Summer, to me, has always meant paring down my makeup routine. It’s hot, sticky, and any attempt at an artfully smoky eye is rendered futile the minute I set foot into the fetid steambath known as the New York City subway system. (That is a mistake you make only ONCE, my friends.)

Blush has also always presented a problem, since my natural skin color borders on "ghostly pallor," and my standard, subtle blush application all but dissolves in the humidity here. Though I want it to have staying power, I’m not about to resort to 80’s-style Stripes! Of! Color! across my cheeks to get it.

What’s a girl to do?

Enter Smashbox’s Skin Tint: My new favorite blush for summer.

Skin Tint is a water-based color stick that comes in a sleek black metal case compact enough to take with you anywhere. The colors appear dark in the tube, but are very sheer on the skin. In fact, I think part of what makes Skin Tint such a great product (besides ease of use…it’s essentially goof-proof) is that it’s buildable color. It can flatter a wide range of skin tones, and regardless of whether you're applying it lightly or dramatically, it looks flawless. I’ve been using it for a while now, and still marvel at how the color blends seamlessly so that I look dewy and naturally flushed, not like ... Girl Who Has Obviously Been Swiping A Color Stick on Her Cheeks. (For the record, I use Ultraviolet, a sheer berry shade.)

(Oh, and did I mention Skin Tint can also be used as a lip color? Like I said before, I’m all about simplifying my routine in the summer, and a two-for-one product definitely fits in with that plan. I like to use this as a base color and top it off with a coat of clear gloss.)

Unlike other blush sticks I’ve tried in the past, I find this to be long-lasting and moisturizing, but non-sticky. Skin Tint -- which is odorless -- also has an “antioxidant-packed” formula, as well as vitamins A, C, E, aloe, and Echinacea, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin. A little goes a long way, so you can more easily justify the price: Regularly $28, but ON SALE now for $21 at smashbox.com! GO NOW!)

Photo credit: kaboodle.com.