Beauty fix: How to lighten up your summer makeup routine

Every week our Beauty Fix columnist takes on your questions about makeup, skincare, hair and more. Have a beauty question we haven’t answered? Email us at beautyfix@fashionmagazine.com or ask away in the comments below.

What should I use to define my brows that will last through a day at the lake or beach?
Even if you’re in a less-is-more mood for summer, brows still need to have a place in your summer makeup routine since they are so integral to facial structure and appearance. If you find your usual pencil or powder doesn’t stand the test of time when heat comes into play, try Anastasia Dipbrow Brow Pomade ($23, sephora.ca), which essentially replaces a pencil, powder and wax in one genius pot. Use an angled brush to apply for cleanly defined brows that will stay put, even in high humidity, thanks to the waterproof formula. Available in 8 shades means you’re bound to find a match to carry you through the summer. Tip: run a spoolie through brows after applying for a softened, natural finish.

I know moisturizing my body is important, but I can’t stand the heavy feeling of most products on my skin that leave grease marks wherever my limbs touch. Any alternatives?
Nothing like your legs leaving an unexpected grease mark on upholstery to make you realize that your body lotion may not be absorbing as quickly as it should. A lightweight product formulation with effective ingredients is key to hydration that will absorb as opposed to mark up your furniture. Try Nivea Express Hydration Lotion ($11, well.ca), which utilizes a unique combination of glucose and glycerol to allow skin to steadily retain hydration for up to 24 hours. The fresh-smelling formula absorbs rapidly and a little goes a long way, making this lotion a total steal.

I love smoky eyes, but the look seems too heavy for the season. How can I lighten it up for summer wear?
The smoky eye is a classic look with plenty of room for interpretation. Summer beauty means light-reflective textures, so don’t abandon your go-to dark shadows, but try incorporating some warm gold tones into the look in order to lighten the overall feel. Create a gradient effect by starting with the lightest shade from Dior’s 3-Couleurs Smoky Eyeshadow Palette in “Smoky Gold” ($50, at Holt Renfrew) all over the lid. Use the mid-tone gold shade on the inner half of the lid, then add a matte black shadow at the lashline, concentrating the colour on the outer corner of the eye. Blend to ensure there are no harsh lines. Finish by tapping the reflective gold shade on the centre of the eye for eye-catching shine.

My skin feels congested from the summer heat. How can I resolve this?
As we know, our skincare needs change from season to season, and summer usually means dealing with excess sebum and congested skin (namely clogged pores) from heat and topical products, such as difficult-to-remove sunscreen. While physical exfoliants can be highly effective, overusing scrubs can be more detrimental than beneficial to the skin. Try incorporating Pure + Simple Lactic Acid 5% ($55, pureandsimple.ca) into your evening skincare routine. Lactic acid is the gentlest alpha hydroxy acid, meaning it can exfoliate skin and unclog pores without agitating skin. The algae- and aloe vera- based formula encourages collagen production in skin, making it a well-rounded solution to congested skin of any age.

I have fairly normal skin and I’m looking for a rejuvenating face mask to use after a weekend spent outside. What are my options?
Generally balanced skin will still experience dehydration after a weekend of outdoor activity (whether it’s hiking or taking in a music festival), so treating your skin to a little rejuvenation is a fine idea. Try a generous application of Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque ($65, dermalogica.ca), which will address any dehydration and inflammation concerns that the sun may have brought on. The formula is full of vitamins (A, C, E, F and B5!) as well as oat kernel to soothe skin and increase collagen production, which will make skin super supple. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and follow up with your usual moisturizer.

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