Get Your Glow On: How to Ward Off Pasty Skin in 3 Easy Steps

Here are my three easy steps to ward of pasty skin and retain a kiss of the summer sun—it's as easy as 1-2-3!

Number One—treat the skin and repair the sins of summer. Exfoliation and brightening treatments are the key. After all, I always say beautiful makeup begins with beautiful skin.

The key to erasing sun spots and pesky flaky skin is definitely gentle exfoliation and products that contain vitamin C. My all time favorite is Sunday Riley's "Good Genes," which can be used under your moisturizer or as a mask. This product not only does exactly what the label promises, it leaves your skin smooth and silky and glowing from the inside out. Another really nice drugstore find ares exfoliating pads from St. Ives, which do the trick.

Number Two: A bronzer is certainly a quick fix to evening out fading tans and can breathe new life into paler skin now that trips to the beach are less frequent. The perfect bronzer will be your best friend and this artist would rather personally hand-deliver a glowing compact of color to my clients than dread the thought of any of you going to a horrible tanning bed….which is the worst thing you could possibly to do your skin. I love a little touch of a pinky-based bronzer to help us cling onto our golden skin and the look of vitality and erase those cold-temperature blues. Put away bronzers that contain shimmer and stick to matte formulas, which are much more realistic in the fall and winter, and are appropriate for all ages and skin tones.

I am in love with the loose mineral bronzer from Susan Posnick. This easy-to-use bronzer not only comes with its own brush, it works on all skin tones, is soothing to the skin, and offers sun protection. I adore it and have been going crazy with it on all of my clients now that wedding season is in full force. It will give you a kiss of the sun, but won't drench you and leave you looking like a Halloween pumpkin. Sonia Kashuk also offers some really terrific palettes at your local Target stores.

Number Three: By far one of the best items that I keep in my makeup arsenal is a cream blush. Cream blushes give the perfect pop of color to the cheek to welcome the fall/winter months, and are also the most natural way to get the right hint of color on the cheeks. The sound of cream may scare some of you off, but don't let it! Modern creams not only work on woman of all ages and skin types, but are also a dream to apply.

Cream blushes promise lasting color and blend beautifully onto the surface of dryer skin, which even the oiliest of skins will experience as the weather changes. Creams look very natural on young skin, which usually has a natural blush of its own, and are also perfect for a more mature skin, as they are very forgiving when it comes to fine lines and and any uneven skin tone or texture.  

RMS

I highly suggest the cheek to lip cream blushes by RMS. The shades are divine and can be used on both the cheeks and lips. The makeup artist in me is obsessed with the way that they glide onto the skin, and the color lasts from morning to night. An added benefit of the RMS brand is that it is completely organic and made from coconut oil. What could be better than using a product that enhances your skin and at the same time is good for you! Love, Love, Love!!!!  

Another little blushing gem can be found at your local drugstore and is by Maybelline—their Dream Bouncy Blush, which comes in fabulous colors that blend beautifully.

To apply: Smile big and dab onto the high apple of the cheeks using your fingertips or a brush.

The key to keeping your makeup wardrobe current to the season is to add a few pieces here and there, just like you do with your clothing. Play with texture and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.