Summer-Proof Your Pretty Face!

1. Sunscreen

This is imperative--unless skin cancer and wrinkles are your thing. The sun is at its height between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., but it’s harmful all day long, and those pesky rays pierce through clouds and shade; be vigilant with your skin, especially your always-exposed face! This is a beauty-must year round, but it’s especially important in the summer, when (in theory) you’re spending more time in the sun! Get a sunscreen that protects against ultra-violet ray A (UVA) and ultra-violet ray B (UVB); when a tube says “broad spectrum,” it means it protects against both of these harmful rays. As far as SPF goes, the more, the merrier! This lady uses 75+. Note: All this sunscreen doesn't mean you can't have a tan; why not get a spray tan? A professional spray tan is amazing. It's completely harmless, lasts one to two weeks, and actually moisturizes the skin.  offers spray tanning services. How's that for golden?

2. Less is More

Let’s face it: summer is no time to be sporting the face of a Geisha girl. The high-drama combination of mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, highlighter, stencilled brows, heavily-powdered skin, hollowed cheeks, matte red lipstick and who knows what else might be perfect for a New York winter, but not for a California summer. La Crescentans, this is the land (and season) of the California girl! So trade in all that major makeup (and maintenance) for the basics. Pack your makeup bag with luscious lip gloss, bronzer and waterproof (i.e. sweatproof) mascara. For skin coverage, choose a tinted moisturized and cream concealer or a mineral powder ( conveniently carries the high-end Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder from Smashbox). If you save money on the lipgloss (think Bonnie Belle at ), you can splurge on the minerals!

4. Prepare

Be smarter than your makeup; of course it's going to sweat off your face if you don't prepare the makeup. Beauty ritual: after your sunscreen sets into your skin, then apply a primer. Most lines (virtually all high-end ones and now some drugstore ones, like L'Oreal) carry them. A primer controls oil production and smooths the surface of the epidermis so your face makeup covers maximally and flawlessly. Primers also help the makeup stay put. There are also primers specifically for prepping the eyelids for shadows. 

4. Set the Makeup

Now that you've slathered on your sunscreen, primer, and applied your makeup, it's time to make sure it stays put. You have options; you can pick up an inexpensive translucent powder at  or a mineral veil to lightly sweep atop the makeup, securing it. Your other option is a makeup setting spray, which is better for ladies who prefer cream or liquid makeup. E.L.F. has one such spray for $3! Spritz it lightly over your face for maximum adherence!

5. Maintain

That being said, it's still really hot out there, and even with all these tips, it's unrealistic to think your makeup is going to sustain an eight-hour shift. So, touch up! Literally, "powder your nose" throughout the day. And for the true divas, just shower and start over for the evening shift; fresh is best, and no one said being gorgeous was easy!