It’s about 900 degrees outside and most of us are unwilling to wear clothes. But alas, we’ve all got to wear them. It is also the time when it’s so hot, you look like your face is melting every time you wear makeup. By the end of the day, local hawkers are using the oil on your face to fry food. So, I give you five beauty tips to keep your makeup on and your skin matte because that’s what we need.
1. Ice, Ice baby
Start your day on a cold, cold note. Take a cube of ice and rub it all over your face for 2-3 minutes. This technique has been used by celebrities when they’ve had a long day and to keep them going as well. It has many benefits from reducing puffiness to acting like a primer so, it’s legit.
2. Try Jamsu
Jamsu is a Korean technique where you apply your basic makeup, liberally add some powder and then dunk your face in ice cold water. And hold your breath while you are in there. Apparently, this makes your makeup look flawless, keeps it from getting oily and also gives you vital lessons on holding your breath.
3. That’s a Blot
When you’ve enough oil on your face to be a Middle Eastern country, there’s a chance you’ve hunted the stores for some blotting paper. And then quickly come to the realisation that you will have to sell a kidney to keep buying these. An easier alternative is to carry tissues. Take just one ply and gently pat on the oily areas. Then, taking a powder puff with no product on it, mattify that area. Voila. You can thank me later.
4. Prime Time
While you don’t want layers on your face because it makes things sticky, it’s absolutely essential to prime in the summers. This will keep your makeup on for longer and keep it from looking too oily as well. You can pick these according to your skin type so it’s a win-win. Plus, primers will mattify the face and close up pores so you look flawless, well almost. At least till the sun decides to come and rain on your parade. Oh, the irony.
5. Make Products Double up
So you don’t have to layer up and have your skin feel deluged, make your products multi-task. Get a tinted moisturiser with SPF so you get protection and coverage. Even use it as a concealer. Tinted lip balms are great as well if you want to add some colour without adding too much of it. This way, your skin will thank you and breathe easy. Which is always a good thing.
Going natural is in this summer and less is more but that’s for every summer.
(Mansi Shah is founder of the blog Damsel in Destress which reviews experiences as varied as spas, books and plays. Mansi is, by her own admission, “clueless” at 30 with an easy penchant for humour.)
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