Fashion

7 Natural Makeup Products For A Summer Glow

by Samantha

All makeup lovers alike know that summer is not the easiest season to sport your favorite makeup trends (especially if you're not wearing natural makeup brands). The intense heat can leave you feeling like your foundation is seeping into your skin and that your eyeliner is dripping down your cheek. When the summer heat gets the best of your makeup and all of your colors smear together, it creates a look that appears anything but natural. But aside from the superficial notion that choosing the right makeup for the summer season is key (due to the effects of the sun), it can also be key in terms of your health.

When you choose not to wear 100% natural makeup, especially during the summer, you are also saying yes to absorbing parabens into your skin. So, what are parabens exactly? Parabens are the "preservatives" that are found in many popular makeup brands. While many makeup companies claim that parabens preserve their makeup, they also tend to forget to mention the other side-effects.

According to The Good Human, "Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers." Common parabens to look for in your cosmetics are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben.

As you can image, the last thing that you would want seeping into your skin at a festival or a picnic this summer are parabens. If you're worried that you won't be able to pull off your signature summer look without using your paraben-packed products, don't worry! Since natural products are filled with real ingredients, I find that their colors and shimmers are actually more vibrant than their chemical-filled counterparts.

Here are the 7 products you need, from concealer to mascara, to achieve that natural, effortless summer glow with 100% natural makeup products.

1. Foundation or Concealer

ZuZu Luxe Dual Powder Foundation, $30, Amazon

ZuZu Luxe Foundation and Concealer are the ultimate way to set your summer look. I always recommend powder foundation for summertime. It is less harsh on the face during the sweltering heat. This foundation is a naturally light, velvety powder that can easily be built-up to give you the amount of coverage that is desired. This powder "contains proven antioxidants" and sun-protection which makes it the ultimate summer foundation. Ingredients, such as sea fennel extract, truly nourish and treat the skin instead of using the chemicals that destroy it over time.

Zuzu Luxe Vegan Concealer, $18, Amazon

The concealer is my go-to concealer regardless of the season. It has the ability to cover up any blemish or dark spot. If you prefer to use just the concealer under your eyes, you can do this as well. Their secret formula is created with botanical extracts "to soothe sensitive skin and the delicate eye area."

Both products come in shades for every skin tone and last for months, further proving that they are not only good for your skin, but are also cost effective. The minerals in both of these products truly give your skin a summer glow!

2. Illuminator

Radiance Illuminating Powder, $19, Amazon

Illuminators have become the It trend in makeup. They allow your skin to shine by brushing them right above your cheekbones, where the natural sun would hit your face. This illuminator by Mineral Fusion has age-defying and skin-soothing botanicals and includes so many fun natural ingredients, such as pomegranate, red tea, and Vitamin C. You can use each color separately along with the white shade as a highlighter, or you can use a kabuki brush and lightly tap into all four for a more vibrant shimmer. Either way, your skin will boast the most beautiful summer glow.

3. Eyeshadow

Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette, $25, Amazon

A natural summer glow can be achieved through a rose-gold smokey eye. The light-pink tone in this palette from Pacifica Beauty is called "Skinny Dip" and it serves as a great base for your eyelid, as well as a highlighter. The next two shades,"coral sand" and "golden," will make you the ultimate golden goddess, while the darkest shade, "Urchin," is what will give you the smokey eye effect. These eyeshadows are infused with coconut-water, which serves as a skin balancer ad soother and has long-lasting power.

4. Lipgloss

Fall Foliage Lipgloss, $13, Amazon

Summertime calls for us to put away those harsh lipstick tones and to bring out the fresh lipgloss. Burt's Bees makes the most pigmented, natural lip glosses and the shade "Fall Foliage" gives you the ultimate nude lip look. The featured ingredient in this shade is sunflower oil, which is packed with vitamin E and is great for your lips and skin.

5. Eyeliner

Black Pearl Liquid EyeLiner, $16, Amazon

ZuZu Luxe makes the number-one liquid eyeliner on my list. The brush is super easy to use, its quick drying, and is water-resistant, all of which is perfect for summer. I prefer the shade black pearl, but if you prefer bright colors for summer, they have beautiful shades such as ocean blue.

6. Mascara

Flowercolor Natural Mascara, $15, Amazon

A vegan, gluten-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free mascara, finally! This powerful mascara will not only give your lashes a boost in volume, but it will also nourish your lashes and encourage them to grow on their own (instead of brushing chemicals on them and having them turn thin and brittle over time.

7. Lip Saver

Aveda Lip Saver, $21, Amazon

Lip saver is an essential beauty must-have for summer. When we are out in the heat, our lips tend to get dry and chapped. This makes it nearly impossible to put on any type of lipgloss, but more importantly is super unhealthy for our lips. This lip saver is way more powerful than a ChapStick. Just one application can last you an entire day. This particular lip saver from Aveda is a botanical balm that contains nature's waxes that seal the moisture into your lips. If you tend to get dry skin in the summer, or just want to sport natural, moisturized lips, this product is a must-have.

These products combined will help your skin to heal from any damage as you use them. When the sun comes out this summer, the last thing that you want is chemicals seeping into your skin during your beach vacation. Using makeup with real ingredients will give you this summers top trend of sporting a summer glow.

Images: Gabriel Cosmetics; Mineral Fusion Cosmetics; Pacifica Beauty, Burts Bees; Ecco Bella; Aveda