by Paola Fanutti

Created on: July 27, 2009

As the weather heats up, everything is sheer and bare, from clothing, to hosiery to makeup. Highlighting a radiant, bronzey glow is easy with summer's vibrant makeup colours, and barely-there, sheer formulas. To emphasize a tan go for makeup that is barely there, luminous and light.. Tan skin still needs coverage and imperfection masking, but maquillage should be mineral, tinted, soft and dewey.

Face First

Start with a good, gentle, exfoliating scrub to buff away dead (or peeling skin) that may have settled on the skin's surface. Natural oils increase when the weather heats up, clogging pores. Blot away any excess oils or residue before you apply makeup. Although it is summer, remember skin still needs hydration, unless it is very oily, so don't forgo moisturizer unless you absolutely needs to. Before applying foundation, begin with a primer, which helps your foundation go on evenly and velvety. If you prefer a moisturizer with some tint, opt for a tinted moisturizer to give coverage, hydration, and even golden colouring.

The newest earthy, healthy skin makeup these days is mineral: for a natural, glowing effect, go for a mineral maquillage base that has a translucent, irridescent finish. Use only a little product, and blend, blend, blend, with a big brush in sweeping motions. After blending evenly, set with a powder to prevent a meltdown. For an extra sun-kissed effect, top with a natural toned bronzer, dusting only the areas that hit the sun, such as the forehead, cheeks and bridge of the nose.

Emphasize the Eye

Summer eye makeup shouldn't melt or run in the sun, so opt for water resistant, powder based eye shadow formulas. Waterproof mascara is a must, especially when pool, lake, or seaside. The eye opens up in bright, dazzling, summer colours. Think soft metallics, delicate pinks, muted peaches, gorgeous greens, nude beiges and shimmery coppers. The summer eye look is soft and blended, not harsh and defined, complimenting, not detracting from, a tanned complexion perfectly.

Prettify the Pucker

Matte is out, and glossy is in. Skip the liner and go for high shine, sheer, shades in lively, bright colours. Think bright corals and shiny nudes, vibrant pinks, luscious lilacs and colourful cherries. For a lighter lip look, lip tints and stains are great for that barely there, flushed look, and are elegant and sexy on dark, tanned skin.

Simple, sheer, summer face and sparkling sun-stroked skin is best complimented with unfussy, carefree tousled beach waves or sloppy and sexy semi-swept updos and natural, sunny highlights.

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