managing your “summer glow”
Let’s be clear: I’m using the term “summer glow” as a euphemism for that lovely sheen of sweat and oil that seems to plague all of us Virginians during the summer months. More people come to me about achieving a soft glow than about staying matte, and in the winter months it’s easy to pile on the oils and add a highlighter, but in the summer it becomes more of a battle to tame the oils that seem to run rampant. The picture included is of the beautiful Jennifer Lopez, who seems to be the ultimate master in glowy-but-not-greasy, dewy, lovely skin.
Step One: Cleanse and tone your skin with mild, oil-reducing products, rather than something like a milky cleanser that can (sometimes) add to oiliness. If you’re extremely oily, Kiehl’s makes an Oil Eliminator toner that’s an instant mattifier, and helps keep oil production to a low throughout the day.
Step Two: Apply a hydrating serum, like the Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, which will give you supple skin, without adding a ton of extra oil. Top this with a gentle mattifying lotion. Lately, I’m partial to the Rilastil Aqua Normalizing Fluid–hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin, but the lotion is so light and easily absorbed, and actively works to reduce excess oil.
Step Three: Apply as little foundation as you can get away with. This will help make sure that even if you’re getting oily or sweaty, you don’t feel like your poor little pores are getting gummed up. If all you need is a little concealer under your eyes, more’s the better!
Step Four: Use a setting spray over your foundation. Coola’s SPF 30 option is awesome for summertime, but you could also use the Smashbox Primer Water for an instant refresh without looking like you’re glistening. Just spritz on and lightly pat into skin.
Step Five: Arm yourself. Oil Blotting Tissues from Hollywood Fashion Secrets, the new beautyblender blotterazzi, mattifying creams, translucent setting powders…the list is endless. Find one that works for you and make sure it’s tucked safely into your purse for instant touch ups!
Summer doesn’t have to mean skin has to look shiny. We can make that beautiful glow happen, no matter what time of year you want it!
