For a full glowy look that’ll have people asking you where you’ve just got back from, she suggests a cream bronzer like Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer for an effortless, dewy look. Don’t worry, those with oily skin can get in on it too, switching for a radiant matte finish from products like NARS Soft Matte Powder or Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer.

Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50 Super Glow Drops Illuminating

Protection First

No summer makeup routine is complete without SPF – no excuses. That also means reapplying every two hours to protect your skin from sun damage all day long. If you’re worried about messing up your makeup, don’t worry, Xavi recommends Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Face Protection Mist. Simply spray all over your face, letting its gentle mist provide sun protection and a healthy glow while leaving your beat undisturbed.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Face Protection Mist SPF50+

One Product Does Plenty

If there’s anything summer makeup should be, it’s simple and straightforward. “Summer makeup should feel effortless and comfortable but still bold and expressive,” makeup artist Emily Wood tells GLAMOUR. You’ve probably come across Emily’s viral hack on TikTok or Instagram, creating a whole summer beat with just one simple lip liner – in fact, five GLAMOUR editors put it to the test recently. Perfect for a holiday, or when you can’t be bothered to root around in your makeup bag before dashing out the door, use a product like espressoh Aroma Lip Liner to scribble in your desired spots – nose, cheeks, forehead, lips – before blending out. “Using fingers for application helps me control the intensity and texture, giving a more natural blend that lasts,” Emily adds.

espressoh Aroma Lip Pencil

When In Doubt, Keep It Simple

Cut down the faff with your summer makeup routine by making a few small changes for maximum impact. “Trade black liner for rich brown,” says Nicky. “It’s softer and stunning in the sun.” Charlotte Tilbury Rock N Kohl or Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Longwear Gel Eyeliner will do the trick. She also loves a flushed sun-kissed cheek courtesy of liquid blushes like NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush or Saie Dew Blush. It can’t get any more simple than that.

For night time festivities, Nicky says a quick swipe of Lisa Eldridge Liquid Lurex Eyeshadow across the eyelids is all you need. “It’s long-lasting and quick to apply, delivering a beautiful glimmer in shades Titania and Zora.” Less time getting ready equals more time for cocktails – it’s a win-win.

Step Up Your Toolkit

A good worker is only as good as their tools, so switching up what’s in your makeup bag is an easy win to step up your summer makeup. Makeup artist Aoife Cullen is never without a makeup sponge during the hotter months, “so I can dab my sweat and oil without disturbing the makeup,” she says.

Meanwhile, Jack says a good dense makeup brush like the Sephora Collection Pro Brush #47 can completely elevate your routine. “I use this one brush to apply foundation, bronzer, contour, and blush,” they explain. “The key is using a tapping motion instead of sweeping or buffing. This technique helps press the product into the skin for a flawless, long-lasting finish that holds up all day.”

Look After Your Lips

Often forgotten, the delicate skin that makes up your lips are more susceptible to sunburn. To give them the protection and TLC that they deserve, Nicky suggests using Ultra Violette SPF50 Sheen Screen Lip Balm for “a pop of colour and sun protection in one” or Omorovicza Lip Balm with cooling eucalyptus oil. Say hello to luscious and kissable lips all summer long – you’re welcome.

Don’t Forget To Set

It’s an obvious one, but setting your makeup is crucial for helping it to survive the summer heat. Jack always carries NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder with them wherever they go for this very reason. “What I love about this powder is that it sets makeup without masking the skin,” they explain. “It controls shine, smooths out texture, and gives that gorgeous ‘real skin’ finish with a subtle glow never cakey or heavy. It’s the perfect balance between performance and skin-like radiance.”

Using powder throughout the makeup application is Aoife’s key to long-lasting makeup that won’t melt. “My base always lasts the longest when I apply powder first and work with thin layers,” she says. “After my skincare and SPF, I apply translucent powder everywhere I know I will apply concealer/foundation. Stipple a light layer of those creams on top and set with powder. If I want more coverage, I repeat the steps again – but light layers are key.”

NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder – Pressed Mini