Why “Less Is More” Is My Summer Mantra

Every summer, I watch beauty blogs churn out the same old advice: more primer, more powder, more waterproof everything. But if you’re here, you know that’s not the Minori way. Our philosophy? Makeup for people who don’t wear makeup—especially when it’s 100 degrees and you’d rather be bare-faced than melting.

Prepping Real Skin for Real Summer

Let’s get one thing straight: the best summer makeup starts with skin that feels fresh and protected, not smothered. My current routine is embarrassingly simple (and honestly, that’s the point):

·       Cleanse: I use Sofie Pavitt’s cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin—gentle, effective, and never stripping.

·       Exfoliate: A swipe of Sofie Pavitt’s mandelic acid keeps texture at bay without irritation.

·       Prime & Protect: Minori’s Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen is my non-negotiable. It’s oil-free, mattifying, pore-blurring, and has zero white cast—even when you sweat. Bonus: it doubles as a primer, so you can skip an extra step and keep your skin feeling light.

Simplified Summer Makeup Steps

1. Skip the Heavy Base

The more you layer, the more you’ll notice when it starts to slide. In the summer, I usually skip foundation and concealer altogether. If I need a little glow, I’ll dab on a tinted serum—just enough for a fresh, radiant finish that lets my real skin breathe.

2. Sunscreen as Primer

Traditional primers? Not for me. Minori’s sunscreen does double duty, mattifying and prepping my skin so makeup glides on and stays put, even in humidity.

3. Mist, Don’t Set

Setting sprays feel sticky and suffocating in the heat. Instead, I love a calming face mist like Caudalie or Avène Eau Thermale. A quick spritz refreshes your skin and your mood—no sticky residue, just a cool-down whenever you need it.

4. Eyes: Lightweight and Water-Resistant

While it’s tempting to reach for waterproof mascara, the pain of scrubbing it off at night just isn’t worth it for me. I’m grateful that Minori’s mascara is water-resistant (not waterproof), but most importantly, it’s super lightweight—a huge plus when it’s hot and you don’t want to feel like you’re wearing anything on your lashes.

For a little summer shimmer, I’ll tightline or smudge a shimmery eyeliner. Shimmer formulas tend to stay put, and they catch the light in the best way.

5. Sun-Kissed Blush for a Summer Glow

Let’s talk about the ultimate “I just got back from the beach” look: sun-kissed blush. Minori’s Cream Blush in Scarlet is my go-to for that natural flush across cheeks and nose. Cream blush melts into skin and fades gracefully (unlike powder, which can get patchy), and if you want it to last all day, layer a tiny bit of powder blush on top.

6. Highlighter: Glow With Intention

Since summer heat gives you a natural sheen, I lean into it with Minori’s highlighter. Its cream-to-powder formula blends effortlessly and stays put—even in Vegas or Houston heat. Apply to the high points of your face and let the sun do the rest.

My makeup after 12 hrs , 1 flight, 4 hrs of setting up my tradeshow booth by myself, and a 20 min walk to the hotel in 95 degree Vegas heat:

7. Lips: SPF, Gloss, and Evening Diffusion

Daytime is all about SPF balm and a swipe of Minori Lip Gloss—hydrating, light, and never sticky. For evening, I love the blurred lip trend: tap on your favorite lip color, blur the edges with your finger, and top with Minori’s clear Lip Serum in Dream for a soft, diffused finish that feels as effortless as it looks.

Reapplying Sunscreen Over Makeup

If you’re out for more than a couple of hours, reapply sunscreen. With a minimal routine—just highlighter and blush—it’s easy to touch up your sun protection and your glow. Try doing that with a full face of foundation, powder, and setting spray… not worth the hassle.

BYOB – Bring your own blotting paper

Keep blotting papers in your bag for a quick touch-up when the heat hits. Or, for a touch of style, carry a beautiful Japanese paper fan—instant cooling and major aesthetic points.

The Minori Summer Makeup Cheat Sheet

 

Contrarian Summer Beauty Tips

·       The less you wear, the better your makeup looks (and lasts) in summer.

·       Sweat is your friend—it’s your body working as it should.

·       Don’t fight the glow; highlight it.

·       Skip the rules (except daily sunscreen).

Quick FAQs

How do I keep my makeup from melting in the heat?

Stick to lightweight, minimal layers and use products that play well with sweat, like cream blush and water-resistant mascara.

What’s the best blush for a sun-kissed look?

Cream blush in a warm, peachy shade (like Minori’s Scarlet) gives the perfect sun-kissed flush.

How can I refresh my makeup during the day?

Blotting papers, a spritz of calming mist, and a chic paper fan are your best friends.

How do I get that blurred, diffused lip look for summer evenings?

Tap on your favorite color, blur the edges with your finger, and finish with a clear serum like Minori’s Dream.

 

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