10 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Year round, makeup that reflects the season is essential to one's glamour surviving the elements. Summer is a season where beach trips, hula barbecues, and nights out on the town demand something more exciting than a bare face (but less restricting than a trowel full of concealer).

The basic color scheme for summer cosmetics should maintain relevance to the obvious: botanicals, sunshine, fruit, etc. It's the time of year where we get in touch with nature - flowers are in full bloom, kids are flinging colorful water balloons at our heads, and we're ready to employ our arsenal of cute summer dresses that have accumulated since March. Provided you live in a geographic location that boasts such a summer palette, sticking to the colors inspired by that mood will be helpful to your choices.

Daytime makeup should be lighter, as is the case all year long. A nude lip with gloss or a delicate hue in the pink/peach realm will give your smile a fresh accent. Avoid heavy lipsticks and deep colors - that kind of romance is reserved for cooler weather. With a nude lip, you're free to play with color in the eye area. Try some light pink or mint green eyeshadow (the amount depending entirely on your personal taste) with clear or brown mascara (always waterproof! You never know when you'll get thrown in a pool). If you'd rather saturate your lips with color, give your eyes a break. The key is moderation and the illusion of effortless beauty.

Need some lip gloss options? Seek out the fruity, flirty shades of glosses like Bare Escentuals ($14), Stila Lip Glaze ($22), NARS Duo ($28), Laura Mercier ($22), and Sephora's signature brand ($10).

Looking for bee stung lips? Check out DuWop Lip Venom ($16) or Dior DiorKiss Luscious Lip-Plumping Gloss ($19.50). These products will give you a hint of color and a bit of extra volume. Be aware that you may have to treat your lips before/after with chap stick, since these products are also known to dry out lips with repeated use. Oh, and it stings. But if you're looking to suffer a bit for beauty, this is a great way to conjure up a spicy summer kiss!

Bronzer is a great idea if you're aiming for a sun-kissed face, but the key word is "kissed", not ravaged. Over-doing bronzer is the most notorious summer makeup crime. Stick to the areas that normally get the most sun exposure. Apply in a T across the forehead, down the nose, on the cheeks (smile, and hit those dimples), and on the chin. Since choosing the right color can be quite a task, check out

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Summer makeup tips?
We want to hear your view. Write now!