When the temperature begins to rise, not only is it time to switch out our wardrobe, but it’s also time to lighten our makeup bag. I don’t know about you but I HATE feeling makeup on my skin when it’s warm. I want to look pretty once I step out the door, but I don’t want  worry about touching up melted eyeliner or my face feeling heavy because it’s been piled with powder to escape shine.

Here are 5 budget friendly products to use that will still keep you looking cute and fresh as you go about your day.

Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Bronzer

Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Bronzer, $14.99

Bronzer is a super easy way to give yourself a natural looking glow. I’m not a big blush person, so on days when I only have 5 minutes to do my makeup, I grab this to give myself a sunkissed look to keep from looking like death run over. Apply bronzer to forehead, tops of cheeks, nose and chin (where the sun naturally hits) and build until you reach the desired effect. Make sure you apply moisturuzer first, and pick a bronzer that isn’t too orange-you don’t want to look like an extra from Jersey Shore. 

Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow

Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow in Not Just Nudes, $5.99

I like wearing creme eyeshadow in the spring. It’s lightweight and easy to apply when you’re on the go-you don’t even need a brush (just use your ring finger). It probably seems counterintuitive to apply a creme shadow, but if you apply a base first (either a shadow primer or concealer), it’ll stay put longer.  Revlon’s Illuminance Creme Shadow in Not Just Nudes is perfect for everyday, but they also have quads with other fun colors to experiment with.

Bonus: If you want to make a powder shadow really pop, layer it over one of these cremes. I’ve tried it with a gunmetal shadow over a charcoal creme and it was INTENSE.

Sephora Perfecting Cover Concealer

Sephora Perfecting Cover Concealer, $16

Unless I get 8 + hours of sleep, I MUST wear concealer. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Instead of the old rule of using one that’s super light (I’ll do it if I’m wearing a full face and plan on light contouring), pick a concealer that’s as close to your skintone as possible. I started using Sephora’s Perfecting Cover about a month ago and I love it. It’s long-wearing, oil-free, and highly pigmented so it provides full coverage without being heavy. A little goes a LONG way so use sparingly. I use it daily to cover dark circles and on small blemishes. There are so many formulas out that with a little trial and error, you can find a match. 

Maybelline Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara

Maybelline Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara, $6

I truly believe that a good mascara will change your life (ok maybe not change your life but really enhance your pretty). Long, lush lashes open and define your eyes, so you can forgo eyeliner if you want. One that I use is Maybelline’s Falsies; I curl my lashes first and then apply 1-2 coats of this and my eyes look like saucers. My eyes are small so I love achieving this affect without using actual false lashes (which is a step I just don’t have time to add to my daily routine).

Estée Lauder Pure Color Gloss

Estée Lauder Pure Color Gloss, Orange Crush, $20

To complete your look, a lip gloss in a fun, summery color is the best way to go. With so many versatile shades out there, lip gloss is the easiest way to experiment with the season’s bold hues. I’ve been searching for an orange lipcolor to try for months, so I jumped for joy when I learned about Orange Crush (fun fact: Makeup artist and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux created this as part of a collection for Derek Lam’s S2011 Runway Show). Sometimes lipstick can be too intense so a gloss can still pack a punch but the sheerness makes it easier to layer and it much more wearable.

With these 5 products (along with blotting papers to help keep your skin looking dewy, not greasy), you can still look fabulous without weighing down your handbag or breaking the bank.

Tell me, what are some of your favorite products to use during spring? Do you lighten up or keep the same products year round?

beauty