23 Summer Makeup Hacks to Try When the Season Starts

Hello, summer—we’ve been waiting for you! But, with the change in season comes a need to switch up your makeup routine. For instance, you might want to consider swapping out your luminous finish foundation for one that’s matte—and you may want to stash a pack of blotting papers in your tote to help banish excess grease midday. Here, we’ve rounded up 23 summer makeup hacks—including using primer before foundation and applying powder highlighter for a subtle glow—to help you get ready for the warm weather and keep your makeup looking fresh in the face of summer sun and humidity.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #1: use MATTIFYING SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Your makeup routine shouldn’t begin until after you’ve taken care of your complexion. Hot weather during the summer months can turn nearly all skin types greasy by the end of the day. Sound familiar? Mattifying skin care products can help. If you tend to end up looking overly shiny in the summer, try adding the following mattifying skin care products to your regimen.

L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser - Normal to Oily Skin: Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from the skin. This micellar water purifies and mattifies. Micellar water doesn’t require any rinsing, so you can toss a bottle in your bag to cleanse after a workout or when you’re traveling. Just don’t forget some cotton rounds! To use, saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe the pad across your face.

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin: Thought you didn’t need to use moisturizer if you had oily skin? Think again! Try a lightweight water-based moisturizer with a matte finish, like this one, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration. Smooth it over cleansed skin morning and night.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Purify & Mattify Face Mask: Using a face mask can be a totally relaxing experience. This mask, which is formulated with three types of clay (kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava) and enhanced with eucalyptus leaf extract, is a great pick for those with shiny-looking complexions. Day after day, impurities, dirt, makeup, and excess oils can build up on the surface of your skin, leaving your complexion looking overly oily. This mask can help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils and reduce the look of excess shine. Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off. Use three times a week for best results.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #2: USE A MOISTURIZER FORMULATED WITH SPF

Looking to speed up your skin care routine so you can get out in the sun ASAP? Consider streamlining your skin care routine with a moisturizer formulated with SPF. Smooth on the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30 and don’t forget to toss it in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #3: PRIME BEFORE APPLYING FOUNDATION

Oh, primer: This useful face makeup product is about to become your go-to during the summer. Primer can help create a smooth base to apply foundation, as well as help keep your makeup in place. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer helps smooth lines, hide pores, and banish imperfections—and it has a matte finish. Apply it by blending in a gentle circular motion over your entire face or onto targeted areas—think under-eyes to smooth fine lines, cheeks to minimize the appearance of pores and blemishes, and your T-zone to mattify. You can wear it alone or underneath foundation depending on what your day has in store.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #4: USE A long-lasting, lightweight foundation

Speaking of foundation, during the warm summer months, you’ll want to use a foundation that is both lightweight and long-lasting, such as the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight. This formula provides medium to full coverage while also letting your skin breath. Plus, it contains three oil absorbers to help resist sweat, water, and transfer. What more could you ask for from a summertime foundation? To use, apply an even layer onto your entire complexion using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #5: LOOK FOR FORMULAS WITH SPF

Pro tip: You can never be too protected from the sun. So, for an added layer of protection, consider wearing face makeup that is formulated with SPF. The foundation we mentioned above? It has SPF 25 in its formula, so it ticks all the boxes for the perfect summer foundation!

Editor’s note: Foundation isn’t the only makeup with SPF! How about using a highlighter that offers protection, too? Give the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Highlighter Shaping Sticks a whirl.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #6: use a concealer thaT won’t budge

Like we said, the heat of summertime can leave your makeup less than intact, and oftentimes, concealer takes the brunt of the damage. And who wants to apply concealer in the morning only to find half of it melted off by lunchtime? You need a concealer that’s formulated to stay put—no smearing or smudging—no matter what the day brings. Try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage. To use, dab it onto problem areas or blemishes, then blend out with your makeup blender before setting your entire look.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #7: use a matte powder

After you’ve applied your foundation and concealer, top things off with a dusting of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Powder. This powder will add an extra layer of mattifying power, helping to keep your complexion looking as fresh as possible, even during a day at the beach.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #8: DO IT ALL WITH BB CREAM

On those super-hot days where you don’t feel like wearing a ton of makeup, reach for a multi-tasking BB cream, like the L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream, which offers four actions in one product. It primes, corrects, hydrates, and perfects. Talk about a one-stop shop! If you’re heading out on vacation, you can save space in your suitcase by packing a BB cream instead of a separate primer, color corrector, and foundation.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #9: SPRITZ ON A SETTING SPRAY

Who wants to touch up their makeup throughout the day? Sometimes that’s how the cookie crumbles, but it’s much preferred to have your look remain intact. You can encourage just that with a little help from a setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray. After applying the rest of your makeup, shake the bottle well, then hold it eight to ten inches away from your face and spray four to six times in an X and T motion.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #10: KEEP BLOTTING SHEETS HANDY

If you have a feeling you’re going to start looking greasy sometime during the day, be sure to put a pack of blotting papers in your purse before you leave in the morning. These sheets can help absorb excess oil from the surface of your skin without disturbing your makeup.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #11: SWITCH TO LIPSTICK WITH A SHINE

Matte lipsticks are our absolute favorite for fall and winter, but summer is the perfect time to give your lips a more lustrous finish. Next time you’re playing up your pout, swipe on one of the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipsticks, which come in a variety of beautiful shades ranging from nudes to pinks to berries.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #12: GO FOR LIGHTER METALLIC SHADOWS

Say bye, bye to dark, smoldering smoky eyes for now. Instead, rock shimmery metallic hues on your lids for a brighter, sunnier look. Try blending any of the following across your lids: the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine, Amber Rush, or Silver Sky.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #13: pack a MASCARA

If there’s one makeup product that we believe can tie an entire look together, it would have to be mascara. Help add volume and length to your lashes with the L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black. Whether you’re working up a sweat or taking a dip in the ocean, you won’t regret opting for a waterproof formula!

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #14: ADD A POP OF COLOR TO YOUR EYES

A black cat eye may be perfect around holiday party season, but feel free to venture outside your eye makeup comfort zone this summer by swapping your basic black eyeliner for one in a more colorful hue. Take your cat eye up a notch with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Eyeliner in Electric Blue, then sweep a coat of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Cobalt Blue onto your lashes for a one-two punch of blue.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #15: FAKE A GOLDEN GLOW with self-tanner

Not all of us are blessed with golden skin, and spending too much time under the sun isn’t healthy. Still, you can achieve sun-kissed skin—it’s all about going about it the right way. Our suggestion? Achieve a natural-looking glow with the L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse. This lightweight formula goes on evenly and develops gradually while also hydrating the skin. The result? An all-over, glowing tan that is smooth and totally streak-free. Interested in learning more about self-tanner? Here’s How to Use Every Type of Self-Tanner.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #16: swipe on some bronzer

If you aren’t up for the task of using self-tanner, you can warm up your complexion with a little bit of bronzer. Sweep the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Bronze It Bronzer onto the sides of your face, hitting your temples, cheekbones, and jawline. When all is said and done, you’ll look as if you’re fresh from a tropical vacay.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #17: SWITCH TO WATERPROOF FORMULAS

Summer is the season for outdoor events—from BBQs to weddings to days spent at the beach—which is why choosing long-lasting or waterproof makeup is always a good idea. Besides waterproof mascara, which we touched on earlier, make sure your summer makeup bag is stocked with waterproof eyeliner. We love the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner because of its long-lasting and smudge-proof formula.

To remove your waterproof look at the end of the day, use one of the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ Makeup Removing Towelettes. They gently cleanse and remove all makeup—even waterproof mascara!

Editor’s Note: If you’re planning for a long day spent outdoors, you may want to consider a full-on sweat proof makeup look. Here’s How to Achieve a Sweat Proof Makeup Look. 

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #18: add highlights for a radiant look

As far as highlighting during the summer goes, try using a powder highlighter over a cream or liquid formula to avoid looking too shiny. The L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette comes in warm and cool options to complement different skin tones, so pick the one that best matches your skin tone, then get your glow on.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #19: INVEST IN A PALETTE

When it comes to summer traveling, the more multitasking makeup products you have on hand, the less you’ll have taking up room in your suitcase. That’s why BB cream is a summer must-have! Another essential to consider bringing with you? An eye shadow palette! You’ll be able to create a variety of different makeup looks without having to root around in your carry-on for different hues. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude contains 10 nude shades in three finishes (satin, matte, and sheen), so have fun mixing and matching! Another great option for summertime eye makeup looks is the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette, which includes 12 bright, peachy and rosy-toned shades in a mix of finishes.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #20: EMBRACE THE COLOR WHITE

White makeup is so in these days—and summer is definitely the time to have fun with this shade! Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner in White. Rim your lower waterline with the pencil or line your upper lid for a bolder look that’s super-cool. Then, how about getting a white mani and pedi to match?

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #21: USE A LONG-LASTING BROW GEL

To fill in your brows during the hot, humid summertime, use an eyebrow gel that’s long-lasting and won’t smear or smudge. Try the L'Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel. With just a few swipes, this brow gel will thicken and fill in brows, offering a natural look. Not only that, but once applied, the gel won’t go anywhere until you’re ready to remove your makeup.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #22: protect your lips, too

Before you reach for your lip color of choice, be sure to apply a lip balm with SPF. The sun in the summer months can be fierce, and your lips need to be protected just like the rest of your skin does. And yes, that means you’ll need to reapply your lip SPF every two hours—just as you should reapply sunscreen regularly during the day.

SUMMER MAKEUP HACK #23: use a long-lasting cream blush

If you want to add blush to your summer makeup look, avoid the powder varieties. Instead, grab a cream-based blush that you can easily swipe on for a more natural finish. Try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Blush Shaping Sticks; the color will go on smoothly and won’t fade or transfer all day! Slip it into your makeup bag for on-the-go application.

And that’s a wrap on our 23 summer makeup hacks! For more summer makeup tips, here are 3 Easy Summer Eye Makeup Looks to give a try.