Perfect Your Makeup for Summer with These Tips

Summer brings sunshine, warmth, and, unfortunately, makeup meltdowns. As temperatures rise, your beauty routine needs to be able to withstand heat, humidity, and increased sun exposure. Finding the right makeup for summer can help you stay comfortable while protecting you during those scorching days.

We’re here to help you manage the challenges of summer makeup with product recommendations and application techniques specifically designed for hot weather. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from lightweight foundations to water-resistant mascaras that won't compromise your look.

• Which type of makeup should you use in summer?
• Easy summer makeup routine for hot weather
• Tips for summer-proof makeup that lasts
• Our best beauty and skincare products for hot weather
• Get ready for summer with Colorescience
  

Which Type of Makeup Should You Use in Summer?

When temperatures soar, the makeup products that worked perfectly in cooler months can suddenly feel heavy and uncomfortable. The best makeup for summer heat is made from lightweight formulations that allow your skin to breathe while providing adequate coverage and protection. 

Base products for summer

Summer calls for lightweight, multitasking base products that won't feel suffocating in the heat. Tinted sunscreen provides the perfect balance of coverage and sun protection without feeling too heavy. These hybrid products even out skin tone while delivering crucial SPF benefits. 

Mineral powder foundations are another excellent option, as they absorb excess oil and provide a natural-looking finish that won't melt away. Look for formulas with built-in sun protection for an added defense against UV rays. 

Summer-ready eyes

Water-resistant or waterproof mascara is non-negotiable, especially if you'll be swimming or sweating. These formulations resist humidity and maintain definition throughout the day. 

It’s a good idea to use an eye treatment, such as our Total Eye® 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35, to improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles before applying your base products. Doing so can also help protect the delicate eye area against photoaging, thanks to its broad-spectrum coverage. 

It’s a good idea to use eye treatments before applying your base products. Our Total Eye® 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 can improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. It can also help protect the delicate eye area against photoaging, thanks to its broad-spectrum coverage.

Lip and cheek must-haves for summer 

Summer-appropriate lip products should provide hydration, color, and sun protection. While you can put sunscreen on your lips, it's usually best to go with a lip-specific product that contains SPF. Tinted balms with SPF offer the perfect combination of color, moisture, and protection without the heavy feeling of traditional lipsticks. 

For cheeks, cream blushes blend seamlessly into warm skin and create a natural-looking flush that mimics the effect of heat. These formulations typically last longer than powder products in humid conditions and give you that coveted dewy summer glow. 

Easy Summer Makeup Routine for Hot Weather

Creating a makeup look that withstands summer conditions doesn't require complicated techniques or dozens of products. The following step-by-step routine focuses on lightweight layers and products that ensure your makeup stays fresh from morning until night.

1. Prep and prime your skin

Proper skin preparation is the foundation for long-lasting summer makeup. Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and residue. Then, apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates without heaviness. Allow this to absorb completely before moving on. 

The most crucial step in summer skin prep is sun protection. Incorporating a matte-finish sunscreen helps control shine while defending against harmful UV rays. Consider starting a comprehensive skincare routine for summer that addresses seasonal challenges like increased oil production and sun exposure. 

2. Wear a lightweight base

Heavy foundations often feel uncomfortable and look unnatural in the summer heat. Instead, opt for sheer, buildable coverage with products specifically formulated for warm weather. Tinted sunscreens, BB creams, or lightweight foundations with skincare benefits provide enough coverage to even skin tone without masking your natural complexion. 

Apply with a damp makeup sponge for the sheerest finish, paying close attention to areas that need coverage rather than coating your entire face. Remember that makeup for hot weather is more about strategic application than heavy coverage because fewer products mean less potential for creasing. 

3. Apply cream or gel blush

Cream blushes integrate beautifully with warm skin, creating a natural-looking flush. Unlike powder that can look cakey as you sweat, cream products become one with your skin for a seamless finish that lasts through heat and humidity. 

Choose water-resistant formulations for extended wear, especially if you'll be outdoors for extended periods. 

4. Use a long-lasting eyeshadow 

Eye makeup often falls victim to summer's heat and humidity first, with creasing and transferring being common complaints. Cream eyeshadows provide the most reliable solution, creating a base that resists movement throughout the day. 

Apply a single wash of color across the lid for a simple yet polished look that requires minimal maintenance. Neutral tones like bronze, champagne, or taupe flatter most skin tones while showing minimal creasing if they do begin to move. You can set cream shadows with a light dusting of translucent powder for additional insurance against the heat.

5. Opt for a water-resistant mascara 

Regular mascara formulations often surrender to summer humidity, creating unflattering smudges beneath the eyes. Water-resistant mascara maintains lash definition through sweat, tears, and even swimming, making them essential for summer.

Apply to upper and lower lashes, focusing the product at the roots to create definition without heaviness. If you're concerned about removal, invest in a dedicated eye makeup remover designed for waterproof formulas to prevent unnecessary tugging on the delicate eye area.

6. Choose a lip balm or stain

Traditional lipsticks often feel heavy and uncomfortable in summer, while glosses can become sticky and attract hair in windy conditions. Lip stains, moisturizing gloss, and tinted balms offer the perfect middle ground, providing long-lasting color that feels weightless on the lips.

Products with built-in SPF protection deserve priority in your summer makeup arsenal, as lips are particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

7. Set with a setting spray

The final step in summer-proofing your makeup involves a quality setting spray that locks everything in place. Look for formulations designed to control oil and extend wear time, ideally with additional skincare benefits like added hydration or antioxidant protection.

Apply in an "X" and "T" formation, holding the bottle several inches from your face. This creates an invisible shield that helps your makeup for hot weather resist the effects of heat, humidity, and natural oils throughout the day.