Summer is officially here, and it’s time to switch up your makeup routine to suit the season. With warmer weather, longer days, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s important to choose the right products and techniques to keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless all day long.
In this article, we’ll be sharing the best summer makeup looks and products that we’re totally obsessed with, as well as offering some essential summer makeup tips to sweat-proof your look and prep your skin for the season.
Whether you prefer a bold, colorful makeup look or a natural, low-key vibe, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know for summer makeup success. So grab your favorite products and get ready to glow!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Therefore, this post may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission on qualifying purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.
Which type of makeup is best for summer?
Summer is a time for fun, sun, and looking your best. But with rising temperatures and humidity, it’s important to choose the right type of makeup to keep your look fresh and comfortable all day long.
From lightweight formulas to SPF-infused products, there are plenty of options to suit your skin type, concerns, and personal style. In this article, we’ll explore the best types of makeup for summer and offer tips for choosing the right products for your needs.
I. Lightweight Formulas
- Opt for sheer to medium coverage products like tinted moisturizers or light foundations
- Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation and NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer are great options
- Use a damp makeup sponge or fingers to blend the product for a natural look
- Enhance features with bronzer and highlighter instead of heavy contouring
II. Waterproof Products
- Choose waterproof mascaras, eyeliners, and brow products to ensure your makeup stays put
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner and Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara are top picks
- Apply in small, precise strokes on a clean, dry canvas
- Use waterproof makeup remover to avoid damaging the skin
II. Long-Lasting Formulas
- Look for primers, setting powders, and eyeshadow primers that are designed to last for hours
- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer for Women and Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder are favorites
- Apply setting powder to oily areas like the T-zone with a fluffy brush or makeup sponge
- Start with a clean, moisturized face and apply base products as usual
IV. Heat-Resistant Formulas
- Choose heat-resistant products that are oil-free, lightweight, and designed to resist sweat and heat
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation and Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer are great options
- Use a damp makeup sponge or fingers to blend the product evenly onto your skin
- Apply base products as usual on a clean, moisturized face
V. SPF-Infused Products
- Look for products with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun
- Use foundations, BB creams, or tinted moisturizers with SPF
- Some great options include the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50 and DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
- Apply as usual on a clean, moisturized face for added sun protection
There are several types of makeup that are ideal for summer. Lightweight, waterproof, long-lasting, heat-resistant, and SPF-infused products can help you achieve a fresh and flawless look that stays put through heat, humidity, and sun exposure. With the right products and application techniques, you can enjoy a sweat-proof and sun-safe makeup look all summer long.
Prepping Your Skin for Summer: Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Glow
As the weather starts to warm up, it’s important to prep your skin for the summer months.
Sun exposure, humidity, and higher temperatures can take a toll on your skin, but with a little preparation, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all summer long. Here are some tips for prepping your skin for summer:
I. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating is an important step in preparing your skin for summer. It helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, leaving your skin smoother and more radiant.
Look for a gentle exfoliating scrub or chemical exfoliant that is suitable for your skin type, and use it once or twice a week.
II. Hydrate Your Skin
Hydrating your skin is essential during the summer months, as higher temperatures and sun exposure can cause your skin to become dehydrated.
Use a lightweight moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type, and apply it daily to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
III. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Sun protection is crucial during the summer months, as UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply it generously to all exposed areas of your skin. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
V. Switch to Lighter Products
As the weather gets warmer, it’s a good idea to switch to lighter skincare products that won’t feel heavy or suffocating on your skin.
Look for lightweight moisturizers, serums, and facial oils that are suitable for your skin type, and use them in place of heavier creams.
V. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy during the summer months. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated on the go.
By following these tips, you can prep your skin for summer and keep it healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long.
15 Essential Summer Makeup Tips for a Sweat-Proof Look
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but with the heat and humidity, it can be a challenge to keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks you can use to sweat-proof your look and keep your makeup in place all day long.
1. Use a Lightweight, Oil-Free Moisturizer
During the summer, your skin may feel more oily and prone to breakouts due to heat and humidity. However, it’s still important to keep your skin hydrated to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
- Apply your moisturizer after cleansing your skin, and allow it to fully absorb before applying any makeup products. This will help create a smooth, hydrated base for your makeup and prevent any dry patches or flakiness throughout the day.
- Don’t forget to also drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Dehydration can lead to dull, lackluster skin, so staying hydrated is key to maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion during the summer.
Product Recommendations:
Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog pores or feel heavy on your skin. Some great options are:
If you have particularly oily skin, consider using a mattifying moisturizer that can help control shine throughout the day.
2. Silicone-based Primer for Sweat-proof Makeup
Using a silicone-based primer is an effective way to prep your skin for summer makeup, especially if you have oily skin.
This type of primer helps to control oil and keep makeup in place for hours, making it a must-have in your summer makeup routine. Here are some points to keep in mind
- Silicone-based primers create a smooth, matte finish that helps to control oil and sweat, making them ideal for hot, humid weather.
- Look for primers with ingredients like dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane, which provide a smooth, silky finish without clogging pores.
- Apply the primer after cleansing and moisturizing your skin, using your fingertips or a makeup brush to smooth it evenly over your face.
- Allow the primer to set for a few minutes before applying your foundation or other makeup products.
- With a silicone-based primer, you can be confident that your makeup will stay put all day without melting or fading, even in the heat and humidity of summer.
Product Recommendations:
3. Mattifying Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer to Combat Oil and Sweat
During the summer months, it’s important to choose the right foundation or tinted moisturizer to keep your skin looking fresh and matte. Here are some tips and product recommendations to help you choose the best one for your skin:
- Look for Mattifying Formulas: Choose a foundation or tinted moisturizer that specifically states that it is mattifying or oil-absorbing. These products can help control oil and sweat throughout the day, keeping your makeup in place.
Product Recommendations:
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation: This drugstore favorite is affordable and effective in controlling oil and shine, leaving your skin looking smooth and matte.
- Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer: This oil-free formula provides sheer coverage while also controlling oil and sweat, perfect for a natural, no-makeup look.
- Use a Powder: To ensure your foundation or tinted moisturizer stays in place, set it with a light dusting of powder. Choose a translucent powder that won’t add any additional color or coverage, but will keep your makeup in place.
Product Recommendations:
- Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder: This popular drugstore powder is finely milled and translucent, perfect for setting your foundation without adding any additional color or coverage.
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder: This high-end setting powder blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines while also setting your makeup for a long-lasting, matte finish.
- Apply in Thin Layers: Instead of applying a thick layer of foundation or tinted moisturizer, apply it in thin layers to ensure it stays put throughout the day. You can always add more coverage in areas where you need it, but starting with a light layer will prevent your makeup from slipping and sliding.
Note: It’s essential to choose a shade that complements your skin tone and apply it in moderation to avoid looking too overdone.
4. Preventing Shine with Powder
- Applying powder on the T-zone is a great way to prevent shine and keep your skin looking matte throughout the day. The T-zone is the area of your face that tends to get the oiliest, including your forehead, nose, and chin.
- Use a fluffy brush or a powder puff to apply the powder onto your T-zone, focusing on areas that tend to get the most oily. Be sure to blend the powder well to avoid a cakey or unnatural finish. You can also carry a small powder compact in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day.
Product Recommendations:
Choose a translucent or tinted powder that matches your skin tone and has oil-absorbing properties. Some great options include:
- The Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
- The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder
- The Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder
5. Avoiding Heavy Cream-Based Products
During the summer months, it’s important to avoid using heavy cream-based products as they can melt and look cakey on the skin.
These products can also clog pores and make the skin feel suffocated. Instead, opt for lightweight formulas such as water-based foundations, powders, and blushes, which will help your skin breathe and feel comfortable in the heat.
Water-based foundations and powders are ideal for summer as they are lightweight and absorb excess oil on the skin, preventing your makeup from melting off.
You can also try using cream-to-powder formulas for blush and eyeshadow, which have a light and airy texture and blend effortlessly on the skin.
Here are some tips to help you avoid heavy cream-based products during the summer:
- Look for water-based foundations such as the MAC Face and Body Foundation, which offers a natural-looking, lightweight finish that lasts up to 8 hours.
- Opt for powder-based products such as the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, which sets makeup in place and controls oil without adding any extra weight to your skin.
- For blush, try cream-to-powder formulas such as the Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek, which blends seamlessly on the skin and provides a sheer, buildable color.
- Avoid using heavy cream-based concealers and instead opt for lightweight formulas such as the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, which offers natural-looking coverage without feeling heavy or cakey.
Note: It’s essential to choose a shade that complements your skin tone and apply it in moderation to avoid looking too overdone.
6. Waterproof Mascara for Summer
- Choose a waterproof mascara to prevent smudging and flaking due to sweat and humidity.
- Look for a mascara that is labeled “waterproof” or “water-resistant” to ensure long-lasting wear.
- Go for a mascara that has a lightweight formula that won’t weigh down your lashes or feel heavy on the eyes.
Here are some product suggestions for waterproof mascaras:
- Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
- L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
- Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara Waterproof
- Tarte Cosmetics Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara
- Lancome Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
7. Use Waterproof Eyeliner to Avoid Raccoon Eyes
- Apply the waterproof eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible, starting from the inner corner of the eye and working your way outwards. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this can cause the eyeliner to smudge.
- To prevent smudging, set the eyeliner with a matte black eyeshadow. Using an angled brush, gently pat the eyeshadow over the eyeliner, taking care not to blend or smudge it.
Choose a waterproof eyeliner that is smudge-proof and long-lasting to avoid any smudging or smearing. Some recommended products include:
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
- Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
- Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Pencil
8. Waterproof Eyebrow Tips for Summer
- Use an eyebrow brush or spoolie to comb your eyebrows into place.
- Use a waterproof eyebrow pencil or gel to fill in sparse areas or define the shape of your brows.
- Use short, feathery strokes to mimic the look of natural eyebrow hairs.
- Use an angled brush or spoolie to blend the product into your eyebrows for a natural look.
- Choose a waterproof eyebrow product that matches the color of your natural eyebrows.
Here are some products you can try:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade
- Maybelline New York TattooStudio Brow Gel
- Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil
- L’Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil
- NYX Professional Makeup Fill & Fluff Eyebrow Pomade Pencil.
9. Avoid Heavy Contouring
- Heavy contouring products can melt in the heat and make you look muddy. Opt for a natural and fresh look instead.
- Use a lightweight cream or powder bronzer to add warmth and dimension to your face.
- For a subtle contour, use a cool-toned matte blush to define your cheekbones.
Product Suggestions:
10. Use Cream-Based Blush or Bronzer
- Cream-based blush or bronzer provides a more natural and dewy finish that lasts longer in the summer heat.
- It blends better with the skin, making it look more seamless and less prone to streaking.
Some recommended cream-based blush and bronzer products include
Note: It’s essential to choose a shade that complements your skin tone and apply it in moderation to avoid looking too overdone.
11. Set Your Makeup for Summer with These Setting Sprays
- Setting sprays are an essential step in your summer makeup routine to lock in your look and keep it from melting off in the heat.
- Look for setting sprays that are lightweight and non-sticky, with ingredients that can help control oil and sweat.
- Overall, using a setting spray can help keep your makeup looking fresh and in place all day, no matter how hot it gets outside. Just give your face a few spritzes after you finish your makeup and you’ll be good to go!
Some great options include:
- Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
- NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray
- Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray
12. Use Blotting Papers and Mattifying Powders for Touch-Ups
During the day, it’s normal for the skin to produce oil and sweat, which can lead to a shiny complexion. To combat this, it’s essential to carry blotting papers or a mattifying powder with you to absorb excess oil and sweat and maintain a matte finish.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Blotting papers are a quick and easy way to absorb oil without disturbing your makeup. Simply press the paper onto your skin, focusing on areas where you tend to get the most oily.
- A mattifying powder is another option to keep on hand. Look for a powder that is specifically designed to absorb oil and control shine. You can use a powder puff or brush to apply the powder to your T-zone or other areas of your face that tend to get oily.
- If you prefer a more natural option, try using a sheet of tissue paper or even toilet paper to blot your skin.
Some recommended products to consider are:
- Boscia Clear Complexion Blotting Linens
- NYX Professional Makeup Matte Blotting Paper
- Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder
13. Avoid Touching Your Face
- Touching your face throughout the day can transfer oil and sweat onto your makeup, causing it to break down and wear off more quickly.
- Avoid touching your face as much as possible, and if you must, use a clean tissue or blotting paper to dab away any excess oil or sweat.
- Be mindful of rubbing your eyes or wiping your forehead, as this can smudge your makeup and cause it to look messy.
14. Protect Your Lips from Sun Damage with a Lip Balm
- Look for a lip balm or gloss with SPF 15 or higher to protect your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Reapply the lip balm or gloss with SPF every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Choose a moisturizing lip balm or gloss to keep your lips hydrated and smooth.
Some recommended products are:
- Burt’s Bees All-Weather Moisturizing Lip Balm with SPF 15
- Supergoop! PLAY Lip Shield SPF 30 with Mint
- Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm with SPF 20
- COOLA Mineral Liplux Organic Tinted Lip Balm with SPF 30
15. Use a gentle micellar water to remove makeup
- Micellar water is a gentle and effective way to remove makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
- Soak a cotton pad with micellar water and gently wipe it over your face to remove makeup and dirt.
- Look for micellar waters that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin or for removing waterproof makeup.
Product suggestions:
- Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water: This cult-favorite micellar water is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types and effectively removes makeup and impurities.
- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water: This affordable micellar water is great for removing everyday makeup and dirt without leaving any residue.
- La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra: This micellar water is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and effectively removes makeup, oil, and dirt without drying out the skin.
10+ Summer Makeup Looks For All Occasions
Final Thoughts
Summer makeup should be lightweight, sweat-proof, and long-lasting. To achieve a healthy summer glow, it’s important to prep your skin with a good skincare routine, use lightweight and oil-free products, and protect your skin from the sun.
When it comes to summer makeup, using a silicone-based primer, a mattifying foundation, and a cream-based blush or bronzer can help you achieve a natural, long-lasting look. Adding waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and eyebrow gel or pencil can help prevent smudging and keep your makeup in place throughout the day.
Using a setting spray and carrying blotting papers or a mattifying powder with you can help prevent melting and touch up your makeup. Finally, there are many summer makeup looks to choose from, whether you’re going to the beach or attending a wedding, so have fun and experiment with different colors and styles!
Share Your Thoughts and Experiences: The Ultimate Guide to Summer Makeup Must-Haves, Tips, and Looks. Have you tried any of the products or techniques mentioned in this article to achieve a sweat-proof summer look? We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of foundation is best for summer?
A lightweight, oil-free, and water-resistant foundation or tinted moisturizer is best for summer.
2. How can I prevent my makeup from melting off in the heat?
You can prevent your makeup from melting off by prepping your skin, using a primer, opting for long-wear and waterproof products, setting your makeup with a setting spray, and carrying blotting papers or a mattifying powder for touch-ups.
3. What are some sweat-proof makeup products for summer?
Some sweat-proof makeup products for summer include waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and brow products, cream-based blush and bronzer, and setting spray.
4. What’s the best way to prep my skin for summer makeup?
The best way to prep your skin for summer makeup is to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer, and use a silicone-based primer to control oil.
5. Are there any specific makeup looks that are best for summer?
Bright, bold, and colorful makeup looks are perfect for summer, as well as natural and dewy looks.
6. Should I use a separate sunscreen with my summer makeup?
It’s recommended to use a separate sunscreen with your summer makeup to ensure proper sun protection.
7. Can I still wear eye makeup in the summer without it smudging?
Yes, you can wear eye makeup in the summer without it smudging by using waterproof and long-wear products, applying primer, and setting with powder or setting spray.
8. How often should I touch up my makeup throughout the day in the summer?
You should touch up your makeup as needed throughout the day in the summer, especially in areas prone to oil and sweat.
9. What are some common mistakes to avoid when doing summer makeup?
Some common mistakes to avoid when doing summer makeup are using heavy cream-based products, skipping primer, using too much powder, and not properly setting your makeup.
10. Are there any specific makeup brushes or tools I should use for summer makeup?
It’s recommended to use synthetic brushes and sponges for summer makeup, as they are easier to clean and don’t hold onto bacteria as much as natural hair brushes. A fan brush is also useful for applying powder and avoiding cakey makeup.
