No-Melt Makeup

The holidays are coming up so that means outdoor fetes and beach parties. Now a full face of makeup during the day can be a bit jolting especially when it's melting off your face in the heat. Lately, I've been testing out some products that stay put but still get the job done.

Sunscreen
This is a must if you want good skin past your thirties. The only sunscreen I swear by is the Neutrogena Dry Touch sunscreen with a high enough spf that you don't have to be too concerned about re-applying and there is barely any smell. This will be in my good graces for a very long time.


Neutrogena Dry Touch Ultra Sheer Sunblock


Moisturizer
Gel moisturizer is the way to go. You don't have to wait eons for it to absorb into your skin and it leaves your face completely matte and dry for the face products you want to apply afterwards. A few I like are:

           
Garnier moisture rescue gel - cream                         Clinique Dramatically different moisturizing gel


Foundation
This is a bit of an iffy. Cream, liquid or powder foundation can cake up or melt off in the heat. The trick is to look for something that absorbs well into the skin. MAC's mineralized skin finish (MSF) natural powders seem to get this really really well. It is a finely milled powder that is super light-weight, layer-able and long-lasting. This plus a concealer that sticks well is really all you need. It also has spf which is always a good thing. You can apply with a brush or a clean wet sponge for heavier coverage.




Concealer
I've hyped the Mac Studio Cream Concealer over and over to everyone that will listen and I will continue to do so. This seriously does not melt off. But, if you don't want to spend on this then I would suggest trying the Black Opal Stick Concealer.

                                      
Black Opal                                                                        MAC Studio finish concealer


Blush
A powder blush will be your best friend. However if you want to amp up your cheeks layer a powder blush over your cream blush for a stay-put look all day. I particularly like the Arista blushes.

                                                        
                                                  Arista

Eyes
Anything that is waterproof will be a good idea. Waterproof eyeliner and mascara are a must. To be safe, avoid makeup on your bottom lash line as this can turn into raccoon eyes really quickly. Laying down an eyeshadow primer before you put on your shadows will make them last three times longer. Avoid cream eyeshadows if you want to avoid creasing or melting.
 Eyeshadow primers I recommend are:

  



Lips
If you read my blog you will know what I'm going to say. Lipstains are your best best. Full stop. lol. Here are my current faves.


Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm



And that's it! I'll be uploading a video very soon to show you how I put it all together. Till next time lovelies!

**Jane

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Easy Oily Skin Fixes

Every time I have a discussion with someone about skincare or makeup, they always ask about how to keep oily skin at bay. While dewiness is desirable, many persons, especially here in the tropics, find that by midday, their faces are super shiny and greasy.

So I figured that I would share with you my tips for keeping oily skin at bay, that have worked especially well with the Tropical Sun.

1.  Witch Hazel: this old school remedy still does the trick. It zaps up excess oil and dirt and unclogs the pores. This is available in most pharmacies, I have seen it most recently in Lee's Pharmacy, Discount Pharmacy and York Pharmacy. Simply apply to a cotton ball or pad and swipe over skin twice daily.

 2. Grease Paper: originally for baking, this is a cheap alternative to blotting sheets. Buy a roll from your        supermarket and cut into pieces about 3inches by 3inches and store in a zip lock to carry around with you. Use it to dab at your oilier areas throughout the day. (Can be used over makeup)

 3.Brown Paper bags: cut this up as you would the grease paper and use to blot to control excess oil. (Can be used over makeup)

                                                 

 4. Tea Tree Oil: yes, I am suggesting an oil to cut oil. If you apply this to your face at night before bed and after cleansing, it will provide moisture, balance the pH in your skin, unclog your pores, help shrink zits and pimples and zap excess oil by morning. Over time you will see the healthy difference in your skin.

                                                    

 5. Baking Soda Mask: this can be used as an at-home once a week treatment to help control oil production and balance the oils in your pores. I will do a post on how to make your own baking soda mask at home if you would like.

That's all folks!

Till later,

Jane

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