Summer Makeup Must Haves
Summer makeup is the best in my opinion. This is my current edit of everything I'm reaching for this summer, whether I'm doing my own makeup or building a look on a client. Enjoy!
Skin & Base
I always say: get the skin right and everything else falls into place. Here are my picks depending on how much coverage you want and what kind of finish you're going for.
Merit Great Skin Glow Serum If you want that super hydrated skin look, this is your starting point. Think skincare (versus makeup) - it gives the skin a beautiful, healthy glow without any heavy feeling.
Rhode Highlight Milk Luminizer This is one of my most-anticipated launches of the summer. Think the iconic Glazing Milk, but with a touch of bronze-colored luminosity - it gives a milky radiance that enhances bare skin beautifully. I wear shade 03.
YISE Beauty Skin Glow SPF 30 A subtle tint, SPF 30, and primer all in one - and it genuinely delivers on all three. Perfect for low-effort summer days when you want something on your skin but don't want to think too hard about it.
Ciele Skin Serum Foundation SPF 50 I kept seeing this all over social media and finally tried it - and wow. It delivers real coverage while somehow feeling completely weightless on the skin. It's become one of my new go-to recommendations for clients who want a skin tint that actually does something. I wear shade 05 Medium.
Lancôme Teint Idole Shape Stick Blurring Foundation For a long-wearing, natural finish that's easy to apply on the go, this new stick foundation is a great option. Blurs the skin beautifully without looking heavy or overdone. I wear shade 320 Bisque W.
YSL Beauty Skin Affair Soft Glow Cushion Foundation Medium coverage, a flawless finish, and it lasts all day - but still feels weightless. Cushion foundations are underrated for summer because the formula and application method keep things from looking too heavy in the heat. I wear shade MW1.
Bronzer & Blush
Summer is peak bronzer and blush season. Here's what I'm using to add warmth and color without anything looking overdone.
Rhode Pocket Bronze Cream Bronzer Easy to use, long-wearing, and the pigment is genuinely impressive. Cream bronzers can be tricky in summer, but this one blends effortlessly and doesn't budge once it's set. I wear shade Sunbed.
L'Oréal Lumi Bronze Le Stick Soleil Cream Bronzer The drugstore pick that is genuinely earning its place next to the prestige options. It has a cream-to-powder formula that glides on smoothly, melts into the skin, and sets to a natural, luminous finish - not glittery, not heavy, just a believable sun-kissed glow. Great for beginners and a fantastic option if you want a cream bronzer without the price tag.
Armani Dolci Blush If you love a blush moment but don't want anything too glowy or dewy, this is the one. It has a hybrid cream-to-powder finish that melts into the skin and looks incredibly natural. My favorite shade is 1 Rose Blush.
Kosas Impressionist Multistick A cream blush stick that doubles as a lip color - and genuinely delivers on both. The pigment is buildable, the formula melts into the skin for a flushed-from-within finish, and it lasts all day without feeling sticky or cakey. Seven shades ranging from soft neutrals to vibrant pinks, so there's truly something for everyone. The perfect throw-it-in-your-bag summer product.
Eyes & Brows
Summer eyes should be easy. Here's my approach: one great product for the lid, plus a mascara of your choice, and that’s really all you need.
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Eyeshadow Stick This is genuinely one of the best one-and-done eye products I've used. The formula is creamy and easy to apply and blend, but then it dries down completely waterproof and long-wearing - perfect for summer. My favorite shades are Satin Diamonds, Oyster Twilight, and Amber Haze.
Rare Beauty Tinted Brow Gel You already know I love the Rare Beauty clear brow gel - this is the tinted version, and it's just as good. It gives lift, hold, and a very subtle hint of color. Not overpowering at all - just polished.
Copini Beauty Faux Freckle Pen This one is just fun. A micro-tip pen for natural-looking faux freckles that you can place exactly where you want them. If you've been curious about trying freckles, this is the easiest and most precise way to do it.
Lips & Setting
Summer lips for me are all about hydration and wearability. Here are three options depending on your vibe.
Merit Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner A creamy, non-drying liner that looks incredibly soft on the lips - more of a sheer wash of color than a traditional liner. Great for an effortless, your-lips-but-better look. My favorite shade is Bespoke.
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Extreme Smudge-Proof Lip Liner On the other end of the spectrum - very pigmented, very blendable, and it genuinely does not transfer. If you want your lip color to actually last through summer heat, drinks, and eating, start with this. My favorite shade is Anywhere Caffeine.
Hourglass Phantom Glossy Lip Balm A hydrating lip balm that gives a surprising amount of color payoff. The perfect summer lip product - it feels like skincare but looks like makeup. My favorite shade is Crave.
One/Size On Til Dawn Setting Spray with SPF 28 A setting spray that also has SPF - yes, really. This is in my kit all summer long. It keeps makeup in place, adds a little extra sun protection, and gives the skin a beautiful, not-overly-matte finish.
