summer makeup essentials

As my amateur collage says, summer is upon us, and this year that means bronzed skin, bright lips, coral cheeks, and golden eyes.

Face:
I really like CoverGirl's new Natureluxe Silk Foundation. I apply it with my fingers for light coverage that feels like a tinted moisturizer. It also gets bonus points for having SPF 10! When I'm done with my makeup, I brush on Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder. I don't have oily skin but in the heat I can go from 0 to greasy in under 10 seconds. :\ However, this does what it says and helps keep shine under control. 

Lips:
Bright colored lips are a trend this summer (though when isn't it a summer trend, really?) and my lips are reveling in the neon pinks, fiery oranges, and playful (rather than vampy) purples I've managed to come across the past several months. My favorites: MAC Candy Yum Yum (Limited Edition, Quite Cute collection), Revlon Siren, MAC Bust Out! (Limited Edition, Surf Baby collection). 

Blushers and Bronzers:
I have quite a lot in this section, and that's because I couldn't narrow it down! I've been gravitating towards all of these products a lot lately. I'm typically indecisive when trying to select a blush from my over-sized stash, but Illamasqua powder blusher in Lover has been stealing my gaze. It's a true peach that is super pigmented and buttery soft. I'm NC40 and peach blushes typically give me a nice glow but not much color, but this shows up amazingly well on me. It is matte though, so if I'm feeling in the mood for some shimmer I lean towards a combo of Hard Candy Blush Crush Baked Blush in Pin Up with Jane Blushing Cheeks Powder Blush in Blushing Glow on top (found mine at Nordstrom Rack). For the bronzer-as-blush look, Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Honey Dipped is perfection. As for actual bronzers, I've been switching between MAC Bronzing Powder in Solar Riche (Limited Edition, Surf Baby collection) and Chanel's Soleil Tan de Chanel (formerly Bronze Universel). 

Eyes:
I've given myself bright lips and glowing skin, so this summer I'm complementing it all with simple and neutral eye makeup. I'm loving golds more than usual, so MAC eyeshadow in Woodwinked is a staple. I like putting it all over the lid and adding MAC eyeshadow in Bronze (not pictured) to the crease for a bit of dimension. For a highlight or a sheer wash of color all over the lid, MAC pigment in Naked is something I reach for year-round. MAC paint pot in Rubenesque is a beautiful golden-peach that is gorgeous on its own or as a base. Then for more variety there is the much-coveted Urban Decay Naked Palette which, if you enjoy neutrals, is just as amazing as the hype makes you believe. It's going everywhere with me this summer, come rain or shine or airport security checkpoints. Last but not least, my favorite mascara to top everything off: CoverGirl Lash Blast Waterproof Mascara in Very Black.

What are your summer makeup essentials?