When it comes to summer makeup, I want my routine to be as easy as a barefoot sunset scroll down the beach, featuring a floaty sundress and the breeze tossing my hair (#wishiwasthererightnow). To be clear, I love makeup, and it’s undeniably fun to add some extra mascara, a little flick of a cateye and swipe on an extra bold lip for a special event.
But when it comes to the day-to-day or time spent outside doing my favorite summer things, I don’t necessarily want to be lazy about it – I just want to look glowy, put together and not like I spent an hour getting my face ready.
With the right products and a light hand, a natural dewy glow has never been so easy. In general, stick with well-prepped skin, sheer pigments and moisturizing formulas for the most natural finish. Follow these simple tips and tricks for a look that’s easy breezy.
What are your no-makeup makeup go-tos?
featured image by rumbatime
Exfoliate – Moisturize – Protect
As always, well prepped skin is key! It’s hard to fake a glow with dry dull skin. Start with a gentle exfoliation, then follow with a super hydrating moisturizer or face oil and finish with a bit of sunscreen. If you’re going to apply sunscreen, this is the optimal time, as it gives it time to soak into your skin without disturbing any makeup you’ve put on.
image via pop sugar
Dewy Coverage
Forgo all over foundation, the coverage tends to end up looking heavier than intended. Instead opt for a tinted foundation or a creamy concealer that you can place right where you need it. Or opt for just a dewy primer like the Becca Backlight Priming Filter for a simple fresh faced glow. Pro tip: use a small fluffy brush to apply concealer. The application ends up look way more natural and airbrushed than a traditional concealer brush! Of course, your finger always works well too and warms the makeup to your skin as you apply.
Add Some Color
Start with a light dusting of bronzer and a swirl of blush. To get the most natural flush, check out this post on the ins and outs of picking the right blush for you. Focus the brush on the apples of your cheeks and blend slightly up and out. Cream formulas tend to mimic skin the best by melting into the skin, leaving you looking fresh and hydrated. Another great thing about cream formulas is that they multitask! With whatever product is left on your hands or brush, add a touch to your forehead, eyelids or lips. If you do want to use a powder formula, just don’t go super matte, as you want the natural glow to show through.
Highlight
Always an important step in a truly dewy natural look, highlight with a subtle shimmer or pat a bit more face oil right above your cheek bones for the most natural glow. Be sure to hit any other high points of the face to add some light, including inner corners of the eyes, brow bone, end of nose, cupids bow and chin. As with all the steps, keep a light hand when applying! This ain’t the time for a disco-esque glow.
Define the Eyes
Last, add some definition to your eyes with a couple easy steps. Use a medium brown eyeshadow to swipe a subtle line along your upper lash line or use a liquid or gel liner to ink little dots between your lashes. This trick creates a fuller effect without having to layer on tons of mascara. Smooth and clean up your work with a cotton swab, then swipe on a light flick of mascara! Finish by brushing some eyebrow gel through your brows.
