7 steps to achieve a quick summer makeup look, according to the pros

So you’ve mastered your five-minute makeup routine—it’s time for the seasonal remix. A quick summer makeup routine is essential when you need to get ready fast, with products that can withstand sweltering heat and humidity. After all, who doesn’t want to soak up the sunshine after months of grey, dreary skies?

“The epitome of summer makeup encapsulates the spirit of the season—the light, optimistic, and carefree mood we all feel during those sunnier months. In contrast to fall and winter’s deep tones and the elements forcing us stylistically and cosmetically to cover up,’’ celebrity makeup artist Andrew Denton tells Vogue. “Summer makeup is about embracing the playfulness and effortless use of vivid colours and celebrating sun-drenched, bare, healthy skin that radiates, I woke up like this.”

“Less is always more with summer makeup—it’s the season to let the skin breathe, with no need for full coverage thanks to a natural sun kiss,” pro makeup artist Erica Beukelman tells Vogue. “When spending more time in the sun, the last thing we want is a heavy amount of makeup. I tend to keep things simpler yet glowy,” pro makeup artist Kiersten Chambers adds.

Leaning into that less-is-more mindset, pro makeup artist Anastasia Vavina emphasises streamlining your routine with fewer products—ideally, a handful of essentials that fit into a single makeup bag and travel effortlessly. “Cutting down on the number of products you use is key to achieving a faster look,” Vavina previously told Vogue. When in doubt, editorial makeup artist El DeBratto recommends following the three C’s: a glowy complexion, curled lashes, and a flush of colour from your go-to blush.

#1 Start With SPF

“Never skimp on sunscreen. Even when using a tinted moisturiser, I always encourage using a true sunscreen as a base first,” says Beukelman. “Skin protection is of the utmost importance on sunny days, and your skin will thank you later for being religious with daily application,” adds pro makeup artist Andrew Denton. Opt for a light fluid sunscreen or a silicone-based sunscreen that can also double up as a makeup primer in case your skin’s not happy with too many layers during the summer.

#2 Go for bronzed glowy skin

“Hot days call for as little complexion products as possible in my opinion—mostly to avoid the dreaded ‘slip,’ but also because the claustrophobic feeling of a heavy base in high temperatures is an assault to the senses,” says Denton. For a DIY glow, Beukelman suggests mixing bronzing drops with a tinted moisturiser for “a sun-kissed look with lightweight coverage.”

#3 Follow up with spot coverage

In lieu of full-coverage complexion products, the pros recommend spot concealing to achieve that coveted your-skin-but-better look. “Focus your concealer application on spot coverage of blemishes and the areas of the face prone to discoloration, such as under eyes and around the nose,” Vavina previously told Vogue.