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The Bare Necessities

Summer is time to lighten up with a soft, natural look

By Karen Buscemi Photo by Daniel Lippitt

You packed away the boots and coats weeks ago. But along with winter gear, don't forget to stash the heavy foundation and matte-red lipstick. It's time to say hello to natural-looking makeup that's all about a glowing, sun-kissed look. To achieve it, you need a few summer essentials.

Get the look

Face: Senna Barely Base Sheer Mineral Makeup, Paula Dorf Cheek Color in Bunny, Senna Bronzing 365 Perfection Powder

Eyes: Senna Eye Shadow in Firefly, Copper and Flare, Paula Dorf Eyecolor Glimmer in Gold Digger, Senna Watercolor Shadow in Black with Paula Dorf from Eye Shadow to Liquid Liner Transformer, Senna Lash TLC Mascara in Black

Lips: Senna Lip Liner in Shy, L'Oréal Colour Riche Lipstick in Nude

Makeup: Monique Zafarana of Mariposa Beauty Boutique, Rochester Hills Modeled by Lisa Belczak

Start with your skin

Healthy, even skin tone means less need for makeup, so remember to keep your skin clean and moisturized, and never leave the house without sunscreen. "It's the most important item in any skincare routine," says Maureen Michaels, makeup artist at Coloseum Internationals Salon & Day Spa in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Best Bets: Michaels likes Dermalogica sheer moisture, SPF 15, available in three tints, $37.50 at Coloseum. Try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock, SPF 55, $9 at drugstores. To get sun-kissed skin without sun damage, Michaels suggests you use a selftanner such as Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer, SPF 20, $8 at drugstores.

Build a base

In warm weather, it's OK to switch from foundation to a tinted moisturizer or mineral powder for even skin tone and sheer coverage. Michele Papenheim, makeup artist at Virtuoso Salon in Birmingham, loves mineral makeup, but cautions users to read the ingredients and stick to products without fillers such as talc.

Best Bets: Jane Iredale, which Papenheim says is one of the purest mineral lines. Try the Moonglow Bronzer, $46, and cream blushes, $26 at Virtuoso.

Monique Zafarana, makeup artist at Mariposa Beauty Boutique & Studio in Rochester Hills, recommends Bronzing 365 perfection powder by Senna, $40 at Mariposa.

Get kissable

To achieve the perfect summer pout, use a hint of color in a lip stain, a swipe of shine in a gloss or both in one product. Just steer clear of matte lipstick, which dulls that dewy look you're trying to achieve.

Best Bets: C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint in Pink Mint, $8 at Bath & Body Works. The peppermint oil in it freshens breath, too.

Look flushed

Powder blush on the apples of the cheeks adds instant warmth to any face. Those with dry or aging skin who usually use a cream blush can switch to a cheek stain. You get the same benefits in a lighter product that won't clog pores.

Best Bets: Sonia Kashuk Cheek Sheer in Flushed, $8 at Target. Zafarana recommends Paula Dorf Cheek Color Cream Blush in Playmate, $19 at Mariposa.

Make eye contact

Look to shimmery shadows and powder liner for a soft effect

"Using powder to line your eyes gives definition that isn't harsh," says Zafarana.

Best Bets: Start with Lancôme Ombre Perfecteur Perfecting Eye Shadow Base, $22, at department stores, to keep makeup from sliding off in the heat. Then try Bobbi Brown Beige Shimmer Brick Compact, $38, at department stores. Zafarana suggests Paula Dorf Transformer (turns any eye shadow into a liquid liner), $19 at Mariposa. Finally, top off your look with Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara in Soft Black, $5 at drugstores.