Okay, it’s REALLY hot out, something we’ve prayed for - those of us in Minnesota! So, how do we keep our cosmetics from melting and running down our face as the temperature goes up? Here are some tips:

• Good skin care is key to making you feel more comfortable with less makeup according to a makeup instructor. Use a cleansing brush to really exfoliate and deeply cleanse your skin.
• Keep it light. Perhaps waterproof mascara on the top lashing only and some bronzing gel on the cheeks will suffice. Throw on some lip balm with SPF 15 protection and you are good to go!
• Avoid oil-based products. Silicone-based gel primers help keep your makeup from slipping in the heat. Easy does it, a pearl size amount is all you need. Apply this before any makeup. This will also help prevent makeup from settling into fine lines.
• Always wear some sort of SPF protection under your makeup. One of the reasons Fantasia promotes Jane Iredale Skin Care Makeup is because of the natural SPF protection. Otherwise, you could consider buying a tinted moisturizer with SPF built in. Mix a little of your SPF with concealer and softly dab onto the eye area. This will keep your eyes from looking dried out and aged as well as protect an often neglected area from the sun.
• Keep blotting papers in your purse at all times, especially in hot weather. They are great for getting all that oil off your ‘T’ zone.
• With powder products, use a blush brush to keep the application light, especially if you use translucent powder to “hold” your makeup in place.
• Curl your lashes and use liquid liner at the base of the lash line. Pencils tend to melt in the summer heat. Stay away from cream shadows, they tend to crease more in the summer.
• Keep shimmer to a minimum. We tend to glow more in humidity anyway, so - no extra shimmer is needed.
• As with any season, balance is vital. If you go heavy on the eyes, go easy on the lips. This is especially important for the more mature women. You don’t want to look like a clown.

Now you don’t have to worry or complain about “melting” in the summer heat. I’m always amazed at those who complain about the heat because it’s such a short season here and I’ve learned to embrace it and not complain. Even if I melt a bit, so what? It’s summer, enjoy!