Look suave in summer

The golden rule for summer makeup is “soft, delicate and very sparing”

We tend to sweat a lot in the summer; waterproof mascaras and eyeliners will prevent eye makeup from running during the hot and humid season. Waterproof or water resistant lip colours and lip liners are also available. Or you can go for matte (non-shiny) lipstick and add just a dab of gloss in the centre for a delicious pout.

Cleansing the skin before makeup is most important. Wash off with plenty of cool water. After cleansing, use chilled rose water to tone and cool the skin. This is not only refreshing, but also helps to close the pores. Dip cotton wool pads in it and wipe the skin.

Also, pat briskly on the skin to stimulate circulation and add a glow. If the skin is oily, apply an astringent lotion, using cotton wool.

The aim should be to have a smooth and sheer texture, without too much foundation. In fact, matte (non-shiny), water-based foundation should be used in summer. Dot foundation on the face and blend with a damp sponge or with finger tips. Use foundation with beige tones, rather than pink. I feel beige suits Indian skin colour better.

When you apply makeup, remember not to smear too much or rub it. Whether it is foundation or blusher, it is best to dot it with a light touch, using a finger tip, or an applicator. It can also be applied lightly and evenly with a damp sponge.

Primers and powders help to remove the oily look. Try tinted powders, like warm yellow tones of powder. Bronzing powders may also suit. If you want a really healthy glow without the shine, go for a bronzing powder.

Avoid applying too much. It should be lightly applied, using a big powder puff. A powder puff is better than a brush in summer. Or, use only compact powder, which lasts longer than loose powder and provides a smoother finish.

At night, you need more colour. Applying lipstick with a lip brush helps it to last longer. The lip colour should match the attire. However, bronze, coral, copper, burgundy and even red would look good for the night. Coral lipsticks are in fashion. A coral or dark pink lipstick may look very attractive, even with light coloured clothes. Apply a hint of lip gloss after applying lipstick. This gives a fresh and cool look.

A hint of blusher should be used on the cheeks. A powder blusher is easier to apply. Use it after you have applied powder and at the end of your makeup. Apply on the cheekbones and blend it outwards and slightly upwards.

Make your makeup last longer:

• Use waterproof makeup in summers to cope with perspiration.
• Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and wipe the face with it, just for a few seconds. This helps to close the pores.

For oily skin, apply astringent lotion with cotton wool, to close pores and reduce oiliness. After a few minutes, apply water-based foundation, blending with a damp sponge for a smooth finish. Add a drop or two of water, before applying, to provide a lighter coverage. Then apply powder to “set” the foundation.

• When you apply powder, press the powder all over the face and neck, with a slightly damp
• sponge. This helps it to set and last longer.
• Use powder eye shadows and powder blush-on.
• If you use kajal, after applying on the lower lid, just below eyelashes, apply a line of grey or brown eye shadow over it. This prevents smudging and helps makeup last longer.
• Blot the makeup with tissue.
• Applying foundation on the lips before helps lipstick last longer.