Although Houstonians have been wading through warm weather temps and humidity for weeks, summer officially begins June 21 and if you haven't already adjusted your makeup routine for the 90s (that would be temps and humidity levels), now's the time.
Just as the change of seasons calls for a change of wardrobe, so a change in makeup is necessary with a switch to products that are beastly-weather friendly.
CultureMap queried a half dozen women, who not only lead busy, involved lives but who also have a certain beauty savvy. We asked about their favorite beauty products for the summer months.
The faux glow
To tan or not to tan. That is the question for many women today who love the glow but abhor the damage that those tanning rays can cause. As interior designer Kristen Nix says, "I'm over a real sun tan. I've recently discovered Alba sunless tanner which I use all over my body and face."
For a special facial glow, this mother of three young sons has been a devotee of Nars Bronzer in the Laguna shade for more than a decade. "I love the sun-kissed color it gives," she explains.
Co-chair of the 2015 Catwalk for a Cure gala, Allie Fields says, "I live for a good faux glow!" While she and husband Jay spend most of their summer weekends on Lake Austin, she cover ups with plenty of sunscreen and goes for Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector makeup for a gentle summer coloring. Allie also embraces Narz Bronzer in Laguna for an extra dollop of "sun."
As for the dry skin that results from the outdoors and her basic summer wardrobe of jean shorts and cover-ups, she uses Jergen’s Shea Beauty Oil. "It gives me a fabulous glisten without feeling heavy."
Skincare on the go
Making no fewer than six international trips a year Laurier Blanc founder Suzanne Coppola says, "I really like those things that have dual purposes, which frees up space in my travel bag or makes my daily beauty routine that much faster. Her go-to travel product is RMS Beauty’s Lip2Cheek in Beloved. "I love that these are made with organic ingredients and function as color for both lips and cheeks and it lasts," she notes. "I like this shade because of the hint of a poppy color to it." (Available at Kuhl-Linscomb.)
"I love to use this as a body oil but also run through my hair post shower to bring back some of the shine. Love that it’s made in St. Barth and uses natural ingredients."
When it's time to moisture up, Coppola turns to Heidi Klein Ligne St. Barth Avocado Oil. "I love to use this as a body oil but also run through my hair post shower to bring back some of the shine. Love that it’s made in St. Barth and uses natural ingredients, makes me feel beautiful every time I use it."
For a little summer color, she goes for James Read Sleep Mask Tan, "a super luxe facial moisturizer with anti-aging magic and subtle self-tanner that works overnight. Genius!"
Light on the makeup
An attorney who manages her husband's medical practice, Lora Clemmons' go-to products come from Make Up For Ever, especially the Invisible Cover Foundation. But before applying the foundation, she says that Laura Mercier Primer is a must. For color, she says, "I apply Bobbie Brown blush and Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour and Chanel Glaze lip gloss."
Another former attorney Kathleen Jennings, BeautyNow blogger and founder of the iPhone app Beauty Now, favors Cover Girl Clean Whipped Creme Foundation. "Lately, I found myself reaching for this drugstore foundation over my fancy Chanel one," she explains. "It does not require a primer, is invisible on the skin, blends easily and covers a multitude of spots and imperfections in one swipe. And perfect for my combination skin during the humid summer."
For ramping up a healthy glow, Jennings uses Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster. "I'm always afraid to try new tanning products on my sensitive skin, but this one is great because you just mix a couple drops in with your regular moisturizer. I'm very pale, and this product gives me a subtle, realistic tan — no orange, no streaks."
Drunk Elephant
Houstonian Tiffany Masterson officially launched this skincare line in November and already savvy femmes are touting it. Former InStyle magazine fashion editor Francine Ballard, who since moving to Houston is focusing on her e-commerce site DesignerSocial, recently discovered Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30. "It seems pretty great. I always break out from sunscreen but have not so far with this product . . . It contains Marula oil and is non-toxic."
Coppola also praises Drunk Elephant, the Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil a favorite from the line. "I feel like this is a sort of healing serum for my skin, because inevitably I’m running on the go and not taking the time to protect my skin as well as I should," she says. "It works wonders during and post long-haul flights since it’s full of antioxidants, is super hydrating and uses all natural ingredients."
The products are available online and at Sloan Hall.
Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster.
