In Conversation : Tamekia Geer of TamGee Artistry Studio
The makeup artist on glowing skin, the case against over-powdering, and why summer beauty should feel like nothing at all.
Few artists understand skin-first beauty like Tamekia Geer, founder of TamGee Artistry Studio. With thirteen years specializing in natural glam, she’s become a quiet authority on making summer skin look like its best self. We asked her about doing less, making a look last in the heat, and the one product she’d never travel without.
Début: Let’s start simple: what does summer beauty mean to you? Has your philosophy changed over the years
Tamekia Geer: Summer beauty, to me, means effortless confidence. It’s glowing skin, soft definition, and makeup that enhances — not hides — who you are. With thirteen years in the industry specializing in natural glam, my philosophy has definitely evolved. Earlier in my career, beauty was about the full beat. Now, I’m all about skin-first makeup, especially in the summer. I want my clients to still look like themselves, just elevated, radiant, and refreshed.
D: Début’s summer issue is all about ease — doing less, letting skin breathe. What’s your take on the “less is more” approach to a summer face?
TG: I absolutely believe in the “less is more” approach, especially during the summer. Skin needs room to breathe. Less isn’t about less effort; it’s about being intentional. Instead of layering full-coverage products, focus on strategic placement: concealer where needed, cream blush, healthy skin, and letting texture exist.
D: If someone could only use three products to capture a fresh summer look, what would they be and why?
TG: First, a skin tint or lightweight complexion product — because summer skin should feel breathable. Second, a cream blush, because it instantly gives skin life and warmth. Third, a hydrating lip oil or gloss to finish the look.
D: What’s the most common summer beauty mistake you see — and the easy fix?
TG: Over-powdering. People panic about humidity and sweat, so they pile on matte products thinking it will save the day. But too much powder often makes makeup separate faster and look heavy. The easy fix? Wipe it off, and focus on your skin prep first. Hydrated skin plus a strategic approach to powder — that’s how makeup survives the summer heat.
D: Talk us through your ideal “no-makeup makeup” summer look, step by step.
TG: My summer natural glam is simple:
Step 1: Hydrated skin and SPF. Healthy skin is non-negotiable.
Step 2: Lightweight skin tint or spot concealing.
Step 3: Soft brows — fluffy, not overly sculpted.
Step 4: Cream bronzer or contour for warmth.
Step 5: Cream blush placed high for a lifted glow.
Step 6: Mascara or soft wispy lashes.
Step 7: Glossy nude lip and setting spray.
Easy steps to have skin that still looks like skin. We love a natural, polished look.
D: Heat, humidity, sweat — how do you make a look actually last through a summer day?
TG: Summer makeup is all about thin layers and strategic placement — lightweight products always outperform heavy makeup in heat. My formula: prep, thin layers, cream products, light powder, setting spray.
D: Is there a product, technique, or trend you’re especially excited about this season?
TG: I’m loving the return of the radiant soft-glow trend. I’m especially excited about cream complexion products and “underpainting” — applying contour and blush beneath foundation for a softer, lived-in finish.
D: Finally — a desert-island summer beauty product you’d never travel without?
TG: If I could only bring one summer beauty product on a desert island, it would be a broad-spectrum SPF — protecting my skin from sun damage is always the priority. As a bonus essential, I’d pack the Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Multi-Use Pigment, because it does everything: cheeks, lips, and eyes, all in one. It’s waterproof, sweat-resistant, and made to withstand heat and humidity — the perfect summer travel companion.
Interview with Tamekia Geer, founder of TamGee Artistry Studio. Photography courtesy of Tamekia Geer.
