Monday, June 20th marked the first official day of summer, but even though the days are longer, let’s admit it: we don’t always have time (or energy) to devote to a full face of makeup. If you’re looking to simplify your makeup routine, we have a step-by-step tutorial from our founder, Sara. Below, you’ll find the five (yes, only five!) products you’ll need to look fresh and clean this summer.

Step One: Apply Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Skin Perfector primer all over. Summer is a perfect time to skip heavy foundations and embrace primers and tinted moisturizers instead. This Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Skin Perfector is tinted for just a touch of color and includes light reflective technology to add a little glow wherever you go.

Step Two: Apply RMS Beauty “Un”-Cover Up concealer anywhere you want just a tiny bit of extra coverage. Using your ring finger (it’s the weakest of the bunch), apply this concealer to blemishes or other areas of redness. Sara recommends your ring finger in order to control the thickness of the product and leave a more delicate finish. To apply, dab the product, opposed to rubbing it, in order not to pull your skin. As you apply, avoid your cheek area in order to maximize natural cheek color (no need to cover up rosey cheeks only to apply blush on top).

Pro Tip: Use this concealer as “an eraser” to cover any excess color once your application is complete.

Step Three: Use Vapour’s Auro Multi-Use Blush Stick in Eros as your blush and lip color. Apply this multi-use blush stick with your fingers - two different ones to be exact. Pick-up the color with one finger and apply it with a different finger. This avoids adding too much color too quickly.  Cream blushes, like this one, are forgiving because if you find your cheeks full of too much color, you can easily rub it in. Use same product on your lips for easy application and saving time, too.

Step Four: Choose a neutral eye color like 100% Pure Eyeshadow in Star Bright. Using a neutral, but shimmery color will help your eyes look more awake. Make sure you blend the color well using an eyeshadow brush.

Pro Tip: Use your eyeshadow as a highlighter at the top of your cheekbones and bridge of your nose for an added summer glow.

Step Five: Finish your look with Alima Pure Natural Definition Mascara. We’re cutting out the middle man here (aka. eyeliner) and going straight for the drama with mascara. Use a black mascara, like the Alima Pure Natural Definition Mascara, and apply two coats. Adding an additional coat will turn up the look without any extra product.

Pro Tip: If you get mascara on your lid, don’t use a wet q-tip to clean it. Wait for the mascara to dry, and use a dry q-tip to remove the excess. Using a dry q-tip will help your mascara come off clean while a wet q-tip will spread the mascara around.

Hot drinks, boots, and autumn activities- yes, it’s that time again. Our wardrobes, recipes, and social engagements are in transition to reflect the changes associated with fall. Since it’s not too cold yet, we will still be spending time outside, and our skin has to adjust to the weather. More importantly, this is the season when we should be proactive and prepare our skin for winter.

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So that you don't have to waste another minute worrying about transitional skin, here are our top 5 winter skin picks for supple, hydrated skin all season long!

1. 100% Pure Aqua Boost Hydrating Mask

This hydrating mask immediately boosts water into skin cells, vegetarian hyaluronic acid locks in hydration, while rose hydrosol and cucumber juice calms and soothes. Thank goodness, because who has time to apply multiple products when you can use just one? Optimal results can be achieved when you apply this mask a few times a week, say, while relaxing during your latest Netflix binge.

2. HollyBeth Organics Skin Therapy

There’s multitasking, and then there’s a powerhouse product that has a resume so impressive it makes us a little jealous. Skin Therapy was created as a go-to, or desert island must-have, that removes makeup gently, serves as an oil cleanser, and can be used as a heavy-duty moisturizer. The balmy texture makes application easy and allows for a small amount to get the job done.

3. and 4. One Love Organics Brand New Day Microderma Scrub & Masque + 100% Pure Facial Cleansing Brush

The microderma scrub and facial brush are noteworthy on their own, but like all great partners, together they really shine! While the previous products focused on moisturizing your skin, the purpose of these two must-haves is exfoliation. The 100% Pure Facial Brush can be used regularly with your favorite cleanser to create a deeper clean, but with the One Love New Day Microderma Scrub it will intensify the exfoliation and removal of dead skin cells. This makes way for moisturizers to get to the skin the needs hydrating more effectively, and allows makeup application to go on smoother. You will certainly be ready for that impromptu selfie.

5. Vapour Organic Lip Conditioner

Speaking of makeup, your lip product of choice, whether that be a stain, glaze, or lipstick, will stay put and look fresh when applied to conditioned skin. Unlike other balms, Vapour offers a product that truly heals and hydrates your lips. It’s a favorite of ours, and the fact that we can skip the repeated daily applications required by other products is a bonus. Use once a day, and spend the rest of your time plotting your next adventure or world domination. Who knows where your mind will take you when not worried about chapped lips?

Here’s to healthy, hydrated skin and a season filled with our favorites!