Summer Makeup Tips and Tricks

However you look at it, cosmetics will probably play a large part of your summer beauty routine. Simple tricks often make the largest impact in how you look and how you perceive yourself.

Fine-tune your beauty regimen and discover which makeup tips will flatter your skin tone and bring out your best features. Check your results in bright lights or daylight to make sure your colors are blended and look natural.

Foundation

Keep your foundation thin in warmer weather. Your skin tone will change, so don't be afraid to buy a bottle of your favorite brand in a darker color and mix it to match your skin. If it is too heavy, add some water or moisturizer to thin it out a little bit.

Eye Shadow Tips

Lighter makeup accentuates a dark tan. The new eye shadows available today give shimmer and glide on smoothly. Combine a lighter creme eye-shadow with light lipstick or lip gloss and you'll have an instant, updated summer look.

For longer lasting makeup, apply pressed powder to your eyelids to soak up any additional oil before you brush on the eye shadow. This will also help "set" the powder and prevent creasing.

Mascara

Today's mascara isn't near as conservative as it was years ago. With brushes, colors and formulas available for just about every situation, your choice today is much easier whether you're a blonde, brunette or redhead.

Summer may be the only time you need waterproof mascara. For exercising or swimming, use the waterproof formula to prevent the dreaded "black eye" syndrome. Even if you don't anticipate the need, keep some on hand for that impromptu invite to the lake or beach.

Lips

Cool mauves, rose and pinks are the summer trend for lips. Fill in sparse lips with a lip liner that matches your lips and go just beyond your lip line to add fullness. For a daring look, try classic red, which never goes out of style.

Pucker up your lips with a lip plumper which will increase collagen production and deliver instant moisture. Designed to make your lips larger and decrease fine lines and wrinkles, this is a win-win situation. Apply some lip gloss to add volume and dimension and your lips will never look so good!

Bronzing Powder is a Girl's Best Friend

Kudos to whoever invented bronzing powder. It's not only a popular spring and summer makeup, it can be used in a variety of ways -- any time of the year! Apply it to your face to play up a tan, or just to fake one. Strategically place it along the sides of your cheekbones to slim your face, or on each side of your nose to make it appear smaller.

Dab some on your shoulders for a shimmer effect when wearing a strapless dress. Use your imagination and you'll soon find that bronzing powder it a must-have summertime make-up!