There’s no shame in being envious of the bronzed, glowing skin used to illustrate “effortless summer beauty” in ads and editorials, but the truth is, it’s a far cry from reality. What’s standing between you and that model-esque complexion isn’t just a team of pros and a Photoshop session—it’s also humidity, sweat and makeup-melting temperatures.
Achieving perfect skin during the warmer months isn’t impossible, but it definitely takes a bit of beauty know-how. For that, we turned to our favorite industry experts—including Julianne Moore’s facialist, an A-list makeup artist, and a cosmetics titan—for their summer skin secrets.
Tim Quinn
Celebrity make-up artist and national director of creative artistry for Giorgio Armani Beauty
Georgio Armani Maestro Liquid Summer Bronzer
TRY LIQUID BRONZER.
Go for a liquid bronzer with a matte finish. That tanned look is easiest to cheat with a creamy product versus powders.
LOOK FOR LONG-WEAR.
Use a long-wear eyeshadow, like our Eyes to Kill Intense Waterproof Eyeshadow. I prefer number 28 for summer. It’s a rosy gold tone. Just sweep it on with your finger—it literally lasts for 18 hours.
GO BOLD.
I like a brightly-colored lip—think: oranges, reds and pinks. The texture should be semi-matte because glossy can be a bit too much for summer. My all-time favorite summer lip color is Lip Maestro in 401 Tibetan Orange.
Dr. Debra Jaliman
Board certified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist
OPT FOR DOUBLE-DUTY BEAUTY.
Use dual-functioning products to minimize what you’re applying. I like the Supergoop CC Cream for everyday because it gives great coverage and will protect your skin from the strong UV rays. It contains a high concentration of zinc oxide but is still gentle on skin.
Tata Harper
Founder of Tata Harper, an all-natural, organic skincare line
Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence Moisturizing Toner
SWAP OUT YOUR MOISTURIZER.
If you’re feeling like your winter creams are too heavy, switch to an oil-free version. I love using my Hydrating Floral Essence Moisturizing Toner—it’s really refreshing in the warmer weather.
STAY HYDRATED.
Drink a lot of juices, especially those rich in beta-carotene, like carrot juice and orange juice. Also try coconut and watermelon juices, which are super-hydrating.
KEEP BLEMISHES COVERED.
Avoid the sun if you have any blemishes because that inflammation attracts a lot of melanin, so it is much more likely to leave a dark spot after the pimple fades.
Fulvia Farolfi
Chanel Celebrity Makeup Artist
DON’T BE AFRAID OF COLOR.
We have a summer collection that consists of gorgeous colors, like pink, orange, lavender, beige-bronze and white, which I love for this season! Use a colored mascara, like our Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in Violet Touch or the Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner in Ambre Doré, to complete a beautiful look.
Sonia Kashuk
Founder of Sonia Kashuk makeup, accessories and bath products
Sonia Kashuk Velvety Matte Lip Crayons
SHOW SOME SKIN.
Summer isn’t the time to be loading on foundation—it’s about letting your skin be the star. I love putting my illuminating bronzer directly onto fresh skin. It gives such a beautiful glow and tone at the same time.
AVOID HARSH LINES.
When it comes to lipsticks, be careful not to over-draw them. I like blurring the edges. It’s still a statement, but it won’t look overly-defined. You don’t want it to appear obvious that you ‘re wearing makeup.
Joanna Vargas
Celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection
Joanna Vargas Daily Serum
CLEANSE AND HYDRATE ON THE GO.
Take your cleanser in your gym bag and wash your face right after a workout rather than waiting until you get home. It will keep your pores cleaner in between facials and let the skin breathe. I always encourage people to carry a little bottle of rose water spray in their bag. It feels incredible when you’re getting sticky from walking around outside.
INCORPORATE AVOCADO.
Eat avocado every day either as part of a salad or in your morning smoothie. Avocado supplies the skin with healthy fats and phytonutrients to hydrate from the inside out and make you appear refreshed. I also love Organic Avenue Avocado Soup. It’s cold, so it’s great for summer. Three days of that and your skin radiates for miles!
STICK TO SERUMS.
Once the weather gets warmer, I suggest changing your skincare routine to solely include serums. In my own line, I have a Daily Serum, which is inspired by my love of green juices. It contains oat grass juice to boost your lymphatic system and chlorophyll to oxygenate the face. It’s so liberating to not need anything else for the skin! Plus, a daytime serum is great to apply under sunscreen, which you absolutely cannot live without.
Ling Chan
Celebrity facialist, founder of the New York-based Ling Skincare & Spa
WASH YOUR FACE BEFORE SUNBATHING.
Be sure to cleanse your face before laying out. This is crucial because when the sun dries the top layer of your skin, oil glands get buried underneath and can create cystic acne.
Sunday Riley
Founder of skincare and makeup brand Sunday Riley
START WITH A MORNING SPLASH.
Before I put on my makeup in the morning, I splash my face with cold water. It tightens pores and stops perspiration, so foundation goes on more smoothly. I like to keep my face makeup light during the summer months with Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer.
DITCH YOUR REGULAR FRAGRANCE.
Instead of wearing regular perfume in the summertime, I use scented oils or roller balls so the fragrance doesn’t evaporate with sweat.
