Putting on My Summer Face

June 30, 2017

By Tricia Cusden

After my marathon journey down to the south of France at the weekend (The Open Road and Speed Freak Granny) I am gradually settling into my holiday home where I will spend the next few weeks. And oh, how pale, wan and tired my face looked when I arrived!

Actually it's not just the skin on my face which looked pasty and unhealthy, my whole body was in need of some serious love and attention. I don't know if you find the same thing happens when you go on holiday to a place with a different quality of light, but it's as though everything that looked fine back home - clothes, hair and makeup, now looks 'wrong' and slightly out of place. It's also quite hot down here, so covering up isn't an option! This happens every year, however, so I do know how to deal with the dissatisfaction that these feelings provoke in me.

I take a two pronged approach to my pale and wan face. The first is to give myself some 'spa' treatments. I see the first two or three days as an opportunity to give my face a 'breather' and after exfoliating and deep cleansing with a mask, I go makeup free which is quite a challenge for me. However, as I am in the deep countryside, I can guarantee that no-one will see me! Each night I apply a fake tan to my face (I am using St. Tropez gradual face tan) so that when I wake up my face has a 'sun-kissed' look which alleviates some of that deathly London pallor. Then I am ready to re-appraise my makeup and think about what I need to use to look my best in the bright Mediterranean light.

After applying a moisturiser with an SPF of 30 to give me some sun protection, I then take stock of the amount of unifying and coverage my skin needs. This is entirely dependant on my acne rosacea. This flares up with stress, so a few days of relaxing has already seen some improvement. I have brought Continuous Cover Foundation in 03 with me and I have been mixing a small amount of this with some Cover To Cover Conceal in 02 and applying this mixture very lightly over the central area of my face in order to even out the skin tone, cover any redness and also disguise specific blemishes.

Next I apply some Instant Bright Highlight to the tops of my cheekbones and brow bones as this will catch the light as I move my face and help it to look fresh and dewey in the sunshine. Then I dust my face very lightly with Enduring Summer Bronze to add the merest suggestion that the sun has 'caught' my forehead, cheeks and chin. I use Powder/Bronzer Brush 1 with big, sweeping movements so that the bronzer looks subtle - you want to avoid any heavy looking brown patches!

Lastly I add a pop of pinky toned Real Radiance Blush with just enough density of colour to bring my whole face to life. Just as with the bronzer, I use Blusher Brush 2 to make sure that there are no hard lines - just the suggestion of some healthy-looking cheek colour. Now I am ready to think about what eye makeup and lip colour is going to work best!

I feel the best answer to adding definition to your summertime eyes is to apply the Bring Back Brow Shape first so that your eyebrows are creating the right level of 'framing' and then use some very softly coloured No Shimmer Eye Shades to your lids after applying the Smooth Out Eye Prime. This morning I used Cappuccino, but I also love Cream or Soft Grey for my cool toned skin. Choose Cappuccino, Soft Olive or Cream if you have warm tones. Then using Wedge Brush 8, I applied some Taupe along the lash line and topped this with a couple of coats of Lithe Lash Mascara. I could have used Aubergine instead, or Cocoa or Forest if I was warm toned.

In London, I feel that Lustrous Colour Lipstick in Soft Plum is my best 'go to' colour. However, as soon as I am in the summer sun I always feel that it's not got quite the right level of vibrancy. So I reach for Fuchsia or Cherry Red and wow - what a difference! My whole face comes to life and I feel brighter, healthier and all that pale pastiness has been finally banished, as you can hopefully see in the photograph above. I have also made a short video to show you exactly what I do to improve the look of my face when I am in the summer sunshine on holiday. I do hope you enjoy it and find it helpful!

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24 Comment(s)

Linda Pickering

Jul 13, 2017 19:22

I just found your blog and read Marilyn's story. My eyes are still damp from reading her story and thinking of the loss of my own Mike. I have been pretty sad the past week or so, thinking of the losses in my life so your blog was right on time for me! My dad always said, "There's no such thing as an accident!" so perhaps me finding your blog was meant to be! I am encouraged and have decided to go to the gym I have been avoiding and set myself up a schedule for working out. I look forward to getting your pamphlet and reading more about "The Beauty in an Unaltered Older Face" for that is truly what I have. Thank you for your time and energy.
With warmest regards,
Linda Pickering
Elma, Washington
USA

julia

Jul 04, 2017 07:05

Thank you, Tricia for your detailed advice on applying fake tan: much more detailed and helpful than on the products themselves! That was the one blog I didn't read as I had seen the corresponding video and thought it was a repeat.. However, I've developed some kind of skin problem on one side of my forehead which creates a pink, flaky patch so I will put off the fake tan for now. Enjoy your well-deserved Holiday. Waiting for your book!

Shirley Davey

Jul 04, 2017 05:15

Yes I agree a bright lip and rosy cheeks can make the world of difference with help from a bronzer, but not too much. Better to look natural than over done.
You look very nice, what could be better than being in the south of France. We could all use a treat like that if only we could afford it. You are one fortunate lady.
Enjoy....................

Margaret Turner

Jul 03, 2017 11:18

I love you summer makeup. I have such dry and flaky lips, I don't know what to use to exfoliate them. Please help!

Jul 03, 2017 07:25

I enjoy your videos...this one is timely and quite helpful. Thank you!!!

Dorothy

Jul 03, 2017 01:53

You look fabulous. I was feeling the same way in that I felt my skin was too washed out and needed some deeper colours. I changed my foundation to a shade a bit warmer but not too yellow. I just cannot do without a bit of bronzer near my temples for healthy glow when the summer arrives.

Beverly Van Horn

Jul 02, 2017 22:41

I was happy to see the Fuschia lipstick on you as that is what I ordered but hasn't arrived yet. I'm hesitant about the makeup because even though I was a blonde I was prematurely silver and yet I seem to have an olive complexion so I usually order neutral colors which you don't have. I am 81 but I still work as a realtor in Tucson, AZ. I usually have a year round tan of sorts. Thank you if you have any suggestions.

Christine Shaw

Jul 02, 2017 20:56

I thought the Summer makeup looked really good but would love your help. I am a natural redhead with brown eyes and freckles and would love your suggestions regarding lip and eye colours.
Love your blogs... look forward to lots more. Thank you. Christine Shaw

Carol zmohan

Jul 02, 2017 20:48

Hi Tricia,
I love your website and really enjoy the helpful videos. I have not yet tried any of your products as, like most ladies, I have a drawer full of cosmetics, none of which is inexpensive, which have been very disappointing, so am still reluctant to buy, especially as I am now a widowed pensioner. Having read one of the earlier comments today, the lady saying she has now had received some of your 'samples', I would therefore like to know - do you provide samples of your Base makeup? I would love to 'try before I buy' the foundation product. Is this a possibility?
Kind regards
Carol

Lynn

Jul 02, 2017 19:46

Hi Tricia, No nothing under my eyes that is different from the rest of my face. I put moisturiser on first, then a primer, then the base. I have tried without primer under the eyes but it makes no difference. I will try again tomorrow, maybe I should just pat it on. I will still order the base, as I love the new me. Best wishes, enjoy your holiday. Lynn.

triciacusden

Jul 02, 2017 19:34

Yes Julie - that's what I do when I travel! It's very easy to buy small plastic bottles and jars at the Chemist (if you have Boots, they are a good source) and our Base and Prime will be fine in those. I don't find my makeup takes up much room at all - it's mostly things like cleansers etc.which are easy to decant. Have a lovely time at the wedding! Triciax

triciacusden

Jul 02, 2017 19:31

Hi Lynn
I wonder if you are using any kind of eye cream at night (or daytime?) It sounds as though there is something on your skin preventing the absorption of the Base at in that area - there really should be no difference (other than thickness) between the skin on the rest of your face and that under the eyes. Not sure what else to suggest! Triciax

triciacusden

Jul 02, 2017 19:28

Hi Julia
I wrote a blog which included advice about applying fake tan to the face and body: https://www.lookfabulousforever.com/blog/summer-makeup-looks/
Hope that helps! Triciax

triciacusden

Jul 02, 2017 19:24

Hi Jill
You will find the Shade and Lip Colour on the Look Fabulous Forever website under Products 'Eyes' and 'Lips' respectively. Hope you find them!
Tricia

jill teramoto

Jul 02, 2017 18:25

Thank you for sharing your video. I love the fuchsia lipstick and the cappuccino shadow. Where can I buy those?

Sue Lynn

Jul 02, 2017 17:53

Great video. I would like to add that after one of the most toxic chemo treatments which practically destroyed all the moisture making cells in my body, to treat what was initially a terminal prognosis, I was left with dry eyes allergic to most makes of mascara. I ordered a LFF mascara with some aprehension after trying all the best makes and suffering swollen sore eyes. However I am so very delighted to advise I find I can use it without any irritation or grittiness. I am so very pleased.

Julia

Jul 02, 2017 15:28

I have a terrible problem every summer of my face perspiring. However, this is my first summer using LFF primer and base. I still perspire dreadfully but I find if I press a folded piece of strong kitchen paper over the dampness and just press but NOT wipe,, I can still keep my makeup on for the whole day. Am afraid to use a fake tan as I don't want a patchy effect. Are there any special tricks to this? I think mine is probably the whitest face in Rome at the moment.

Eleanor Robertson

Jul 02, 2017 14:19

What a super helpful video. Thank you and the fushia lipstick really brought it all together. Enjoy your vacation.

Christine Winter

Jul 02, 2017 13:38

Thank you Tricia for all your inspiration and wonderful products. I am a new woman since i started using them, confident and no longer feel invisible. Enjoy your holiday and i hope you have a well earned rest from the business. You have a great team running the shop and we look forward to a refreshed and invigorated Tricia, full of new ideas on your return.

Lynn

Jul 02, 2017 13:18

Hi Tricia, you look lovely, in the photo/video above, and yes how your face came to life with your lipstick. I am a great believer in lipstick as the finishing touch to my makeup, It really does transform the face. I have received my samples of Base 02/03. The 03 is the one I like, I love the texture of the Bases, so light, yet they give the right amount of cover, and I love my new look. Just one point I would like some advice on, the delicate skin under my eyes doesn't seem to take it, it goes blotchy. I put moisturiser on, the same as the rest of my face, but it makes no difference. I do use my fingers to apply my makeup, I cant get used to a brush, but this shouldn't stop it from going on the delicate skin under the eyes. What am I doing wrong ! Hope you can help.

Julie Coulter

Jul 02, 2017 13:00

I am going to America in August for a wedding .It will just be hand luggage as it is only for a few days.Do you have any ideas as to how I can take my makeup etc can the liquid be decanted into small travel bottles? Thanks looking for advice.

Anne Holmes

Jul 02, 2017 12:57

I totally agree with comment about numbering brushes as I have often thought this myself.I have been trying to think of a way to number. my own brushes. Has anyone got any suggestions?

steph Luke

Jul 02, 2017 10:47

hi just some constructive feedback ( I hope) I am really enjoying learning about and using your products. One suggestion to possibly improve the learning for someone like me who is not used to using make up brushes. It would be really useful to have the number of the brush printed on the side of each brush. I think they are in numerical order in the purpose designed bag but easier to have them numbered so ne need to be constantly checking against the video or hoping you have put them back in the bag in the correct order.
Thanks Steph luke
Thanks Steph luke

Tina

Jul 02, 2017 09:46

Since discovering it my new favourite summer makeup product is definitely Fabulous Bronzer! I have just returned from the South of France and loved the
sun kissed look it gave to my face.

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Putting on My Summer Face

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