This summer, less definitely is more.

At least, that’s what celebrity makeup artist Collier Strong had to say May 20 before an appearance for L’Oreal Paris at the Walgreen’s on the Strip. Let that process for a second. The professional makeup artist has a clear message for women: Wear less makeup.

"The least amount of product ultimately on your skin is best,” said Strong, who has painted the faces of Hollywood stunners like Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria and Kate Beckinsale, serves as Project Runway’s resident cosmetics expert, and has spent the last 11 years working with L’Oreal as a consultant.

When summer hits Las Vegas — bringing with it sweltering 100-plus-degree days — Strong’s words ring even truer. “It’s all about protecting your skin and keeping it hydrated naturally. Sun protection is vital. If your skin is good enough, you can get away with wearing just concealer.”

If your skin isn’t up to the nearly naked treatment, Strong says to avoid liquid and cream foundations and opt for powders instead. “Powder is the savior.”

While the minimal makeup look is practical for the heat, it’s also on trend in the fashion industry.

“At the [runway] shows all the makeup is really played down. It looks like the models have done it themselves,” Strong said, before quickly adding that the models don’t actually go so far as to make themselves up. “All they can do is smoke,” he laughed.

Of course, Strong doesn’t always get to take his own advice. He’s currently gearing up for Project Runway’s eighth season, during which he’ll once again be crafting coordinated makeup looks to go with the competitors’ designs. While he’s not on the chopping block each week, the show nearly is as intense for him as it is for the designers.

“I have seven minutes to come up with each look,” Collier explained. “You’re forced to be the most spontaneous and creative you can be.”

Strong also spends lots of time catering to the preferences of his A-list clients, for whom low maintenance isn’t always an option.

“Marcia Cross is a lash-a-holic,” Collier laughed. “Eva Longoria — she wants glamour. All the time.”

Eva’s glamour comes courtesy of jump-off-the-page eyelashes built up with a strip of lashes and then topped with “as much mascara as you can legally allow.”

In Hollywood, I imagine that’s quite a bit. Even if you’re skipping foundation this summer and scaling back your makeup routine in deference to the desert’s makeup-melting power, mascara, Strong said, is an easy way to look made up without doing much.

“Mascara and a bright lipstick and you’ve got a look.”

Strong suggests:

We asked celebrity makeup artist and L’Oreal consultant Collier Strong to share a few favorites from his makeup kit. Here’s what he had to say:

1. Secret No. 1 Magic Perfecting Base, $12.95

“That can actually replace foundation for some people, because it actually diffuses all of the imperfections on the skin,” said Strong of L’Oreal’s Secret No. 1 primer. “It doesn’t feel like you’re putting anything on your skin.”

2. Sublime Bronze One Day tinted gel, $10.49

This very temporary tanner gives a boost of bronze, then washes away in the shower. “I’m a self-tanner freak myself,” admitted Strong. “I use that on all of my clients. Legs and arms and chest. It’s great for people who don’t want to commit to tan, fake or not.”

3. Double Extend Mascara with Lash Boosting Serum, $12.95

Even if you’re toning down your makeup for summer, Collier is a big fan of mascara. Black mascara. He uses actress Marcia Cross as his lash guinea pig, which means she’s likely been trying out this new pick that comes with a lash boosting serum to make lashes stronger and thicker over time.