Yes, summer is here! The season of sun-kissed skin, beach days, poolside parties, and a lot of fun! While we embrace the warmth and sunshine, adjusting our makeup routine is essential to keep our looks fresh and glowing. This blog will walk you through the 8 must-have makeup necessities for an on-trend summer look as well as some highly recommended products and brands in each category. So whether resting by the pool, attending a summer wedding, or enjoying a casual day out. So put on your favorite shades, get sunscreen, and apply your summer makeup!
Table of Contents
Sweat-Proof Primer
A sweat-proof primer is a game-changer in ensuring your makeup stays in place during hot summer days. Choose a primer that controls oil, minimizes the appearance of pores, and helps your makeup last longer. Look for water-based or silicone-based options that create a smooth canvas for your makeup application.
- Elf Power Grip Primer has become a cult classic for a good reason. The gel primer will help to extend the wear of your foundation. It has Hyaluronic Acid and adds a dewy finish.
- Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, the original grip primer, the Milk Hydro grip is a fantastic primer that grips any foundation, extending the wear time by up to 12 hours and providing skin care benefits with blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, and hemp-derived cannabis seed extract.
- Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Primer is great for all the oily loves who may also benefit from the ingredients: witch hazel, salicylic acid, and zinc. The pore-minimizing primer offers mattified results with extended foundation wear time.
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r or Instant Retouch Primer offers a beautiful smoothing finish. The primer has a “universal invispink formula” that is supposed to help even out skin tone and create a blurring effect while extending the wear of your foundation.
All the primer options will help your makeup stay put for hours, even in the summer heat.
Lightweight and Hydrating Foundation
Say goodbye to the heavy, cakey foundation that melts off in the heat. Summer is a great time to wear a lightweight, breathable foundation with buildable coverage, like a BB cream or tinted moisturizer. They will not only make your skin tone more even, but they will also give you a natural, fresh look. To keep your skin nourished and radiant all day, look for formulations containing hydrating formulas; sun protection is a bonus. Sunscreen added to formulas should never replace using sunscreen daily. Some popular options include (in no particular order):
- The Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation has a broad spectrum SPF 20 and 14 shades. Now, admittedly there are better shade
ranges than this. Still, if you can find your shade, the foundation is lightweight and has a beautiful natural finish.
- The Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation has a broad spectrum SPF 20 and 14 shades. Now, admittedly there are better shade ranges than this. Still, if you can find your shade, the foundation is lightweight and has a beautiful natural finish.
- L’Oréal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum is a great choice if you are looking for a base product to even out your skin tone and offer some skincare benefits. Fourteen shades blend out to a variety of skin tones. It is a light-coverage tinted serum, and it provides a natural glow. Just remember to put on your sunscreen, and of course, I say you should do this regardless of the sunscreen advertised with any foundation, BB Cream, CC Cream, and tinted serum.
- Maybelline Dream Urban Cover boasts a broad spectrum SPF 50 and has medium to light coverage. The shade range is limited to eight; if you are sensitive to sunscreen fragrances, you should test this before buying. The Mabellind DUC is a wonderful option if you can find your shade and bypass the scent, which subsides after about 30 minutes.
- It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Serum Foundation is a hybrid skincare and foundation mix with light to medium coverage. At $46.00 on the It Cosmetics website, you will find 40 shades. This serum foundation has one of the best shade ranges on this list, and the skincare promises are worth trying.
- Milani Glow Hydrating Skin Tint is hands down one of the best drugstore skin tints. The coverage is light, but how it will even out your skin tone is beautiful. 29% Squalene with an electrolyte and coconut water blend, your skin feels so moisturized, and the glow is subtle but lit from within. There are eight adjustable shades.
- Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Tinted Skin Veil is the real name. If you want a banger on a budget, this will be your summer favorite. The coverage is light to medium and feels like your skin but better with a semi-matte finish. Eleven shades are available, and the price is $6.49 on the Wet n Wild website.
- NYX Born to Glow Foundation is the base of the whole Born to Glow range. Let me state it plainly; natural radiant foundation, 45 shades, vegan, no fragrance, $7.00.
Radiant Bronzer
Achieve that sun-kissed glow without sun damage by using a radiant bronzer. Pick a shade that complements your skin tone and has a natural luminous finish. To achieve that sun-kissed glow, apply it to the high points of your face, such as your temples, cheekbones, and nose bridge, for a natural-looking warmth.
- Uoma Beauty Double Take Contour Stick is a nice choice, even though it is sold as a contour stick. I use Bronze Venus, and with the warmth in the shade, I prefer it as a bronzer.
- Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder is a drugstore gem. The palette has six long-lasting shades, from light to deep, and the price is perfect at $10.
- Absolute New York Pro Bronzer is a hidden gem at the beauty store and has easily become my favorite bronzer. The micro shine shimmer is so subtle it provides a sun-kissed glow without the gaudy glitter.
- Candy Paint Half-Caked Cream Bronzer is great if you like a radiant creamy bronzer. A little goes a long way, and the bendability is flawless. There are eight shades to choose from, and only $10.
- Physicians Formula Bronzers have a true cult following for a very good reason. The Butter bronzers are, by far, the most blendable drugstore powder bronzers. Over the years, Physician’s Formula has extended and launched various forms of their classic bronzers. There are the Murumuru Butter bronzers, the Butter Cake bronzer, the Butter Puff Bronzer, Matte Monoi Butter Bronzers, Butter Cookie Bronzer, Butter Coffee Bronzer and Butter Donut Bronzer. The Murumuru Butter Bronzers have eight shades, and the Matte Manoi Bronzers have four.
Lightweight Eyeshadows
Ditch the heavy eyeshadow looks and opt for light and breezy eyeshadows that compliment the summer vibe. Pastel shades, shimmery neutrals, or even a pop of color can instantly brighten your eyes and elevate your look. Consider cream or liquid eyeshadows for an effortless application and a long-lasting effect.
- The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows have the largest variety of shades.
- Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Stix comes in 10 beautiful shades.
- NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil All-in-one Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-stick comes in 10 stunning shades.
- e.l.f. No Budge Cream Eyeshadow comes in 8 shades; if you are into blues, Oasis is a must-try.
- Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows are a glitter girl’s dream. Eleven shades give that natural makeup vibe.
- Huda Beauty Pastel Obsessions Eyeshadow Palettes are perfect for creating stunning summer eye looks—Rose, Mint, and Lilac, three adorable palettes that will give you endless color combinations.
Waterproof Mascara
Whether taking a dip in the pool or enjoying a sweaty outdoor activity, waterproof mascara is essential to summer. It prevents smudging and panda eyes, ensuring your lashes stay voluminous and defined even in the heat. Look for long-lasting, waterproof formulas that provide length and curl to your lashes. Some popular waterproof mascaras include:
- L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara adds volume and length. It comes in two shades; Black and Blackest Black.
- Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara has been a Reader’s Choice favorite for over 20 years. It conditions and thickens. It comes in two shades; Very Black and Brownish Black.
- Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara adds volume. It comes in three shades; very black, black, and black-brown.
- Two-Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara is a volumizing, lengthening, and curling formula. It comes in black.
- Armani Beauty Eyes To Kill Waterproof Mascara adds length and volume. It comes in black.
- Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara adds length, lift, and definition. It comes in black.
Vibrant Lip Colors
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fun and vibrant lip colors. Embrace bright pinks, corals, oranges, and reds to add a dab of color to your makeup look. Opt for long-lasting, lightweight lipsticks or lip stains that won’t feel heavy on your lips or transfer easily.
- PeriPera Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tints
- Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stains,
- Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick,
- NYX Butter Glosses
- Profusion Juicy Lip Tints
- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
- Peripera Ink Mood Glowy Balm and
- Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipsticks
They all offer many stunning shades to elevate your summer makeup game.
Highlighter for a Summer Glow
Accentuate your features and achieve a radiant summer glow with a luminous highlighter. To give yourself a bright, fresh appearance, apply it to the high points of your face, like your cheekbones, brow bones, and the inner corners of your eyes. From champagne to golden tones, pick hues that complement your skin tone.
- The Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter
- Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight
- Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop’lit All-Over Glow Enhancer
- Candy Paint Half-Caked Cream Highlighter in Sugar Cookie (Cream Highlighter)
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
These highlighters are all great options to add a touch of luminosity to your summer makeup look.
Sweat-Resistant Setting Spray is the Top Summer Makeup Essential!
Lock your makeup in place and keep shine at bay with a sweat-resistant setting spray. Choose a formula to withstand heat and humidity, ensuring your makeup remains flawless for hours. Depending on your preference, look for setting sprays that provide a matte or dewy finish.
- Milani Make It Last Setting Spray offers a 16-hour hold and comes in 4 versions; Original, Dewy, Matte, and Sunscreen (SPF 30).
- ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray is a mattifying waterproof setting spray. It has a true all-day hold.
- Flower Beauty Seal the Deal Long-Lasti
- ng Setting Spray
- Urban Decay De-Slick and All-Nighter Setting Spray are one of those cult classics; it has a matte finish.
- Revolution Hydrate & Fix Spray is infused with Hyaluronic acid and leaves a matte finish. I don’t see a real, lasting effect with this setting spray. Still, I included it on the list because it has a finishing effect on facial powders and a refreshing mist.
- Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Finish Setting Spray
The sprays are excellent options to keep your makeup fresh and in place all day.
Stay Gorgeous All Summer Long
With these new summer makeup must-haves, you’ll be prepared to face sunny days in confidence and style. Incorporate skincare into your daily routine, use sunscreen, and let your natural beauty show. Whether embracing minimalistic looks or going out with vibrant colors, have fun experimenting and finding what works best for you. Cheers to a fabulous summer filled with endless sunshine and stunning makeup looks!
For some summer skincare read: Revamp Your Summer Skincare Routine: 8 Easy Steps
Live Your Life & Love It!!
