When summer rolls around I end up with this awful conundrum; I love summer makeup trends and I think that makeup looks better on glowy sun-kissed skin, but I loathe applying makeup in the heat.
Like, I literally recoil at the idea of a full face as the sun beats down on my skin. I know how to make it last and I've got the best setting sprays and powders working in overdrive when needs be. But, 90% of the time I want a makeup look that's simple and impactful – no layering of powders or creams involved. So, if you're into the same vibe, you'll love the below...
A natural summer flush
The heat got you blushing? Lean into the warmth that’s showing on your skin, it’s a vibe. Enhance it by sweeping a natural hue over the high points of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose. Make sure you work with your undertone – do you blush more hot pink, soft peach or bright red? " The most efficient way to achieve diffused blush is in the blending," advises Deanna Melluso the makeup artist behind these looks.
When it comes to formula, she recommends cream as the easiest for quick summer makeup. "Place a small dot just above the apple of the cheeks and blend upward, towards your hairline you can achieve this by using a damp beauty blender. Go in more with the same steps and repeat.
A bold sweep of shadow
What an all-out look that won't budge? A matte pastel eye is calling and even better, a bold eyeshadow and a clean ring finger are all you need for the quickest statement holiday look. Opt for a matte texture in a pastel or jewel-toned hue to compliment your inevitable radiant and dewy holiday glow. If you choose a pastel, Melluso insists that it's all about the colour you choose. "White will be your bestie. This shade helps other colours become more pastel if need be. I love using a blue/mint, they give that dreamy pastel look. You can usually find this shade from any brand; however MAC and Make Up For Ever have great options."
The perfect summer red lip
Practical and pretty, a matte red lip is a holiday makeup essential and I promise you it'll distract from even the sweatiest commute. It draws focus away from late-night blurry eyes and sweat-dappled foreheads, and the longevity of the texture means there’s no reapplication needed, no matter how many Stanleys of water you've had to down. Ditch liner for the easy breezy blurred lips trend.
Not sure what formula to pick? Melluso's got you – " My go-to is MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Fashion Legacy—it's bold, classic, and super matte." And if you want an intense, punchy finish here's a tip; "For an even more intense matte finish, apply your red lipstick, take a tissue and gently press it against your lips. Then, using a pressed powder, lightly tap over the tissue with a brush to set the product and give it that ultra-matte effect."
L Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Lipstick shopping spree 230 shopping spree 230
Noughties sparkle gloss
Not into mattes? All the more reason for your lips to shine. A slicked-back bun or hair piled high (we want to avoid too much hair in the gloss, duh) this summer, all-out noughties is the way to go, with a couple of swipes of a gloss that’s fully loaded with sparkle – the sunrays will reflect the shimmer, making your lips look super juicy. With Juicy Tubes' comeback, now's the time to go full Y2K.
L'Oréal Paris Brilliant Signature Plumping Lip Gloss 7ml (Various Shades)
Monochrome makeup is a mood
If, like me you get hot while even applying makeup or doing your hair, this is such a quick'n'easy cheat you just have to think about two things; colour and brush type. "I love using just one brush for the entire look and The Surratt Smoky Eye Brush Grande works seamlessly," says Melluso. "Start with your eyes: Take your chosen colour, apply it along the lash line, and blend it just above the crease. Then, using the same colour and brush, sweep it onto your cheeks, blending upward for a natural flush. A great product for this is the Clinique Chubby Stick—one product for the whole face? Yes, please! Finish by dabbing the same tone onto your lips for a cohesive, fresh-faced look."
Psst! If you are heading on a staycay or a full-blown summer getaway, our Boots x Cosmopolitan summer beauty box is packed with literally everything you need to keep up your beauty goals this season. Shop here
Credits
Styling: Maddy Alford
Makeup: Deanna Melluso at Forward Artists
Hair: Ashley Lynn Hall using L'Oréal Paris
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
