TORONTO - From the season's hot hues to maintaining a fresh face throughout the day, a trio of leading beauty experts share their suggestions for keeping skin looking glam and glowing this summer.
SKIN: Before reaching for makeup products to get glam, experts say it's crucial for women to ensure their canvas - the face - is in good shape.
"What I would love for women to do is start taking better care of their skin instead of relying on makeup to cover it up," says celebrity makeup artist Billy B.
The New York-based artist, whose clientele includes Pink, Sharon Stone and "Sex and the City" star Kristin Davis, says getting skin in good condition doesn't mean shelling out big bucks.
Purchasing an over-the-counter cleanser recommended by dermatologists, like Cetaphil, is one way consumers can try a product without breaking the bank.
"You don't have to spend a fortune. You can get great skin care at the drugstore," he says, during a recent visit to Toronto for an appearance at Holt Renfrew. "An excuse about not taking care of your skin isn't that you can't afford it."
Canadian makeup artist and photographer Korby Banner cautions against using scrubs that are too harsh, thereby creating more stress for the skin.
When it comes to cleaning the skin and pores, Banner says a toner does the job - and more.
"A cotton ball and toner is a nice way to freshen the face, remove any sebum deposits and airborne impurities and at the same time, give you a very light exfoliation without any harmful effects," says Banner, who has worked on famous faces including Harrison Ford, Tyra Banks and Sheryl Crow.
To avoid layering products, which can be problematic, Banner, who also appears on the W Network makeover series "Style by Jury," recommends items that are two-in-one or three-in-one, like a tinted moisturizer with sunblock.
As for sunscreen, individuals should wear the bare minimum of SPF 15 for day-to-day walking around. When facing more exposure, like at the beach, Banner suggests wearing a hat or maybe moving up to a higher SPF level, like 30.
FOUNDATION: To keep looking fresh during the day, Banner suggests first using a primer, which will make the makeup last longer without lifting up or starting to look shiny.
He also recommends trying an anti-shine product that will work as a cushion to give skin a matte finish and minimize the look of pores.
But when it comes to an "absolute must," Banner says he loves blotting tissues to remove shine, allowing the user to blot off excess oil while leaving the makeup intact.
"I would say that's the biggest 'no' - adding more powder during the day - because all you're building up is this cakey film of skin, oil and product, which looks worse," he says.
"It weighs down your skin, exaggerates all the little lines on your face and makes a woman feel like she's got stuff on her face."
Rather than wearing foundation all over the face, Billy B. recommends using a brush and a little bit of foundation to conceal spots that make you uncomfortable.
Billy B. created a line of lightweight brushes with compact, manageable handles to make it easier to apply and blend product and colour and to tote in a woman's handbag.
He says it's a misconception that a large brush is needed to apply product. This can result in waste.
