Ok ladies, I’ve been on Hiatus from the Beauty Blog for a few reasons:

1. Pamper Parties Pittsburgh is really taking off. With 4-5 parties this month alone, I’ve had trouble finding time to blog.

2. I’m trying to work on my book and product line, and too many pots on the stove makes for one sloppy meal…

3. I’ve been trying to enjoy the amazing sunshine we’ve been having by floating around Mineral Beach on my big yellow raft as much as possible!

However, I’ve had to suspend my hiatus in an effort to help the masses! Along with the sunshine comes the heat and humidity, and with another heat wave upon us I feel the need assist in the prevention of the oh-so-dreaded Make-up melt.

You know what I’m talking about!

You apply your make-up in your nice Air Conditioned house, but before you even make it to the car you’ve started to sweat it off. You get streaks and smears and shine. It’s all quite frustrating, but what are you going to do? You can’t go to work bare-faced… or can you?

I say… yes you can!

The best way to prevent your make-up from melting is to wear as little as possible.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve had plenty of opportunity to get out in the sun, and you’re rocking a beautiful summer glow. Why would you want to dampen your dewy sun kissed glow with dull cakey make-up? Skip the foundation all together and read on for 6 tips to a stay-put flawless summer face.

If you have a blemish or dark circles or some other flaw that you MUST cover, dab a little bit of concealer on the problem areas, and dust translucent powder over your entire face before beginning the following steps:

1. The first key to preventing “The Melt” is to stick to powders. Cream foundations, blushes, and eye shadows should be put into hibernation until Fall.

2. An eye shadow base or primer may help keep your shadow from creasing or smearing when the temperature starts to rise. Apply a small (very small) amount of base to you eyelid before you apply your powdered shadows.

3. While I’m all for smokey contoured eyes most of the time, in the hot summer months, you may want to stick to sheer shades that are similar in color. This way, if it starts to run together, no one will notice

4. I’m the biggest eyeliner junky in town, but when I know I’m going to be sweating, even I skip it. As sexy as defined eyes are, raccoon eyes are twice as un-sexy. The last thing you need is to show up to the Family Reunion looking like you’re on a walk-of-shame circa 2003 (i.e. freshman year of college). Focus on your lashes instead, as mascara holds up great in the humid weather.

5. Sweep a shimmering bronzer over your cheekbones, across your forehead, and along the bridge of you nose. Add a little pop of pink or coral (depending on your skin tone) on the apples of your cheeks and that’s all the face make-up you need in the summer. I realize that we’re used to our layers of concealer, foundation, powder, and blush/bronzer, but it’s totally wasted in the summer for 2 reasons.

1. We wear all of that in the winter to recreate the healthy glow that is provided naturally by the sun. Skip the make-up and go outside!

2. It’s all going to slide right off at the first sign of perspiration any way.

6. Carry translucent powder and oil blotting papers everywhere you go. Even with a light powdered finish you’re going to sweat, and it’s a physiological fact that your oil glands produce higher levels of sebum in the summer. Use the blotting papers to remove excess oil and moisture, and dust with powder as needed to freshen up.

I hope this helps you to look and feel fresh all summer long!

Send your beauty questions to pamperpa[email protected] and I’ll answer them in my next blog!

Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow for another dose of the beauty blog.

Thanks,

Bethany