The Memorial Day Plan: Everything You Need To Keep Your Beauty In Check

Memorial Day (the unofficial start of Summer) is upon us, and our beauty needs to go the distance. From beach to barbecue and everything in between, maintaining flawless skin isn’t easy. High heat and balmy humidity make it nearly impossible to maintain a pitch-perfect look. Thankfully, you’ve got friends in high places. I’ve road tested the best of the best and compiled a rundown of everything you need to know to survive Memorial Day and beyond…

POWDER WITH PURPOSE

Skin is typically super dewy in the summer. While your first inclination might be to control the oiliness, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Danessa Myricks, advises against sabotaging your makeup with too much powder. “To keep makeup fresh all day, never over powder, as this will only cake up and work against you as the day progresses,” she advises. “Resist the urge to go overboard, dousing the face in a massive dusting of powder. Instead, strategically powder skin with a smaller brush and only in the areas where it’s needed,” she explains. “And be certain to blot the skin before applying powder. This helps to cut down on product build up,” Danessa adds. Keep your powder application light and airy with a brush like (1.) Cozette S140 Highlight Stylist ($23). The lightweight blending brush is ideal for powdering smaller areas of the face. However, should you accidentally go a little heavy-handed on the powder, revive skin with a spritz of (2.) Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Rose Water and Herbs ($12). Spray about 8-inches from the face, first in an “X” and then in a “T.” Hello, model-off-duty glow!
HIT A HIGH NOTE

Transitioning your makeup from beach to party scene is as simple as finding your light. Danessa advises, “Use a soft highlighter to add lift and light to your complexion. This look works beautifully for outdoor moments like the beach or a BBQ. “Impart a subtle ray of light with (3.) Danessa Myricks ENLIGHT Illuminating Powder in Attraction ($20). The finely milled pigment fuses with skin on contact to perfectly highlight facial features in a sheer veil of radiance.
COME CORRECT

Summer beauty is all about pairing down your routine. While it’s tempting to dash out the door with just a spot of concealer here and there, Danessa instructs us to start with a color corrector to ensure longer lasting wear of concealer or foundation. “Most women want to reduce the number of products they use for summer…but they also want their makeup to last through heat and humidity. I suggest starting with a color correcting concealer. It’s an added step but it gives the concealer real staying power all day long.” Danessa recommends a waterproof formula like (4.) Kett Fixx Creme Corrector Compact ($30). Available in three shades, the creamy corrector neutralizes discoloration and perfects the complexion.
NO SHOWER, NO PROBLEM

You’re on the go and we get it. Pack plenty of (5.) Yuni Shower Sheets ($20). Each pack contains enough large body wipes to get you through the weekend. These thick, lux sheets are a great way to refresh when a shower is out of reach.
NAIL IT

The number one thing you don’t have time for is a polish change. Fast track your mani moment with (6.) Nails Inc. Paint Can Spray On Nail Polish ($12). Dubbed the dry shampoo of the nail world, this revolutionary spray-on lacquer guarantees to be your fastest manicure ever, allowing for a speedy color change. The innovative miracle worker in a can is so genius, it even works over a gel manicure. You’ll want to pack enough for you and your whole beach house.
STICK WITH ME

There’s no excuse for skipping the sunscreen. Simplify your SPF situation with (7.) Palmer’s SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick ($7). Toss it in your beach bags and go. It’s that simple!
WAX ON, WAX OFF
Skip the wax this time. Instead, try (8.) The Twins Intuition Razor ($10). The shave cream is already right there on the razor and each pack comes with two easy glide razors…so there’s one for you and one for your BFF. Go on, rock your legs, girl!

DITCH THE DIETWave bye-bye to cellulite, or at least camouflage it with (9.) Skinny Tan Tanning Mousse ($40). Achieve instant results with this certified green-based self tanner. Formulated with aloe vera to moisturize and caffeine to hide the appearance of cellulite, Skinny Tan Tanning Mousse keeps legs looking smooth and golden for up to 14 days.