Summer is right around the corner! A glowing tan and salty, wavy hair are necessities for this time of year… so is a simple makeup routine that won’t break the bank OR break out my skin! I’m sharing makeup must-haves that you’ll definitely want this summer, as well as a few dupes!
First things first, before applying any makeup I wash my face with a mild cleanser and lotion. I use CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and Moisturizing Lotion (My skin is on the dry side) which you can purchase at Ulta or basically any drugstore. Next, I apply a tiny bit of powder foundation. My absolute favorite is BareMinerals Original Foundation (Pictured above). It’s SPF 15 and super light. I find that my face is always the most blemish-free when I use this foundation, even if I sweat or apply sunscreen during the day!
CONCEALER DUPE
Maybelline FIT Me! Concealer ‘Vanilla’ // NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ‘Light’
A reliable concealer is without a doubt my most important beauty product. Especially during summer months when I’m prone to breakouts or sunspots, it’s essential that my concealer blends flawlessly and doesn’t settle into fine lines. I’ve used NARS concealer for months – the reviews for this concealer are always off the charts. However, a friend of mine recently introduced me to Maybelline FIT Me! Concealer and it’s the perfect dupe at under $10! After using for a few weeks, I realized that paired with a great setting powder (I use Laura Mercier Translucent Powder – RCMA powder is also a great option if you’re super dry) it does an even better job at blending and not settling into wrinkles or fine lines.
BRONZER
LORAC Bronzer Palette // Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
Bronzer is a must for glowing skin, and I always have a few options because I know my skin color will change throughout the next few months due to sun exposure. That’s why I’m obsessed with the LORAC bronzer palette. Two matte and two shimmer shades, all ideal for a wide array of skin tones. It doubles as a contour as well! It’s a steal for under $50. For a more subtle, all over bronzed look, I recently purchased the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer. This is something you can literally blend all over and it wouldn’t be too much. It also smells AMAZING, like coconut oil and sunscreen!
BLUSH
Milani Illuminating Face Powder ‘Beauty’s Touch’ (I use as a blush AND highlighter) // NARS blush ‘Orgasm’ // Milani baked blush ‘Luminoso’ // NYX matte blush ‘Pink The Town’ // ELF Cosmetics blush brush (Find at most drugstores, similar here)
BLUSH DUPE
NARS ‘Orgasm’ // Milani baked blush ‘Luminoso’
I’ve come to realize that the majority of women who know anything about makeup have used NARS blush in ‘Orgasm’ at some point in their lives. It’s one of those universally used products because it looks so good on everyone. The peachy-pink hue looks amazing over a tan, and the shimmer brightens up your face. I’ve never paid so much for blush but I have to admit that it’s worth it! Recently, I’ve watched a lot of tutorials and found that many popular beauty vloggers/bloggers use Milani baked blush ‘Luminoso’ as a dupe for ‘Orgasm’. You can find Milani beauty products in CVS drugstores, but I ordered mine online because every store I went to was completely sold out in this particular shade! You can’t beat the price at under $10.
HIGHLIGHTERS
Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Powder and Strobe Lighting Powder // Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector ‘Moonstone’ // MAC Strobe Cream // Beauty Blender
If you follow me on Instagram, you know how obsessed I am with highlighters. They’re a super simple way to give you that “glow from within” look. It’s so hard for me to narrow down my favorites because they’re are so many! When it comes to powder highlighters, you can’t go wrong with Hourglass Cosmetics. I use the Ambient Lighting Powder for a subtle glow – I’ve actually seen this used in a ton of wedding makeup tutorials. For a more distinct highlight, I reach for the strobe powder. When it comes to liquids, I gravitate towards formulas that add dewiness to skin, not shimmer. My favorite highlighter of all time is the Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector in ‘Moonstone’. On days when I’m extra tired, I mix a drop into my liquid foundation for an overall, glowing look. I also love the MAC Strobe Cream for its subtlety. After reading reviews and seeing that so many girls found this to be their favorite, I had to try it for myself. I place it on the high points of my face for a dewy complexion. ***As a warning, this formula is on the silver/white side so it may not be best for very tan and dark complexions. Read the reviews first!
MASCARA/LASH CARE
Lancôme ‘Hypnôse Drama’ Mascara // Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara // Neulash Lash Enhancing Serum
I’m ultra picky when it comes to mascara. I hate wearing waterproof mascara because it clumps on my lashes, so I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find the right formula that doesn’t run or clump during the day – especially during workouts or days on the beach. I love Lancôme ‘Hypnôse Drama’ Mascara because the wand is curved so it really lengthens my lashes. I wear this mascara on the daily and it never runs. I also love Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara for the same reasons. Both are great formulas and worth the price!
Something I absolutely can’t live without is my Neulash serum. I started using this about 6 months ago and now I can’t stop! You swipe this serum on your top lash line every night before bed and after a few weeks, your lashes start to grow longer and thicker. Now I actually apply it once every three or four days because my lashes started to get TOO long! This is so essential to my spring/summer makeup routine because on days when I wear minimal makeup, I won’t wear liner or shadow. Just a few swipes of mascara and my lashes do all the talking. *** I suggest starting with the 0.1 oz if you’re trying this for the first time. I’ve had mine for over 6 months and there’s still plenty left! A little goes a long way.
SHADOW PALETTE DUPE
Lancôme Color Design Palette ‘Beige Brulée’ // Revlon Colorstay Palette ‘500 Addictive’ (On sale!)
I love a smooth, blendable eyeshadow palette that creates a neutral look. I’ll use this Lancôme Color Design Palette ‘Beige Brulée’ for a more dramatic (but still subtle) summer look for dinner or going out on the weekends. The formula on this palette is silky smooth and lasts a long time. The Revlon Colorstay Palette ‘500 Addictive’ is an almost identical dupe, but without the highlighter. This one is very similar though! This palette is on sale for under $5!
LIPS
From top left: NYX Butter Gloss ‘Créme Brulee’ and Soft Matte Lip Cream ‘Stockholm’ // L’oréal lipstick ‘Fairest Nude’ // Laura Geller Color Luster Lipgloss ‘Sugar Cane’ // Urban Decay Vice Lipstick ‘Naked’ (Coming soon, look for the Vice collection in Sephora!) // Anastiasia Beverly Hills lipgloss ‘Kristen’ // Estée Lauder Pure Color lipgloss ‘Rock Candy’ // NYX Lip Lingerie liquid lipstick ‘Lace Detail’
Can you tell I like lip products?! Well, that’s is a serious understatement. I have an entire arsenal of lipgloss and lipsticks, especially in nude colors which is my go-to for summer. My look isn’t complete without a swipe of nude lipstick or pink lipgloss! Absolute favorites: L’oréal lipstick ‘Fairest Nude’ (A great shade on lots of complexions) and Anastiasia Beverly Hills lipgloss ‘Kristen’ for a more pigmented look. This is my most-used lip product and it comes in tons of shades.
What are your go-tos for summer makeup? I’d love to know! Leave comments below or come say hello on Insta!
xo Jenna
