How do you keep your face fresh and your makeup intact despite the heat in both the summer heat and on the stage? Find out now as we explore the hottest summer makeup looks.

Summer is on the way, and it’s important that you prioritise the right form of makeup so that you can show the ultimate glow up in the sun. But how can this be done when you have to combat getting a tan as well as avoiding sweat heat up? In this article, we will explore the ideal summer makeup looks which you can try out for when the temperatures begin to sour, ensuring that you do not add too much nor too little. From selecting the best sunscreen to embracing lightweight and waterproof products, we’ll cover how to maintain a stellar look even when the temperature rises. 

As a lead supplier of stage makeup in the UK, you will find that many of these summer makeup products can be mixed in on the stage too. Explore our range today.

Quick Facts About Summer Makeup

Before we dive into the best ways to use your summer makeup, there are a few key factors to consider when preparing your hot makeup looks:

• Prepare a deep cleansing wash of your face to remove oil, sweat, and any impurities.
• When dealing with heat from the sun, always switch up your makeup routines with lightweight, oil-free, and long-wear foundation formulas. 
• Use a translucent setting powder followed by a refreshing setting spray to keep makeup in place.
• Embrace waterproof eyeliners, mascaras, and brow products to avoid smudging and streaking. These are essential for maintaining your hot makeup looks, especially on the most humid days.
• Drinking plenty of water is key to keeping your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin provides a better base for any makeup application.
• Maintain minimalism; a light tinted moisturiser or BB cream, along with a simple concealer for spot corrections, can often adequate for a clean, fresh look that feels airy and light.

With that being said, here’s a step by step process on how you can correctly apply your summer makeup looks:

1. Prepare Your Face

A thorough cleansing of your face will help to remove oils, sweat, and other impurities that might impact your summer makeup routine, helping to set the stage for a flawless application. Use a gentle skin cleanser that matches your skin type. This smooth base will reduce the likelihood of your summer makeup sliding off when it gets warm.

2. Adding Sunscreen

Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is non-negotiable, especially during the summer. Due to the likelihood that you will sweat more and be more exposed to direct sunlight, reapply your sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating and you have dried yourself off. 

This ensures continuous protection against harmful UV rays, preventing sun damage and maintaining the integrity of your skin barrier. Learn more about how sweat can impact your skin and makeup with our advice on sweat proof makeup.

3. Choose the Right Foundation

Heavy makeup not only feels uncomfortable in the heat but also tends to melt away. This is why it is important to switch it up for lightweight, oil-free, and long-wear foundations or BB creams that include SPF. 

These products offer a natural, breathable cover that endures the summer’s heat, ensuring your summer makeup look remains impeccable.

4. Simplify Your Summer Makeup Routine

A full face of makeup is unnecessary under the summer sun, especially for those that are wondering – can you tan through makeup. 

All you need to do here is simplify your routine by using a tinted moisturiser, BB cream, or just a basic face powder to even out your skin tone. 

For areas needing more attention, use a concealer to spot-correct. This lighter approach lets your skin breathe and withstands the heat much better.

Also, you should consider using matte formulations due to their long-lasting wear and ability to stay in place without creasing. Ideal for oily or sweat-prone skin, matte products such as the Ben Nye matte HD foundations ensure that your makeup for hot weather looks sharp and fresh all day long, as well as withstand hot temperatures from stage lighting.

Furthermore, using multi-purpose makeup tools prove even more effective in the summer. Items like a bronzer that can also serve as eyeshadow or blush not only save space in your makeup bag but also streamline your beauty makeup process, allowing for a cohesive, quick application.

5. Protect Your Eyes

Using an eye primer in the sun can greatly impact your summer makeup looks; it prepares your eyelids for eyeshadow or liner, ensuring that the colours stay vibrant and do not smudge or crease throughout the day.

6. Waterproof Your Look

For summer makeup looks, waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and brow products are the best picks to keep your skin hydrated and waterproof in case of sweating. These products are designed to resist humidity and sweat, unlike mascara which is renowned for smearing from excessive heat, ensuring that your eye makeup remains unblemished, whether you’re by the pool or caught in a summer shower.

7. Keep Your Lips Looking Fresh

For a summer makeup look that’s effortless yet effective, use a tinted lip balm. This simple choice keeps your lips moisturised while providing a subtle splash of colour, perfect for those hot, busy days or when you prefer a lighter makeup routine. Tinted lip balms are great for achieving a fresh, natural look without using traditional lipsticks which often weigh heavy on the lips.

8. Bold Colours to Nail the Summer Vibes

Summer is the ideal time to experiment with bold nail polish colors. 

Bright hues, for example, look stunning against sun-kissed skin, making your nails stand out beautifully. 

For a more vibrant effect, apply a coat of opaque white polish underneath your chosen colour; this trick will make the top layer pop even more, making your summer makeup looks even better. For more inspiration, check out these tips by Vogue regarding the latest nail colour trends for 2025.

9. Anti-Humidity Solutions for Your Hair

While summer brings plenty of sun and fun for all, it also brings humidity, which can wreak havoc and damage your hair. 

Therefore, use an anti-humidity spray to maintain your hairstyle and keep any frizziness at bay. These products help lock in your style while keeping your hair smooth and manageable, ensuring that your look remains polished no matter the weather.

10. Locking in Your Makeup

A good setting spray is crucial for maintaining your makeup for hot weather. Choose a formula that controls oil and offers a long-lasting hold. A quick spritz after applying your makeup not only sets your look for hours but also provides a refreshing feel during the heat of the day, keeping you looking and feeling cool.

11. Light Scents and Fragrances for Heavy Heat

Skip heavy perfumes during the hot summer months, as they can become overwhelming. Instead, choose lighter eau de toilette fragrances with fresh, bright notes that complement the season without overpowering your senses.

12. Drink Plenty

Staying hydrated has endless benefits, enabling you to maintain healthy, glowy skin during the summer. 

Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. This not only improves your overall health but also helps your makeup to be applied smoothly and last longer.

Don’t let tired eyes ruin your summer makeup routine – learn how to hide eye bags.

5 Summer Makeup Looks and Trends for 2025

This year, consider switching up your summer makeup routine based on your skin type. Here are some options to try:

1. Cool Tones for a Luminous Effect

Shift away from the traditional golden glow and embrace pearlescent, cooler tones for your summer makeup. Iridescent and holographic shades are perfect for achieving a luminous, ethereal appearance. 

Use a pearly highlighter or a glittery opal eyeshadow to strategically reflect light, adding dimension and an angelic radiance to your look without overwhelming your skin with oil.

2. Summer’s Glow with a Citrus Twist

Let your makeup shine just as much as the sun. Orange blush captures the essence of summer sunsets, adding a vibrant glow that flatters every skin tone. 

This season, peachy and orange shades are not just for the cheeks; they help your overall summer makeup look, giving a radiant warmth that feels like a tropical getaway.

3. Go Bold With Green for Growth and Playfulness

This year, green eyeshadows are making a significant comeback, reflecting a trend towards maximalism and renewal. This bold, fun shade matches the excitement and vibrancy of summer, making it a top choice for those looking to make a statement with their makeup for hot weather. 

4. A Natural Flush for Every Summer Occasion

This summer, transform your look by experimenting with blush placement and intensity. The trend of sun kissed or “doll blush” uses a gradient technique that blends light under the eyes and intensifies toward the cheeks, mimicking a natural, radiant flush that advances your summer makeup. 

Apply a liquid blush like you would a concealer under the eyes, blending thoroughly, then intensify the application towards the highest points of your cheeks for that perfect sun-kissed glow.

5. Add Sparkle to Your Summer Looks

Glistening lips are essential for a glowy, vibrant summer makeup look. A glitter gloss not only adds sparkle but also elevates your overall appearance, making it the ideal finishing touch. 

For an extra pop, dab a glittery highlighter on your cupid’s bow and the centre of your lips before topping with gloss, ensuring your lips are the highlight of your summer makeup.

FAQs

How can I prevent my makeup from melting in the heat?

Primer or moisturiser first? To prevent makeup from melting in the heat, always start with a primer to create a smooth base once you have moisturised your skin. Use a setting spray after applying makeup to lock everything in place. Opt for waterproof or sweatproof products, especially for eyeliner and mascara.

What should I include in a minimalist summer makeup kit?

A minimalist summer makeup kit should include a tinted moisturiser with SPF, a waterproof mascara, a cream blush, a versatile lip and cheek tint, and a setting spray. These essentials will cover all bases for a simple and effective summer look.

Sources

World Health Organization. (2016) Radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv) [accessed 19/03/2025]

Noble, A., (2025) The Biggest Nail Colour Trends Of 2025 Bring Us Back To Basics. British Vogue. [online] Available at: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/nail-colour-trends-2025 [accessed 19/03/2025]

Ffor. (2024) Does the Sun Damage Your Hair. [online] Available at: https://www.fforhair.com/blogs/the-edit/the-edit-does-the-sun-damage-your-hair [accessed 19/03/2025]