We all know the struggle: the morning march to the train or office that ends with a moist palm swiping at our foreheads and all traces of our carefully-applied makeup disappearing. DC’s humidity combined with 90-degree days make it harder than ever to keep our makeup from melting. But DC-based vlogger, Claire Ashley of Claire Ashley Beauty, regularly shares makeup tips with her over 160,000 Youtube subscribers, so Shop Around got in touch to find out how she recommends we beat the Washington heat.
To start, it’s okay to wear less makeup during the summer. “I believe less is more in the summertime since our skin really takes a beating this time of year,” says Claire. “It’s important to apply plenty of SPF from the face to the neck and to focus the makeup on certain key features. I think mascara, a little concealer, and a lip color can make you feel put together in just those three easy steps.”
But if full-coverage is a must, start with a matte liquid foundation and finish with a powder. “Liquid is going to give you a more coverage than a powder. So if you like more coverage during the summertime, I’d go with one that is matte and not oil-based, like the Clinque ‘Stay Matte’ or the Tarte ‘Amazonian Clay’ foundation, and the best way to make the liquid more long-lasting is by setting it with a powder,” says Claire. “I like powder on its own as more of a natural finish and I think is definitely the winner out of the two in terms of staying power.”
Avoid raccoon eyes with waterproof mascara. “Waterproof mascara is the way to go in the summertime,” says Claire. “It lessens the likelihood of smudging and allows you to work all day without checking in the mirror to see black dots around your eyes. My favorite everyday mascara is the L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara in ‘Waterproof.’”
Set for a long day with a spray. “I swear by the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray–it’s like super glue for your makeup,” says Claire. “This is always my last step in my makeup routine or when I’m doing a client’s makeup because it hardly requires touch-ups. The Smashbox Photo Finish Face Primer is also on par with the Urban Decay Setting Spray. When these two are paired together it’s an unbeatable combination.”
When you sweat, blot, don’t wipe, it away. “I like absorbent sheets a lot,” says Claire. “CVS has a version that’s really effective, and even if you see a Starbucks napkin, use that. The textured napkin actually soaks up oils and doesn’t mess with your makeup. They are both cheap and easy ways I’ve learned that tackle oil and sweat.”
If a quick fix is needed, focus on the lips and under the eyes. “Touching up those two features helps keep your makeup looking the most fresh throughout the course of the long day,” says Claire. “[Using] a lip product that is hydrating and that gives a pop of color, like this Clarins “Instant Light” Lip Balm Perfector, can instantly make you look refreshed. Also, adding a touch of concealer under your eyes can make you appear more awake and put together, like with this L’Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter Pen.”
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
