The ONLY 5 Things Your Skin Needs to Look Smashing This Summer

By Hansa Makhijani Jain

When the temperature is on the wrong side of the 30s and 40s (we mean Celsius), looking good and as fresh as a daisy can be a challenge for the best of us. Even celebs frequently need their makeup dada for a ‘touch-up’ between shots and at events. As a beauty, makeup and spa junkie, I can vouch after several years of going wrong with my products that less is truly more at this time of the year. So clear your dresser and keep these five things in easy reach at all times to put your best face forward when the heat and humidity ruin your makeup game.

A Bloody Good Serum
Ever slathered your face with your fave day cream on a hot summer day only to have your skin reject it with sweat in the next five minutes? Nourish your skin with a serum instead – it’s instantly absorbed into the skin. If sun protection is a concern, follow it up with a matte sunscreen gel. If you can’t do without coverage, try a BB cream with sunscreen.

Try: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum

A Trusty Smudge-proof Kohl Pencil
Line just the rim of your eyes (top and bottom inner lash lines) and avoid those heavily defined eyes. Even smudge-proof kohl liners have limitations at 45 degrees – and then there’s the humidity, and let’s not even talk about the pollution. So keep it light.

Try: Maybelline Colossal Kajal

A Lash-lengthening Waterproof Mascara
Not defining your peepers heavily doesn’t really mean bad news. Keep your eye makeup game strong by following up kohl with lash-lengthening waterproof mascara. Avoid volumising lashes as they can often lead to clumpy lashes – and that’s unforgivable.

Try: Innisfree Skinny Waterproof Microcara

A Bright Matte Lipper
Nothing livens up your face like a pretty pink, soft coral, perky peach or hot red on those summer days. Stick to matte lipsticks and lip crayons; you can save the gloss for winter.

Try: Kiko Milano Velvet Passion Matte Lipstick in Warm Pink

A Stash of Blotting Paper
Oil or sebum production can go into overdrive in the summer – even if you have dry skin. So control blotchy skin with some handy blotting paper – it takes the least space in your bag and can even fit into your wallet!

Try: Oriflame Optimals Oxygen Boost Face Blotting Tissues

(Photograph: Larisa Birta / Pixabay)

First published in the July 2017 issue of eShe. Buy the copy here.