Given the many steps required for a complete makeup look (you know, foundation, bronzer/blush, shadow, liner, mascara, lip gloss — the works), combined with this late summer heat, your beauty regime hardly stands a chance when it comes to braving the elements and still looking fresh by the day’s (or night’s) end. Even though I’ve recently become a serious primer addict — which definitely improves the situation — my makeup still requires some major touch-ups by the time 3 o’clock rolls around, not to mention happy hour. Think of
setting sprays as your “post-application primer”… or something like that. Instead of just prepping your skin and creating a smooth canvas for you to apply your makeup, setting sprays finish off your look and give it an invisible, lightweight “veil” or seal after it’s already been applied — giving it that waterproof, crease-proof, budge-proof shield that it needs to withstand your day’s trials and tribulations (even if that only involves some pesky wind or humidity). To get you started,
Make Up For Ever’s Mist & Fix is a popular favorite because it’s ultra-sheer and doesn’t make you feel like you’re wearing an addition layer on your face, but I have to say I’m especially intrigued by
Urban Decay’s All Nighter, which boasts a whopping 16 hours of staying power!Â
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Despite the sad natural state of my nails, I’ve always loved trying to make them look as pretty as possible (no matter how futile my efforts) — acrylics, flattering polish shades, various “treatments” that hardly made much visible difference, etc. The truth is, my nails are already brittle to begin with, and my recent obsession with disguising their less-than-healthy surface with the latest trendy shade has now given them a slight yellowish tinge too. Gross, I know… but I’m not the only one who suffers from discolored, chip-prone nails! Enter Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat, available at Sephora, which works to provide protein-rich protection to help grow tough, beautiful nails that will be less likely to break or peel. The best part? The pink tint helps filter out the yellow appearance of nails, so your tips look healthier and cleaner without having to pay for a manicure! Even if your nails don’t need serious protection like mine do, the gel coat is great for perfecting the look of a French manicure by disguising discoloration and making your polish stay put longer! Read more
