23 Summer Beauty Secrets 

23 Summer Beauty Secrets
Tying the knot in the summertime? Follow our experts’ advice on battling summer beauty woes, from melt-proof makeup to frizz-free hair.

By Alyssandra Barnes 

With love in the (warm) air, lots of couples are tying the knot under the summer sun. But summer lovin’ isn’t always perfect. Oily skin, melty makeup and frizzy hair go hand-in-hand with the hot months of June, July and August. Don’t let the weather take the upper hand; defend yourself on your wedding day, and all the other days, with these tips given to us by beauty experts.

Melt Proof Your Makeup

Beat the summer heat with these tips on long-lasting makeup that won’t melt, smudge or smear, ensuring you look picture perfect throughout the hot summer night.

         
         

	Makeup primer is one of those must-have products.” Not only will it help control oil during the warmer summer months, it will also minimize the appearance of pores, lines and wrinkles,” says Gary Jones, product expert for BeautiControl. Applied before your liquid or powder foundation, you can increase your makeup wear and prevent makeup melt-down by the end of the day. Recommendation: Nars Pro Prime Skin Smoothing Face Prep, available at narscosmetics.com for $30.
	Lightweight liquid makeup is appropriate for all skin conditions and can provide a natural, yet full-coverage finish to the skin. Apply with a dampened makeup sponge and be sure to choose one that contains an SPF for added protection. Recommendation: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua SPF 15, available at chanel.com for $45.
	To help your eye shadow and lip color last longer, apply your foundation to both your lips and eyelids. “By priming them with foundation, you will minimize imperfections and help lip color and eye shadow stay on longer and remain transfer- and crease- resistant,” says Jones.
	Cream eye shadows are the perfect choice for the summer. Not only do they contain a built-in primer for added durability, but they blend effortlessly and offer a sexy shimmer that is sure to get attention. Recommendation: Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color, available at shiseido.com for $25.
	“A cream blush is a must-have! They blend naturally into the skin, creating a glow that brightens without looking harsh and unnatural,” he exclaims. Recommendation: Sephora Double Contouring Cream Blush, available at Sephora for $14.
	Looking for a custom-fit bronzer? “Create a natural-looking glow by choosing a powder foundation that is two shades darker than your normal shade and dust onto the face with a large powder brush,” Jones explains. “This will keep your ‘tan’ in line with your natural coloring, giving you a more natural glow.” Recommendation: Almay Wake-Up Makeup, available at drugstores nationwide for $13.
	Waterproof also means sweat-proof so opt for products that can stand up to the heat, humidity and, of course, the inevitable waterworks that come with weddings. Recommendation: Mally Volumizing Waterproof Mascara, available at mallybeauty.com for $20.
	Look for a tinted lip balm that contains an SPF to keep your lips stay hydrated and protected while giving you natural wash of color. Recommendation: FRESH Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15, available at Sephora for $22.50.
	A clear mascara or lash primer serves double duty. Not only can you get longer, fuller lashes, but you can create perfectly defined brows, keeping them groomed and color-fast in the summer heat. Recommendation: gloMinerals Lash Thickener and Conditioner, available at gloprofessional.com for $16.50.
	Vitamin C has special features that help ensure healthy skin during the summer months. If citrusy foods aren’t your forte, opt for supplements made from a high concentration of key antioxidants in a silicone base which help control oil and shine during the day. Recommendation: Cell Block-C Multivitamin Capsules, available at beauticontrol.com for $37.50.

Summer Skin Secrets

The summer sun brings a whole new wave of skin issues not ideal for those wedding day close-ups. Follow these tips to keep your skin looking flawless for the big day.

                

	Steer clear of overly drying face washes. “These will speed up oil production in order to ‘normalize’ the skin’s surface,” says celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman. “Use something cleansing, but not stripping.” Recommendation: Liquid Neutrogena, available at neutrogena.com for $7.49.
	Target the T-zone! Freedman suggests applying anti-shine lotions in lieu of your morning moisturizer but dab only on the target areas: cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. Mineral-based sunscreens, surprisingly, can also minimize shine, with oil-absorbing ingredients such as micronized zinc or titanium dioxide. Recommendation: Bare Escentuals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen, available at bareescentuals.com for $28.
	Razor burns and ingrown hairs happen to everyone, and shaving becomes more frequent as the heat rises. World-renowned dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad suggests washing your skin with lukewarm water to open the pores and then use cold water when rinsing cleanser off of the skin to close them. “This will not only keep your complexion bacteria-free but also soften the hair follicles for a smoother shave.” Use a product that simultaneously fights bacteria to reduce blemishes and promotes healthy looking skin to eliminate unsightly bumps. Recommendation: Murad Razor Burn Rescue available at murad.com for $35.
	Between kisses and cocktails, reach for blotting papers to fight off any in-the-moment shine. You can also blot with tissue but Freedman warns to never blot with one that has lotion in it. “I try to find the cheapest, papery-ish tissues to have on hand to absorb shine,” he says. Recommendation: Clean & Clear Instant Oil-Absorbing Sheets, available at Target for $4.49.
	On the days leading up to the big day, limit your cocktail and spicy food intake and instead chow down on foods high in vitamin A (such as carrots, leafy greens and apricots), which slow down oil production.
	If you have exfoliating scrubs and masks that you’ve used in the past, take a night to give yourself a facial (after months of planning, you deserve it!). Keep in mind that now’s not the time to try new products—the last thing you need is a bad skin reaction. Exfoliating will loosen dirt and oil in the pores, and a clay or salicylic acid mask will temporarily decrease oil production.
	Applying topical lotions containing SPF is only one way to protect skin from the sun; selecting raw fruits and vegetables, as well as dietary supplements, can also help defend skin and the resulting damage. Murad suggests adding foods such as broccoli, tomatoes, cranberries and spinach to your grocery list and take a supplement containing pomegranate extract for maximum benefits.
	Thanks to chlorine, air conditioners and sun exposure, dry skin is a villain in the summer as much as the winter months. Kill three birds with one stone using a product that moisturizes, has SPF and a self-tanner. Recommendation: Jergens Natural Glow & Protect Daily Moisturizer SPF 20, available at drugstores nationwide for $6.79.

Summer Styling

The summer sun can be both a welcomed and obnoxious guest at your wedding. These five tips will help you fight frizz and flattening, summer’s most powerful weapons against great day-of hairstyles.

     

	When deciding upon your wedding day hairstyle, opt for an updo. “It lasts longer and it keeps the hair off of the face so it won’t drop or be bothersome due to sweat,” explains celebrity hairstylist Stephanie Harris.
	Control frizz prior to styling by using sulfate-free shampoo. Recommendation: Alterna Bamboo Smooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo available at Sephora for $20.
	Once styled, keep it from dropping or falling flat with a great sulfate-free holding spray. Recommendation: L’Oreal Elnet Satin Hair Spray, available at drugstores nationwide for $14.99.
	Harris recommends asking for a style that involves a back-combing technique. “This technique is a way of combing the hair to create volume and prevent it from falling flat.”
	Harris suggests following the latest bridal hair trends, such as the bun, French braid, twists and fish tails. The tight, elegant styles aren’t nearly as affected by the summer heat as their tendril counterparts.