Picture this: It’s a balmy summer morning, and you’ve just returned from the beach. Your skin is glazed like Dunkin’s classic donut, and you have an all-over glow that comes from frolicking in the sun-speckled waves.
A sun-kissed makeup look emphasises natural, sun-flushed skin that encompasses the spirit of summer. And while a lit-from-within glow is born from a solid skincare regime, you can mimic the effects of a lazy beach day with just a handful of products.
If you're in need of some sunshine, these are the five make-up essentials that will change the game. Ready, set, glow!
Skin tint
A sheer formulation is the ultimate no make-up make-up product. Light in consistency and coverage, it minimises redness and lends an even base for a nude, skin-like sensation. Think skin, but better.
The water-based tinted face gel offers just a smidge of coverage while letting your natural skin shine through. Lending your skin a flawless finish, what’s not to love?
Added glo-nus: Prep your skin with primer for the make-up to glide on effortlessly. We love the e.l.f Luminous Putty Primer for a glazey, soft-focus glow.
Cream or liquid blush
For Tiktok’s viral ‘sunburn blush’ look, cream or liquid blushes are your best bet. They melt into your skin for a dewy and sun-flushed finish. Pat some on the apples of your cheeks and over the bridge of your nose. This makes you appear youthful and natural – like you were laying out for a few hours and caught some rays. Opt for warm, rosy tones that are effortless, diffusing them with your tool of choice.
From peachy nudes to sunset pinks, this buttery balm goes on with a creamy sheen. With a built-in brush, it makes blending a dream. You can also use the multi-tasking stick across your lids and lips for a hint of tint.
Bronzer
Nothing beats a bronzer when it comes to an instant sun-kissed makeup look. It lends your face an all-over warmth that will trick people into thinking you’ve just returned from a beach escapade. A gentle sweep of bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face gives it a subtle sculpt. Steer clear from ones that go into glitter territory for a fresh-faced finish.
Your portal to summer glow, its creamy balm-like formulation melts into your skin, leaving a warm wash of colour and a velvet-matte finish. The light-reflecting pigments create a natural-looking radiance without being excessively shimmery.
Highlighter
So much of looking glazed is about getting your skincare down pat. But achieving an otherworldly glow comes down to a lit highlighter. Liquid or cream highlighters are a must-have for a dewy, wet-finish, just-returned-from-the-outdoors look. Swipe some on your cheekbones and brow bone, and hit the high points on your face. You can also mix a few drops of your liquid highlighter into your foundation for a diffused glow.
Get glowing with Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty light wand. It comes in a few different shades, for example ‘Pinkgasm’ lends a pearlescent pink flush that can double as blush, while ‘Spotlight’ gives you a magical golden-hour glow-up.
Added glo-nus: For an all-over shine to match your mug, rub a dash of shimmery oil over your face, shoulder, and limbs. The Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Copacabana Bronze Glow Oil has a subtle warm bronze tint for a sun-drenched, beachy vibe.
Lip tint
To go with your fresh-faced glow, keep your lips well-moisturised – not too glassy and not heavily pigmented. A swipe of sheer lip tint will lend a slight hint of colour and gloss, enough to make your pout pop without looking too made up.
Their shade Pink is a sheer tint that enhances the natural tone of lips for a glowy nude. Infused with 97% natural-origin ingredients, it revitalises and hydrates your pout for full and healthy lips.
Also read:
7 essential oils you have to try now for healthy, glowing skin
10 blushes that'll leave you looking like you're just back from vacation
18 of the best bronzers for the ultimate sun-kissed glow
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
