For that chic look in monsoon

During the hot and humid season, make-up never seems to last. In no time, foundation becomes streaky and blotchy. The effort is always focussed on reducing the oily and sweaty look, making the skin appear fresh and clean.

Actually, a natural, matte (non-shiny) look is not only trendy but also suitable for humid weather. Heavy foundations and shine on the face are a big “no no.” The effort should be to achieve a sheer and translucent skin texture. Look for a matte finish on the skin.

I always feel that it’s best to keep the hair away from the face and neck, in order to feel cool. Put the hair up with accessories and hair bands. Start by looking for make-up products that are “waterproof” or “long lasting” and provide a matte finish. This would be ideal for make up during the rainy season.

Make sure that you choose make-up products that are “waterproof” or “long lasting” and provide a matte finish

Avoid heavy foundations and go for compact powder. Compact powder is pressed powder and lasts longer than loose powder. Also, it reduces the oily look. If you apply loose powder, press the powder all over the face and neck, with a slightly damp sponge. This helps it to set and last longer.

Or, you can apply a matte moisturiser and compact powder. A finishing spray or mist can sometimes help the make up to “set.” It helps to lock in moisture and keep the make-up fresh. They help the make-up last longer. Compact powders are also ideal for touching up. Carry wet tissues and compact powder in your handbag, to refresh both skin and make-up.

If you must apply foundation, apply an astringent lotion first, using cotton wool. After a few minutes, wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and apply it on the skin, for a few seconds at a time. This also helps to close the pores.

If you can get hold of a light textured primer, it would be good for the monsoons. It would help to absorb oil and sweat and help the foundation last longer. Go for a water-based foundation, adding a drop or two of water for a lighter coverage.

The trend is towards the natural look, with less blush-on. A faint flush would be suitable. Instead of applying blusher, you can use a lipstick to dot on the cheeks and then blend with the fingertips. This would make the blusher waterproof. Powder blushers also help to reduce oil and sweat.

Apply on the cheekbones and slightly below it. You can use your finger tips to dot the area with blusher. Then, blend with the brush, outwards and slightly upwards, making sure there are no harsh lines or a blotchy effect.

During the rainy season, waterproof eyeliner and mascara would be better. For the lower lid, apply liner as close to the lower lashes as possible, but start from the middle of the lower eyelid and take the line towards the outer eyes.

Apply waterproof mascara, in two coats, waiting for a few minutes after applying the first coat. Waterproof eyeliner and mascara are, of course, good even when you go swimming. Be careful while removing waterproof eye make-up. Always wipe gently, using cotton wool and a cleansing gel containing aloe vera.

Go for orange and shades of orange, like amber, coral, apricot and tangerine. Or go for earthy colours. Red and shades of red are also popular, like cherry, rose, plum and red itself. A warm red would be good for the night. Keep your lipsticks in the fridge during the monsoons. In fact, skin tonic can also be kept in the fridge.

By: Shahnaz Hussain