The Ultimate Glowy Summer Makeup Routine
A Friendly Beginner’s Guide to the Glowy Look
Courtesy: @BreeColter/Instagram
Most people's makeup routines change with the seasons. As the weather gets hotter, it’s natural to swap your matte, full-coverage looks for dewy, sun-friendly, sweat-proof lighter coverage. Dewy makeup gives you the glow you desire while keeping you hydrated and often works better with sunscreen than matte makeup. Also known as the “Clean Girl Aesthetic” or “no-makeup makeup,” glowy looks can provide the “your skin but better” appearance you’re after.
How to Achieve a Dewy, Bronzed Look
1. Prep Your Skin
Keeping your skin moisturized is the most important part of a makeup routine. It sets the tone for the rest of the look and serves as your base. Affordable, lightweight moisturizers like CeraVe Ultra-Light Face Lotion Moisturizer with Sunscreen can protect from sun damage while giving you a smooth base. After moisturizing, the next step is primer. Primer is optional and can be tailored to different goals. For example, Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer smooths your pores for a blurring effect. At the same time, Elf’s Power Grip Primer helps products adhere to the skin better, minimizing separation.
2. Apply Foundation and Concealer
After prepping the skin, it's time to add coverage. Foundation and concealer balance the skin tone and cover blemishes, but either can be used alone, especially for dewy makeup. For a foundation with both glow and coverage, try Elf’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter Highlighter. This product can also be used under a more full-coverage foundation for a “glow from within” look. If you prefer a matte base, use the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation. Apply foundation all over the face and neck, using a brush or beauty blender based on preference. Once your foundation is set, go in with concealer to brighten and spot-correct blemishes. Concealer is usually applied to the inner and outer corners of the eyes, chin, temple, and nose, then blended upward. I recommend L.A. Girl’s Pro Conceal HD Concealer as an affordable and effective option for a beginner's kit.
3. Add Bronzer/Contour + Highlight
Bronzer and contour add depth to the face and enhance sharp lines. They can also be used in place of eyeshadow. Highlight brings back brightness and dew lost during the foundation/concealer process. Apply bronzer and contour according to your face shape, typically on the top of the cheekbones, tip of the nose, and hairline to add warmth. For a beginner-friendly contour palette, I recommend Elf’s Cream Contour Palette, which offers a variety of shades to find the perfect color for your skin tone and blends beautifully. Apply highlight to the top of the cheekbones and nose in small amounts to create that dewy look in the sun. Tap it into the skin for a more natural finish. Elf’s Halo Glow Highlighter comes in three shades to complement different skin tones and is easy to blend.
4. Go In With Blush and Powder
Blush and powder are optional products that bring color back to the skin. Blush comes in both liquid and powder forms, making it a staple in many routines. Apply it to the apples of the cheeks or drag it upward towards the outer corner of the eye and eyebrow using a brush. Elf’s Halo Glow Blush is a glittery option that reflects in the sun, but for a non-glitter alternative, try the Camo Liquid Blush, which is high coverage—you’ll only need a dot. Apply powder to the oily parts of the face for more control in a dewy look or all over to achieve a matte look. Follow with a dewy setting spray, like Milani’s Make It Last, to lock in your makeup without taking away any glow or color.
5. Shine All Summer Long!
Finish with a lined lip and gloss, or a lip oil, and your dewy summer makeup is done! This routine is affordable but doesn't skimp on quality. With these products, you'll achieve a long-lasting, glowy full face that doesn’t feel cakey or heavy.