July 15 
Focusing on items that are multipurpose – cream blushes as lip tints, contour creams as eyeshadow colors, we have easy summer beauty tips to achieve a fresh natural look!
Oh, sunny warm, and sometimes humid, summer days! Nature’s glistening effect (aka, sweat) can be a little challenging on our beauty and make-up routine. Vietnam was really bad. It was extremely hot and humid, which made me appreciate NY summers. And when I was living in LA, it was hot and dry. From the West Coast to the East Coast, from Southeast Asia back to NYC, I learned a few things. And today, I’d love to share these easy low-maintenance tips to achieve a fresh natural look for summer with you.
A few things before we get started… I pared down a lot of items focusing on items that are multipurpose. For example, cream blushes that are also great lip tints, contour creams that also work as soft eyeshadow colors, and sunscreens that also serve as make-up primers and finishing powders. Not only does this save us time in the morning, but it’s also travel friendly, embracing the less-is-more approach.
– Cream Blushes –
First topic, cream blushes! Little goes a long way. No brush or sponge needed, all it takes is a clean finger for a smooth application. These two are my favorites and it gives a natural I-just-ran-a-mile flush cheek color. Creamy and silky, this Kjaer Weis Cream Blush has completely green/clean ingredients. Lightweight and buildable, this Giorgio Armani Neo Nude A-Blush is a water-based liquid color that gives a healthy glow. Both cream blushes are long-lasting and have a satin-matte finish. And they’re really mistake-proof. Just dab a small amount on your cheeks, smile, and blend. Finish by using it also on your lips. Two in one! They’re the perfect lip tints!
– Sunscreens –
Protect, protect, protect! It’s so important to use sunscreen. These two are amazing, and they serve same but different purposes.
My Biossance Squalane + Mineral SPF 45 sunscreen, I use it every morning! If you’ve been with me on my beauty journey, it’ll come to no surprise just how much I love Biossance and their products. I was so excited when their team first told me of the plans to launch a new sunscreen! When it comes to sunscreen, I’m not fond of products that leave a greasy residue or have a strong scent. This sunscreen is lightweight, non-greasy, and leaves no visible white residue upon application. It also doubles as a primer to set up for your makeup routine.
I’ve never been one to reapply my sunscreen midday, even though it’s a highly recommended practice. Since my sunscreen is usually a cream formula, I avoid reapplying because I don’t want to start my make-up routine over again. Drumroll… Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45 comes in powder + brush form, making it easy for application and midday reapplication. It goes smoothly over your skin and makeup! It has a soft matte finish, smoothing over any imperfections and minimizing oil and shine.
– Contour Creams –
Next up, contour creams! This also doubles as soft eyeshadow colors! Again, no brush or sponge needed. Start with a very little amount and blend it with the tips of your fingers to the hallow of your cheeks. Both contour creams are buildable, so start small and add more for a deeper shade. This Armani Neo Nude A-Contour cream helps to effortlessly sculpt and define without leaving obvious traces of makeup application. This Illamasqua Contouring Gel Sculpt is a gel formula contouring stick that is light and has a matte formula that glides on effortlessly and can be layered for a deeper tint.
– Texture Sprays –
Hair, the finishing touch! To achieve a natural textured look, I rely heavily on dry shampoos and textured sprays. These two I can’t live without. I have full size versions at home and also bring travel size versions with me when I’m traveling. I wash my hair three times a week, and use this Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo in between. It has a light clean fragrance, and absorbs and removes oil, sweat, and odor. There’s a visible difference to my hair as soon as I apply the dry shampoo. It gives instant volume and texture!
And for everyday, I use this Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray. After curling my hair and finger combing it through, I spray this on. It’s a humidity-blocking spray that provides light hold and texture. Actually, a lot of texture! I carry the travel size with me in my bag at all times for a texture and volume refresh throughout the day.
– Mid-Day Refresh –
Two favorites that I use to help refresh the look without moving my makeup throughout the day, my Tatcha Oil Blotting Sheets and Biossance Squalane + Micronutrient Fine Mist! These Tatcha sheets are made out of 100% abaca leaf, which makes them exceptionally soft to the touch but effective when absorbing excess oil. Even better, they do not disturb the makeup that’s already on my face and does not strip the skin of essential moisture.
I’m a huge fan of using mists, no matter the season. It’s a great way to provide a boost of hydration without feeling oily or heavy. This Biossance mist is not only hydrating but also restorative, combating dryness, dullness, and uneven texture. Great for morning, midday and at night, this mist delivers an ultrafine nourishing spray for your skin.
I hope you found these summer beauty tips helpful. In my Vietnam Travel & Beauty Journal video, I actually used the products mentioned above and they were lifesavers! Especially, the SPF, cream blush, and mist.
I hope you enjoy this Sunday Spotlight edition, and as always, thank you so much for reading!
Thank you so much for reading!
