Is it just me, or did they re-formulate and discontinue a lot of the tried-and-true matte foundations? First they got rid of my beloved NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation, then they reformulated the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup (liquid foundation). Estee Lauder Double Wear was my go-to favorite for the summer, as it was long-lasting on my oily skin and it was the perfect shade match for my neutral undertone when I have a tan. Spoiler alert: I tried the reformulated version, and the shades are NOT the same. Also, it doesn’t dry down the same way and truly needs to be set in place. So as you can imagine, this majorly threw off my summer makeup routine.
This left me on the hunt for a new good matte foundation for the summer, so I reheated my 2016 makeup nachos and went back to MAC. I’m so glad I did. Not only did I find a great shade match in their Studio Fix Fluid Foundation (a shade they didn’t have back when I started wearing MAC in the 2010’s), but my makeup is locked in place even when I’m dancing the night away in the club (ask me how I know).
Here’s how I apply and set MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid Foundation so my summer makeup is locked in place!
Primer & Skin Prep: Set Yourself Up for Success
Because I’m an oily girl, for the most part my primer routine never changes. I use a mattiyfing primer in my oily areas (forehead, nose, chin), and something more hydrating on the rest of my face (under eyes, cheeks, etc.). For the mattifying primer, I use the One/Size Extreme Mattifying Alkaline Primer. It keeps my makeup from sliding off my face, and controls oil in the areas where I really need it.
On the rest of my face I’ve been loving the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Moisture Repair Balm. I picked it up during The Makeup Show in NY earlier this year, and I haven’t put it down since. It hydrates my skin so my makeup goes on smoother and looks better.
My Go-To Summer Foundation
I’ve been using MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF 15 in the shade NW47. I shade-matched myself in Ulta, and it’s the best shade match for my neutral undertone. Also, it passes the flash test beautifully every time (I always take a flash photo of myself when I’m trying on different foundations to know if it’s a good shade match. That helps me see if it’s too light, too dark, too red, too orange, etc.). I like to apply this foundation with a foundation brush.
I wore it for a recent girls night out in Boston where we danced the night away (to the point I sweat out my leave out LOL), and my beat was locked in place.
Are We Shade Twins?
We may be shade twins if you have a medium-deep to deep skintone with a neutral undertone.
In the summer, I’ve worn Estee Lauder Double Wear in 5N2 Amber Honey (the old formula). During the winter, I wear Danessa Myricks Yummy Skim Blurring Balm in 8.5 Neutral, NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation in Macao (mixed with a little Marquises), and Haus Labs Foundation in 480.
Set It and Forget It: Face Powder
To set my foundation, I always like to use the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in Deep 4. It’s a lightweight powder that makes everything look nice and smooth.
MVP of Oil Control: MAC Pressed Blot Powder
I feel like I don’t hear enough oily girls talk about MAC’s Pressed Blot Powder, but it’s truly that girl. I’ve been using it for at least the past 10 years in my year-round makeup routine. I wear it in the shade Deep Dark, and it’s a lightly tinted powder that’s made to help control oil. I use it to set my oily areas when I finish my makeup, and if I need to touch up at any point in the day, this is the powder I reach for.
Setting Spray
A good setting spray is super important for keeping your makeup locked in place, and also trying to minimize transfer. I’ve been using the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Liquid Blurring Spray A LOT recently, and it gives a nice smooth matte look. I also love the One/Size On Til Dawn Setting Spray, so either of these would be great if you’re looking for a new reliable setting spray.
So there you have it, this is the summer foundation that’s been holding me down this year. What’s your go-to summer foundation? Let me know in the comments below!
Stylishly Yours,
Theresa Seyi
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