Summer makeup can be challenging. My clients often struggle with foundation that melts and eyeliner that smudges in hot, humid weather. Their frustration resonates with me as a professional makeup artist when carefully crafted looks vanish before lunch.
The summer of 2024 showcases exciting trends – dewy skin finishes, holographic effects, and the playful “doll blush” technique. Making these looks last becomes the real challenge. The secret lies in strategic application and breathable products, whether you prefer the no-makeup makeup trend or want to play with vibrant eyeliners and pastel eyeshadows.
My experience working in different weather conditions has helped me create 15 fresh summer makeup looks that stay in place. These styles blend current trends with proven techniques to suit every occasion – from casual brunches to elegant evenings. Let’s take a closer look at these summer-ready looks that will keep you glowing, not melting, throughout the day.
Glossy Lid Summer Look
I’ve worked with countless clients as a makeup artist and noticed glossy lids becoming a huge trend, particularly in summer looks. Their appeal comes from an editorial finish that looks effortless yet sophisticated.
Eye Product Selection
A high-quality eye primer sets the foundation to achieve perfect glossy lids. Your everyday concealer works great as a base instead of buying specialized products. Pick eyeshadows with metallic or shimmer finishes that enhance the glossy effect. Bright and deep colors create better results than pastels, which tend to lose intensity under gloss.
Application Steps
Prime your eyelids really well to create a smooth canvas. Put a nude eyeshadow that matches your lid color into the crease. Pack on your chosen eyeshadow shade with patting motions instead of sweeping strokes – this gives maximum color payoff.
Specialized eye gloss creates better results than lip products. Just pat a pea-sized amount of gloss gently onto the lid. Here’s a vital tip from my experience: keep the gloss away from your lash line so it doesn’t migrate.
Face Base Tips
Success with glossy lids in summer depends on proper face base preparation. Eye hydration makes a huge difference – put on eye cream about an hour before makeup. A lightweight face base balances out the statement eye look nicely.
My clients’ looks turn out best with glossy lids paired with fresh, glowing skin. Notwithstanding that, this look has an editorial nature and needs occasional touch-ups. A blending brush in your bag helps with quick fixes throughout the day.
Use a dedicated eye makeup remover instead of regular cleanser at the time of removal. This gives a gentle yet complete removal without harsh rubbing that might irritate your delicate eye area.
Here’s a pro tip I learned: newcomers to glossy lids should start with clear eye gloss over neutral shadow before trying bold colors. It also helps to skip mascara during daytime wear since it might create unwanted speckling when mixed with gloss.
Sunkissed Minimal Beauty
My experience with countless clients in my Los Angeles studio has taught me that you don’t need hours under harmful UV rays to get that sunkissed glow. The right products and proper application techniques will do the trick.
Bronzing Technique
A natural sun-kissed effect starts with picking a bronzer two shades darker than your natural skin tone. You’ll want to apply it where sunlight naturally hits your face. Start at your temples, sweep across your forehead into the hairline, then down your nose. A light dusting over the middle of your chin works well too.
My favorite technique is what I call the “backwards 3” motion. You start slightly above the temples, move to the cheekbones, and finish along the jawline. The most vital tip I give my clients is simple – blend until you think you’re done, and then blend some more.
Highlight Placement
Experience has shown me that smart highlight placement creates that summer radiance we all love. Your highlighter should go on specific spots: the tops of your cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and under the eyebrows. A little goes a long way here – just gently tap it onto these high points.
Natural Flush Tips
That “just-stepped-off-the-beach” look comes from combining blush with bronzer. Put your favorite blush on the apples of your cheeks, right above where you placed the bronzer. Remember to tap off excess powder before application – less is definitely more here.
Cream blush adds an extra dimension of warmth. It creates this beautiful dewy finish that makes the sunkissed effect look even better. A touch of blush on the nose bridge can work wonders – it mimics that natural flush from sun exposure.
Here’s a pro tip I’ve picked up: choose pinky shades that work with your bronzer. This combo gives you that warm, healthy glow that looks natural and never overdone.
Bright Pop of Color Look
Bright colors fascinate me because they can instantly change a simple makeup look into something extraordinary. My career as a makeup artist has taught me that you don’t need advanced skills to work with vibrant shades – just the right technique and products.
Color Selection
New makeup enthusiasts should start with a single bright shade. Yellow shadow for the inner corner or bright orange eyeliner work great as starting points. This season, pink has become a trending shade that works beautifully on eyes, cheeks, and lips.
Application Methods
Simple techniques make it easy to add color to your makeup. You can start by applying bright eyeliner from your lash line’s middle to the outer corner and wing it upward. Another option is to create a sideways ‘V’ with yellow shadow in your inner corner using a flat angled brush.
Here are my favorite ways to start with bright colors:
- Add a pop of color along the lower lash line
- Put a single bright shade on the lids
- Use colored eyeliner with minimal other makeup
- Brighten your inner corner with bold highlights
Face Base Balance
A balanced face makes bright eye makeup work better. A demi-matte foundation that stands up to summer heat works best. Your base makeup stays perfect when you use these professional techniques:
- Do your eye makeup before foundation
- Clean fallen pigments with micellar water
- Put loose setting powder under eyes during application
A vital tip I give my clients: neutral face makeup works best with vibrant eye colors. This creates balance and keeps the look from becoming too much. A white primer makes neon shades pop more vibrantly on your eyes.
Summer Evening Smokey Eye
My clients have always loved the smokey eye look throughout my career as a makeup artist. I specialize in creating versatile looks and have found that summer evenings need a lighter, more breathable take on this classic style.
Product Choices
A summer-friendly smokey eye needs three coordinating eyeshadow shades – dark, medium, and light tones. My professional kit always has matte and shimmer finishes to add dimension. Summer calls for softer browns or navy blues instead of traditional black. You’ll need waterproof formulas to prevent smudging when it gets humid.
Application Steps
Start with an eyeshadow primer or concealer on your lids. Take your darkest shade and run it along the lash line, then diffuse it upward into the crease with circular motions. The medium tone should go across the lid next. Keep buffing until the colors blend naturally.
Here’s my technique for creating a gradient effect:
- Put the lightest shade under the brow bone
- Blend the medium tone into the crease
- Pack the darkest shade along the lash line
Face Makeup Tips
Experience has taught me that a summer smokey eye needs the right face makeup choices. Prep your skin with a mattifying product and add concealer. The lip color should stay subtle – nude or brown shades work best with this dramatic eye look.
Powder eyeshadows help set cream products for camera-ready results. Summer smokey eyes look better when they’re softer than winter versions. A small blending brush in your bag helps with quick touch-ups during the evening.
Dewy Skin with Bold Lips
My experience creating red carpet looks has taught me that dewy skin paired with bold lips makes an effortlessly chic summer statement. This combination has become my signature style because it celebrates individual beauty and stays fresh in summer heat.
Lip Product Selection
Your skin’s undertone should guide your bold lip color choices. Bright orchid shades go together with most skin tones since they don’t lean too warm or cool. A universal red shade works beautifully in a variety of complexions.
Bold lip looks last longer with a lip liner that matches either your lipstick or your natural lip color. Start by outlining your lips, then fill them completely with the liner. This base helps your lipstick stay put through summer activities.
Skin Prep
Perfect dewy complexion needs proper skin preparation. A hydrating face primer creates an ideal canvas. Light skin tint works better than heavy foundation and lets your natural glow shine through.
That coveted dewy finish needs:
- A hydrating gel cream for oily or acne-prone skin
- A facial spray with rosewater and aloe vera to refresh throughout the day
- A mineral sunscreen that gives a natural, dewy glow
Balance Tips
Balance makes this look work perfectly. Bold lips pair best with minimal eye makeup – maybe even a soft wash of shimmer shadow or a classic cat eye. Your cheeks need extra blush that aligns with the lip intensity, keeping both in the same color family – warm or cool.
The look stays fresh all day if you press loose setting powder along your lip edges with a concealer brush. This stops bleeding while keeping the dewy skin finish intact. A facial mist in your bag helps with quick touch-ups to maintain that fresh, luminous complexion.
Beach-Ready Natural Glow
My experience with creating beach-ready looks spans many years, and I’ve become skilled at applying waterproof makeup that holds up against sun, surf, and sand. My clients frequently ask me about getting that perfect natural glow while their makeup stays intact during beach activities.
Waterproof Products
A beach-ready look starts with proper sun protection. My top recommendation includes applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 under makeup. Tinted sunscreens or moisturizers with SPF work better than heavy foundations for complexion products.
Waterproof mascara and eyeliner are absolute must-haves for eye makeup. Dark or colorful eyeshadows should be avoided – stick to colors that match your natural skin tones. Lash extensions or a lash lift with tint might work better for worry-free water activities.
Application Guide
The application technique makes all the difference in how long your beach makeup lasts. Pat (never rub) your foundation to achieve sheer coverage that blends naturally with existing makeup. Your sun-kissed effect comes from bronzer applied to temples and along cheekbones.
Threading or waterproof brow gel works better than traditional pencils. This gives you natural definition that stays put during swimming. Tinted lip moisturizers with SPF should replace traditional lipsticks.
Setting Methods
These setting techniques will help maintain your beach glow throughout the day:
- Blotting papers manage sweat and water droplets without disturbing makeup
- A refreshing facial spray with rose water or aloe provides periodic hydration
- Setting powder works best when applied strategically along areas prone to makeup movement
A pro tip I share with clients: pack a small touch-up kit with blotting papers, facial mist, and your tinted lip product. Powder sunscreen makes reapplication over makeup easy – it won’t mess up your carefully crafted look.
Beach makeup should boost your natural beauty while protecting you from the elements. The right product selection and application techniques will give you a fresh-faced glow that lasts through all your beach activities.
Fresh Summer Pastels
Pastels have a special place in my makeup artistry. My work at prestigious fashion shows and editorial shoots has taught me that these gentle hues create ethereal summer looks with the right application.
Color Selection
Light Summer palette needs careful color selection. Cool-toned pastels with a balance of muted and gentle brightness work best. Soft blues, gentle pinks, and muted greens naturally complement light features. My eye makeup choices usually include neutral shades like creams, taupes, and soft grays. I sometimes add accents with muted purples or blues.
Application Techniques
The right application method helps you become skilled at pastel makeup. A white primer makes pastel shades appear more vibrant. My years of experience show that sheer finishes work best with pastels.
Here’s how to achieve a natural pastel look:
- Start with lightweight, liquid foundation
- Apply pastels with gentle, building motions
- Blend edges well to create a watercolor effect
- Create soft transitions between colors
Face Base Tips
Good skin preparation sets the foundation for a successful pastel look. My professional experience shows that lightweight, liquid foundations with cool or neutral undertones create an ideal canvas. We used matte finishes since dewy ones can clash with the muted pastel esthetic.
Strategic powder placement helps maintain a natural finish without looking too matte. Pastels shine best with minimal makeup.
Cool pinks and soft corals work great for blush. Stay away from bright or orange-based options. The look should be gentle and delicate to boost natural features without overwhelming them. Matte finishes create a truly sophisticated summer appearance.
Sweat-Proof Matte Look
My specialty as a professional makeup artist in Los Angeles is creating sweat-proof matte looks. We worked with clients in intense outdoor shoots, and this experience taught me the secrets of lasting matte makeup. The right product selection and application techniques are the foundations of a flawless finish.
Product Selection
A bulletproof base starts with a lightweight moisturizer and a mattifying primer. Tatcha’s primer works wonders to smooth texture and support the skin barrier. Mature skin needs an oil-free Lancôme primer that mattifies without causing dehydration.
Your foundation choice can make or break a matte look. Estée Lauder’s matte foundation gives excellent oil control and stands up to sweat, humidity, and water. M.A.C’s concealer formula keeps skin “perfect and polished” without the heavy look.
Application Steps
Layer your products in sheer coats and let each one set completely. Apply primer and give it 30 seconds to dry. Pat your foundation instead of rubbing it in. Start with tiny dots of concealer and build up gradually.
“Baking” is a technique I’ve mastered over time. Apply translucent powder generously over foundation and concealer, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This method keeps your makeup crease-free and transfer-resistant all day.
Setting Methods
Urban Decay’s All Nighter Spray has proven itself exceptional at keeping makeup intact in intense conditions. Here’s my unique approach to extra staying power:
- Apply setting powder with a damp powder puff
- Press gently into skin, focus on oily areas
- Allow to set for 2-3 minutes
- Dust off excess with a fluffy brush
Laura Mercier’s setting powder works magic on oily and sensitive skin – something I learned from countless fashion shows. Keep blotting papers handy to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup throughout the day.
Quick Brunch Beauty
My signature style evolved from countless mornings creating quick looks for clients headed to social gatherings. Years of working with a variety of skin types helped me develop reliable techniques that deliver polished results quickly.
Essential Products
A quick brunch look begins with a tinted moisturizer or BB cream that you can apply with your fingertips. Dark circles need a peach-colored concealer with a full-coverage waterproof formula on top. We focused on products that serve multiple purposes – like tinted gel creams that cover and hydrate your skin at once.
Time-saving Tips
My professional method highlights one feature while keeping everything else simple. To cite an instance, a bold lip look pairs well with minimal eye makeup and a soft shimmer. Another option lets you perfect your skin and add just a touch of mascara.
The quickest way to apply makeup:
- Blend foundation with fingers in sheer layers
- Pick cream products that blend easily
- Keep eye looks simple with curled lashes
- Choose multi-purpose products whenever possible
Touch-up Guide
Over the last several years, I found that brunch makeup needs smart touch-ups. Blotting papers help absorb excess oil without messing up your base. A stick blush works great for quick color refreshes.
Facial mist makes an excellent midday pick-me-up. Your lipstick stays perfect longer when you use a straw while drinking. Concealer touch-ups should focus just on under-eye areas instead of your whole face.
Here’s a pro tip: pack a small touch-up kit with blotting sheets, facial mist, and your favorite lip product. Fresh-looking makeup at your brunch gathering doesn’t need constant attention.
Summer Wedding Guest Look
My journey as a makeup artist has taught me that creating perfect wedding guest makeup is both challenging and rewarding. Years of working at bridal events have helped me develop techniques that make guests look amazing in person and in photos.
Product Selection
Summer weddings call for a lightweight foundation or skin tint that gives natural coverage. My years of experience have shown that products with titanium dioxide, iron oxide, or zinc oxide should be avoided since they can create unwanted flash reflection in photos.
Matte formulas work better than shimmery ones for eye makeup. We used waterproof mascara and eyeliner to handle emotional moments and dancing. Neutral eyeshadows also photograph well and won’t look dated in the future.
Application Steps
A mattifying primer creates a smooth canvas and controls shine throughout the celebration. Let the primer sit for 30 seconds before applying foundation. You should then use concealer only where extra coverage is needed.
To achieve a sophisticated finish:
- Pat the foundation gently when applying
- Put on cream products before setting with powder
- Choose cool-toned contour to define features naturally
- Lock everything with a professional-grade setting spray
Photography Tips
Learning how makeup shows up in photos is a vital part of my career. Skip foundations with SPF because they can leave a white cast in flash photography. Powder eyeshadows work better than creams since they don’t crease during long celebrations.
I’ve become skilled at strategic powder placement – focusing on the T-zone and under-eye area keeps shine away in photos. Wedding photos will be treasured for generations, so classic colors work better than trendy ones.
A small powder compact and blotting papers are great for touch-ups during the event. These simple tools help keep your look fresh and photo-ready without messing up your carefully applied makeup.
Tropical Vacation Glam
Makeup in tropical destinations comes with its own set of challenges. I found that there was a unique set of requirements while working with destination wedding clients. Heat and humidity together create conditions that need smart product choices and specific application methods.
Climate-appropriate Products
My experience shows that a minimal approach works best in tropical settings. Start with a facial tanner to match your face with your body. This eliminates the need to use heavy foundation. CC cream or tinted moisturizer with SPF 50 make great base makeup choices. These give you coverage and extra sun protection.
Waterproof formulations become crucial for eye makeup. My countless tropical shoots prove that Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara stays perfect even in extreme weather. On top of that, cream or liquid blush works better than powder in humid weather.
Application Guide
Good skin prep sets the foundation for your tropical makeup routine. A full body exfoliation comes first. Layer your products in this order:
- Sunscreen as your base layer
- Light tinted moisturizer next
- Cream products for color
- Translucent powder on specific areas
My tested technique uses airbrush primers to create an even application that handles tropical conditions. Cheek stains work better than powder blush since sweat won’t make them disappear.
Touch-up Kit
Years of experience helped me create the ideal tropical touch-up kit. You’ll need:
- Blotting papers to control oil
- Refreshing rosewater facial mist
- Waterproof concealer for quick fixes
- Small translucent powder to set makeup
Micellar water is my go-to for makeup removal – it tackles even stubborn waterproof products. Staying hydrated matters most. Drink plenty of water and use facial mists throughout the day.
Here’s a pro tip for my tropical destination clients: Keep a dusting powder with sunscreen handy. Quick touch-ups along your hairline and part prevent product buildup.
Everyday Summer Essentials
My summer essentials journey has grown through countless photoshoots under LA’s brutal heat. I’ve mastered looks that can handle these intense conditions and put together a list of products and techniques that really work.
Product List
Great summer makeup starts with the right skin prep. MAC Prep + Prime Fix works wonders as your first step. It gives you that needed hydration and makes your makeup last. ILIA Super Serum Tint with SPF 40 is my go-to for complexion – it protects your skin and gives just the right coverage.
MAC Glow Play Cream Blush creates this beautiful glow that stays put. On top of that, Benefit Hoola Bronzer adds the perfect warmth and contour where sun naturally hits your face. Your brows need to stay defined through summer activities, and ICONIC London Sculpt & Boost Eyebrow Cushion has amazing waterproof staying power.
Application Steps
Clean your face really well and apply moisturizer. Let it sink in for five minutes, then blot any extra product with a tissue. A quick 30-second wait after primer helps before you move on to base makeup.
Layer your products this way to get the best results:
- Start with tinted moisturizer or BB cream
- Spot-conceal where you need it
- Put on cream products before powder
- Lock it all in with a pro-grade setting spray
Maintenance Tips
Blotting papers are your best friend to tackle oil without messing up your makeup. A facial mist with rosewater and aloe vera helps refresh your look. The focus should be on keeping your skin hydrated while managing shine in key spots.
I found that using setting spray before mascara stops any smudging. A small touch-up kit with blotting sheets, powder sunscreen, and your favorite lip product helps you stay fresh all day.
Sunset-Inspired Eyes
I made sunset-inspired eye makeup my signature look after finding its magic during a beachside photoshoot. My client sessions helped me perfect this look that captures dusk’s warmth and vibrancy.
Color Selection
The perfect sunset eyes need warm, vibrant eyeshadow shades that match nature’s colors. My makeup kit has oranges, pinks, reds, and golds. We mix shimmer and matte finishes – shimmer makes the lid and inner corner glow while mattes shape the crease beautifully.
Blending Guide
A flawless sunset eye depends on smart color placement. Start with a light eyeshadow base to make colors pop. Layer a bright yellow or gold shade on your eyelid. Blend a warm orange into your crease to create that smooth gradient effect.
For professional results:
- Put darker shades in the outer corner for depth
- Use clean blending brushes between colors
- Make smooth transitions between shades
Face Balance Tips
Your lips and cheeks should stay subtle to keep your look balanced. Peachy-pink blush works great with warm eye tones. Your eyelids need good priming – this will keep your artwork fresh during summer activities.
My favorite trick uses purple or wine-colored shadow in the crease and outer corner. This adds drama without going overboard. A touch of highlighter under your brow arch and inner corner creates that perfect summer sparkle.
Years of practice taught me that waterproof eyeliner makes sunset eyes stand out. Black works great, but metallic liners add an unexpected pop. A coat of waterproof mascara will keep your lashes curled even in summer humidity.
Humidity-Proof Elegance
My life in Georgia’s intense humidity taught me a lot about creating elegant makeup looks that can handle moisture. Years of working with clients in high humidity have helped me develop techniques that keep makeup fresh even in the toughest conditions.
Product Selection
The right product choices are the foundations of humidity-resistant makeup. Matte formulations work better than creamy or glossy products when it’s humid. You’ll get the best results by using a mattifying toner before starting your skincare routine. My testing shows that cream-based products blend naturally into the skin and don’t cake up when you sweat.
Application Methods
The key to humidity-proof makeup is smart layering. Start with a really good face cleanse to get rid of oils. Put on a light moisturizer and let it sink in for at least 10 minutes. This waiting time substantially cuts down on makeup slipping later in the day.
Less foundation is better. Thin layers work best since thick application can make your makeup break down in humidity. I’ve become skilled at using gel-based products that go on smooth and set firmly.
Setting Techniques
My years as a makeup artist have shown that the right setting techniques make a huge difference in humid weather. Start by using blotting papers to soak up extra moisture without messing up your makeup. For makeup that lasts, put setting powder on areas where oil tends to show up.
A technique that works great is using a pointed dome brush to stipple setting powder around your nose where redness often shows up. On top of that, it helps to keep a humidity-specific setting spray in your makeup bag – think of it as hairspray for your face.
Years of client work have taught me that humidity-proof makeup needs quick fixes throughout the day. Keep blotting papers ready to absorb oil without ruining your careful work. Note that you don’t need to get rid of all shine – just aim for a balanced, elegant look that lasts all day.
Light Summer Evening Look
My years of creating evening looks for summer events have shown that light makeup can make a powerful statement. Moving from Georgia to Los Angeles taught me that summer evenings need a delicate balance between glamor and wearability.
Product Choices
Evening events work best with a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid. We opted for silicone-based primers for oily skin, while primers with hyaluronic acid work better for dry complexions. Client sessions have proven that peach-pink eyeshadows create perfect evening dimension.
Application Steps
Start with a quality moisturizer and let it absorb completely. Apply your chosen primer and wait exactly 3 minutes before adding foundation. The eye makeup should include a peach-pink eyeshadow swept from lid to crease to create subtle dimension.
I developed a technique for strategic blush placement. Complete your eye and lip makeup first to gage proper blush intensity. Evening lighting allows you to add extra dots of liquid blush – slightly bolder than daytime looks.
Setting Methods
Professional experience shows that proper setting techniques are crucial for evening makeup longevity. Use translucent powder along your T-zone and under-eye area. A lightweight setting spray combines liquid, cream, and powder products naturally.
Your makeup stays fresh throughout the evening when you:
- Mist your face with setting spray before mascara application
- Apply powder only where needed
- Keep blotting papers handy for touch-ups
A crucial tip for clients: skip foundations with SPF for evening events – they create unwanted flash reflection in photos. Cream products blend naturally in evening lighting compared to powder formulations. Pack a small touch-up kit with blotting papers and your lip product for quick fixes during the evening.
Conclusion
My experience creating summer-ready looks in humid Georgia and sunny Los Angeles has taught me that beautiful summer makeup depends on smart product choices and application techniques. Clients tell me these looks have boosted their confidence during beach days, outdoor weddings, and casual brunches.
Summer makeup just needs the right balance. You want lightweight products that make an impact, setting techniques that work in heat, and colors that look great with sun-kissed skin. The looks we explored give you chances to experiment – from glossy lids catching the light to humidity-proof bases staying fresh all day.
Professional experience shows that great summer makeup begins with proper skin prep and ends with smart setting methods. Waterproof formulas, cream-based products, and setting sprays will be your best friends against summer elements. A simple touch-up kit works best – blotting papers, a small powder compact, and your favorite lip product can handle most situations perfectly.
Summer makeup should boost your natural beauty and feel comfortable on your skin. These looks are here to inspire you – adapt them to your style and needs. Listen to your instincts, try different techniques, and enjoy creating fresh, radiant looks that show off your unique features.