Primer Tricks
Using a Primer is the secret step to your long-lasting immaculate makeup in summer. Using only a pea size amount, this should be applied in a thin layer between your last skin care product and your foundation or tinted moisturiser. Think of it as ‘a glue’ that adheres your foundation on to your skin, and a shield or barrier between your skincare and your makeup.
Some primers are also SPF-infused or hydrating. A brilliant primer suitable for all skin types is the Foundation Primer hydrating by Laura Mercier (available from Space NK and Elys). Another one which works well with any foundation and has an SPF15, is the oil-free Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (available from Space NK). Wait a few seconds for the Primer to dry before applying foundation.
If you have oily skin you may also opt for an oil reducer or mattifier which may be applied to the oily skin areas before applying primer. Benefit POREfessional matte rescue (available from Elys and Debenhams) and Laura Mercier Secret Finish Mattifying (available from Space NK and Elys) are very effective shine control products.
Using an Eye Primer such as Back Stage Eye Primer of Christian Dior (available from Elys) will also help to keep your eye makeup on all day long and prevent creasing.
All About That Base
Less is best! Cake-face is never a good look and even more of a ‘no-no’ in summer! Makeup tends to move around and crease in the heat so the less of it the better otherwise you are risking a serious facial landslide!
If you can, it is best to opt for a tinted moisturiser. Tinted lotion is sheer so you don’t have to match it to your skin exactly, as you have to do with foundation. You can even go slightly deeper to warm up your complexion. A lovely one is the Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturising Balm (available from Elys).
If using a foundation, stick to silicone and water-based liquid foundations and avoid cream foundations that are oil-based as these will melt off your skin and are more likely to block your pores. Estée Lauder Double Wear Light (available from Elys) is a very long lasting one and light textured.
Use only one thin layer of foundation or tinted moisturiser and conceal anything else you want to hide with a concealer. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer (available from Elys and Space NK) is a favourite of mine and comes in 8 duo palettes.
Apply the base with your fingertips starting at the centre of the face and use a clean foundation brush to blend thoroughly and thin out towards the hairline. Use a concealer brush to apply and blend the concealer.
Do not over-powder. Powder and sweat don’t go well together. Powder lightly just to set in cream makeup products and to help those areas which need more oil-control, such as the T-zone area.
Eliminate shine and add glow. To touch up and eliminate unsightly shine, always use blotting papers such as SHISEIDO Pureness Oil Control Blotting Papers (available from Space NK).
Lara Mallia – Freelance Makeup Artist and Beauty Therapist
Visit: www.lmbeautyandmakeup.com
Facebook: @laramalliabeautyandmakeup
Twitter: @MalliaLara
