Top beauty tips from celebrity makeup artist Collier Strong

A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to sit down with celebrity makeup artist Collier Strong (you probably recognize him from the TV show, Project Runway) at a L’Oreal Paris event. While he was doing my makeup, we talked about summer makeup trends and beauty products. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that a gorgeous summer look can easily be achieved with simple products and a low-maintenance routine. Here's his expert advice:

Q. What are the summertime beauty essentials?
A: Sunblock is the number one, naturally, and a light lipstick, or a gloss if want to look fresh. If you go for a longwear product you won’t have to carry it around – you can apply it at home and won’t have to worry about touching up. That’s a good tip for eye products too because the last thing you want in your beach bag is a ton of makeup. Let’s just put a camera in there instead and enjoy the day.

Q. Which do you prefer – blush or bronzer?
A: I love a combo! Add a little bit of bronzer to your cheek bones, chin temple, and then blush to the apples because it adds a little flush of colour and makes the bronzer look more realistic.

Q. What are the top beauty items that every women should have within reach?
A: Powder and lip colour in case you have to touch up, regardless of if it’s a gloss or lipstick. When I send someone off to the red carpet, those are the two things that I give them because I want to keep the shine down and keep their lips looking fresh all night.

Q. What is the easiest way to update or change your look?
A: This summer it’s all about bright lips, which is a really bold and adventurous runway trend that women will have fun trying. But I also think that it’s important for real women to keep in mind what works for them and what will make their lives easier, regardless of trends and celebrity or products that are supposed to be the latest and greatest.