Summer Makeup Staples

When the summer heat hits, less is always more. Lightweight layers, fresh skin, and products that stay put are the key to looking and feeling your best. Here are my go-to summer makeup staples that I reach for again and again – perfect for any summer look, whether you're heading to the beach or out for dinner on a warm night. They are all saved here.

Staple #1: Hydrating Skin Tint
The base of your summer makeup should feel like nothing on your skin. Choose something breathable that offers a hint of coverage while keeping you hydrated. Whether you go for a skin tint, tinted moisturizer, tinted SPF, or a glow booster – the goal is lightweight and non-sticky.

My favorites include:

• Hourglass Veil

• Hourglass Illusion

• Milk Hydro Grip

• Kosas DreamBeam

• L’Oreal Lumi Glotion

• L’Oreal True Match Nude Tinted Serum

Staple #2: Something Bronzy
Bronzer adds warmth, glow, and a bit of dimension – exactly what summer skin needs. I recommend reaching for a liquid or cream formula, whether you love a dewy finish or something more matte.

My favorites include:

• Makeup By Mario Bronzing Serum

• Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Skin Enhancer

• Saie Glowy Super Gel

• Westman Atelier Bronzing Drops

• Elf Bronzing Drops

Staple #3: Lightweight Concealer
Skip the full coverage concealer during the summer. A light, radiant formula will keep your under eyes fresh and your makeup from looking heavy.

My favorites include:

• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Concealer

• YSL Concealer Click Pen

• Tower 28 Serum Concealer

• Armani Luminous Silk Concealer

Staple #4: A Fun Cream or Liquid Blush
Summer is the time to experiment with color. Cream and liquid blushes not only last through the heat – they also give a fresh, natural finish.

My favorites include:

• Patrick Ta Creme & Powder Blush Duo

• Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush

• Makeup By Mario Cream Blush Veil

• Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Staple #5: Powder to Make It Last
A setting powder is a must for summer longevity. Choose something finely milled that blurs pores without feeling heavy.

My favorites include:

• Huda Beauty Loose Powder

• Charlotte Tilbury Pressed Powder

• Kosas Loose Powder

• L’Oreal Loose Powder

Staple #6: A Brown Mascara
For softer summer eyes, swap your black mascara for a brown one. It gives definition without looking too harsh – and it suits every eye and hair color.

My favorites include:

• Tower 28 Make Waves Mascara

• YSL Lash Clash Mascara

• L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara

Staple #7: Glossy, Hydrated Lips
Think juicy lips without the sticky feel. High-shine glosses that hydrate are a summer essential.

My favorites include:

• Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

• Makeup By Mario Lip Gloss

• Hourglass Glossy Lip Balm

• Maybelline Lifter Gloss

Staple #8: Setting Spray to Lock It In
Don’t skip the setting spray in summer – it’s your insurance policy against melting makeup. Whether you want a flexible or firm hold, there’s a formula for you.

My favorites include:

• One/Size

• Charlotte Tilbury

• L’Oreal

If you’re looking to refresh your makeup bag for the season, start with these staples. They’ll help you beat the heat, stay fresh, and still feel like yourself.

xo, Caitlyn