5 Foolproof Tricks to Perfect a Dewy, Summer Makeup Look

With the weather heating up, a full face of makeup feels too heavy. These tricks will give you that dewy, sunkissed look without weighing you down.

Perfect Your Base
In order to protect and perfect your skin, sun protection is necessary. Start your makeup look with a tinted sunscreen—it will keep your skin looking balanced and fresh under the sun while preventing any damage. We love the Supergoop Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($36) as it doubles as a pore-blurring primer, and Coola Full Spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 ($46) lets you turn any product into an SPF-spiked formula. For additional coverage in problem areas, layer your favorite concealer over the tinted sunscreen.

All About Cream
Powder-based formulas aren’t as breathable for your skin, so for blush and bronzer we recommend a cream formula to give your makeup a natural and blended look. Keep in mind that powder formulas should be used sparingly in places that may run, such as under the eyes, areas with blemishes or wrinkles, around the mouth, and on the top of the forehead.

Our favorite cream blushes include Fenty Beauty’s Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ($20) for its wide shade range, Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick ($28) for the quick and easy-to-use stick formula, and the BareMinerals BOUNCE & BLUR Blush ($29) if you’re looking for a skin-blurring effect.

For bronzer, opt for the Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Bronzer ($20) or Kosas The Sun Show Moisturizing Baked Bronzer for an all-over bronzed glow ($34). Worn together, blush and bronzer will give you a tanned, moisturized appearance without the sun. Pro tip: Find a bronzer and blush with a shimmer or luminous finish to add radiance.

No-Smudge Eyes
Mascara is a necessity with any makeup look, and waterproof mascara will ensure your eyes look bright and awake all day without budging. Depending on the kind of lashes you have, we recommend the Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara ($19.50) for sensitive eyes, Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara ($25) for bold volume and Diorshow Waterproof Mascara ($29.50) for lengthened, curled lashes. Now you can take a dip in the pool without having to worry about raccoon eyes.

Highlight Reel
Highlighter is key to a dewy summer look. For a buildable and clean glow, a cream or stick highlighter works wonders without looking powdery. Highlighter reflects light off the face, so be sure to put it in areas where outside light hits, such as the top of your cheekbones, between the brows, the tip of the nose and chin, and in the inner corner of the eyes.

The KAJA Mochi Glow Bouncy Highlighter ($19) uses an innovative formula that feels like a cream and finishes like a powder, while the Chanel Baume Essential Multi-Use Sculpting Glow Stick ($45) is perfect for a quick, effortless sheen.

Let it Set
For long lasting results, a setting spray or powder will keep your products in place all day. Setting sprays with a dewy finish like the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist ($48) or the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray ($26) will complete your routine. You can use these mists throughout the day to refresh your makeup look.