Summer Essentials

Hi guys!

While for other countries its only starting, it’s the last leg of the summer here in the Philippines – or at least it’s supposed to be.

The rainy season is approaching already, yet the sun can still be pretty merciless during the day. And especially for us makeup lovers, we know how humidity and harsh sun can ruin a good look within a few hours.

Even for me, there are days when I’d rather not wear makeup because of the heat and humidity outside.
And I do go out sans makeup occasionally. But of course, there are days when we would like to wear makeup despite the weather.

So don’t let the heat put a damper on your mood when you’re getting ready, here are some products I think are essential during these warm months.

Skincare is an absolute must! Since we’ll be wearing less makeup in the summer (sweaty makeup is not a good look), we need our skin to look its absolute best. Always remember to tone and moisturize your skin. This will help cleanse and hydrate your skin, preventing acne and wrinkles.There are many various types of toners and moisturizers fit for each skin type. For blemishes, it’s good to use a spot acne treatment with ingredients that help reduce pimples (like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide).

My Picks from left to right:
Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner (Php 798 / $18)
Eskinol Classic White ( Php 71 / $2 for 225ml)
Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On (Php240 / $ 6)
Olay Natural White Day Cream (Php 79 / $2)

Most people tend to not use a primer. Especially in the Philippines, where people would rather not bother with the extra hassle. However, primer is so so worth the extra step in the morning! It will only take about a minute of your time, and it makes a world of difference. A primer acts as a base for your makeup. It creates a smooth canvas that helps makeup apply more evenly and last longer throughout the day. There are many different kinds of primers available from pore minimizing, to oil control and to color correcting primers.

My Pick: Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever Pore Primer Essence (Php 498 / $11)

I’m sure this essential doesn’t come as a surprise. We need concealer to hide dark circles, acne scars and other little blemishes on our skin. This is especially important since we want our skin looking flawless 🙂 Use a brightening concealer (or one that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone) under the eyes to neutralize dark circles. For the rest of the face, use a concealer that matches your skin and/or foundation.

My Picks from left to right:

Etude House Surprise Essence Concealer (Php 298 / $7) – #2 natural beige

ELF Tone Correcting Concealer (Php 129.75 / $3) – apricot / honey

Again, less is more this season. No one wants their face weighed down by heavy foundation when it’s hot outside. And in my experience, tinted moisturizers and BB creams don’t hold up too well when you’re sweating and the air is sticky. It feels gross. I prefer dusting pressed powder on my face to help even out my skin and to prevent a shiny face. It’s a good option for keeping the skin feeling light without sacrificing coverage. Using a powder with SPF is also a good idea to protect your skin.

My Picks from left to right:
Etude House Precious Mineral Bright Fit BB Compact SPF 30 (Php848 / $19) – Light Beige N02
Maybelline Clear Smooth All in One To Go SPF 25 (Php 99 / $2) – 03 Natural

Blush is one of those things that instantly makes you look healthier and more youthful. Never leave the house without even just a subtle flush on your cheeks. Take note though, avoid packing on the color or else you will look like a clown. Blush is not supposed to be obvious when worn, but is supposed to look natural and mimic the flush you get after a workout.

My Picks from left to right:

The Face Shop My Lips Eat Cherry Aqua Tint (Php 295 / $7) – juicy red

The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain (Php 795 / $18)

Shawill Collagen Rosy Touch Blusher (Php 165 / $4) – 004

Maybelline Clear Smooth Blush (less than Php 200 / $4.5 – I forgot the exact price) – Fresh Berry

Mascara on the other hand, instantly makes you look more awake! It opens up the eyes and makes them look bigger. Personally, I always choose a waterproof formula. I have oily eyelids (eww) and the hot weather makes it worse. So usually at the end of the day, I pretty much have raccoon eyes if I don’t use a waterproof mascara or a topcoat at least to hold the mascara in place.

My Picks from left to right:

Etude House Oh My Lash (Php 228 / $5) – 01 topcoat

Maybelline Hyper Curl Volum’ Express (Php 299 / $7)

Maybelline the Falsies (Php 459 / $10)

Maybelline the Rocket (Php 399 / $9)

Maybelline Long Extreme Stiletto (Php 349 / $8)

Lipstick instantly makes you look more put together. Personally, I usually love wearing bright lips during this time of year since summer is a great excuse to play with color! I tend to lean towards bright pinks or pastel pinks. Coral is another favorite, as well as peach for a lighter look.My Picks from left to right:Fashion 21 Color Mood (Php 150 / $3) – Blooming OrchidRevlon Colorburst Lip Balm Stain (Php 575 / $13) – SweetheartMAC Creamsheen Lipstick (Php1000 / $23) – LickableSwatches:

This one’s not really an essential for most people, but it is for me. I love lip gloss! I prefer a shine to my lip rather than a matte finish. I think it’s a lot more fun 😉 And it definitely keeps your lips from feeling dry.

My Picks from left to right:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss (Php 350 / $8) – Pink Afterglow

Etude House Dear my Crystal Gloss (Php 348 / $8) – Cpk001

Nyx Mega Shine Gloss (Php 360 / $8) – Cosmo

Swatches:

Swatches of both the Lipsticks and Glosses:

And that’s it! I hope this post was useful for you. Even if you can’t find the exact products I mentioned, any brand will do 🙂 But I did try to give examples that are easily found, especially here in the Philippines.What are products you can’t live without during summer?