The long, hot days are coming, and you may feel that you’d do better without the weight of foundation on your skin. We may love the perfect result, but even the thinnest of foundations adds a layer that we’d rather go without. If these words resonate with you, then join us in exploring the foundation alternatives for summer and finding a new way to even out your complexion.
Why you may want foundation alternatives for summer
Even weightless formulas can feel like too much of a burden for your skin in the summer. Inevitably, they add an extra layer of product to your skin when the hot days make you want to go for a bare feeling. If this resonates with you, then you may have experienced the dilemma of feeling like applying makeup but not wanting to actually feel it on the skin. For those of you who know what this means, we’re here for a hot take: you can make your complexion look perfect without using foundation. As a big fan of these techniques herself, this writer is about to tell you all about complexion makeup without foundation.
How to replace your foundation: concealer, blush, and bronzer
After a proper skincare routine—including, obviously, a high SPF—you may skip foundation altogether and start layering some color on the face. You may like to start by bronzing up, preferably with a cream bronzer, and then build some natural blushing tones with your favorite cream or liquid blush. The concealer comes last to add some coverage only where needed. We’ll let you know all about each of these steps below.
Bronzer to sculpt and define
L.A. Girl Velvet Bronzer Contour Stick
Bronzer is a great way to start. You may adjust the amount to your preference, and go as light or heavy-handed as you like. The bronzer creates the sun-kissed glow you love in a few seconds, while sculpting your features to add depth and intensity to the look. Another great thing about using bronzer is that it adds a warm makeup effect to your complexion that works alone, even if you don’t go for other makeup steps.
How does this step replace the foundation?
Foundation does the magic wand effect of perfecting the entire complexion, while bronzer only applies to certain areas, so how can we compare them? Even though bronzer is not made to correct anything, the truth is that it is a makeup product containing pigments, and it ends up evening out the complexion where you apply it. Since bronzer occupies a significant amount of the real estate it is your face, you can count on it to visibly perfect your complexion.
Blush to enhance color and glow
Makeup Revolution Superdewy Liquid Blush Blush Me Up
Usually used on top of your foundation, the blush brings healthy natural tones to your cheeks, creating a warm look. When you prefer foundation alternatives for summer and dive straight into adding a blushing shade, you’re adding lovely rosy or pink hues without piling up texture. It may not provide coverage, but a blush will certainly elevate your complexion makeup.
How does this step replace the foundation?
Blushers don’t usually add a lot of coverage; however, just like bronzer, they create a sheer veil of color that may conceal natural rosy tones that may be randomly scattered across your cheeks. If that’s the case, the blush may well be compared to foundation, as it helps to camouflage those pink patches and create more even blushed skin.
Concealer for spot correction
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24h More Than Concealer
Concealers are the right arm of foundations, as they are particularly good at adding extra coverage. You may use the spot-concealing concealing technique for a natural base, applying the product only where needed and blending it seamlessly for undetectable coverage. This technique works both by itself and when using foundation. Use your artist’s vision to understand the points on the face that need coverage, and, instead of applying an even coat of foundation across the face, apply it only where you think you need coverage.
How does this step replace the foundation?
Concealer can replace foundation as it adds coverage, specifically over imperfections and discolorations. If you have no clue where that might be, we’ve prepared a face chart below with some suggestions. Keep reading to learn more!
How to apply concealer, bronzer, and blush: a face chart
What would be better than a drawing to illustrate the application areas for each product? Between concealer, bronzer, and blush, the skin will be perfectly evened out without a single drop of foundation.
As you can see, each formula has its own areas to enhance. With bronzer and blush, your creativity is limited, as these products can look weird if applied to areas of the face where you’re not supposed to. When it comes to concealer, you’ll have to decide where to apply it on a daily basis, as imperfections may come and go. If you’re not up to choosing where to apply concealer every day, you may follow our suggestion on the face chart: it should be enough to even out your complexion.
Extra steps for long-lasting summer makeup
You may want to use less makeup, but we’re sure that you’re not open to compromising on longevity. Summer can challenge your makeup resistance, and natural makeup is not particularly known for being long-lasting. The good news is that one or two extra steps may significantly improve the resistance of your makeup to the summer heat. Check which of the steps below seems to agree more with your preferences and current makeup kit!
Primers
essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer
Primers are a makeup product that perfectly matches this minimalist vibe, as the clear formula blends seamlessly into the skin. These formulas make sure that your makeup has something to grip onto, extending the longevity of your makeup. It should feel weightless on the skin, adding performance without adding texture.
Setting powders
Clarins Ever Matte Compact Powder
Powders don’t necessarily have to add texture, but they always add fixing power to your makeup. If you go for a loose-setting powder, like the Clarins Ever Matte Loose Powder, a thin layer is all it takes to get extra longevity as well as less shine. If you’d rather have the option to carry around and touch up, then a compact like Clarins Ever Matte Compact Powder is ideal.
Setting and fixing sprays
Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Setting and fixing sprays are made with the main goal of making makeup last longer, and it may be exactly what you need. Just as a face mist, all you have to do is to spray it on, carelessly, enjoying the freshness of the formula sitting on your skin while boosting the longevity of the makeup. This is the step that grants the best lasting results with less effort.
Don’t be afraid of breaking makeup rules and explore other possibilities with your current makeup products to find more foundation alternatives for summer. Once you figure out what works for you, your makeup routine is going to be even more enjoyable.
