Are you busy? Running late? Chronically short on time? The pros share seven easy steps for a radiant summer beauty look
So you’ve mastered your five-minute makeup routine—it’s time for the seasonal remix. A quick summer makeup routine is essential when you need to get ready fast, with products that can withstand sweltering heat and humidity. After all, who doesn’t want to soak up the sunshine after months of grey, dreary skies?
“The epitome of summer makeup encapsulates the spirit of the season—the light, optimistic, and carefree mood we all feel during those sunnier months. In contrast to fall and winter’s deep tones and the elements forcing us stylistically and cosmetically to cover up,’’ celebrity makeup artist Andrew Denton tells Vogue. “Summer makeup is about embracing the playfulness and effortless use of vivid colours and celebrating sun-drenched, bare, healthy skin that radiates, I woke up like this.”
“Less is always more with summer makeup—it’s the season to let the skin breathe, with no need for full coverage thanks to a natural sun kiss,” pro makeup artist Erica Beukelman tells Vogue. “When spending more time in the sun, the last thing we want is a heavy amount of makeup. I tend to keep things simpler yet glowy,” pro makeup artist Kiersten Chambers adds.
Leaning into that less-is-more mindset, pro makeup artist Anastasia Vavina emphasises streamlining your routine with fewer products—ideally, a handful of essentials that fit into a single makeup bag and travel effortlessly. “Cutting down on the number of products you use is key to achieving a faster look,” Vavina previously told Vogue. When in doubt, editorial makeup artist El DeBratto recommends following the three C’s: a glowy complexion, curled lashes, and a flush of colour from your go-to blush.
#1 Start With SPF
“Never skimp on sunscreen. Even when using a tinted moisturiser, I always encourage using a true sunscreen as a base first,” says Beukelman. “Skin protection is of the utmost importance on sunny days, and your skin will thank you later for being religious with daily application,” adds pro makeup artist Andrew Denton. Opt for a light fluid sunscreen or a silicone-based sunscreen that can also double up as a makeup primer in case your skin’s not happy with too many layers during the summer.
#2 Go for bronzed glowy skin
“Hot days call for as little complexion products as possible in my opinion—mostly to avoid the dreaded ‘slip,’ but also because the claustrophobic feeling of a heavy base in high temperatures is an assault to the senses,” says Denton. For a DIY glow, Beukelman suggests mixing bronzing drops with a tinted moisturiser for “a sun-kissed look with lightweight coverage.”
#3 Follow up with spot coverage
In lieu of full-coverage complexion products, the pros recommend spot concealing to achieve that coveted your-skin-but-better look. “Focus your concealer application on spot coverage of blemishes and the areas of the face prone to discoloration, such as under eyes and around the nose,” Vavina previously told Vogue.
Denton advises opting for a lightweight liquid formula when choosing a summer-appropriate concealer. “Pick a peach-toned concealer if you’re fairer skinned or slightly orange if your complexion is deeper—these tones will banish any blue or purple tones from dark circles and lift the face without the need for layering products on a hot day,” he explains, noting Giorgio Armani’s classic formula as a go-to for clients.
#4 Add a sun-kissed flush
When curating a 10-minute makeup routine, make your blush work double—or even triple—duty by applying it wherever the sun naturally hits: the high points of your face, like cheeks, temples, and eyelids. Liquid or stick blushes are exceptionally versatile, as cheek colour, a soft wash of shadow, and even a subtle lip tint. “Pop some colour on your cheeks, on your eyes and lips for a monochromatic, fresh-faced look,” says Beukelman. The pros recommend warm tones—soft orange-reds, peach, and terracotta—for a sun-kissed effect.
#5 Swipe on a brown mascara
Curled lashes and a few coats of mascara should never be underestimated in a beauty look. “Curling your lashes will make you look instantly more awake,” says DeBratto. For summer, consider swapping your go-to black mascara for something softer. “Swap out your black mascara for a clear or brown one,” says Beukelman, noting that brown formulas create a more natural effect and pair seamlessly with lightweight coverage.”
#6 Set, spray, and go
For the ultimate summer makeup look, always think dewy, not oily. “To maintain a dewy look in the heat, I like to place a little loose translucent powder with a makeup puff wherever a little extra oil control is needed, and then, instead of blending it out with a brush, I like to melt it into the skin with a setting spray or face mist,” says Beukelman. “It gives the makeup the most beautiful finish, keeping the skin fresh and dewy.”
#7 Dealer’s choice—finish with a juicy lip
Elevate your look with a juicy lip that actually stays put. The pros recommend waterproof lip liner pencils or long-wear lip tints used as a liner for a smudge-proof pout. “You can apply lip stains as liner where you would usually apply your lip liner, following the highest points of volume on the lip, from the cupid’s bow to the base of your bottom lip,” DeBratto previously told Vogue. For added shine, layer on your favourite balm or gloss—think of it as a glazed top coat. Your lip stain or waterproof liner stays locked underneath.
