More than 650 readers shared their hot-weather beauty woes with us, and the pros weighed in with skin, makeup and hair advice.
Expert dermatologist Lucile White, M.D. tackled the summer skin questions. White advises applying sunscreen before applying your usual daily moisturizer, because all sunscreens work optimally when applied directly to the skin. Although certain zinc lotions will work well when applied on top of other skin-care products, save the guesswork and start with the sunscreen. Or, simplify with a daytime moisturizer with SPF 30.
When you are re-applying sunscreen after already having done your makeup, White recommends using a mineral sunscreen that physically protects your skin. These tend to be a bit pastier, but certain brands have made them with a tint to mask whiteness. Try La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Tinted Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid ($33).
White also covered the issue of brown spots: To prevent brown spots from becoming more prominent, White recommends applying two layers of protection: a chemical sunscreen (like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 30, $11), then a mineral one. Also, wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking shades work wonders to protect your skin from the sun.
Next, expert makeup artist Emily Kate Warren offered advice on melt- and smudge-proof makeup. For lasting face makeup color, try swapping a cream or powder blush with a gel one. The gel is a stain, meaning it won’t budge. These tend to dry super-quick, so work fast when applying gel: Use one or two fingers to rub color into cheeks.
To keep mascara from smudging, try to keep grease and emollients from above and below your eyes at bay. Lashes make contact with your skin when you look up and down, so minimize the transfer of greasy oils by dusting lids with powders to absorb oils. Then, apply a concealer (like Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer, $22) to the darkest undereye area near your tear ducts, and feather out with a small brush.
About the Author
