The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Summer Skin and Summer Makeup
My name is Iain and I've worked in the Beauty Industry for 8 years now. I've been on the front line in store helping people navigate the world of skin, as well as worked in education, artistry and marketing. When I'm not writing about skincare, you can find me over at Instagram talking about beauty or working on my PhD.
Ah, summer.
When it finally arrives, it feels like everyone lets out a collective sigh of relief.
You get to head to the beach, sip cocktails on the patio with friends, and enjoy daylight that seems to last forever.
But with the new season comes summer skin, along with new ways to master skincare and makeup.
This guide walks you through the must-have skincare for summer, plus a few beach makeup tips and general summer makeup hacks.
So let’s get your summer skin glowing, the cocktails flowing, and this warm-weather product guide underway.
Before diving in, let’s start with a couple of summer skin questions, because getting the season right is not just about soaking up the sunshine and making the most of those long, warm days; it is also about adjusting your routine to match everything summer brings while keeping the same easy, upbeat energy that makes this time of year so good.
How to Take Care of Your Skin in Summer
The biggest skin change most people notice in summer is an increase in oiliness.
Of course, on top of managing shiny skin, it’s also crucial to be mindful of upping your SPF usage.
Throughout Australia, the UV index is much higher during the summer months.
Be sure you’re using an SPF of at least 30 daily.
Got that sorted? Now, swap out your current facial cleanser for something that helps control oil.
These are your summer skincare essentials!
1. Your Daily Summer Skin Non-Negotiable
- A hydrating, lightweight sunscreen that’s brimming with antioxidants to protect skin from both UVA/UVB rays and environmental aggressors.
- It’s completely invisible on the skin and is Australian-made and -owned, so you know you’re getting the best protection.
Who it's for: All skin types. Oily skin types can ditch the moisturiser in the morning because this product is so hydrating.
How to use: Use this moisturising sunscreen as the final step of your morning skincare routine.
Apply generously all over and allow it to sink into the skin for a couple minutes before you apply makeup.
2. The Best Body Lotion for Glowing Skin in Summer
What it is: PCA Skin Body Therapy 206.5ml
- An advanced body treatment that targets hydration, texture, and tone to ensure summer-smooth skin all year long.
- With temperatures rising, more skin is on display. This fast-absorbing treatment works hard to make skin glow!
- Lactic acid works to exfoliate skin gently, while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and shea butter locks in all that goodness.
Who it's for: All skin types, but especially useful for bumpy or rough skin.
How to use: After bathing or showering in the evening, apply Body Therapy to slightly damp skin and allow it to work its magic overnight.
3. The Best Post-Beach Skin Product
- An essential post beach cleanser that’s packed with salicylic acid to help decongest pores and keep them that way.
- Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this formula cleanses away oil and grime gently but effectively.
Who it's for: Perfect for combination-to-oily skins that experience an increase in breakouts during the summer.
How to use: Twice a day, apply to damp face and neck, and massage in circular motions. Rinse.
4. Beach Makeup Made Easy
- The ultimate summer foundation, this sheer offering from Make Up For Ever is beautifully buildable, so you can get the coverage you desire without any heaviness.
- Perfect for summer, this transfer- and water-resistant formula lasts up to 24 hours and is comfortable and lightweight.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants coverage and wants the best waterproof makeup for the beach.
How to use: Put a small amount of foundation on a sponge, a brush, or fingers. Blend from the centre of the face outwards.
5. The Summer-Staple Bronzer
What it is: M.A.C Cosmetics Bronzing Powder
- Available in an array of colours, this long-wearing bronzing powder instantly gives you a summer glow.
- Perfect for use all over the face to add warmth and definition, the powder also works along the contour of the eye to add dimension—a tried-and-true entry in my repertoire of beach makeup tips.
Who it's for: All skin types will love this formula, which doesn’t emphasise texture.
How to use: With a large, fluffy bronzing brush, pick up the powder and brush it onto the forehead, cheekbones, and chin to mimic a natural tan.
Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to blend colour through the creases to finish off your beach makeup look.
6. Lock It and Forget It All Day Long
What it is: Lancome Fix It Forget It Setting Spray
- A hyaluronic acid-infused setting spray that keeps makeup in place through sweat, sun, and sea air while it hydrates skin for 24 hours.
- This ultra-lightweight formula won’t disturb makeup while it enhances makeup wear time and keeps colours true.
Who it's for: All skin types.
How to use: As the final step in makeup application, spritz 4 to 5 times all over the face with your eyes closed. Let it dry and you’re ready to go!
How to Keep Skin Clear in Summer
Switching to a gel or foaming cleanser during the summer is a good way to fight blemishes and ensure you’re getting a thorough cleanse.
Introducing a cleanser with a BHA, or salicylic acid, is a great move for acne or blemish-prone skin.
These ingredients gently exfoliate inside the pores and are found in the best skincare products for summer.
How to Apply Makeup in Summer
Keeping your makeup from melting in summer is certainly tricky as high heat means more sweat.
My top summer makeup hacks are to use a sheerer base, make your bronzer do double duty as an eyeshadow, and set everything in place with a setting spray
My best summer makeup tip is to work in thin layers while applying so any separation is less noticeable.
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