How to Eco-Chic Your Morning Makeup Routine

Want to melt-proof and fade-proof your makeup? Follow these simple steps to create a fresh face that lasts the whole day.

Summer is not the season to obsess about your makeup. There's just something about low-key pool parties, days spent on the beach, and outdoor sports that clashes with severe eye makeup and matted skin. Now, we're not saying you need to stash all of your cosmetics until cooler weather returns, just that toning things down a bit can be beautiful. And lightening your look is simple, especially when you incorporate eco-friendly products that are free of nasty, unhealthy chemicals. The best part is the less makeup you wear, the longer it lasts. But to keep your look fresh for even longer, we asked the experts for their best stay-put tips. Follow their advice for makeup that lasts as long as you do.

STEP 1: Prep Your Skin

Start with a truly clean complexion.
Makeup won't adhere to skin with layers of dirt and grease on it, so your first step should be removing both, according to Joanna Schlip, Physicians Formula's celebrity makeup artist. Washing away excess oil without over-dying is the key; when you strip your skin of its natural oils, your complexion compensates by producing more. And more oil means makeup won't last as long. Using eco-friendly cleansers that are free of harsh surfactants, parabens, and synthetic fragrances and colors (like Origins Organics Foaming Face Wash) can help prevent over-drying while still leaving your complexion clear and clean. 

Moisturize and protect:
An oil-free lotion is best for those with oily or combination skin, as it won't leave the face slick and greasy. That said, products that contain natural, botanical oils are actually beneficial for all skin types, as plant-derived oils (which more closely mimic our body's oils than petroleum-based hydrators) are better absorbed by the skin. No matter your skin type, make sure your moisturizer offers UV protection, like the Healing Garden's Skin Organics Moisture Lotion SPF 15 does: A whopping 80% of your lifetime sun exposure comes from daily activities and one year of unprotected daily sun exposure is like spending a week at the beach without sunscreen! Stay safe in the sun, no matter how much you're outdoors, by wearing a light lotion with an SPF of at least 15.

To prime or not to prime?:
A tough question, indeed. Many makeup artists are split on this topic. Some say primer isn't necessary in the summer—that less product on the surface of the skin is more when trying to keep your face looking light and fresh. On the other hand, primer may make your makeup last slightly longer during hot, humid weather: "Primers not only seal in your moisturizer, but they also grab the pigment from your makeup so it doesn't soak into the skin and fade away over time," says Tarte makeup artist Jasen Kaplan. If primer sounds perfect for you, pick one that's lightweight by making sure it's free of heavy, non-green ingredients such as silicone, propylene glycol, and phthalates. To try: Tarte's Clean Slate Primer.

STEP 2: Show Off Your Skin

First, conceal:
This is the season to let the natural beauty of your skin shine through, which means not covering your complexion with layers of heavy foundation. Instead, focus on fixing minor imperfections, which we all have (think undereye circles, breakouts, and discoloration). Dabbing on concealer in key areas—like under the eyes, at the corners of the nose, and over scars and blemishes—will offer the right amount of coverage. The right concealer for summer is one that's semi-creamy: Anything too creamy will melt in the heat, but concealers that aren't creamy enough can look cakey and accentuate wrinkles. One we love: Dr. Hauschka's Liquid Concealer.

Next, correct:
Your skin tone, that is. Forget foundation, though, as this summer's fresh face is one that allows skin to glow and breathe. An even complexion can be achieved with just a small amount of a lightweight tinted moisturizer, but be sure to apply it with a sponge or foundation brush instead of your fingers: The natural oils in your hands can break down the product's formula, causing it to fade soon after it's applied. To give skin a safe tan and add a touch of color, choose a product that's a shade or two darker than you would normally wear. Tinted moisturizers are so sheer that you'll never look overly-bronzed, just sun-kissed and flawless. A great one to try: Suki Color Tinted Active Moisturizer in Bronze.   

Finally, color:
Instead of the tan, bronze, and gold makeup looks that were big last year, this summer is all about light, healthy hues, says Schlip. On the cheeks, try peach, pink, and rose blushes that give a healthy, natural flush. For the eyes, look for icy lavender, blue, and pale green shadows with a hint of shimmer (yes, shimmer during the day!). Powder formulas hold up better when it's hot, as they're able to absorb some of skin's oils, instead of just mixing with it like cream blushes and eyeshadows can. The greenest options are talc-free, as some studies indicate that talc may be carcinogenic. Most mineral makeup is (check out Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Blush in Blushing Organics and Nvey Eco Organic Eye Shadow in Turquoise Shimmer) and its natural pigments give a wash of color that doesn't look overdone. Finish by swiping lashes with a coat of black mascara and coating lips with a sheer, pink gloss.

STEP 3: Make It Last

Set it and forget it:
A dusting of translucent powder will finish your look and set your makeup in place. Just make sure to apply your powder with a brush, not a puff. Pushing the powder into your skin with a puff will force it too far down into lines and wrinkles. Instead, sweep the powder over the surface of your face to help sop up oil and create a humidity-blocking barrier over your makeup. The great thing about eco-friendly mineral powders - (like Aubrey Organics Silken Earth Translucent Base) is that they're free of talc (the stuff Geishas applied to their skin for that perfectly white, coated complexion), which means they never look caked on or chalky.

Fix flubs fast - and on the go:
Streaks happen. So do smears, smudges, and oil spills, so it's best to be prepared. Keep your makeup bag stocked with Q-tips, preferably those made from organic cotton (like Organic Essentials Biodegradable Cotton Swabs), to fix a host of makeup mishaps: Try using them like an eyeshadow brush to reign in errant eyeshadow or dip them in water to clean up mascara flakes and smudges. Blotting papers are best for soaking up excess oil and reducing shine without ruining or removing your makeup, just make sure yours aren't coated with talc. Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens are completely natural and talc-free, but if you leave yours at home, Schlip says that the sanitary toilet seat covers found in restroom stalls everywhere work just as well!