Summer Beauty

It's almost summer, so that means it's time to change your makeup to reflect the season. Put away the heavy mosturizers, dark lipsticks, and smoky shadows and break out the SPF 30 (the Kiffen advocates a sunkissed glow, but not at the expense of your health. Besides, you want to look impossibly young forever, don't you?)

First of all, you will need a lightweight tinted mosturizer with SPF and probably a bronzer to warm up your skin. Heavy foundation just looks uncomfortable once the weather heats up (and for those of us in Chicago, that won't be until mid-July, but it's good to be prepared!) I use Smashbox Backdrop Cooling Tint - it evens out your skin tone and it has a "soothing, cooling sensation on contact" because it contains natural aloe and cucumber extracts. If you think need more coverage, try using your regular concealer underneath.

Next, pick out a nice shimmery powder bronzer. I like DuWop's new duo, BronzeRush June, because it packs a one-two punch of golden bronze and cheerful pink. Use the bronzer on your cheeks, forehead, and the bridge of your nose (where the sun hits your face if you actually sunbathed), and sweep the blush on the apples of your cheeks for an authentic rosy glow. Nars also makes some excellent bronzer/blush duos.

A basic lip balm (Smith's Rosebud Salve is my favorite) is good for daytime, but sometimes you want something more special. For a sheer but brilliant pop of color, I adore Nars lip lacquers. Personal favorites include Capucine (golden coral), Sweet Charity (bubble gum pink), and Hot Wired (a shocking fuschia that Schiaperelli would have loved).

Now for the eyes. Just because it's summer doesn't mean you can neglect your brows, so make sure they are groomed and your lashes curled! Waterproof mascara is a Kiffen-must have for all seasons, but particularly in the summer. I am completely loyal to Maybelline Sky-High Curves in Very Black when it comes to mascara - it's simply the best.

You can get away with only a dusting of sheer shimmer on the lids in the summer (try Mac pigments in Pink Bronze or Vanilla), but it's more fun to play with bright but wearable colors. It's the season for lilac, mint, and turquoise! Wear these fun shades as liner to make your eyes pop. Mac fluid liners last forever and come in a variety of gorgeous shades, like Blue Peep (bold sky blue) and Non-Conformist (ultra-flattering periwinkle). Yes, my eyeshadow collection looks remarkably similar to a Crayola box - the big one with 96 shades. What can I say, wearing browns gets boring!

Changing your fragrance to something lighter is also a good idea. The heat intensifies the scent, so spicy orientals or heavy florals are just too much for the warmer months. Jo Malone makes tons of great options that can be layered to your heart's content, such as sweetly uplifting Nectarine Blossom & Honey or the summer classic Lime, Mandarin, & Basil (very refreshing).

Last but not least, don't forget your feet! Leave the neutrals for your fingertips and go for an eye-catching hue on your toes. Candy-apple red, watermelon, and coral are all good choices. For a Kiffen-approved pedicure, try Essie polish in colors like Capri (red-orange), Calypso (strawberry pink), or Peach Daquiri (bright peach). These brights go perfectly with all the natural cork wedges and espadrilles you'll be wearing this summer.

Summer makeup should be simple and fun. Keep everything sunkissed and bright, and you've got the the right idea. And please, remember to beautify your feet before you slip into those fabulous new sandals. It's the finishing touch on your summer look.