Be scorching hot at parties this summer

With Mumbai summer refusing to bow out, we are left to deal with a rather long stint of heat and humidity.

But are you letting it affect your social life, or rather, 'look'? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when stepping out for a party this summer...

Keep it simple

Beauty consultant Manasi Bhakade states, "Always begin day makeup with a sunblock (at least SPF 30), followed by a light oil-free foundation or BB/CC cream. Shadow and mascara on your eyes and a nourishing lip tint later, you are good to face the day." According to senior makeup artiste Sonic Sarwate, one should choose makeup that blends well with the skin and doesn't feel heavy.

Use concealers

Dr Geeta Oberoi, dermatologist, says, "Use mineral-based makeup and keep your base to a minimum. Rather than using heavy foundation, use concealers to get a flawless face."

Do a double cleansing

Removing makeup is a must before you hit the sack. "Do a double cleansing procedure to unclog pores — a cleanser followed by medicated face wash," says Dr Oberoi. If you have oily skin, do not work your skin too much because it will end up making your skin more oily.

Close pores

You must use an alcohol-free toner after every wash to close open pores.

If you sweat a lot...

"Use lotions containing aluminium chlorohydrate. It works as an antiperspirant. However, in some cases, it can cause skin irritation. So, ask your dermatologist first," Dr Oberoi explains.

Use the right makeup

Dr Sama Rais, dermatologist and cosmetologist, advises using makeup that is 'non-comedogenic' or 'non-acnegenic' — it won't clog pores or cause pimples.

Home remedies

Dr Poonam Wadhwani, cosmetic dermatologist, suggests, "Wear dark colours that hide sweat patches. For dark circles, try home remedies like applying cool tea bags on the eyes for 15 minutes or applying cucumber juice and potato juice."

Get this look

- Use a concealer and then apply a hydrating base that matches your skin tone.

- Use a light-brown or coral-toned blush.

- Apply highlighter on your brow bone, cheeks and in the inner corner of your eyes.

- A warm eye-shadow will enlarge and brighten your peepers.

- Line your eyes with smudge-proof kohl.

- Curl your lashes; apply a coat of mascara.

- Now apply a bright lipstick.

Look flawless under the camera’s glare

A lesser-known truth about translucent powder is what caused Angelina Jolie's massive makeup disaster earlier this week. The Hollywood A-lister turned up for a film premiere in a black gown, looking flawless... almost.

Her neck, left cheek and forehead bore traces of white powder, which looked even more gaudy in her photographs that were out the next morning. Beauty bloggers blame the 'makeup fail' on translucent powder. It's favoured by celebrity makeup artists since it does away with oily shine and mattifies the face. However, it works well only under controlled lighting, at a photo studio for instance. At red carpet or formal events, when the camera flash goes off, the silica in the translucent powder reflects light intensely, leaving the face ghost white. So, while Angie may not have looked powdery when she left home, the camera flash and harsh white lights ensured she looked white as a ghost! If one of the world's most gorgeous actresses can suffer such a faux pas, mere mortals like us aren't safe from the dreaded camera glare that could ruin your most memorable photographs.

Right foundation

Whether you are clicking a selfie in low light or posing at a wedding reception, there is no getting away from the feared flash. Instead of powder, use a liquid foundation with a thin texture and very fine grain. You could also opt for HD (high-definition) photo-ready foundation that is now available at beauty stores in Mumbai. Many cosmetic brands offer photo-ready makeup blushers and bronzers too. Avoid foundations that have built-in sunscreen since they look cakey under bright lights. Of course, it's essential to blend foundation — powder or liquid — so thoroughly that one can't tell you're wearing any.

Use contouring

Flash photography can make your face appear flat. Fix this through smart contouring. Use a bronzer and blusher to shade and sculpt your face for definition. Happy posing!

Three cardinal rules of photo-friendly makeup

1. Before you are photographed, powder your T-zone and then blot with an absorbing sheet. This ensures your nose and forehead don't look too shiny in the photos. 

2. The all-seeing camera flash highlights dark circles, undereye bags and blemishes. To camouflage them, apply a concealer with light-diffusing properties, in a complementing shade.

3. A primer is essential if you are going to be facing the camera. It refracts light, lending the illusion of airbrushed makeup in the pictures.

Three beauty tricks for the camera

1. Get a chiselled look: Apply a light matte bronzer under your cheekbones and jawline. Even if you don't have high cheekbones, they will look sculpted in the snaps. For more dimension, use a rose-coloured blush on the apples of your cheeks.

2. Make your teeth look whiter: Using a lip brush, dab on a little lip gloss in a neutral shade like peach or blush. The light sheen and nude colour will give a brighter look to your teeth and, consequently, amp up your smile.

3. Have fuller, lustrous hair: Your hairstyle will stand out best in photos if your mane is shiny and high volume. Use a hair pick to lightly tease your locks at the crown. Finger comb them back, and finish off with a high shine spray.