A Light n' Easy Summer Makeup Look!

Warning: photo-heavy blog ahead! Sorry, but it seemed necessary (or at least fun?). Anyways, I've been thinking about this blog for a while now simply because I use this makeup routine almost every day and I am loving it! I'm a fan of natural-looking makeup most all of the time, but particularly during the summer when you want to look happy and sun-kissed, not caked in foundation. So my latest summer beauty trick? Watering down my foundation and applying it with a sponge. Observe.

Step 1: Moisturize!

I love this Aveeno moisturizer because it smells like plants and it really makes my skin feel fresh! Perfect for summer. Plus it's available on the cheap in any drugstore.

Step 2a: Choose foundation

I like this one by Covergirl for sensitive skin because it's available in so many colors (like extra pale for me!) and it goes on smoothly - no caking.

Step 2b: Apply water to your foundation sponge (with fingers or faucet)

Diluting the foundation with water not only feels GREAT on your skin, but it helps it go on smoothly and evenly, giving it a very light texture, almost like a tinted moisturizer!

Step 3: Apply cover-up if needed

Step 4: Apply pressed or loose powder to face

I like this cheap one from Kmart by Jordana (made in USA). It goes on smooth and has great coverage. Here's a photo of the face after the first 4 steps:

Step 5: Bronze and Go!

I love a light bronzer for summer. I used Urban Decay Baked Blushing Powder/Bronzer. It goes on very shimmery and light - even works on the chest for definition! Best of all it'll work on all skin shades from milky white to a rich cocoa color. It has a nearly sheer color that blends to the skin. Love it!

So that's my easy, sun-kissed summer beauty look! It takes about 5 minutes or less and works for every day. It's my personal favorite. The cooling power of water really does wonders for the skin!

What do you think? Do you like light makeup looks in summer or do you keep your makeup routine pretty much the same year-round? Have you ever diluted foundation with water or something else?