Be a summer cutie

Is it wrong for a beauty editor to admit that she doesn't wear much makeup in hot, humid months? Well, it's true. Summer's tricky for all of us when it comes to cosmetics. But looking polished is still possible. Here's a list of summer beauty tricks to do and products to try.

Put your best face forward
1. Exfoliate regularly to minimize blocked pores and breakouts. Sensitive skin? Try Origins Modern Friction exfoliating cream ($45, The Bay), which gently smooths with rice starch, or Clinique Turnaround 15-Minute Facial ($44.50, department stores), a non-abrasive mask.

2. Always wear SPF protection. Seriously, it'll keep your skin looking young. After moisturizing, try non-sticky, non-greasy Vichy Capital Soleil Ultra Fluid Protection SPF 20 ($23, drugstores). Protect lips with an SPF balm, gloss or lipstick.

3. Of course, foundation and humidity don't really get along. If you need it, perhaps for a special event, try a moisture-resistant, long-wearing formula that promises hours of enduring coverage. Matte formulas are also a good option; try Lise Watier Matifying Mousse Foundation with Breathable Cotton ($30, Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques and select department stores), which contains powders derived from cotton fibres and leaves a velvety smooth finish. Always set with a dusting of loose or pressed powder.

4. You may still need concealer for slight under-eye shadows, redness around the nose and to hide the occasional breakout. Use a half-shade lighter than your current skin tone for under your eyes and one that matches exactly to cover spots. Try L'Oréal True Match Concealer ($9.50, drugstores) to hide shadows, and Revlon ColorStay Blemish Concealer ($11.99, drugstores), which contains salicylic acid to deal with breakouts.

5. M.A.C Blot Powder is great on bare skin as well as over foundation. In compact form ($22, www.maccosmetics.com) or loose ($24), the sheer powder deposits no colour or texture, yet leaves an even, flawless finish. As time passes skin starts to look glowy instead of oily.

6. Add a pop of rosy blush as well as bronzer for a truly sunkissed look. The look is easy with DuWop Bronzerush ($39, Holt Renfrew), a powder bronzer and gel-based blush duo. Tip: put the blush on bare skin; dust with loose powder then bronzer.

7. If you like eyeliner, try a waterproof or water-resistant pencil, such as CoverGirl Outlast Smoothwear All-Day Eyeliner ($8.49, drugstores). Use a small angle brush to press eye shadow in a matching shade over the liner for extra staying power. Curl lashes and finish with a coat or two of waterproof mascara.

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