After answering the question of how to keep makeup in place all day, I wanted to take a deeper dive into the world of primers. We know they are supposed to help makeup have longer wear and create a smooth canvas for the makeup we apply over them, but how do we know if we are choosing the right one for our skin or specific needs.  

Like most makeup, there are endless options.  Primers not only come in different formulas- oil free, SPF, etc. but they also come in different colors and offer different benefits.  It's no coincidence that my favorite brands of primer also offer the most variety of formulas for a custom match for you.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is offered in 10 different formulas: 
Original , light, blemish control, dark spot correcting, SPF with Dermaxyl, luminizing, hydrating and 3 color correcting options

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is offered in 6 different formulas:  
Original, oil-free, SPF, hydrating, mineral and radiance

Make Up For Ever is offered in 7 different formulas: 
Neutral, green, mauve, carmel, blue, yellow and pink

How do you choose the primer that is right for you? This is my simple cheat sheet:

• Green = redness
  
• Purple = yellow tones
• Pink/peach = neutralizes skin 
• Oil-free or mineral = minimizes oil 
• Hydrating = reduced dryness
• Radiance/luminizing = brightens dull skin

As summer heats up, makeup tends to sweat off.  A few easy steps can make all the difference in how long your makeup stays in place. These tricks work for any weather and will prolong the wear of your makeup even as the heat dies down. 

When applying basic face makeup remember 1, 2, 3....
1. PRIME
Applying primer will not only prolong the wear of your makeup but it will also give you a more even application.
2. MAKEUP 
Use a brush or sponge like a Beauty Blender to apply face makeup (foundation, BB cream, tinted moisturizer, etc.) - buffing or stippling the formula onto your face will help it to stay in place. If you are wearing bronzer or blush, apply it now.
3. SET
A big fluffy brush and loose powder and tap it over your makeup to set the liquid to prevent smudging and wear.

As I took (what seems to be) my weekly trip to Sephora I stumbled upon the most impressive invention! Hunched over the Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Foundation, I was asked if I needed assistance matching my color- which I did because their color coding is all over the place! 

I was then guided over to a snazzy new tool that literally snaps photos of your clean skin in three different places then assigns you your very own pantone color! What happens next? They have an iPad in store that searches archives of all foundations, bb creams, etc. that match your exact pantone color! 

I know I could be classified as a bit obsessive when it comes to makeup, and Sephora, but I was so excited I could barely contain myself. The only downside to this fabulous discovery was the lack of results for my specific coloring. Don't be discouraged, though- companies are already using these results to develop more color options so everyone has their pick of brands and formulas. 

Now, stop whatever you are doing, go to Sephora and discover your custom pantone! 

Washing hair daily strips our locks of their natural oils. This eventually causes hair produce more oil leading to oilier hair- which is what we were trying to avoid in the first place! Now, if you're anything like me- you're thinking there is no way I can skip a day of suds.  Let me tell you, it takes some patience, the right products and sometimes getting creative with hairstyles to switch to the every-other-day routine.

I've tried lots of dry shampoos as I phased out daily traditional shampooing and this one is great! TRESemme volumizing dry shampoo isn't too dry or chalky (something I've found with other dry shampoos) and it adds volume! A few sprays of this magic in a bottle transforms your tresses from limp, day-after-oily to voluminous and fresh!

Although I live in sunny (and dry) Southern California, some of my East Coast friends are sweating through 85% humidity and have asked for some makeup tips to survive the heat. 

The most important thing to remember is to work with the humidity, not against it- dry formulas will not stand up to the moisture in the air. Use the moisture to your advantage and grab liquid and cream products.  These stickier formulas are more likely to stay on all day so you don't end up wearing your makeup on you new sundress.

Less is more. Humidity doesn't lend itself a full blown bombshell makeup complete with cat eyes and red lips but a few moisture- friendly steps can help you look fresh and natural in the heat.

Step 1. Primer- This is key to keep your face makeup in place.

Step 2. Tinted Moisturizer or BB Cream- Lighter than liquid foundation, slight coverage but won't run.

Step 3. Cream Blush or Tint- Like I said, work with the moisture... a sticky cream blush will blend into your skin and give you color all day. Powder sits on the surface and can sweat right off!

Step 4. Waterproof Mascara- This one is pretty self explanatory... it will emphasize the eyes without smudging.

Step 5. Waterproof Eye Liner- This step isn't necessary but if you want some added drama grab a waterproof pencil and line your waterline for definition.

Step 6. Lip Gloss- A low maintenance sheer gloss will pull your humidity-proof look together!