10 Summer Beauty Dilemmas Solved

1. IS THERE A TRICK TO MAKING BRONZER LOOK NATURAL ON PALE SKIN?
Creamy bronzers like Nars’ Multiple is great because they’re super pigmented, which mean they don’t get streaky on fair skin. If you’re very pale, apply a pressed powder or foundation that’s darker than your skin, to act as bronzer. You can trick the eye into thinking your skin is warmer than it is by applying golden highlighter on your cheeks and décolletage.

2. HOW CAN ONE PREVENT SWEAT FROM RUINING THEIR MAKEUP?
The trick is to blot the sweat! Do not rub, it will undo all your hard work. Oil absorbing papers are great for this.

3. HOW CAN ONE LOOK POLISHED WHILE SWIMMING OR SURFING? WHAT PRODUCTS CAN BE CONFIDENTLY WORN IN THE WATER?
This is all about picking the right formula that will last, like gels or stains. Use a gel bronzer or blush and a cheek or lip stain, curl your lashes, and apply waterproof mascara. You don’t want to look made up, but these will give your face a little color and definition. My best advice is to tint your eyelashes at the beginning of summer. It’s the only thing guaranteed not to run in the water.

4. CAN ONE WEAR WATERPROOF MASCARA EVERY DAY? WHAT'S THE SAFEST WAY TO REMOVE IT?
Contrary to popular belief, waterproof mascara isn’t any more damaging than regular mascara, but you do need something greasy or oily to remove it properly or lashes can become brittle and break. Serge Lutens’ makeup removers has been in my kit since day one—it cuts through anything!

5. HOW CAN ONE CONCEAL OR REMOVE A FADING SPRAY TAN?
Body makeup is your best bet to conceal an uneven patch of skin, or you can add a dab of luminizer or foundation into your body lotion to trick the eye a little. To remove the tan, apply lemon juice mixed with body scrub in the shower.

6. WHICH LASTS LONGER ON A HOT DAY: CREAM BLUSH OR POWDER BLUSH?
Powder blush, or a combination of the two, is best. Makeup tends to disappear on a summer day, but if you use a cream or gel blush under a powder blush it will last much longer.

7. HOW CAN ONE PREVENT OILY SKIN IN THE SUMMER?
Oily skin is torture in the summer, I know firsthand. First off, limit moisturizer. You really don’t need a separate day cream and SPF, so just wear sunscreen. Keep blotting papers with you to soak up oil and powder for touch-ups—and try to stay in cool places!

8. WHICH PRODUCTS ALLOW ONE TO QUICKLY GO FROM BEACH TO COCKTAILS?
You’re probably going to want a cleansing wipe to get the sunscreen and salt water off your face, then it’s all about keeping it simple. Nars’ Mulitple is great for eyes, lips, and cheeks. Curling your lashes really opens up the eyes, then a smudgy liner that you can blend with your fingers is easy.

9. HOW CAN ONE PULL OFF A DARK LIP IN THE SUMMER?
It’s best to do more of a stain using a dark lipstick. That way, you can get a deep color look without a hard line. Pat the pigment into your lips with your finger, then apply a little lip balm on top. Pair it with curled lashes, defined brows, and fresh skin.

10. HOW DOES ONE PREVENT 'RACCOON EYES' WHEN WEARING DARK EYE MAKEUP ON A HUMID DAY?
Be mindful not to apply moisturizer, foundation, or concealer on your eyelids, which will make the product run. Instead, use primer if you want to wear shadow. Nars’ Primer is amazing! Nothing budges when you use it. Always use waterproof mascara and liner on your bottom lashline to prevent smudging. You can also apply waterproof mascara on the tips of your top lashes, over your regular mascara, to seal in the color without completely committing yourself to the tedious removal process often associated with these formulas.