it, up to a gallon a day! The best water to drink is natural spring water, bottled at the source. Shaking your bottled water a few times helps oxygenate it for faster absorption into the body. You can also place a slice of lemon into each glass of water to help your body quickly absorb the moisture and regain balance. A slice of cucumber is a wonderful addition as well. Used at many top spas, a slice in your glass will cleanse the body and refresh.
Restore dehydrated facial skin
Inside a small spray bottle filled with pure spring water place a green tea bag. Green Tea has powerful skin anti-oxidants and provides natural sun protection. For soothing skin try chamomile or rose hip tea bags, fresh mint or cucumber. Store the spray bottle in the fridge. Mist face a few times a day or as needed. Misting is especially helpful in dry climates or during air travel.
Restore fluids with this great quenching cocktail
– Pour boiling water into a pot of fresh mint leaves or mint tea bags.
– Let cool.
– Pour one part tea over ice cubes.
– Pour one part sparkling mineral water or seltzer.
– Sweeten with honey or organic pure white grape juice
Restore lost fluids through food
Fruits such as strawberries, all melons (especially cantaloupe), tomatoes, grapes, oranges, kiwis, apples, pineapples, and grapefruit, help restore fluids and carry a lot of vitamins.
Sun Safety
Most skin damage comes from the sun. Those who wear SPF (Sun Protection Factor) sunscreen of 15 and up, sit in the shade, and wear a hat for protection, will greatly lower their risk of sun spots, liver spots, skin cancer, and photo aging (this causes wrinkles and sagging). Sun damage done today may not even show up until ten to fifteen years later.
- Always use sunscreen. If you are prone to break outs use oil-free creams as sun exposure can increase sebum production and cause even more breakouts. Don’t forget to re-apply sunscreen as often as indicated on the directions (especially after swimming or sweating). Never leave sunscreen in the sun as it will lose its effectiveness.
- Wear a hat and good sunglasses (eyes can be damaged too) when outside.
- Don’t forget to protect your lips when out in the sun. Lips protrude and catch all the rays, especially if you’re wearing lip gloss. Lip gloss or shiny lipstick can be just like wearing oil on your skin, creating certain sunburn. Be sure to use a lip balm under lipstick with SPF protection, as lips are the first thing to burn.
- Remember that self-tanning lotions make you look tanned but don’t protect you from the sun.
- Always bring a cover-up or a T-shirt. When you feel you have had enough, cover up exposed areas. Watch for arms, hands and the back of the neck.
- Whether you shave or wax your legs and bikini area, remember never to do it the same day you are performing or out in the sun. Sun exposure, salt water, and chlorine can irritate your skin. Those nasty red bumps will appear, and that’s not pretty! Don’t forget -that goes for under arms too. Try Tend Skin (at drug stores) to heal and banish bumps fast.
- Performers should be extra careful to avoid tan lines. These are hard to cover up and can ruin the look of a costume if exposed.
SPECIAL for DANCE INFORMA READERS! Contact Mode Dion and mention Dance Informa for 20% off on summer favorites including: Blemish Control Oil–free Skincare, Oil-free Face Powder, Lipstick Sealer and Eye Liner Sealer.
Christine Dion has worked internationally as a makeup artist in fashion, print, television and stage. She has been in the beauty industry for over 30 years as an artist and educator. Check out her website modedion.com for more information or call 760.837.9433.
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