Here are some tips and tricks you can use when applying your makeup for the rest of the summer

Summer makeup looks are some of my favorites — they’re so nice and fresh. Here are some tips and tricks you can use when applying your makeup for the rest of the summer that will give you that glow and help it last!

The Look

First, prep your skin and apply an SPF. That’s important!

Next, the ultimate summer makeup look: glowy, sun-kissed, dewy skin, with a soft blush and a glossy lip.

You can add more glow by using a product before you apply foundation. Glow/bronzing drops are a great option for this that can also give your skin a more tanned look. Some great products: the Saie Glowy Super Gel or the more affordable L’Oréal Lumi Glotion. Both have a few different shades to choose from.

You can apply it directly onto the skin and rub it in like a moisturizer, but some find that this technique can end up leaving it patchy. If so, you can add a few drops into your moisturizer to help the product disperse evenly throughout your face.

Foundation

A sheerer coverage foundation or skin tint or tinted moisturizer will feel best in the summer for a lighter look, because you won’t feel like you have too much on your face. If you want to have a bit more coverage to cover acne or blemishes, consider spot concealing.

My favorite product for spot concealing is the NARS soft matte concealer. You only need to use a small amount on a brush for good coverage.

Some great sheer coverage foundations for summer are the ILIA Skin Tint and the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer. More affordable options that I’d recommend include the L’Oréal True Match Tinted Serum or the Colourpop Pretty Fresh Tinted Moisturizer.

Bronzer and Blush

For bronzer, you’ll want to work with something that’s easy to blend without getting too patchy. In summer, I love the Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Bronzer or the Milani Cheek Kiss Bronzer. Apply the bronzer anywhere where you would naturally tan, like your forehead, your cheeks, and a bit on your nose.

Blush is easily my favorite makeup product of all time! For summer, I love a pretty pink pop on the cheeks, or any glowy blush that suits your skin tone. My favorite blush placement for the summer is the W blush placement, where you apply a light layer of blush from one cheek over the nose and then back across to the other cheek, making the shape of a W. It’ll help contour your face and give it a subtle glow.

Some good glowy blushes for summer are the Haus Labs Blush Balm Sticks, or the more affordable Pixi On-the-Glow blush.

If you like the look, you can also add some faux freckles on top of the blush and blend them out. They’re not for everyone, but they can make your makeup appear more natural.

Lip Tints

For a long-lasting summery lip, a lip tint will be your best friend.

Apply the lip tint on your lips, then apply your lip liner, as usual, with a pretty gloss or lip oil on top. The Benefit Benetint Lip Stain is a favorite, or the Essence What a Tint for an affordable option.

Lasting Power

The number one concern when it comes to summer makeup is getting it to last.

Before anything else, your skin must be properly prepped prior to applying any makeup. Even in the summer, you need to hydrate your skin in order to have the makeup last. A good gripping primer is very helpful, too.

Also, you’ll want to set all your makeup with a light layer of powder. Use a big, fluffy brush with a pressed setting powder to dust all over your face. Doing a light dusting will still allow the glow to shine through without looking greasy.

I like the Kosas Cloud Set Pressed Powder for this, as well as the Covergirl Clean Invisible Pressed Powder for a more affordable option. You can also carry the powder in your bag with a powder puff in case you need touch-ups throughout the day. Set all your cream bronzers and blushes with a light layer of the same kind of powder product on top.

Make sure to use a good setting spray and spray a few times after each layer.

Remember that every skin type is different — makeup will last differently on everyone.

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 955)