No matter what designer dress or killer heels you have on, if your skin and makeup aren’t looking just as good, neither will your clothes, no matter how fabulous! I can count far too often the times I’ve seen beautiful sandals ruined by unsightly feet, or a gorgeous dress turned catastrophe by a botched self-tanner job. Summertime can be dangerous territory for those non-beauty buffs out there. Self-tanners, bronzers, shimmery powders and lotions- great if done right, disaster if not. The key to most of these products is the less-is-more rule. You should be aiming for a light Summer glow, not aspiring to score a Jersey Shore audition. Super tanned skin, especially in combination with over-processed hair and too much makeup has long been considered gauche in the fashion world, and by the stylish population in general. So save your skin and your style this Summer and get a healthy, subtle glow with these Summer beauty favourites.

The Must Have:
Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, $42. I have used this product for years, and year-round for that matter! It’s especially great for Summer though because of its lightweight, sheer coverage and SPF 20, keeping your skin moisturized and protected from the sun and heat. The new illuminating formula has a hint of shimmer for a dewy, radiant finish. One tube lasts me almost a year!

The Newcomers:
Laura Mercier Lotus Pink Second Skin Cheek Colour, $24.
Sephora makeup artist Stephanie Amenta says that customers have been going gaga for this new blush. The peachy-pink colour has gold highlights to give your cheeks a natural, warm glow.

Nars Orgasm Illuminator, $29.
The line’s Orgasm blush and lipgloss have been longstanding favourites with makeup artists and beauty junkies alike. Now that golden peachy glow is available in a shimmery gel-based complexion enhancer. Dab some on cheekbones, mix in with foundation or apply to your shoulders and collar bone for Summertime radiance!

The It-Lipstick:
Bright fuchsia and tangerine shades are Summer’s answer to the bold red lip. Apply shades like NARS Schiap ($24) or Chanel limited addition Rouge Allure Lip Colour in Genial ($30) for a fresh, modern look. Much like wearing a red lip, go light on eye makeup with these statement colours.

Bronzers:
The key to choosing a good bronzer is to stay away from anything with orange undertones or too much shimmer, and make sure to not pick a shade that’s too dark for your skin tone. I love NARS Bronzing Powder ($32) in Laguna for light- medium skin tones and Casino for medium- dark skin tones. Both have a subtle golden shimmer for a natural, sun-kissed look. Try Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder ($28) for a more matte effect. Remember, only apply bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face- forehead, nose, temples and cheekbones.

Self-Tanners:
Both of my favourite tried and true self-tanners are not only natural looking and streak-free, but economical! I’m a big fan of Clinique’s Quick Bronze Tinted Self Tanner ($18.50) for the face. For the body I love Jergens Natural Glow Express Moisturizer ($8.99). Applied like a regular moisturizer, it’s streak proof, and the new Express formula not only gives results in a day or two but is also free of that funky smell that comes with so many self-tanners.

Shopping:

Laura Mercier and NARS products available at Sephora and Holt Renfrew stores across Canada.
Chanel lipstick available at Holt Renfrew and Sears stores across Canada.
Benefit Bronzing Powder available at Sephora, The Bay and Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.
Clinique available at Sephora, Holt Renfrew and Bay stores across Canada.
Jergens available at London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver