Sephora
Glow Up Your Summer Makeup Routine

Glow Up Your Summer Makeup Routine

This summer, we’re giving our makeup routines a glow up. We’re talking dewy skin with a healthy, peachy glow, or a natural flush with pops of colour that last. In the hot weather, we want to feel light, fresh, and free – and so does our makeup. Say goodbye to thick layers of foundation and hello to a curated routine of lightweight makeup must-haves. We have just the products and application techniques for you to create a quick, easy, and go-to summer makeup routine. So, get ready to join us step by step on our summer glow makeup journey.

How to wear makeup in the summer

In the heat and humidity, it’s best to keep your makeup light for summer. A full face of makeup can feel heavy and even slide in the sun, causing you to feel hot and sticky. Instead of a full coverage foundation, opt for a skin tint, BB cream or tinted moisturiser that will allow your skin to breathe.

When wearing the right products, your skin type comes into play. A summer makeup routine for oily and combination skin will need oil-free, water-based, or gel products to help control shine and secure makeup all day. Lock moisture into dry skin with hydrating formulas and nourishing ingredients like Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ceramides. For sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic products will keep irritation or breakouts at bay.

Our biggest summer makeup tip? Sunscreen. Applying SPF before makeup application is an essential step in your daily routine – and not just for summer holiday makeup. Finish your look with a setting spray and you’re all set for the summer season.

By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 04 April 2024

ILIA

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30

ILIA

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30 30ml

£42.00

Step 2: Tint

Achieving a lightweight and long-lasting base lays the foundation for the rest of your summer makeup look. Opting for liquid products with a lighter texture, like ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint, will avoid you caking in the heat. The added benefits of mineral SPF 30 will protect your skin from the harsh summer sun. Clean and safe for sensitive skin, this tinted serum will initially appear lighter in shade to help guide you in applying SPF. After 30-60 seconds, it will dry down to its true tone. With 30 flexible shades to choose from, dewy coverage for multiple skin tones has never been easier.
RARE BEAUTY

Positive Light Under Eye Brightener

Rare Beauty

RARE BEAUTY Positive Light Under Eye Brightener 4ml

£24.00

Step 3: Brighten

Under-eyes as radiant as the sun? Yes please. This super lightweight liquid by Rare Beauty will instantly brighten, hydrate, and awaken your under-eyes. For fresh summer eye makeup, use Positive Light Under Eye Brightener on bare skin, or layer over concealer for sheer to medium coverage. For maximum soothing and cooling, apply 2-4 dots to your under-eye area, gently glide the metal cool-tip applicator across under-eyes, then tap to blend using your fingertip or brush. Pair with Positive Light Liquid Highlighter as a natural highlight – think subtle brightness and glowy summer skin.
KOSAS

Air Brow Tinted Volumizing Treatment Gel

Kosas

Air Brow Tinted Volumizing Treatment Gel 3.7g

£20.00

Step 7: Fluff and fill

Frame your face with well-defined brows using none other than KOSAS’ Air Brow Tinted Volumizing Treatment Gel. With ten shades to choose from, pick one that matches your hair colour for high-payoff pigment in just a few swipes. Using light strokes to mimic the natural hair growth pattern, this clean, tinted moussey-gel will give you airy, feathery brows. Just the right amount of volume, tint, softness, and flexible hold. Create effortless-looking brows every summer’s day, finished with a slight sheen for dimension.
Lancôme

Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara

Lancôme

Lash Idôle - Waterproof Mascara 01 Glossy Black Waterproof 8.0 ml

£22.40

Step 10: Define

Switching your normal mascara to waterproof mascara in your summer routine is a must. This water-resistant formula will avoid smudging in the heat and keep your lashes lifted even when sweating or swimming. Waterproof wear for up to 24 hours, fanned out volume, a feather-light feel and no clumps. The list goes on. This game-changing mascara hits all your lash goals. To create even more of a wide-eyed, awake appearance, curl your lashes before applying mascara. It truly is an eye-opener.