Platinum beauty guru and celebrity make-up artist Dottie Monaghan shares her favourite tips to get summer ready. Connect with her at instagram.com/dottiemakeup.
WORDS: DOTTIE MONAGHAN. IMAGES: VARIOUS BRANDS & SHUTTERSTOCK.
Summer is just around the corner and hopefully by now the days are heating up, which means our toes will be on show, perhaps more flesh exposed, and the challenges arrive as to how to keep our make-up in place and look cool while feeling hot.
Just as your health affects your skin and vice versa, it can also be said that great-looking skin positively affects your mental health, boosting confidence and making you feel happy. So start to prep for warmer weather now where you can.
Prep skin
There is still time for toning and skin-improving products to do some magic before you don summer dresses and shorts. Exfoliate dull and dry skin; use a mitt, best done on skin that is dry, or a gentle acid exfoliant while in the shower, allowing a day or two in between when you can use a richly moisturising shower gel. Apply a light body moisturiser for the day and opt for a richer one in the evening giving it time to sink into skin before bed – no one likes to stick to the sheets!
Tan safely
All medical experts will tell us there is no such thing as a healthy tan – the sun’s rays will damage your skin. If, like me, you feel better with a bronzed glow then opt for a fake tan – drops, instant or gradual – and avoid exfoliation after you apply as this will cut short the length of time it lasts.
Nail it!
As much as a salon pedi or mani is wonderful I don’t always have the finances or the time to fit in with their schedule, so I put a little time aside for home pampering. Give feet a good soak before removing dry skin or pushing back cuticles – never cut them. Dry the nail well before applying polish then finish with a rich balm and/or cuticle oil. If you apply cream first you risk polish not attaching to the nail.
Less is more
In the heat, make-up can feel heavy or as if it is sliding off. Always apply a primer as this will act as a barrier between skin and make-up, giving a perfect canvas for it to stick to. Keep make-up a little fresher by opting for lighter foundations, a BB cream or just strategically applied concealer.
Use cream textured blusher as this will keep your complexion glowing, and apply highlighter to nose and upper cheeks to level-up the glow. Lip balms are fresh for summer but always apply SPF to lips if it’s not already in your lip product. Fina
