Makeup Essentials... Summertime Face

Whenever there is a season change, my makeup routine has to change with it!

Being an oily skin girl.. this is just inevitable!

So here is a peek at the summer products that I use for my face in my makeup routine!

Primer:

Black Radiance Complexion Perfection: Shine Control Primer

Foundation/ Tinted Moisturizer:

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 Sunscreen in Polynesia

Concealer:

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW40

The BR primer insures that I don't turn into a shiny greaseball as the summer heat abuses me! LOL! It really does its job! I stay basically matte all day && it doesn't irritate my skin at all! 

I opt for a tinted moisturizer during the summer because its a lot lighter than a foundation, but still gives me the light/medium coverage that I like! I actually tried the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer before I tried and purchased the NARS version && I found that the LM left me with a slimy feeling on my cheeks and forehead as the day went on GROSS!! However, the NARS version had staying power, didn't turn greasy as the day progressed and generally just fit my skin better! The SPF 30 is a major plus! Gotta protect our skin from that harsh summer sun! 

Finally the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer is a year round staple in my routine! Ahh! It's just perfect! The End! LOL!

Setting Powder:

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Deep Dark

This product works well in the summer to set and keep the tinted moisturizer in place. Also since the NARS TM in Polynesia is actually a bit too dark for me.. this skinfinish helps to slightly lighten and blend it well to match my skin tone!

Contour:

CoverGirl Queen Natural Hue Bronzer in Ebony Bronze

I absolutely love this contour color! It perfectly contours my cheekbones! My only issue... && it's a slight issue... is that its not matte! It has a small amount of gold shimmer to it! But that's not enough to make me stop using it! It blends nicely into my highlight, and speaking of....

Excuse the brokeness.. I have the worst butterfingers! SMH!

Highlight:

Mary Kay Mineral Bronzing Powder in Canyon Gold

This is my favorite highlighter and it lasts FOREVER!!! I've had this waayy longer than a responsible amount of time LOL! Shame I know! But it gives my skin the perfect bronzey summer glow! It has two stripes, the top one darker than the bottom stripe.. I just swirl them together and give myself a nice soft swipe at the highest points of my cheekbones!

And Wah Lah! That's how my summer glow is made! Hope you all enjoyed! What are some of your summer staples? Let me know how you acheive your summer glow! :)

xxo

Obessed.. STILL Inspired!!!

It's so odd how things come together! Today one of my best friends took a MAJOR dive into healthy natural hair... She BIG CHOPPED!!! And AAHH.. I love her hair! I mean it's on HER head && I'm totally loving it and inspired by it! I didn't know at the time that I'd be so moved by it.. but it has caused lots of thought into the idea of starting anew. Why haven't I big chopped yet? What am I afraid of.. What's stopping me? 

I'll admit that having long chemically straightened hair the majority of my life has caused some attachment issues. What's going to happen once my long hair is short? And the big "No No!" of all thoughts... What will my friends and family think? Will I still be as attractive? Oh Boy... sigh.

Anyway.. as I contemplate this and a prospective Big Chop date.. I ran across two videos that put a big happy smile on my face. Not only are they simply fueling my obsession with knowledge about my natural hair.. but they are also inspiring me in such an amazing way. The first is a video that I ran across on Facebook from the New York Times called "Transition."

Transition

The filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa presents an Op-Doc on black women’s decision to embrace their naturally kinky hair, rather than use chemical straighteners.

This second video is from a Youtuber I subscribe to, Destiny Godley. Her video is about how diverse the natural coloring of hair can be among people of color! The dark skin and strikingly BLONDE hair among the Solomon Islanders east of Papua New Guinea.. is just so AMAZING && sure to put a big smile on your face! All I can say about this is.. Wow! God is so awesome in his works! Enjoy!! :)

Those kids are so darn adorable!! I hope I've passed along a few smiles && some inspiration!!

Sound off in the comments below!

xxo

Sources: NYTimes && Destiny Godley