Summer means sunshine, sea breeze, and minimalism. When the temperature rises and the days grow longer, wearing heavy makeup can feel cumbersome and awkward. Instead, a soft summer makeup look gives a chance to show off your natural beauty without sacrificing being cool and glowing. It’s light, breathable, and easy to wear -the perfect look for everything from a trip to the beach to a garden party or that group dinner at your favorite restaurant. Join us as we show you how to achieve the ideal soft sunscreen glow with step-by-step instructions.
Why a soft summer makeup?
Most importantly, soft summer makeup looks work so well with the season. Soft summer makeup doesn’t require layering thick, heavy coverage products that mask your natural beauty. Soft summer looks allow you to let your skin breathe while giving the appearance of being put together and polished. Not only does this feel more comfortable in the summer heat, but it also makes your skin look youthful with a fresh-faced glow.
In addition to that, soft summer makeup allows your natural beauty to shine through. The point isn’t to disguise; it’s to subtly enhance your complexion, eyes, and lips using lightweight products and soft shades.
Step 1: Focus on Skincare
Making sure your skin is ready is the first step before you start applying makeup. First apply a lightweight moisturizer that meets your skin type. For the summer, gel or water-based moisturizers work best, especially with oily or combination skin.
Then be sure to apply sunscreen. Wide-spectrum sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is recommended to protect your skin from UV rays. Many of today’s sunscreens provide a cosmetic primer as well, which assists with the longevity of your makeup in high-heat scenarios.
Step 2: Use Light Coverage on the Base
For your foundation, you will want to cover less area of your face for a natural look. A full coverage foundation will not be your best option but instead, opt for a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or skin tint. These products go on light but still help blend uneven skin tones.
Where you may want a bit more coverage is under the eyes and around the nose; dabbing a creamy concealer on the areas requiring more coverage is appropriate. All concealers require proper blending; with a finger or damp sponge will suffice for this step. This step assists in maintaining a natural look while solidly prepping your skin for the rest of your makeup routine.
Step 3: Add a Soft Dewy Glow
To achieve that signature summer glow, you will want to add a liquid or cream highlight. Apply this to the highest points of your face: cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and cupid’s bow. Those areas catch light naturally, and if you add some subtle highlighting, you’ll achieve that dewy glow from the sun.
A cream blush can also add warmth and vibrancy to your face. Products in peach or rose hues work well. Tap just a bit of product on the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples for a healthy rush of color.
Step 4: Keep Eyes Simple and Soft
Next, let’s move on to the eyes. For nice summer looks, you want your eyes very soft, and nothing too heavy or intense. You will want to use neutral, soft color tones; think champagne, peach, or light bronze as far as eyeshadow goes. You want to pick color tones that lightly reflect light, and give you a nice dimension without being dramatic.
Instead of a harsh line, go for a creamy eyeshadow stick or blendable powder. You could always use a little dab of your cream blush for a monochromatic look. If you like, take a very small amount of highlight for the inner corners of your eyes to open them up a little.
For eyeliner, you can opt out or use a brown pencil for a natural look. A single coat of waterproof mascara will lift and define your lashes without the worry of smudging in heat.
Step 5: Define Brows Naturally
Grooming your brows is essential to framing your face. When you have heavy brow makeup, it can starkly contrast against a softer summer look. Brow’s can be enhanced by lightly filling in sparse areas with tinted gel, or a pencil. Brush through your brows to blend the color and keep it as natural yet defined.
While this step feels small, it can make a big difference with your overall balance.
Step 6: Freshen the Lip
To finish your makeup use a sheer lip tint or tinted balm. This will help keep lip hydration up while adding the perfect amount of color. In the summer coral, rose, or nude shades work wonderfully giving you that pop of color without taking away from your softer look.
To add shine, you can use a clear or lightly tinted gloss as a second layer. Just make sure it is a non-tacky formula, especially for hot, humid days.
Closing Thoughts: Less Is More
In conclusion, the ideal soft summer makeup look is all about enhancing what is already present. A look that is effortless and light, just like summer, can be achieved with lighter, multi-purpose products and soft, flattering shades.
If for any reason you felt your makeup was taking time and effort, this will help keep your look glowing and radiant all day! Let your natural beauty shine through this summer, and enjoy being light and confident.
