Summer Skin Essentials

Looking hot is not optional.

by Charly Dekle 

Somewhere between your morning iced matcha and your happy hour cocktail, summer has a way of testing even the most carefully curated makeup routine. The good news? I have rounded up my favorite heat-proof products that don’t break a sweat– even if you do. Consider this your Summer Beauty Survival Guide. 

Skin Prep 

The quality of your makeup is only as good as the quality of skincare beneath it. The goal is hydrated, glowy skin while creating a base built for longevity. I love starting with a hydration mist like Rhode Glazing Mist or Aestura Milky Cream Mist to give the skin a glow-from-within finish. Next, I follow up with a lightweight moisturizer like Embryolisse Lait Crème or La-Roche-Posay Double Repair Cream (a dream product if your skin leans sensitive). Last and most importantly, SPF. I am loving Complexion’s Block Party SPF. It’s formulated with 100% mineral ingredients, works well under makeup, and doesn’t leave a whitecast. Say less. 

Pro tip: Don’t forget to give your skin time to absorb these products before moving into makeup. 

Base 

When it comes to makeup thriving in the heat, it’s all about light layers. This is a classic case of the ever-true “less is more” concept. Overwhelming your skin with too much product is a sure way for it to slide, shift, or melt off throughout the day. Start with a thin layer of your favorite skin tint or lightweight foundation. A few favorites include Chanel’s Water-Fresh Tint, Ciele Serum Foundation, and VB’s Foundation Drops for instant coverage that looks like your skin, only perfected. 

Optional: begin with Saie’s Super Glow Gel under your eyes and the high points of your face for extra glow 

The rest of your cream products (concealer, blush, and bronzer) should follow the same sentiment– start light and build up to the desired color/coverage you need. A concealer you can’t go wrong with is Tower 28 Serum Concealer offering dewy coverage that can be set in place. If you’re looking for a little more coverage while remaining natural, Natasha Denona makes a Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating Concealer that’s sure to wake up your under eyes no matter how late you stay out. 

Victoria Beckham's Colour Wash water tint bronzers and blushes deserve all the hype. This truly is a formula that’s nearly undetectable on the skin while still leveling up your look (shade “flushed” is the perfect faux sunburn). I also love Mario’s SoftSculpt Cream Bronzer and Rhode Pocket Bronzer for a kissed-by-the-sun bronze. If you want your blush to have a little more oomph, you can’t go wrong with Rhode Pocket Blush or Prada Soft Blur Blush (get shade Dahlia and thank me later). 

Longevity 

Now that the cream products are laid, it’s time to make sure they’re here for the long haul. Using a large fluffy brush, apply a thin layer of Mario SurrealSkin Setting Powder all over the face. Remember, we’re setting our makeup here, not burying it. If you’re “baking” anything this summer, it should involve chocolate chips, not your under eyes. 

Pro tip: mist your face with One Size Powder Melt and brush on a Finishing Powder to give your skin an airbrushed finish 

A non-negotiable summer staple is finishing any look with One Size’s On ‘til Dawn Setting Spray – it’s mattifying, waterproof and the final step standing between you and a makeup meltdown (literally). They recently released a Bronze version of it as well, which feels like the perfect summer upgrade. 

Summer beauty has never been about wearing more makeup, it’s about wearing the right makeup. Light layers, skin that still looks like skin, and products that play nice even when the weather doesn’t. So here’s to the hottest days of summer (and looking just as hot in them). 

Now go enjoy the summer heat, your makeup can handle it. 

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