beauty buzz: the 5-minute solution for easy summer beauty

easy-summer-beauty-routine

I think we can all agree that the phrase “lazy summer” applies with particular accuracy to our beauty routines. Flat irons sound considerably less appealing than “beach hair” sprays (or just cramming your unwashed locks into a messy bun). And makeup? I don’t know about you, but when it’s 90 degrees outside, the last thing on my mind is bothering with a full face of foundation that will inevitably melt and pool into the “fine lines” on my forehead within seconds of leaving my house.

Still, every time I brave the world bare-faced, I inevitably catch a sidelong glimpse of myself in a poorly-placed mirror under flickering fluorescent lights, which then leads me to swear I’m never leaving the house again without a lighting consultant and makeup artist on staff.

I needed a middle ground: a bare-minimum routine that’s simple, quick and effective. So, I put out an SOS to my friends at NARS, and their lead makeup stylist, Janice Daoud gave me quite possibly the best gift ever: her foolproof 5-minute summer beauty routine. I’ve augmented it with a few of my own tried-and-true tricks (in italics), and together, I think we’ve put together a routine so seamless, your days of accidental mirror incidents are over.

Janice: Summer beauty routines should always be simplified. The key is to have your skin and face feeling light, comfortable, and fresh.

Skincare first: If you’re prone to oil, I like to start off by prepping the skin with NARS Multi-Action Hydrating Toner which smoothes and brightens the complexion. Follow with a brightening serum (more here), and a lightweight oil-free moisturizer like NARS Aqua Gel – ideally, something with a matte finish, which will help bond makeup to the skin for fewer touch-ups. Finish with SPF, always! (Editor’s Note: I swear by Clarins UV Plus, but Neutrogena is a great budget option. Both are lightweight, blend well and don’t leave a residue.)

Makeup: Start with Tinted Moisturizer, my favorite must-have summer beauty product. It gives color and added hydration all in one, and feels a lot lighter than a foundation. (Ed. Note: NARS makes an excellent version, as do CK One and Napoleon Perdis.) Follow with a very light dose of concealer as needed (Ed. Note: YSL and Clarins are my go-tos). Finally, NARS Multiples are amazing for this time of year. Pop them on the eyes and cheeks for a quick and fresh look. Choose shades like Na Pali Coast, South Beach or Maldives for a golden, sun-kissed effect. Finish off your look with a bright but sheer lip in coral or pink (Ed. Note: I cannot overstate how amazing these YSL Volupté Sheer balms are), a quick sweep of mascara (Ed. Note: my current faves are from CK One and good old CoverGirl), and you’re out the door!

I’ll admit that I’d add a second or two for brow gel, but other than that? I’ve spent the last couple of weeks sticking to this as my summer routine, and I’m happy as a clam!

So, tell me, friends: what are some of your tried-and-true summer beauty solutions?

 

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4 comments on “beauty buzz: the 5-minute solution for easy summer beauty

  1. A

    Loooove my NARS matte multiples in Laos and Exumas… I hope they make more colors. So easy to use, no sparkle. Not that sparkle is bad.

  2. Jordana

    What a great product round-ups! Will try to implement this into my usual skincare routine 🙂 Could you also review Vain Pursuits? I’d love to hear what you have to say about them!

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