Makeup that’s more like a Make-down

Looking for a natural, fresh, summer-kissed face? These products will get you there in under 5 minutes!

I have finally found the perfect mascara. That holy grail of mascaras! Clinique’s Lash Power Mascara holds up through rain, sweat and tears. It gives length and volume without clumping. The most impressive feat this mascara accomplishes? It does not smudge. Ever! This has been an ongoing battle for me. Even waterproof mascara smudges on me. So you can imagine how thrilled I am to finally find one that does not! Another great feature is it comes off easily with warm water. No need to use make-up remover—just wash your face! It comes in a tiny applicator with a tiny wand for lower lashes as well. I think I’m in love. About $15, and $10 for the Bottom Lash.

{ad-beautyproducts}For lips, try Too Faced Lipstick (12 lush shades). It’s drenched in shea butter, helping to keep lips soft and has decent staying power. It also includes “champagne essence,” which adds to the luxe feel and the shiny pink case with the “diamond” top is seriously femme. An old-timey, tried and true tip for lasting color is to blot once, reapply, blot again, and reapply once more. $20 online. I use the shade called Celebrity Meltdown with Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Peach Petal to soften the color to a perfect natural shade. It provides additional moisture and sun protection with an SPF 15. About $7 in drugstores.

A couple swipes of blush and you’re good to go! I’m a big fan of mineral makeup. It allows your pores to breath, is so much lighter than traditional makeup, lasts longer on your face and is tolerated more easily by sensitive skin. It’s also waterproof, making it the perfect choice for someone with an active lifestyle. You may have heard that mineral makeup provides a natural sunscreen, which it does, but don’t forego your regular daily sunscreen. I’ve found no proof that it is a suitable substitute. But I have found that Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Blush is a great option. It’s talc and oil free, provides a great-looking finish and is a good value at about $10 in drugstores.

toni munna

Toni Munna is a native Long Islander who is always on the lookout for products that fulfill their promise to firm, hydrate, slim, soothe, de-wrinkle, plump, relax, de-stress, and just generally make you look and feel better. She a firm believer that wellness enhances beauty and has been testing beauty products and reviewing spas for you since the fall of 2006. You can reach her with questions at toni@lipulse.com.