I’ve never managed to do any monthly favorites features. It seems that the timing is never right! Nevertheless, I grasped the opportunity to test out some of my favorite products in Taipei, and before summer is over I proudly present Mostly Sunny Summer Favorites: Heat/Humidity-Resistant Makeup!

From left to right: Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer, Dior Hydra Life BB Cream, Cle de Peau Translucent Corrector, Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector

First thing first: in the subtropical climate of Taipei, I needed decent SPF more than ever. Dior Hydra Life BB cream has pretty much been all I use as a base product for several months now, and I appreciate the SPF30 it offers! My face very barely tanned during the trip (I was spending the majority of the time in the city), so for what I need this is enough!

Having lived in Belgium for 4 years, my skin has adapted to the climate. When I went back to Taipei, my oil glands went into crazy overdrive and I was oilier than I could remember! I usually don’t have problems with makeup not holding up, but in Taipei the BB cream would slide off my nose in several hours! At some point I remembered I had a sample of Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer with me, so I tried it out. Not only did it make the BB cream go on more easily, it also effectively solved the melting makeup problem. I need to test it out more thoroughly, but combined with Cle de Peau Translucent Corrector my skin was looking good even in all the heat!

If you are outdoor all the time, you’ll need higher SPF (and regular reapplication). Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector (SPF50) is what I would use if I were going to the beach. It’s white when poured out but transparent after you massage it in. It leaves a slight sheen but not that greasy feeling. It does have a bit of the typical sunscreen smell, but it goes away fast enough so it doesn’t bother me. I personally wouldn’t wear this if a lot of photos are going to be taken though. I am relatively sure this is incompatible with (especially flash) photography.

From left to right: NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, Maybelline Color Tattoo, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill, Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, bareMinerals Prime Time Primer Shadow, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil, Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow, Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash, Eyeko Liquid Eyeliner

It took me several experiments to figure out what could make eye makeup hold up for 10 hours (I usually test my eyeshadows for more than 8 hours, since I think it is a little unrealistic to expect an average working day to last only that long), and here is the deal:

a) A primer is essential (I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion, though I had to photograph the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base because my UDPP looks too battered). However, in my experience even a primer and pressed shadows do not make the most reliable combination (it depends on what your day is like. If you go to work and stay in an air-conditioned building all day it might, but I was running to different places), which is when point b) comes in.

b) Long-lasting cream/hybrid shadows are your new best friends. Maybelline 24-Hour Color Tattoos, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kills (especially when used wet), bareMinerals Prime Time Primer Shadows, Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadows… There are many similar products nowadays that perform well. Just bear in mind that if you’re running around I would still recommend using a regular primer before these. Some formulas hold up really well on me sans primer in Belgium, but in Taipei they could do with some extra help.

c) To my amazement, my liners took on the challenge really well. The Eyeko Liquid Eyeliner, Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, and Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencils all partied on for at least 10 hours (do note that in the case of Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencils I did use them over UDPP and set with powder shadows)!

d) Waterproof mascara. I was sticking to Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash and it didn’t disappoint me! It never smudged on me, and it didn’t make my lashes too stiff.

Counter-clockwise from the top: Chanel Sable Rose, Le Metier de Beaute Coral Nymph, Becca Damselfly

Not all blushes are made equal, and here are what I would take with me again next year. I have to admit I was biased towards coral shades, but both Le Metier de Beaute Coral Nymph and Becca Damselfly performed so well! They lasted without oxidizing on me, which could really be a problem in the subtropical climate (my Tarte ones for example never looked the same on me in Taipei). Same goes to Chanel Sable Rose. It is especially travel-friendly since I also use it to highlight my cheekbones.

Lip products-wise I didn’t experience any difference, and my favorite this summer remains Guerlain Nahema Rouge Automatique! There is something about coral and the Rouge Automatique formula that makes me sway!

If you can still find Dior Saint-Tropez, I beg you to at least swatch it. If I had to pick one nail polish to wear for the rest of summer this would be the one!

(Now the non-makeup-related, but still important part)

Hydration is essential all-year-round, but probably especially in summer. I discovered Vita Coco in the US last year and I was so hooked on it during my entire trip (never mind November is hardly the best month for coconut water)! When I saw it at the supermarket here I was so happy I almost squealed!

Vita Coco is not the average coconut juice that you get from Asian stores/restaurants. In all honestly I think those taste very sugared-up compared to this. It makes a healthy alternative to soda. If you’re tired of drinking water all day long, it would also be great to throw a carton or two in for some fun! Much to my surprise I like the pineapple-flavored one a lot (I’m not even the biggest fan of pineapples), but my all-time favorite is just the original.

Also, a while ago I told you I would be testing the Oenobiol Intensive Sun Treatment during my trip home. Now here’s the verdict: THIS WORKS! I started taking it 2 weeks prior to my holiday (as instructed), and after 10 days I could see a subtle difference in my skin tone (which says a lot, because it was raining all the time before I left)!

I tan fast, but I also lose my tan fast. After properly acknowledging how damaging UV rays are to the skin, I systematically use sun protection, and you will highly unlikely find me lying on the beach all day nowadays (just between us: I have no idea how I coped with the heat when I was younger). Still, I would like a little color in summer! I like this supplement because it makes me tan so fast that I feel way less compelled to stay outdoor. That way I effectively limit the amount of UV rays I come in contact with, so all in all it is good for my skin and health. It is also supposed to keep the tan going for longer, though at the moment it’s pretty sunny in Belgium and that might also contribute to the fact that I am still half a shade darker.

The ingredient list if anyone is interested:

I hope you enjoyed seeing my summer favorites! If you’re going somewhere warm and humid, I hope some of the tips help!

What are your summer favorites? Do you have any tips to make makeup last in summer? Do you wear makeup more or less often when you are on holiday?

Sunny, your beauty culture translator xx

Disclosure: Some of the products mentioned in this review are provided by the PR for my consideration. All opinions are honest and my own. I am in no way compensated for this review. I have always been, and will always be committed ONLY to my readers.