There is no need to put aside your everyday foundation when the thermometer climbs. A medium- to full-coverage liquid foundation can be adjusted daily for complexion changes due to weather, sun exposure and physical activity. So bring out your inner makeup artist and use the back of your hand to mix in one or several other liquid products to meet your summer skin needs.
How to Get Started
If you have a go-to foundation that you would rather not put aside during the warmer months, adding in other products can save you from having to put it temporarily out of commission. Mixing products doesn’t have to be intimidating with these following steps.
- Be sure to clean your hands and face. Avoid a mess by starting with small amounts of product. You always need less than you think.
- Add a drop of foundation to the back of your hand and then add a drop of the other product.
- Using your index finger or a makeup spatula, mix the products in a circular motion until the color is uniform.
- Test a small amount of the mixture on your jawline, and repeat steps 2 and 3 until you achieve a desired consistency and color.
How to Create a Lighter Foundation
Formulate your own tinted moisturizer by adding face moisturizer to your liquid foundation. Use a daily moisturizer with SPF for extra sun protection.
Recipe: Mix 2 parts foundation to 1 part moisturizer (try The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer SPF 30). Then test the coverage on face. If you want less coverage, add another drop of moisturizer. If you want more coverage, add a drop of foundation.
Tip: After mixing, apply on your face with a makeup wedge or foundation brush to avoid wasting product.
How to Create a Darker Foundation
You want your foundation to continually match your skin, even when it gets naturally suntanned or becomes darker from the application of sunless tanning products. To keep your foundation the shade you want, add a liquid bronzer.
Recipe: Start with 4 parts foundation to 1 part bronzer (try Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer). Test on your jawline and add more bronzer until the desired color is achieved.
Tip: Use a foundation with little or no bronzer to keep your under eye area lighter and avoid a muddy look.
How to Create a Mattifying Foundation
If your foundation is too emollient (oily) for your summer skin, add an oil-control moisturizer.
Recipe: Combine 2 parts foundation to 1 part lotion (try Bobbi Brown Oil Control Lotion SPF 15).
Tip: Use a magnifying primer for an extra layer of shine protection.
How to Create an Illuminating Foundation
Add illuminator to your foundation if you want your skin to look naturally radiant, but still want light coverage.
Recipe: Mix 3 parts foundation to 1 part illuminator (try Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in Shimmering Beige).
Tip: Instead of an eye shadow, use an illuminator on eyelids for a naturally lifted appearance.