Time to Level Up for Summer: Your Ultimate Summer Makeup Tips

Hi Bellas,

As the sun shines brighter and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to refresh your makeup routine for summer! Whether you're hitting the beach, attending a summer wedding, or simply enjoying a night out, these summer makeup tips will help you achieve a radiant look that lasts all day.  I'm going to give you 6 quick steps to a flawless summer routine and offer affordable recommendations to boot.

Photos from Caitlin Tabilog Photography, Makeup by Renelyn Thomas

1. Lighten Up Your Base

Summer calls for a lighter approach to makeup. Swap your heavy foundation for a tinted sunscreen or skin tint that provides hydration while allowing your skin to breathe. This will give you a fresh, dewy finish that’s perfect for warm weather.  My favorites are the Fenty Eaze Drops and the Merit Tinted Sunscreen.  My clients all swear by the ELTA MD Tinted Sunscreen

2. Embrace Bronzer and Highlighter

Bring out that sun-kissed glow! Use bronzer to contour and add warmth to your face. Apply highlighter to the high points of your cheeks, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose for a luminous look that captures the summer light beautifully.  I recommend a liquid or cream bronzer and illuminator because they're easier to blend and look more natural.  One of my favorites is the Milani Cream Bronzer - I use it on myself and recommend it to all my clients.

3. Go for Bold Colors

Summer is the ideal time to play with vibrant colors. Experiment with bold eyeshadows in bright hues or fun eyeliner to make your eyes pop. Don’t forget to try colorful lip shades like corals, pinks, and reds that complement your summer vibe.  To make sure they last in the summer heat, look for lip stains like the Covergirl Outlast Lipstain Markers.




4. Waterproof Products Are Your Best Friend

Whether you're spending time at the pool or enjoying outdoor activities, waterproof makeup is essential. Invest in a tubing waterproof mascara - they're less likely to smudge and easier to remove.  I recommend the Caliray Mascara or the budget version ELF XTender. 

5.. Set It and Forget It

To ensure your makeup lasts through the heat, use a setting spray. It not only helps to lock in your look but also adds a refreshing boost to your skin throughout the day.  Remember to pick the right setting spray for your skin type - they offer hydrating, mattifying and waterproof versions.  My favorites are the ELF Hydrogrip Setting Spray for dry skin, the Milani Make it Last Setting Spray is great for all skin types and the L'Oreal Infallible Mist is perfect for  oily skin or waterproofing for long days.

7. Keep it Simple

Remember, less is more during the summer. Lighter layers of makeup will wear better so try focusing on a few key areas. Pops of color on the lips and cheek combined with simple eyes and bronzed skin are a surefire winning combo for summer glam.

Makeup by Renelyn Thomas, Photography by Caitlin Tabilog

Need Extra Help?

If you’re looking to enhance your summer makeup skills or need personalized guidance, I’m here to help!  I'm an Atlanta Makeup Artist that offers private makeup sessions in person and virtual zoom makeup lessons. My calendar is open for personal makeup shopping and lessons—my most popular service, which you can book online at www.renelynthomas.com. Whether you want to learn new techniques, explore product options, or focus on your unique style, I’ll provide tailored advice to elevate your makeup game.

Let’s level up your summer look together!

Embrace the season with confidence and beauty. Happy summer!

Atlanta Makeup Lessons

Atlanta Makeup Artist

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