Scorching Summer & Makeup Heroes

Hey all! Summer is slowly but surely creeping into our lives. So, all us makeup junkies need to bring out the big guns don’t we? Even Hercules can’t save us now. In dire times like these I turn to my unlikely heroes, which I believe a girl needs most in the makeup department to battle the summer heat. So, I hope you find this post helpful. I will be giving loads of opinions in this post based on my experiences so grab a cold soda and enjoy!

E.L.F Mineral Infused Face Primer in “Clear”

There are a couple of face primers in this range. I plan to get the green one to cancel out the redness over my nose and cheeks, which interferes with my blush at times. This is the Clear one that claims to “Fill in fine lines and create a flawless finish”. I have read reviews where bloggers have claimed that there is no difference between this and the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Shout out to my blogger buddy, Sherry (From The Other Side of the Mirror), for recommending this. You get 14 mL for approximately PKR 1000 depending on where you shop as it originally retails for $6. I think this works superbly for a drugstore face primer. I inherited lots of smile lines around my eyes and mouth from my father, which I love, but they can create makeup application problems. This makes a HUGE difference in blending all sorts of cream and powder products. It does half the job for you especially for under the eyes. The look and feel of your makeup is totally transformed with just one product. Makeup sits really well on your face and there is zero cakey-ness. I believe this would suit normal to combination skin type best. If you’re really dry or really oily then I can’t say. E.L.F does have a Hydrating and Poreless option now too. Packaging wise its pump is user and travel friendly, sturdy and looks cool. I think this is a terrific bargain.

Ofra Cosmetics Laboratories Makeup Fixer

I grabbed this as I was going towards the counter at the recent Makeup 4 U exhibition in Lahore. Ofra is a high end drugstore brand so getting 240 mL of their fixing spray at discount around 1600 PKR (Originally retails for $19.50) seemed like a steal to me. Yes, I am unashamedly cheap. Please, feel free to judge me. I have only tried one other fixing spray (Stageline) but this is one of those products that you can feel working instantly. It has many natural extracts in it, which is why I think it imparts a lovely silky feel to the skin and locks your makeup in place. Not only that but it gives your base a “finer” look. A perk is its soothing gentle fragrance that doesn’t linger at all. The nozzle releases a super fine mist effortlessly sort of like you’re standing close to a waterfall. It makes me so happy! One thing I detest about Ofra is that although their cardboard packaging is dope, the containers are just meh. FYI, this doesn’t come with a cap or a box but a clip to prevent the nozzle from being sprayed by your resident poltergeist.

Catrice Prime and Fine Translucent Loose Powder

First things first, Catrice Prime and Fine Translucent Loose Powder is a discontinued product but I cannot live without it particularly in the summer. This is a setting powder that doesn’t change the colour of your foundation, withstands the monsoon season and gives your makeup a refined appearance. What more could I ask for? Never fear my beauties! I have some excellent alternatives for you including the Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder and RCMA No Color Powder.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in “Ash Brown”

This product needs no introduction. Instagram has made millions of people buy it, including me. I have not-so-thick but broad ash brown brows with bald spots. It was quite hard to find my shade in brow pencils but I finally did in Beauty UK (Ash Brown) in case anyone’s interested. However, a penciled in look proved way too harsh for my light brows. The best thing about the ABH pomade is that you can do literally any style with it. All you need is common sense and a firm angled brow brush. I recommend the Morphe G21. It’s my new bae. It is packed full of pigment, blends beautifully and lasts all day. Need I say a little goes around the world and back in 80 seconds?  Take that Phileas Fogg! Oh, and it is waterproof so, I don’t mind going swimming on the first date ;) No doubt $18 is an enormous sacrifice to make so, do think long and hard before you get it.

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in “Sequin”

Now here is a brand that knows how to please: Colourpop! I’ll admit the Super Shock Eye Shadows are best used with fingers (which many dislike) and they stain leading to pigment wastage. The one thing that makes this the best eye shadow formula in the market is that IT DOES NOT FADE. Honestly, that’s all I ask for. I am so sick of pretty lids becoming wells of oil in the summer. Unacceptable! At just $5, this is a miracle in a pot. You don’t even have to prep your lids all that well. These will last hours and hours and then some more hours. Sequin (Metallic) is a festive glittery copper but there are many neutral mattes and satins you can wear to school or work. Also, I have heard people complain about shimmery fallout. If you continue trying to blend them once they have set, then stubborn shimmer will inevitably grace your under eye area.

E.L.F Matte Lip Color in “Cranberry”

My sister has a thing for lip crayons so she picked this up at the exhibition for about PKR 600 (Originally retails for $3) and I didn’t give it much thought at first. Once I actually opened it up and applied it, Heavenly light shone upon me and angels sang (Not the Taher Shah variety!). This is such a brilliant product and a life saver for many. I’ll tell you why. It’s a lipstick that you can carry around in your purse like a pen anywhere. The high end looking packaging will not fail you although, it’s best not to twist up too high during application. Another plus is the corresponding shade ring at the pencil’s bottom. The tip is neither thin nor thick but in the words of Goldilocks, “Just right!” This means that the clumsiest of people (Read me) can precisely apply it in a few seconds. The finish is matte but not flat at all. Its vitamin infused moisturizing formula makes your lips look healthy not parched and it doesn’t stick to the flaky bits either. It’s excellent for all ages especially since the shade range has nudes and bolds. You can build it up or wear it as a stain and it lasts reasonably well. It does not feather or bleed and lies super comfortably on your lips. Cranberry is a gorgeous soft berry red.  I can’t recommend this enough for the summer season.

Thank you for tagging along on this adventure with my Summer Makeup Heroes!

What makeup products are your personal heroes this summer?

Love,

Sadaf

Disclaimer: This is a personal blog edited by its owners and the opinions expressed here belong solely to its owner's. For questions and queries please email at thepoutpainter@gmail.com