Hello from Hell. Also known as, summertime in Columbia, SC. First of all, I must stress: this is not a beauty blog. (Are you stunned by that revelation?) This is not a fashion blog. (Again; stunned?) But, these are some things I really love for looking somewhat pulled together and feeling somewhat comfy during these sweltering days of summer.
I hate being hot. And, whenever someone tells me I look hot, I know they do not mean it in the "hey baby, you look hot" kind of way .... they mean I'm dripping sweat and red-faced and probably slightly crazed looking. It ain't my best look. So, here are some things I've discovered that help me cope a little bit. These aren't miracle workers; I'm still not going to get any complimentary "you look hot" comments, but hey, I feel a little less frazzled thanks to some of these discoveries.
First, let's talk makeup. I have a new favorite thing that I use every day on my face: it's Jouer Matte Tinted Moisturizer. It has sunscreen, plus some magic fairy dust that absorbs oil and mattifies my skin. Coverage is really light but good! It feels like I got nothing on my face, only, I DO!! I really like it and you will too. I get it from Birchbox.com and it costs $38.00. Pricey, yeah, but the tube I'm using; I've had since February and it's still got tons of product in it. I've been using it EVERY DAY since it got hot. I use a makeup brush to apply -- it seems to go on nicer and I don't think I use as much of it.
The other thing in the face-department that I've been loving this summer is high-def translucent mineral face powder. OK Confession time: I splurged on a jar of this stuff by Youngblood; it was $38 (Birchbox, again, I'm hooked). However, I also bought a jar of very similar stuff by E.L.F. (Target, maybe $4.00?) and it's JUST AS GOOD! It sort of "sets" your makeup and keeps the shine at bay. It goes on white, so a little dab will do ya. But unless you cake it on, it's invisible.
These are some old faves that are great for summer: cheek tint by Tarte (I have no idea where I got it). I apply with a wet sponge and it just leaves a little hint of color, no powder to rub off or streak. And my new favorite mascara -- because all mascaras I've ever used would melt and leave me with raccoon eyes in the summer, and this one doesn't: Benefits They're Real. About $23 and yes, it is worth it. I swear I will never use drugstore mascara again. When you get to be 53.80 years old, you have to use the good stuff.
OK my other favorite summer thing is an unmentionable of sorts. It's underwear. If you are a guy I would hope that by now you've quit reading this because I'm sure you don't want to read about my underwear.
I like to wear dresses in the summer because they're cooler. Well, I could use a little shapewear, only, THAT SHIT IS UNCOMFORTABLE. I mean, if shapewear could suddenly make me appear 70 pounds thinner and 20 years younger, maybe I'd suffer through it. But, I'm still fat and old when I wear it, so nope. But last summer I found these things made by Jockey (on line purchase) called Skimmies Slipshorts. They are $20 each and I am madly in love with them. (in an entirely appropriate way) They're like shapewear, only not. Just the slightest bit snug -- enough to smooth lumps and bumps and kill panty lines. They fit like an awesomely silky comfy and cool pair of bike shorts. And they are awesome. And, for those of you who, like me, have a little extra fluff, they come in plus sizes.
There are lots of good things about summer -- like, my birthday -- and I can't think of much else ---- but I find it so hard to be comfortable and feel "put together" in this weather. So consider this my one and quite likely only contribution to your beautification and staying cool for the rest of this summer!
