Then I had a revelation: I don't actually need new products. I just need to play cosmetic chemist! And frankly, any beauty routine that makes me feel like I'm in a lab concocting potions is automatically more fun.
You're going to do some mixing. You can use the back of your hand if you're feeling adventurous, but a small saucer will make a lot less of a mess - because you could inadvertently scratch yourself with your hand covered in product... I'm not saying I did this (I did this)...
Step One: Moisturize and Protect
I still love a rich moisturizer, even in summer, and right now I'm using:
Vivier Intensive Hydrating Moisturizer - 55ml - $190
A rich, restorative moisturizer formulated with a Ceramide-Lipid Complex, Hyaluronic Hydration Complex, Squalane, Panthenol and a Collagen Peptide Complex to replenish moisture and leave skin looking nourished and supple.
A couple of pumps is my usual dose, but for this experiment, I use about half that amount. Then I add sunscreen because we are not spending all this money on skincare just to lizard ourselves in the sun.
Keeping it in the family, I'm using:
Vivier Sheer SPF30 Mineral Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Sunscreen - 60ml - $72
A lightweight, 100% mineral sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and a radiant, dewy finish. Enriched with Vitamins C and E, it hydrates and brightens while protecting skin without feeling greasy.
Both are available at clinics and dermaspas across Canada - check out https://www.vivierskin.ca to find one near you or to buy directly from the website.
Step Two: Add some colour
Next, I add about half a pump of foundation. Most of it goes into my little concoction, but I keep a tiny bit off to the side of the saucer for later.
My latest foundation obsession is:
Rare Beauty True to Myself Natural Matte Longwear Foundation - 30ml - $52 - in 48 shades ranging from a very light Fair Neutral up to a very dark Deep Cool
It's one of those rare unicorn foundations that somehow manages to be breathable, long-wearing and humidity-proof while still looking like actual skin. Revolutionary, really. What's also really innovative is the bottle itself which highlights accessibility. From its ergonomic, hand-fitting curves to a custom push-button lock that eliminates the need for a cap (and the use of two hands), every detail is intentional - if you also fight every time to open an Aspirin bottle, you will appreciate someone finally making things easier for us!
Available exclusively at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.
Step Three: Bring On the Glow
Because summer skin should glow, not resemble a disco ball, I add a dash of:
Nivea Luminous Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum - 30ml - $41.99
A lightweight glow-boosting serum featuring Niacinamide, Aloe Vera and Nivea's patented LUMINOUS630 technology to help visibly reduce dark spots, smooth skin, refine the look of pores and deliver an instant healthy-looking radiance as well as improve the look of skin over time.
It adds just a touch of luminosity to make me look healthy and well-rested instead of sweaty and reflective. Think "I drink all my water and get eight hours of sleep every night" energy… even if the reality is caffeine and questionable life choices.
Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.
Step Four: Fake the Vacation
Actual tanning? Absolutely not. Sun damage is a hard pass.
Instead, I reach for bronzer. You can mix it directly into your concoction for an all-over sun-kissed effect, but I like to keep a small amount of this off to the side of my saucer as well.
And because powder bronzer is feeling a little... last season, I've been loving:
Fenty Beauty by Rhianna Sun Stalk'r Soufflé Bronzer - $52.50 - in 8 shades: Suga Cookie - light with neutral undertones; Biscotti - light to light medium with neutral undertones; Churro Twist - light-medium to medium with light golden neutral undertones; Maple Glaze - medium to medium-deep with neutral warm undertones; Brown Butt'r - medium to medium-deep with golden neutral undertones; Sweet Truffle - medium-deep to deep with neutral bronze undertones; Coffee Toffee - deep with warm bronze undertones; and Hot Fudge - deep with neutral bronze undertones.
It's a pressed mousse with this ridiculously bouncy texture that melts into the skin and gives the kind of believable warmth that says, "I spent the weekend in Tuscany," even if you've actually spent it folding laundry.
Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.
Step Five: The Tools
Use your fingers. Use a sponge. I won't stop you.
But I'm firmly Team Brush, specifically:
Real Techniques Bubble Blending Brush - $16.99
It has a dense, rounded shape that is basically foolproof and blends powders, creams and liquids beautifully.
Available at Walmart, Jean Coutu and Real Canadian Superstore locations across Canada and online at well.ca and amazon.ca.
Now comes the fun part. Swirl everything together on your saucer until you've created your own bespoke tinted foundation. It's completely customizable, uses products you already own and can be tweaked daily depending on whether your skin is thirsty, dull, cranky or all three.
Once I've buffed it all over my face, I go back with a small brush and the little blob of foundation I saved to use as a concealer wherever some extra coverage is needed. Then I pick up my big brush again - which still has traces of moisturizer clinging to it - and dip into the bronzer on the saucer before applying it to my cheeks, forehead and nose.
The leftover moisturizer softens and diffuses the bronzer, making it melt into the skin instead of sitting on top of it.
Basically, it's summer makeup for people who like to save money, shop their own stash and occasionally pretend they're cosmetic scientists mixing up a magic potion in their beauty lab.
So grab a saucer, channel your inner cosmetic chemist and get mixing - your perfect summer skin formula is probably already sitting in your makeup drawer!
- Lisamarie -
