Summer skin is all about looking fresh, glowy, breathable – basically like you just got back from the most relaxing beach weekend ever. Even if the closest you’ve been to sand is a local golf course or children’s park!
As you might have realized, I did not post last Saturday because I took some time off to take a girls’ trip to St. Maarten for my friend’s 50th birthday, which I wrote about pre-trip packing here if you missed it. I also posted a cute reel on my Instagram here if you’d like to see it. It was certainly a trip of a lifetime.
It goes without saying that when the temps rise during this summer season, heavy makeup looks can feel, and appear, a little out of place. Effortless summer skin is actually about choosing the right products that work with your skin, along with layering correctly. Utilizing sheer layers of certain products is a biggie in creating a long-lasting look.
I’m aiming for polished and perfected skin that looks like I just got off my private yacht, ya know??! Ha Ha!
Keep reading to see my exact steps and products for achieving this summer glow-up. I’ve even got a handful of brand new launches included that are must-sees…
Pre-makeup Steps – Clean, Exfoliated Skin
Pre-makeup steps – Clean, Exfoliated Skin: Urban Skin Rx Even tone cleansing bar 3 in 1 treatment, $16.
I know it goes without saying at this point, but I have to remind women that rough, unkempt bare skin will ruin ANY makeup look. Be sure before you attempt any of these steps below that your skin is clean and exfoliated. The above bar does both in one step so well – I’m on my third one.
1. Tinted Moisturizer + Skin Oil
tarte BB Blur tinted moisturizer with SPF 30, shade medium, $42 + Good Molecules Ultra hydrating facial oil, $10.
Start with a multitasking base. A tinted sunscreen like this tarte one, evens and literally blurs out the skin while protecting it from harmful UV rays—because nothing ruins a summer glow like a sunburn! I’ve recently stumbled upon this one, and I’m in LOVE with it- just check the reviews!
It’s comfy and lightweight on the skin, and it does seriously blur pores, it’s wild!
It has a naturally satin finish, but when my skin is feeling extra dry, I supercharge any foundation product by simply adding a skin oil to give me a dewier finish, mimicking that lit-from-within look. I apply a large squirt of the tarte and a couple drops of oil on the back of my hand like a palette, mix together with my finger, pat it onto my skin in dots, then use a buffing foundation brush, $15, to apply it with for the smoothest look.
2. Sheer Concealer
Revolution Skin Silk Under Eye Brightener + Concealer, $10. Shade “light peach.”
Always apply your concealer AFTER your tinted moisturizer or foundation, for the best outcome. Ditch the full-coverage, thick concealers, and try a lightweight, hydrating concealer that can cover dark circles without caking. If you’re terrified of heavier concealers, this is the answer to your prayers. It’s SO sheer, yet SO effective at brightening like it says, but does not look like makeup once buffed in.
I’m very impressed with this $10 dupe version of the Rare Beauty positive light under eye brightener, $24, that I used to love, but this one has an even better steel applicator.
3. Soft Focus Finishing Powder
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, $73. Shade “volume 1.”
I don’t think a lot of powder is necessary, but adding a thin layer of it is useful for setting that tinted moisturizer and concealer. I swoosh together all 3 shades in this palette and apply just in the T-zone area of my face. If you are mega oily skinned though, this won’t be your best bet. I’d go for a blotting powder like this Fenty Beauty Invisimatte powder, $38, but it will still give you that blurred, beautiful effect.
4. Liquid Blush
Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush, “Aragon,” $32.
I received a few shades of this Nars liquid blush before I left on my trip, and this chestnut brown shade, Aragon, I ended up basically wearing every day while we were in St. Maarten!
I swiped this warm chestnut shade high across my cheekbones, temples, and a bit on the bridge of my nose to fake that sun-kissed glow. The easy-to-apply sponge tip applicator and this non-streaky formula are wonderful. As for this specific shade, the words I would use to explain how it made me feel and look are “expensive” and “bronzed,” without needing a pink or peach, which are usually my go-to blush shades.
Always using this Rare Beauty soft pinch cream blush brush, $23, to apply my cream and liquid blushes best with.
5. Skin-Enhancing Highlighter (can double as eyeshadow touches!)
Dior Backstage Glow palette, $48. Shade 001 Universal.
A highlighter adds that final touch of summer skin radiance. I tap a bit on the tops of my cheekbones, the inner corners of my eyes, and then right into the center of my lids. It gives that angel eyes + skin effect without the shimmer overload.
This 4-shade palette will forever be my go-to highlighter choice. It’s an iconic Dior product, and I love using all 4 shades on my eyelids as well! I mixed the white and gold to use on my eyes here, and a bit of the pink just on top of the liquid blush.
6. Finishing Touches. Lip Liner + Max Gloss + Setting Spray
Smashbox Be Legendary line and prime liner, $24. Shade: “medium brown.” + Milk Makeup Balmade Hydrating lip gloss, $18. Shade: “Quench.” + Revolution Makeup Superfix Setting spray, $15.
Keeping with the warm nude brown vibe, this lip combo is a beautiful choice. This soft liner in medium brown is a very neutral but healthy lip choice. Make sure, once applied, to blur edges with your finger.
And the brand new Balmade glosses are about the most hydrating I’ve used because of their electrolyte-rich complex (magnesium, copper, zinc) that gives lasting hydration, while coconut and aloe extracts help soothe and condition lips. My shade “quench” here is the perfect partner to my chestnut blush shade too. All of the shades are very, very sheer, though, so don’t go buying these expecting opaque color for your summer skin.
Now remember to lock in all of these layers with a setting mist – and I like the Revolution one linked above because it gives a soft matte finish with the help of soothing aloe and vitamin E.
The Rest of My Look Details
A crisp white crochet or lace vest over a simple white tank is a chic summer vibe. I even wore this same vest over my swimsuit on my trip to St. Barts, as you can see in the above photo. So many options to get this look from Free People here, $68, Macy’s lace vest, $40, and Revolve pretty here $118. // Gold layered necklaces of all kinds is my fave. Similar waterproof Herringbone necklace here, $68, and charm necklaces from Anthropologie here, $65, and Revolve here $53. // My pale pink impress press-on nails in shade “brushed pale,” $8. They look like a $60 manicure! // Black lightweight split leg pants for a breezy beach vibe – similar ones here $35 and here $26 // My clear gold ring toe Target sandals on sale for $20
Stay radiant, my friends! How’s your summer going so far?
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