Each season gives us the excuse to stock up on new and exciting make-up products. Summer (in particular) allows us to dabble with shimmer and use bolder colours on the eyes and lips. We also lean towards bronzers and highlighters more than regular powders, and melt-proof, long-wearing formulas are a must. If you’re slightly sun-kissed, it may mean it’s time to switch to a different foundation shade. Want to update your summer make-up collection? These are the products on our wish list:
Creamy blush stick
This multi-purpose blush is effortless to use and will fit perfectly into your handbag. If you’re unsure where to apply the product, smile and draw a ‘C’ shape from your temples down to the apples of your cheeks. Layering this blush means heightening the intensity of the pigment, so it’s up to you how bright you want to go. Dab some blush onto your eyelids to complete the entire look.
Nourishing lip oil
Lip oils were undoubtedly the ‘it’ product of 2023, and still have a strong placing this year on our summer make-up must-have list. This one has an ever-so-slight pink tint that keeps your pout extra glossy and ultra hydrated. The juicy ingredient line-up includes hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and jojoba oil.
Shimmer brick
We love Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Brick not only for her iconic status, but for her versatility. It’s a one-stop shop for all things shimmer and can be used as a bronzer, highlighter and eyeshadow. Dust some of the product onto your collar bones, cleavage and shoulders to give your decolletage an overall glow. It also has the ability to make your teeth and eyes appear brighter, which is always a plus in our books.
Lightweight skin tint
Summer calls for easy-to-wear, ‘barely there’ cover-ups on the skin. This one from MAC has a subtle iridescent finish and can be worn under your foundation to bump up your skin’s radiance or on its own (how we think you should wear it). It blends beautifully with your fingers, sponge or brush. Take your pick.
Waterproof mascara
Frequent dips in the pool, ocean or dam require budge-proof mascara with a formula that stays put the entire day. Clarins’ beloved Wonderperfect Mascara 4D now comes in a waterproof version that gives you everything you want in a mascara, from length to curl and, of course, volume.
Bright eyeliner
Swap your usual black and brown liner for brighter, more electric hues this season. Purple, navy blue, gold and turquoise, like Givenchy’s Khol Couture Waterproof Eyeliners, have the ability to take us back to when we were sipping cocktails instead of sitting in the office. If you’re not in the mood to go all out, create a small wing on each eye to add a subtle pop of summer.
Make-up primer
We declare 2024 the year of flawless finishes, whether that be with nailing your skincare routine or acing your make-up application. Our go-to for ensuring pore appearance reduction, smooth texture and foundation longevity this summer is a trusted primer – Maybelline’s Baby Skin Primer Instant Pore Eraser. It contains cherry extract, which helps to protect and balance the skin, along with maintaining its barrier. For the best results, apply it to freshly cleansed dry skin.
Melt-proof, long-wearing foundation
If you’re a full-coverage fan come rain or shine and want a long-wear foundation that doesn’t migrate during the sweltering summer heat, try Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation. It’s a number-one seller that proves to be a foundation favourite all year round. It has a matte finish that covers redness and evens out skin tone. We also love the broad shade variation (it has 59 in total) and the SPF 10.
