Achieve the Perfect Summer Glow with these 3 Chicago Beauty Brands

Pinpointing the exact moment that natural glowy skin became a “thing” is hard.

JLo’s highlighted cheekbones have dazzled many red carpets, and Kim Kardashian’s strobed and contoured face has graced television screens worldwide. Although summer was fashionably late, what better way to embrace the warmth than by trying your hand at that summer glow. With temperatures well above 80-degrees, mastering a naturally dewy complexion without being a victim of “cake face” can be quite the challenge. Thankfully, three Chicago-based beauty brands have given us the inside scoop on how to shine this summer without looking too overdone.

It all starts with skincare…

Having your skincare routine locked-down is the ultimate way to ensure your complexion is even, blemish-free, and hydrated. Amanda Kezios, the Creator and Co-Owner of Chicago-based handmade cosmetic company Mojo Spa, says the “holy trinity” of skincare is cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing.

“Makeup, dirt, and pollutants build-up on the skin throughout the day and falling asleep without washing your face can cause breakouts and other skin problems,” Kezios says. “After cleansing I also recommend exfoliating two-to-three times a week.”

While cleansing is key, Kezios dishes that “overnight rejuvenation” is the best way to combat your skin problems. Mojo Spa’s Ambrosia Anti-Aging Night Serum is a company bestseller, and is created with a blend of exotic and essential oils that heal acne scarring, balance pH levels, and help achieve “baby-soft and glowing” skin.

But Kezios realizes that ladies on the go might not have time for a beauty regimen, and suggests investing in a quality moisturizer to resurrect otherwise dull and dry skin.

“Moisturizing is like fertilizing the skin,” Kezios says. “[Moisturizing] helps build a good foundation before applying makeup.”

Another of the brand’s best selling products is their High Society Purifying Luxury Moisturizer, full of truffle oil, lavender, and neroli water which help repair, purify, and tone skin that needs an extra boost.

Bottomline? Glowy skin starts with a skincare routine. Kezios believes that the three things every lady should do to achieve the coveted dewy look is “exfoliate, moisturize, and apply lightweight illuminating makeup.”

You’re in for a treat.

Mojo Spa’s confectionery-inspired shop housed in Wicker Park is full of sugary-scented and dessert-shaped products. This summer, the spa released a line of must-haves including a Coconut Cream After-Sun Lotion that is perfect for cooling down after a day in the UV rays, and a Sinful Strawberry Face and Body Scrub ideal for brightening your skin.

Perfect your look with makeup essentials…

As much as we wish we didn’t have to put on makeup in the summer — because let’s be honest sweat plus foundation never ends well — it’s inevitable. The cringe-worthy combination of lack of sleep, hormones, and a little too much sun and not enough SPF causes us to rely on our makeup arsenal. But in fear of unintentionally rocking a cake-face, less is more is always the way to go.

Sue Katz and Lisa Thurman, Co-Founders of Chicago-based makeup brand AMAZINGCOSMETICS, share that primer and concealer are two essential products for looking and feeling good about your skin during the summer.

“We like to say that we have bookend products,” Thurman says. “We have a couple of fabulous primers that prime your skin for your makeup application – it really helps with keeping the complexion products from [streaking].”

Katz agrees, and ensures that looking flawlessly glowy is easier than it sounds.

“Put your face primer on, and with your concealer brush dot on the concealer and push it into your skin,” Katz advises.  “Bam, you can walk out of the door.”

Though the no-makeup-makeup look is perfect for summer, a glowy complexion can sometimes result in greasy-looking skin. Whether you’re running errands after the gym, going out for dinner post-work, or simply have a bad case of an oily T-zone, a setting powder is the way to go. Rather than turning towards your favorite drugstore powder that advertises a matte finish, Katz suggests a mineral setting powder to relieve shine without causing your face to look overly mattified.

“You’re still going to have your glow-on,” Katz ensures. “[The powder] is just going to take care of the oiliness that you can get in the heat, or running around in-and-out-of-the-car.”

“That’s too much glow…” said no one ever!

In perfect timing, AMAZINGCOSMETICS is releasing their latest primer-highlighter near the end of summer to give skin an additional dose of glow, a pop of bronze, and subtle blush notes.

“[The primer-highlighter] comes in three different shades,” Thurman says. “One is a bronze, one is a rose, and the other is what we’re calling ‘glow,’ an awesome white-pearlescent color.”

Sealed with a kiss…

No makeup look — or lack thereof — isn’t complete without a little something-something on the lips. Instead of reaching for your favorite lipstick that is full of ingredients that dry out your lips rather than hydrate, opt for a lighter balm alternative.

Owner and creator of the suburban-made cosmetic’s brand Whole Love Organics, Grace Soraparu, packs her lip balms with buttery oils. These oils not only add the perfect amount of sheen to your lips, but also helps repair any dryness.

“Organic avocado oil is what sets [the lip balms] apart,” Soraparu says. “This amazing oil is rich in fatty acids that are wonderful for your skin.”

With so many lip balms on the market, choosing one that will actually do the job is tough. Which is why Soraparu built her brand around natural, wholesome ingredients that will not only satisfy your skin’s needs in the summer, but also all year long.

“Keep your beauty routine simple and with natural ingredients,” Soraparu says. “There’s no need for all artificial fillers and fancy cosmetics.”

But a topical product is only a third of the equation to scoring kissable lips. “The best way to keep your lips protected [in the summer] is by keeping them nourished,” Soraparu advises. “Lip balm, a healthy diet, and water – lots of water!”

Pop (and glow) with a splash of color.

With so many different skin tones, it’s hard to denote one lip color in particular as a must-have for summer. But no matter dark, light, or somewhere in between pink is always a winner.

“Whole Love Organics’ Pink Lip Tint is the perfect color for summer,” Soraparu raves. “It has a super natural pink color, and is flavored with orange and vanilla oil. It looks and smells amazing!”

Want to try Whole Love Organics’ lip balms? Use FashionFiles’ exclusive code: FFM15 for 15-percent-off your entire order.