08 June, 2016
Make-up in the heat is like wearing a leather jacket on the beach. Sweaty and pretty uncomfortable. So Bunny Hazel Clarke has compiled some golden rules to help you combat sun, sea and sand. Hint: multitasking products are always winners and powder isn't necessarily the answer for mattifying skin…
When the heat is on, your pores dilate and oil production is on the up. Your skin won't thank you for slathering on a thick layer of cream, so stick to lighter lotion formulas. Products can oxidise from an increase in sebum production in hot weather (a bit like avocados going brown when exposed to air) so go for multitasking options to reduce the likelihood of ingredients clashing, which can result in a not-so-natural orange tone later in the day. Try using a product with built-in primers and coverage to create a barrier between your skincare and colour make-up; my favourite is Sunday Riley's breathable tinted primer. This miracle product plumps the skin with hyaluronic acid while letting it breathe with rejuvenox. It never feels sticky, provides light coverage and evens out redness, with the added benefit of being oil free.
One of the first things I do when I arrive at a hotel is stash my skin mists in the mini bar - you'll feel super smug when you return to your room after a day at the beach to a chilled drench of Caudalie's Grape Water Spray. It's super hydrating and perfect for slightly too sun-kissed bodies. Another option is skin experts Skindivania's collaboration with Urban Decay. They've created the frankly futurist chill spray with time-release temperature control technology which cool the surface of your make-up. I relied heavily on this to keep model Wayne Booth looking fresh on my recent trip to Kerala to shoot SUITCASE Volume 15. Top tip: if you are going to be in the sun all day, pack your beauty essentials in a mini cool bag to stop them spoiling in the sun.
There's a fine line between glowing and greasy but beauty in the heat doesn't have to mean lifeless-looking skin - placement of mattifying products is key to being on the right side of that line. I suggest extending the 'T' zone of forehead and nose to an 'H' zone which includes the side of the nose, upper lip and around the chin. Play around with texture in other areas, such as opalescent highlights along the cheekbone using Bare Minerals well-rested face and eye brightener. Try using it above the arch of the brow too - it will define and lift without the need to use heavy-looking brow pencils.
Think powder is the only way to velvety skin? Think again. Reapplying on top of oil can lead to not to a not-so-subtle look as it binds with moisture and results in a pancake-like complexion. Nice. Blot away excess oil with Tacha Japanese beauty papers - nifty blotting sheets which leave skin fresh, dry and ready for a touch up. A mattifying primer lends a helping hand too; I'm currently squeezing my way through Sisley's instant perfect, which is light and super smoothing. It also contains frangipani blossom extract to minimise the appearance of dilated pores, as well as peptidic soya extract to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.
What looks good when you leave the house in the morning can send you into a paranoid panic by lunchtime when it's slipped or smudged. To counteract this, pick products with longevity - anything with waterproof or crease-resistant formulas is good for day-to-day use. My current obsession are the new MAC versicolour stains. These stained glass effect glosses adhere to the skin and leave a lasting coloured tint. Feeling fruity? Try peaches and apricots on lips and cheeks for a monochrome look with staying power.
