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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Orange You Lovely - Spring/Summer Makeup Trend

A trend I am loving for this Spring/Summer is orange. A long time fan of the amazing wonders of orange blush I was glad to see everyone grabbing at it. I have said this more than once and I will say it again - any blush with an orange base is a black woman's best friend. Please add this to your collection, you will not be sorry.

Alright, that said if you're new to the trend it can be intimidating. It's best to apply with a light hand and focus on one area of your face before you go 'pro'. 

Lips

Orange lips are really hot right now and luckily, you can pick up a tube of lipstick for as little as $300 to test out the trend. For a subtle look, dot on the colour and smooth out with your fingers. A sheer golden or nude gloss will also make it a little more wearable. 

If you live life on the bolder side, apply the colour with a lip brush over nude lipliner and wear out with a dark cat eye and bold brows.

Try m'orange from MAC or Haute topic from Sacha Cosmetics.

Blush

I am trying my hardest not to ramble on and on about this but it is HARD. Orange blush does double duty, it gives you that glow from within as well as the effect of a contour or bronzer. Applied with a light hand it has the effect of candlelit glow and it's colour on dark skin when subtle is not as noticeable as pink based blushes. The golden element in the blush will also give a nice glow without looking greasy.

If you want a bolder look go easy on the eyes and the lips and let the blush take centre stage. You will look rosy and fresh-faced. If you end up going too heavy then you can always pare it down by adding gold highlighter.

Try Golden Sunset from Arista or Nars Taj Mahal.

Eyeshadow

Now this is where it can get tricky. Go for an eyeshadow that has more of a gold base or a coppery base. It will look less harsh especially when blended out with a matte brown shadow. And, if you want a bolder look, wet your brush and pat it on then blend out around the edges with a golden colour.

Try NYX I dream of St Lucia  or MAC Rule

I'm pretty excited to see this trend out and about. Will you be giving it a try? Leave a comment and let me know.

Till later,

**Jane

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