Becca

I hope you’re all recovering from the heat wave that encapsulated basically the entire United States a few weeks ago. As a Phoenix dweller who’s come to refer to “heat waves” as summer breezes — and who says things like, “Oh! The high is only 100 degrees today?” — I was somewhat unfazed by it all. However, I did feel for you poor souls who aren’t used to scorching temps.

I actually escaped to Boulder, Colorado for a portion of it, where the abnormally high local temps of 90ish degree temperatures felt absolutely lovely compared to the 115 I’d grown accustomed to. Score!

Anyway, all these people on social media, the news (and even in person!) upset over the hot weather inspired me to share some makeup tips for extraordinarily hot weather. You know, so your makeup doesn’t melt off your face!

Tip 1: Always Use Primer

My husband laughs when I say I’m going to go paint my face, but that I first need to apply some primer. But in the same way a primer creates a smooth foundation for your home’s walls, it also preps your skin for foundation, blush and anything else you’ll apply. Primer also helps your makeup last longer, especially when you’re prone to sweating it off. On the hottest of hot days, say buh-bye to melting faces and hello to primer. I’ve had great success with BECCA’s primer and Max Factor makes some amazing products, as well.

Tip 2: Apply Makeup to a Dry Face

This is kind of a given, but how, exactly, does one keep her face dry when it’s muggy and hot? First, face a fan or air conditioner when applying your makeup. If you’re still sweaty, give your face a blast of (non-hot) air from your blow dryer. Secondly, rinse the sweat off your face off with cool water and gently pat dry with a clean towel before applying any makeup.

Tip 3: Keep Makeup Products Cool

Store any of your liquid cosmetics in the fridge. That includes foundation, BB cream, primers, lip glosses, cream blushes, liquid eyeliners, etc. This isn’t a necessity, but it will help cool you down!

Tip 4: Opt for Waterproof Mascara

If you’re not wearing waterproof mascara, sweat can make your mascara run. And that causes mascara to get in your eyes. Few things are as uncomfortable as mascara in your eyes, am I right? Always opt for waterproof mascara, especially if you’ll be out in the sun and especially if you’ll be anywhere near a pool.

Tip 5: A Touch of Deodorant On Your Nose

A few years ago, I discovered that even though I was wearing an SPF foundation/powder and primer, my nose would get burnt whenever I played outdoors. After a bit of thinking, I realized my makeup kept rubbing off due to a) sweat and b) my sunglasses sliding up and down my nose. The Bozo look nobody any favors, myself included. Solution? A touch of deodorant on your nose will help prevent sweat and keep your sunglasses in place.

Tip 6: Use Setting Spray or Powder

Even when we’re reaching record breaking temperatures here in the desert valley (hello, 120 degrees!), my makeup lasts through the day. How? Well, minimum exposure to outside weather (even if my AC is set to 86 degrees inside), but makeup setting powder also helps. I apply a quick dusting of Make Up Forever HD Powder and boom — flawless face for hours!

By Wendy Rose Gould

We all have our favorite, die-hard staple products. Goods that — heaven forbid we run out of — we rely on day in and day out to make us feel, smell and look nothing short of wonderful. Today we’re dishing on our must have bathroom goodies. Check them out and make sure to tell us what your favorite go-to bathroom products are in the comment section below.

	Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Mirela, founder of The Stylish City, says that a salesperson at RICKYSNYC.COM suggested One N Only Argan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo – 12 oz $11.99 and One N Only Argan Oil Moisture Repair Conditioner – 12 oz $11.99 to her as a substitute for Ojon shampoo. The Ojon shampoo, while nice, cost more than she preferred spending and is now replaced as a shower staple.
	TOCCA Body Wash and Lotion One of my all time favorite brands has to be TOCCA. I swear by their fragrances and cannot tell you how often I get complimented when wearing them. This past year they released a line of body washes and lotions in their signature scents. They’re middle-of-the-line in terms of cost ($18 and $20 respectively) and worth every penny.
	Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara How does $2.99 sound for a quality mascara? Jordana’s Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara formula was recommended to Mirela by one of her makeup guru friends (Micky), is revered by makeup artists across the country and gets rave reviews at MakeupAlley (4.3 stars out of 5 with 300 reviews).
	Darphin VITALSKIN Anti-Fatigue Dynamizing Serum I’m a self-admitted serum junkie. I’ve tried dozens of serums — new and old — over the past year and my absolute favorite new item is Darphin’s VITALSKIN Anti-Fatigue Dynamizing Serum. It’s like a little treat for my skin every time I wash. While a little expensive at $88, the formula is incredibly silky and melts into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Bonus: Smells amazing.
	Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Heralded by myriad makeup artists, Becca Cosmetics’ Shimmering Skin Perfector ($41) has to be one of the best highlighting products out there. It comes in different shades to match your skin tone for more seamless blending. It’s also really sheer and leaves skin feeling moisturized and looking glowy. I like to apply to my upper cheekbones, above my top lip and across my collar bones.

By Wendy Rose Gould