Too Hot for Make-Up? Use Primer Alone!

I'm half-Irish half-Italian so in the winters I am very fair and in the summer I can get a pretty good tan. The main reason I use make-up on my face to brighten my face and even out my skin tone. In the summer, the sun helps to brighten my face but my skin? Erm...still uneven.

I've discovered that make-up primer is a great way to fake make-up during the summer. Primers even out the skin, minimize pores, and give a smooth finish. Usually, the next step would be to apply make-up on top of the primer, but when it is summer time I just stop there.

Three of my favorite primers that I've tried and recommed:

Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer - A light, smooth serum. Should be used with SPF moisturizer. If you MUST have some color and still want very light coverage, Laura Mercier also makes an excellent Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20.

Laura Geller's Spackle - The consistency of this cult favorite might put people off at first but it works really well to smooth the surface of the skin creating a natural radiance. You'll also want to use an SPF moisturizer with this one too.

Bare Escentual' BareVitamins Skin Rever-Upper - This primer is light and creamy in texture and absorbs quickly. Again, don't forget your SPF moisturizer with this one too.

While most of the directions on the primers indicate using it under moisturizer, I usually apply the moisturizer first, let it absorb while I style my hair, then apply the primer last. All three of these products travel well so they are easy to take along on all your summer trips.