Summer is officially here! Of course, for those of us who live in the northern part of Kentucky, it has felt like summer for several weeks. We went (as usual) from temperatures in the 30s and 40s to temperatures in the 80s and 90s. I would love to get some mid-70 temps for at least a month! Spring, where did you go??

Hot, humid temps mean that if I don't want my face to look greasy or have my makeup products literally slide off my face within a couple of hours, I have to be sure to make adjustments in my beauty routine. Ain't nobody got time for blotting all day!



I basically subscribe to the theory that if you need lighter/cooler clothing, then the same is probably true for your skincare and makeup. Of course that won't be the case for everyone, but for the most part, I think it's a safe bet.

Let's talk about skincare first:


(This post may contain affiliate links which were added to make it easier for you to find the items. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You are free to use the links or not - if you do, I thank you!)

1) Switch to a lightweight cleanser
Depending upon your skin type and the cleanser(s) you use, you may need a lighter cleanser in summer. Especially if you have combo or oily skin. By "lighter", I mean one that doesn't contain a ton of ingredients that are left behind on your skin - like a creamy moisturizing cleanser. Those with dry skin may still need that extra moisture, but it probably makes the rest of us feel hot and sweaty.

I use lightweight cleansers year round. The ones I've been using most since my rosacea diagnosis work well for me in all temperatures. I use CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, or Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream. They're gentle and don't make my skin feel dry or greasy.



2) Use anti-aging products with a gel or serum base
Anti-aging products come in all shapes and sizes as well consistencies. If you usually use one that has a heavy cream base, you may find that switching to one with a lightweight serum or gel consistency works better in hot weather. And again, this will be especially true for those with combo or oily skin.

My anti-aging products are mostly serums that are lightweight and easily absorbed, so they work well year round. I use Timeless Vitamin C+E+Ferulic Acid, Timeless CoEnzyme Q10 Serum, and Argireline™ Solution 10%, Buffet Peptide Serum, and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum from The Ordinary.



3) Try a lightweight moisturizer
I'm talking to my combo and oily girls here, because unless you have super dry skin, you're probably going to feel better using a lightweight moisturizer during the dog days of summer. Keep in mind that everyone is different and you should do what works best for your skin.

When it's hot, I either use a moisturizer that also contains 30 SPF (and some anti-aging ingredients) or a foundation that is an all-in-one product. I'm all about less layers of product on my skin. Fewer layers feel lighter and are also less likely to slide off my face in the heat. My favorite general daytime moisturizer/sunscreen is the RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 from Paula's Choice. It's lightly tinted, fragrance-free, mineral-based, and also contains antioxidants, including resveratrol. If I'm at the beach or going to be outside for an extended time I skip the moisturizer and just use a sunscreen with at least 50 SPF. At night, I use Pretty Pearlfection Cream and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.



4) Find a sunscreen that dries to a matte finish
How many times have you heard me say that sunscreen is the single most important thing you can do to combat the signs of aging? If you're spending money on anti-aging products/procedures and not using daily sunscreen, you're throwing your money away!

The trick is to find a few sunscreens that work well for you. For instance, I look for a mineral sunscreen to use on my face because chemical sunscreens burn my eyes and irritate my skin. It has to be fragrance-free, absorb completely and leave no tackiness on my skin. It also has to play nice with my skincare/makeup. For my body, I'm less picky. It can be a chemical sunscreen, but it still has to absorb completely without leaving my skin feel greasy - and be fragrance-free or only lightly fragranced. I mentioned my favorite facial sunscreen above, and you can read more about the rest of my favorite sunscreens in a past post.


Now let's talk summer makeup:


5) Switch to a lightweight foundation
I bet you know what I'm going to say! Are you sensing a theme yet? Yes! You're going to most likely want a lightweight foundation for the warmer months. I wish I could get away with just using a tinted moisturizer. But I need some coverage, and I have yet to find a tinted moisturizer that provides that. I suspect that at least some of  you are in the same boat.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a lightweight foundation that also offers at least medium coverage. And doesn't settle into lines. And comes in the right shade. It's such a process, am I right?

The two that I'm reaching for in the heat are Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream and IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better™ CC Cream.

The Missha BB Cream has a lighter consistency as well as decent, buildable coverage and SPF 42. The downside is the lack of colors - there are only seven. I blend three of their shades in the summer - #21 Light Beige, #23 Natural Beige, and #27 Honey Beige. I know that sounds excessive and you're probably thinking "I don't have time (or money) for that". But I promise - they're available at drugstore prices. I also wear this in the cooler months, but I only use one or two colors. (Read more at Product Review: Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream and Product Review: Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream (2017))


I have a love/hate relationship with the Your Skin But Better™ CC Cream. I stopped using it for a couple of years because I received a faulty tube and customer service on the IT Cosmetics website and I disagreed on how that should be handled. (You can read more about that here if you're interested.*) I found a sample tube in my stash that I started using a couple of  weeks ago and this stuff is so great on my skin with a light faux tan. I find that the Medium shade works best for me in the summer. It's great because it gives good medium coverage (I've never found it to be full-coverage as they advertise) and it also contains anti-aging ingredients and offers SPF 50. On most days I can skip moisturizer/sunscreen when I use this foundation because it's an all-in-one product.

(*I'm going to be purchasing a new tube - but I will buy from Sephora this time since they have great return/exchange policies. I struggle with knowing that I'm giving my money to a company that had poor customer service, but I'm comforting myself with the fact that IT Cosmetics is now owned by L'Oreal. I'm hoping their policies have changed, but I still recommend purchasing from a place that has a good return policy.)



6) Use a setting powder
Setting powder can help keep your makeup in place as well as take the shininess away. I use setting powder year round, but it's especially important for me when the weather is hot. I don't mind a little "glow" but I don't want to look like the dudes in Raiders of the Lost Ark when their faces melted off. Plus I feel like I can reapply throughout the day when/if needed without my face getting that "caked-on makeup" look.

My favorite is super inexpensive - e.l.f. High Definition Powder in Sheer. For me, it works even better than expensive brands - and I've tried many of those. (read more at How Does e.l.f. HD Powder Measure Up?) It's also available in a compact if you prefer pressed powder to loose (and it's nice for throwing in your handbag). I also like the e.l.f. High Definition Undereye Powder (read more at How Does e.l.f. HD Undereye Setting Powder Measure Up?).



7) Definitely use a setting spray
Once you have all of the above on, you want to make sure it stays on, right? Then you need some setting spray! This is another product that I use year round, but I can't be without at all for summer.

I've tried several, but I like Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray and Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray best. If you haven't tried those, I recommend them both. (I've heard that Skindinavia makes UD's spray, so that's probably why I like them both.) I'm currently using the Skindinavia and it's fabulous at keeping my makeup in place. I know some people are concerned that it contains denatured alcohol, but I've never had a problem with it drying my skin.


And there you have it - my tips for getting your beauty routine ready for summer! What do you usually do to change your routine for summer? Let me know in the comments, on Instagram, or Snapchat!

One of the many joys that accompanies getting older is loss of volume in your lips. Am I right?

My lips have never been thin, but my top lip is a bit thinner than the bottom, and over the past 4-5 years, I've noticed that the difference was becoming more pronounced. Plus there was just a general loss of volume. Ugh.

So what do you do when there's nooo way you're getting a needle repeatedly jabbed into your lips? (Or risking wonky lips - you know what I'm talking about - you've seen it, too!)


(This post may contain affiliate links which were added to make it easier for you to find the items. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You are free to use the links or not - if you do, I thank you!)

It pretty much leaves lip plumpers, which can temporarily plump up lips a little. I've tried a lot of lip plumpers (including DuWop Lip Venom back in the day) and to be honest. most weren't worth the money I spent on them. I'm not a fan of those with a minty flavor (although that's not a deal-breaker) and/or those that make my lips sting (I do understand that's how they work, but I don't like it) and only plump lips for a short amount of time.

There are some lip plumpers out there that also offer cumulative results rather than just a little plumping for a few minutes. That's what I was looking for in a plumper. And I've recently discovered one that I really like: GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper!

I was first introduced to this product when one of my Influenster Voxboxes included a full-sized tube in Clear. When I saw that it contained Volulip and hyaluronic acid, I was really excited to try it. If you're not familiar with Volulip™, it's a lip plumper - increasing volume, hydration, and softness by working both internally and on the surface.

GrandeLIPS claims to improve lip volume in 3-5 minutes as well as increase overall hydration, volume, softness, and firmness in 30 days when applied twice daily. Honestly, I never saw a change in 3-5 minutes, but I faithfully used it twice daily for 30 days. And you know what? I did see a change. My lips had a little more volume - meaning they didn't look so flat and full of lines. And my top lip was now the same size as my bottom lip.

The applicator is pure genius! I love that it is (what I assume) silicone, so it's always clean. It has a slanted, flexible tip that makes application soooo easy! I wish all of my lip products were in this type of applicator!

And it doesn't sting! I did read some reviews where people said they experienced a brief tingling, but if I did, it was very mild and only the first couple of times I used the product. The GrandLIPS website says that the product has a vanilla flavor, but I've never noticed a scent or taste.

Does it make my lips look like they did when I was 20? Of course not. However, not only do they look much better than they did, but I've noticed that my other lip products are easier to apply. Yes, my lips still have some creases - I'm 56, not 30 - and honestly, I don't want my lips to be so plump that they're completely smooth. (It's okay if you do, though!)


The full-size tube is $27, and mine lasted about 8 weeks using it twice daily. (I thought I had taken photos of it, but I can't find them anywhere, so I only have photos of the mini tubes. Oops!) I purchased a trio of minis from Sephora over the holidays, which I believe was also $27. It contained Clear, Spicy Mauve, and Sunbaked Sedona. The Sunbaked Sedona is a bit too warm for my coloring, but I do like the Spicy Mauve, which is cooler. For daily lip color, I prefer something with more staying power (like a lipstick over a liner or Lipsense), so I use this as more of a lip treatment than a lipgloss. I plan to repurchase the full-size Clear next time.

You guys, I really love this! They also make a product called GrandeLASH-MD that I'd love to try, but it's pretty pricey. I do have a sample of their GrandeMASCARA, so I can't wait to see how I like that. I'm also thinking of trying their GrandeBROW-fill (not to be confused with their GrandeBROW, which is way more expensive) since I can't get my beloved Benefit Gimme Brow anymore. (sob)


Have you tried any of the Grande Cosmetics products? I need details! Leave a comment, send me a snap, or join me on Instagram (I'm enjoythevue on Snapchat)!

Products mentioned in this post:
DuWop Lip Venom
GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper
Lipsense
GrandeLASH-MD
GrandeMASCARA,
GrandeBROW-fill
GrandeBROW
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I'm really, really picky about lip products. Especially the one I use at night. I've used a lip balm at night for many years (15+). But not just any lip balm. It has to be something that has a lot of slip, no stickiness, and hydrates my lips.

My favorite product from many years ago was by Aromaleigh. They had these glossy balms that were very hydrating and had the most luscious scents. (I loved the chocolate-orange!) The company closed, and when they reopened a few years ago, they eventually reintroduced the balms. While I like them, they're not the same as the original ones.

I also like the Sephora balms. They have a lot of slip, they're not sticky, and they're hydrating - but I find I have to apply many layers to get it to stay on for a couple of hours. I use them a lot during the day when I'm at home. But for nighttime use, what I really want is something that will stay on until morning.


(This post may contain affiliate links which were added to make it easier for you to find the items. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). You are free to use the links or not - if you do, I thank you!)

A few weeks ago, one of the free samples I got with a Sephora order was the Pep-Start Pout Perfecting Balm and Pout Restoring Mask by Clinique. I put it aside for several days because I was less than impressed with the Pep-Start Eye Cream and assumed I wouldn't like this either.

Yeah, yeah, I know. It's true what they say about assumptions. Because I absolutely love this product! I went through my sample and ordered a full-size!


As with other Clinique products, it's allergy tested and 100% fragrance free.


It pretty much has the consistency of Vaseline (which isn't surprising since the first ingredient is petrolatum), but it's nicer. It also contains castor oil, ceramides, and a couple of butters. It seems a little thick as it comes out of the tube, but warms as soon as you put it on your lips, making it very easy to apply. And it stays on for hours and hours and hours. At least it does for me. If I put it on before bed, I can still feel it on my lips when I wake up 8 hours later. THAT'S what I've been looking for in a nighttime lip product!

Between this and the GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper (review here!), my lips are very happy!


My one complaint is the applicator. I don't like it at all. If they could put this in an applicator like GrandeLIPS, I would be ecstatic. The GrandeLIPSs slanted silicone tip makes application so easy. The Clinique applicator makes me feel like I'm in high school again, smearing some fruity lipgloss all over my lips! I've just been squeezing out the proper amount and then using my finger to apply. It's annoying, but I love the product, so I'll make do.

I like this product so much that I've added it to my list of favorite products on Amazon - you can shop for them all in one place!

Do you use a special product on your lips at night? Let me know in the comments, send me a snap, or join me on Instagram!

Of all the issues that come with aging, one of the ones that has caused the most distress for me is the skin under my eyes. Up until a a few years ago, I had never experienced dark circles. Now I not only have those, but I also have crepe-y skin and puffiness. Fun times!

A lot of people just slap on some concealer and setting powder and they look fantastic. Me? Not so much. Most concealers either cake or creep into lines, and powders just emphasize the wrinkles. Honestly, just leaving the area covered with light foundation looked better than trying to conceal.



I recently reviewed e.l.f.'s HD Setting Powder, which I had picked up during a sale for $3 (reg price $6). At that time, I also ordered their HD Undereye Setting Powder, which comes in a 0.04 oz. jar with a sifter top and a tiny brush for $3 (so I got it for $1.50). Yes, I know - just $1.50!


The powder is very finely milled and so silky! It also contains vitamins C and K, which are supposed to help strengthen the skin. I don't know about that, but I do know that I really, really like this powder! As you can see in the photos below, the powder isn't white - it has a very slight pink/peach tint that is great for the undereye area.

Ingredients: Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Mica, Talc, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Phytonadione.


I don't use the brush that came with it - I use the Sephora Pro Airbrush Concealer Brush #57 (shown in the above photo). Less expensive alternatives would be Real Techniques Concealer Brush or the e.l.f. Flawless Concealer Brush.


Here's how I have my Tim Gunn moment ("make it work" for those who aren't Project Runway fans):
1) After my usual morning skincare routine, I apply a light oil to my undereye area. I rub one drop between two fingers and then lightly pat the oil under each eye. (I use tarte maracuja oil or rosehip oil)
2) Next I apply my foundation (which is Missha BB Cream) with my fingers or a brush, but not under my eyes. Once the foundation is on, I use a damp beauty blender to smooth it. When I'm finished, I use what little foundation is on the sponge to press a little foundation under my eyes.
3) Now I apply Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Brightener (which is a pale pink), using my finger, not the spongy applicator tip. I pat a small amount under each eye and keep patting until it is blended and smooth.
4) Lastly, I swirl my concealer brush in the e.l.f. Undereye Setting Powder, tap off the excess, and press it under my eye - starting at the outside corner and working my way in. I am sort of "dotting" it on rather than using a sweeping back and forth motion.

Not only does this powder keep the concealer/brightener in place without making my undereye area look wrinkly, it has also cut down on the transfer of eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara.

What do you have to lose for $3 (or less)? I definitely recommend giving it a try. And I like it better than the super-popular Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, which is way more expensive!

Have you tried the e.l.f. HD Undereye Setting Powder? What did you think? What's your favorite undereye powder?