It’s that time of year again. The days are getting longer, the sun isn’t such a rare sight, and barbecues are being dusted off across the nation. But while we’re all looking forward to fun in the sun in the coming months, if the thought of tackling your makeup kit during the summer holidays fills you with dread, you’re not alone.
Many of us struggle to achieve the looks we love in warmer weather – whether we’re at home or on holiday. From melting foundation to stickiness and slide-off, makeup in the summer brings a whole host of seasonal challenges.
But not to fear. Our summer makeup series is here to debunk myths, explore new hacks and make sure you have all the tips you need to apply like a pro in the sun. And first up, it’s foundation. Let’s take a look at how to make your all-important base work for you this summer.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
Summer has a knack for drying out the skin – even though it might not feel that way when you’re sweating (sorry, glowing) by the pool! Starting your foundation application process with a good quality moisturiser is essential, especially when the weather is warmer. If you’re worried about greasiness, choose an oil-free product to stay hydrated and plumped up all day long.
It’s also worth thinking about selecting a foundation with moisturising properties to keep skin refreshed for longer. Here at DCYPHER, we use a natural, plant-derived moisturiser called glycerin, which binds with water and locks it in the upper layers of your skin maintaining hydration for longer.
Don’t skimp on sun protection
While lots of foundations and makeup products contain an SPF, don’t be fooled into relying on this to protect your skin from the sun completely. Make sure you’re slathering on a separate sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, and applying it liberally to make sure your complexion stays as healthy as possible.
If you’re on holiday or getting extra sun exposure during the day, we recommend upping your SPF to factor 50 for more comprehensive protection. Get your SPF right, and you’ll reduce signs of ageing, sun spots and broken blood vessels – as well as avoiding the dreaded sunburn and more serious risks like melanoma.
Choose the perfect primer
With hydration and sun protection ticked off, it’s time to prime your skin for its perfect holiday look. Primers are the perfect lightweight way to hold makeup in place – especially during the summer, when slide-off is all the more common. Choose an oil-controlling primer if you’re concerned about looking shiny, or try one with hyaluronic acid to soften out lines and help blur those imperfections.
Find the perfect-fit foundation
Selecting the right foundation is especially important in the heat. First of all, remember that skin tends to become darker and more vibrant as it tans, so think about choosing a product a little bit darker than your winter shade. If you’re struggling to know how deep to go, wait until after your holiday to find a match, and keep a note of it for next year’s summer months!
Finish is another key consideration for your summer look. Both powder and liquid bases are suitable for hot weather, but we recommend opting for liquid products (like DCYPHER foundations) to keep things lightweight and breathable. Choosing a matte finish is also a great idea for keeping shine and greasiness at bay.
DCYPHER’s high-tech analysis and custom-mixing process is perfect for creating a foundation unique to your skin tone and preferences in summer. After determining your exact skin tone by scanning photos of your complexion, you’ll have the option to choose your skin type, desired finish and preferred coverage. Then, we’ll take that information and use it to blend the perfect formula for you – drop-by-drop, from scratch, every time. You could even scan your skin once in summer and once in winter to keep your complexion covered all year round.
Less is more
When it comes to actually applying your summer foundation, remember that less is more. The smaller the amount of product you have on your face, the less you’ll worry about how it looks, whether it’s still there, and how often to reapply. Because let’s face it, if there’s one thing we want from the summer, it’s the chance to relax!
Opt for a layering technique, applying your foundation in key places such as your T-zone or any areas of imperfection first. Use thin layers to build up as much as you need to balance out your skin, and leave it at that. It’s all about allowing your natural glow to, well, glow in the summer.
Keen to try something new? DCYPHER’s Custom Coverage Drops are perfect for keeping things super lightweight in the warmer months. Simply add a few to your moisturiser to create a brightening, breathable tint to apply all over your face. Just like our foundations, these drops are custom-made to fit with your exact skin shade, so finding your perfect match is worry-free.
