BEAUTY
10 TIPS FOR RADIANT SUMMER MAKEUP
By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 18 May 2026
Summer makeup needs to be three things: lightweight, sweat-proof (especially if your morning commute involves being trapped in a confined space) and glowy. Lucky for you, we've got the tools and the tips to ace your face. From how to achieve a natural-looking base to the products an expert makeup artist swears by (spoiler: it involves Sunday Riley), here's 10 tips to incorporate into your summer makeup routine.
Picture: Getty
Maya Jama is our glowy summer makeup muse.
#1: STAY HYDRATED
If you think summer means less skincare, we’re about to burst your bubble. Even if you have oily skin, the right hydrating serum can help to regulate oil production and prevent it from intensifying in warmer weather. Not got a hydration hero yet? Let us put you on to our current saviour: the Sunday Riley Tidal Hydration serum. It's formulated with five types of hyaluronic acid to refresh the skin all day.
#2: PRIME LIKE A PRO
After working in your sunscreen, your makeup needs something to grip to. That’s the role of primer. In summer, primer is especially important for oily skin, but all skin types can benefit. Pick a slightly tacky, mattifying primer – even better if it includes skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. If you’re not a fan of matte makeup, don’t worry – rather than muting your base, these primers control dewiness and prevent that greasy look. Apply a generous amount with your hands, and allow it a few seconds to dry down before proceeding.
#3: KEEP IT LIGHTWEIGHT
ASOS Makeup Artist Isabelle Wilson swears by 'less product, thinner layers and keeping everything lightweight'. That means putting down the full-coverage foundation and opting for low-maintenance skin tints instead. And always spot conceal once you have your base down already for a more natural finish. 'A light skin tint will maintain freshness ahead of applying spot concealer,' she says. 'I go back in with my foundation brush to make my spot concealing seamless.'
#4: CREAM FORMULAS FTW
Formulas and finishes have become major focuses in recent years. When it comes to the key ones to tap into, Isabelle says that 'cream products are my favourite because they have a naturally lighter finish'. That might sound counterintuitive, but cream products easily melt into the skin and, because they’re often more concentrated than their liquid and powder counterparts, a little goes a long way.
#5: GET GOOD AT POWDER
There’s a subtle art to powder. Isabelle uses ‘glow on the perimeter, control in the centre’ to guide her powder placement, resulting in a soft halo effect. And in summer, don’t assume that more powder = less shine. Too much powder can actually promote product and oil buildup, and simply slide off your face in hot weather. Instead, Isabelle ‘keeps blotting papers and a powder puff in [her bag]’ when in need of an on-the-go pick-me-up. She continues: 'I just use the remaining product on my puff to avoid that cakey look.’
#6: BLUSH IS A MUST
Peachy blushes are having a moment in the sun – they're co-signed by everyone from Hunter Schafer to Chase Infiniti. Isabelle recommends the MAC Glow Play blushes, which 'inject a natural warmth and healthy flush' to the skin. For a liquid alternative, think Benefit’s iconic Benetint for a realistic flush: 'It gives a natural bitten cheek, it’s long-lasting and application is so easy.'
#7: KEEP AN EYESHADOW STICK TO HAND
Summer is the season of packed schedules and spontaneity. If you’re always location-hopping, this day-to-night makeup hack could be a gamechanger. 'Keep an eyeshadow stick in your bag,' advises Isabelle. 'With the right one, you can create the most gorgeous smudged smokey eye for the evening. I also put my Laura Mercier Caviar Stick to work as a lip contour.' We love makeup that multitasks.
#8: BLUR YOUR LIPLINER
Isabelle’s favourite trend this season is blurred lips – you might already be familiar with this one if you're a fan of the Korean and Chinese beauty scenes. Start by lining your lips a shade darker than your skin tone, and use your finger to carefully diffuse the colour outwards to create a shadow. Topping it off with clear gloss gives the illusion of fuller, juicier lips, minus any harsh lines.
Pictures: ASOS
#9: ADD COLOUR POPS OF BLUE
What's a summer makeup look without some colour? Isabelle advises opting for cool-girl pastel blue eyeshadow colour. this season. Lily-Rose Depp has already tried her hand at the shade, modernising it with barely-there false eyelashes and a soft pink lip. Try for yourself and make a softer statement with shimmery blues and nude gloss.
#10: SET BETWEEN STEPS
One round of setting spray might not suffice in summer. Our solution? A strategic spritz in-between steps. We’re don’t mean every step, but 2 or 3 at most. Start with a light mist before setting your base makeup with powder, another after blush or eyeshadow to really bring the layers together, and finish with two generous rounds once your glam is complete. This way, your look will withstand everything on your schedule – from morning errands to after-dark plans.
