Summer Skin
Summer skin…
Ahh, light and breezy, clear and smooth, hydrated and protected. Wouldn’t we like that all year round? Pandemic or not?
My favorites for year-round summer skin are SPF, an excellent healing lip balm, light exfoliation and hydrating mists under a moisturizer. This goes for my bathroom cabinet as much as my set bag and make up kit on set. Using them on the regular, I have found, you can extend your need for a facial, reducing breakouts and dry skin. Of course, always be guided by your own practitioner’s advice, especially if you have any sensitivity, skin or allergy issues.
Some of my hero products, for years now, are the following:
Nuxe lip balm, Reve De Miel. Honey, and beeswax rich, this is the only lip balm you’ll need to nourish lips overnight or just one application in the AM. I find wearing masks very dehydrating with all the mouth breathing! It has a thick matte finish and you only need a little. It looks good on all genders and plays well under lipstick or gloss, even for a chapped lip. Not vegan, a bit tricky to find in the USA ( Citi Pharma’s in Paris hoard it) but when you do, its gold! I am never without this product, for both myself and for my kit.
Light exfoliation- chemical or slightly mechanical, it’s up to you. Make up will always sit better if you prep beforehand, making moisturizers more effective too. Dermologica microfoliant, Koh Gen Do’s gommage gel, or the overnight cult classic (but wonderfully stinky) P50 lotion by Researche Biologique. If these are out of reach, then a good old slather of face oil or vaseline followed by a warm face towel and a very gentle rub helps take off surface dryness.
Mists: my favourites are Emma Hardie, Skindinavia ( post make up or maskne) Herbivore rose water, Caudalie or Mario Badescu. I look for the gentler ( no alcohol) version and be careful around the eyes if it has essential oils. I like to add a touch of essence to my own, to make it more hydrating. Make sure it has a humectant in it such a glycerine or hyaluronic acid, so it really hydrates if used solo during the day. I usually spray am and pm before moisturizer.
SPF: You really have to see what fits you and your skin, your skin tone and your lifestyle. As a ‘sensitive eye’ person, I cannot be more grateful to Colorescience for their 3 in one eye cream, and most of their facial SPF’s are excellent too. That eye cream would be my ‘base’ for a paired down, low key holiday make up bag! ( hmmm… the next blog topic!) For a great finish but lighter SPF, same goes for Eborian CC and Trinny London BFF. These 3 brands come in a variety of tints, from pale to medium-deep tones and make the skin feel hydrated and can be worn alone as a light skin base. A light touch of power is enough to set but still look fresh. Because I don’t always want color, esp. transferring all around my neckline, I opt for SuperGoops’ Unseen sunscreen on the neck ( and face) which is completely colorless and make up friendly, suitable for pale to very deep skin . La Roche Posay Anthelios (50 SPF) is a much loved favorite by make up artists, parents and skin care lovers - it works well into the skin and plays well under make up. Sheer touch by Neutrogena is a good, lower budget option. One thing I’ve noticed as I get older is that sun spots can still appear, even with SPF. The best advice, that I’ve had success with myself, is to seek shade, cover up and wear a hat. When you drive, wear sunscreen on your face, neck and hands, perhaps even a scarf - that pesky low sun hits our hands, necks and cheeks, and that sun exposure clocks up when it’s daily!
What are your favorite summer tips and products you are excited to share? Do let me know!
Next Blog topic- your micro /travel make up bag challenge! If you were allowed ONLY 5 make up items, plus two tools …what would stay and what would go?
Blog content for VanessaBlancheLee.com is written from a personal perspective, drawn on her own experience, and is not intended to diagnose, prescribe or treat. Enjoy finding out and choosing what works for you.
