Keep that foundation on your face!

And of course, we all see those articles of InStyle with glamorous parties in the Hamptons where everyones in All-white, and theres no makeup smudges to be found. And then, we've all emulated those same photographs for our next party and thankfully, the candlelight hid the disaster from most of our friends. And then, painfully, we've all been there when you get in your car and look in the mirror to find your foundation ran on you, revealed your true smudgy appearance and ruined your latest purchase from White House/Black Market.

After it all is over with, you swear off makeup for the rest of the summer, but slap it right back on with your now bleached white dress for the trip to Harris Teeter. So how do you keep it all together like a true southern belle? Listen closely. And hide your pc moniter from those conniving broads behind you, lest they learn the secret to flawless summer skin.

1. First you're gonna need a good base. It's summer, so moisture in the humidity isn't usually a problem. Start with a Primer, (We like PhotoFinish Bronzing Foundation Primer from Smashbox.)
2. Apply your usual foundation in one shade darker than your skin tone. (We'll explain why later.) Use a damp makeup sponge to help mattify the skin and allow for even coverage, especially if you use the different shade of foundation for a base.
3. After step 2, you'll notice you probably have some uneven lines that are going to end up as a 'line of demarcation' if you don't eliminate them. Now you'll need to even them with the freshly rinsed sponge free of foundation. Even them by blending downwards toward the neck.
4. Next you'll need to apply some moisturizer to the dried skin with the makeup sponge. Don't rub or blend. You'll only dab the skin on your cheeks, browbone, nose and chin, just where you want a lil glimmer of light.
5. Next lightly dust a your usual skintone colored loose powder over the skin, buffing any imperfections and capillaries around the nose, and paying closest attention to your oilest problem zones, (Usually where your makeup runs fastest, or where your most prone to breakouts). On these problem areas, apply another light dusting of the powder.
6. To finish it off, apply bronzer powder over the skin starting from the outside in. It's a little trick I picked up from a friend, Chris Lanston. You're gonna wanna apply a lil extra where the sun hits most. the cheekbones. The brow, forehead, and the chin. Be sure and do your neck too, you don't wanna look like J.Lo on crack.
7. The finished product will be a matte face that won't require touchups all through the night. Finish with all your other makeup. This is especially a great canvas for dramatic eye shadow, making a smooth place to play with color. You may want to buy some blotting sheets and carry them in your bag for that 1 break of the night in the powder room.

Now, when you meet your romeo at the next soirree or barbeque, your heart will melt long before your face does. Happy Heat Wave!