Revamp Your Makeup Arsenal: Must-Have Products for Spring

This spring, collegiettes across the country will flock to places of bright sunshine. Sun is good for many things, including a glowing tan and your vitamin D supply, however, the cozy rays do not work in favor of many popular cosmetics. When writing up that spring break packing list, consider adding some of the following beauty products. With these, your effortlessly beautiful, barely-there makeup will have others envious, all the while keeping you safe from the tribulations of “cake face” photographs and painful sunburn. 

FACE:

1. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer: SPF 20 With Dermaxyl™ Complex, Antioxidant Protection

Smashbox’s primer with SPF is ideal for spring break because it puts a base layer of sun protection on your entire face, hence keeping you from burning and freckling under exposure to harsh UVA/UVB radiation. Rub generously across the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin area. The product also preps the skin for subsequent foundation application; the primer aids in creating a smooth, even layer that appears naturally flawless. 

2. Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm: Priming, Moisturizing, Anti-Aging, SPF 20

3. Benefit Cosmetics “Hello Flawless!” Oxygen Wow Liquid Foundation: Oil Free, SPF 25

When put in direct sunlight, makeup becomes blatantly visible. This is especially true of all-over-face products. If you’re going to be out and about in the sunshine, try one of these two lightweight products. If you have relatively clear skin that requires minimal coverage, the beauty balm is ideal. It provides a sheer tint that serves to even skin tone, but absorbs like a lotion, leaving no particles sitting on top of the skin to catch the sun’s rays. If you need a little more coverage, step up to the Benefit Oxygen Wow foundation. When used sparingly, this product is unlikely to be visible, even under even the brightest light. A third option is to use the two together, tailoring the formula to your skin’s own best coverage level. And, the SPF is a major bonus!

COLOR:

1. Perricone MD No Bush Blush: SPF 30

2. Perricone MD No Bronzer Bronzer: SPF 30

It’s all in the name: these two products—liquid and creamy in texture—seem to melt into the skin, leaving behind only a flush of color. Their fast absorbing water-based formulas won’t reveal particles in the sunlight, and each provide an additional SPF 30. 

LASHES:

1. Serge Lutens Beaute Mascara Comb

Though there is no escaping it’s hefty price tag ($65!), this little wand produces results unlike other mascaras. Frequently used by runway models, whom are known to sport the “natural” look on a regular basis, the Beaute Mascara Comb delicately coats lashes in a way that makes them appear only tinted. The comb functions using a one-by-one technique to eliminate any potential clumping.  The product itself is so lightweight that it could be described most accurately as a runny liquid, rather than the typical thick, gel-like consistency of most mascara formulas. Available exclusively at Barney’s New York. 

(Tip: A cheaper alternative that will create a similar effect, though messier in application, is coating lashes with petroleum jelly and then dusting them with black eye shadow powder.)

LIPS: 

1. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, Rosé: SPF 15

For a natural just-kissed flush of pink to the lips, this creamy balm is an easy, no-mirror application away. The formula is smooth and moisturizing, and it provides just enough color to draw attention. 

FINISHING Powder: 

1. Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder: SPF 45

Translucent and travel friendly, this product can be brushed on at any time that you feel you need extra sun protection. Use it as a finishing powder, as this last step puts a matte finish to the layer of water-based products.