Le Magazine
Summer make-up: how to create a natural, radiant sun-kissed look
Summer sheds light on your skin. Light and airy, our sun-kissed summer make-up warms the complexion and brings out its natural radiance while maintaining comfort, even in the heat. Discover the steps to achieving radiant, long-lasting make-up with a healthy glow.
1. Prepare your skin before applying make-up
Make-up looks better and lasts longer on perfectly moisturised skin. Start by applying a face cream suited to your skin type and leave it to absorb for a few minutes before applying make-up. If you're going to be out in the sun, complement or replace your usual cream with a face sunscreen, which is essential for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
2. Even out your complexion for natural-looking summer make-up
When it comes to summer make-up, the aim isn't to cover up the skin but rather to target areas to be enhanced. A small amount of concealer or corrector on areas of minor redness and blemishes can be all you need to achieve a perfectly even complexion, while still letting your skin shine through.
If you want more coverage, apply a tinted face cream before applying your concealer, or opt for a liquid foundation with an ultra-natural finish. Ensure the shade is perfectly suited to your skin and is not any darker than your skin colour. You'll achieve your sun-kissed look when you apply bronzer in the next step.
3. Add subtle warmth to your complexion
To achieve the sun-kissed look you desire, it all depends on the texture of the bronzer you choose:
• A gel texture, which is almost imperceptible on the skin, offers the most subtle finish. It can be applied with your fingertips or using a synthetic-fibre kabuki brush.
• A creamy texture allows you to achieve a look that ranges from light to intense, while maintaining a natural finish. It can be applied in the same way as a gel bronzer.
• A powder texture, ranging from matte to shimmery depending on the formula, is ideal for contouring the face. It can be applied using a powder brush or a kabuki brush.
For a natural, healthy glow, focus the colour on the temples, the tops of the cheekbones and the hairline. The idea is to add warmth where the sun's rays naturally fall on the face. A light touch along the bridge of the nose can also enhance the sun-kissed effect.
Apply small amounts at a time and blend thoroughly to give your skin a natural glow.
One last tip: don't forget to bring your make-up down slightly towards your neck and the top of your décolleté if they're visible, to avoid creating too stark a contrast with your face.
4. Capture the light
To enhance your summer make-up's sun-kissed effect, apply a highlighter to the areas of your face that naturally catch the light: the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose and your Cupid's bow.
Whether you're using a powder, gel or cream, aim for a subtle finish without pressing too hard. The goal is to add radiance without accentuating unwanted reflections.
New
£102.00
How can you make your summer make-up last in the heat?
To keep your glowing make-up looking fresh all day long, even in hot weather, you can:
• apply a mattifying primer if your skin has a tendency to shine, to help your make-up last longer without weighing it down;
• lightly dust the T-zone with powder and/or use a make-up setting spray to minimise shine without dulling the complexion;
• use blotting sheets to absorb excess sebum and sweat throughout the day, then apply a light dusting of powder to the T-zone.
2 shades
£84.00
Frequently asked questions about summer make-up
Does make-up replace sunscreen?
No, make-up is not a substitute for proper sun protection. Although some products contain SPF, the amount applied is generally not enough to provide effective protection. If you're going to be out in the sun, it's essential to apply face sunscreen before putting on make-up.
Should you adapt your make-up routine in summer?
Yes. In summer, heat and humidity affect how products act on the skin. It is therefore best to opt for lighter textures and to apply them in thin layers. Adapting your routine helps keep your make-up looking fresh all day long.
How do you create a sun-kissed effect on olive or dark skin?
On olive or dark skin, achieving a sun-kissed look doesn't mean making your complexion any darker – it's about playing with light and warmth. Opt for warm shades that suit your skin tone, and avoid shades that are too orange. Product should be applied to the areas that are naturally exposed to the sun, such as the temples, cheekbones and bridge of the nose. A touch of highlighter with golden or coppery reflections can enhance your glow without creating an artificial contrast.
How can you avoid making your skin look too orange?
An overly orange finish often occurs when the shade chosen is too dark or too warm for your skin tone. To avoid this happening, choose a shade that is slightly warmer than your natural skin tone, but not too much so. Apply the product gradually and blend thoroughly. The aim is to capture the warmth of the sun, not to alter the colour of your face.