(Beauty Report Card)

My Minimalist Summer Makeup Routine Only Takes 5 Minutes To Do

Easy peasy.

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: April 15, 2023

Marina Liao

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For me, spring cleaning isn’t just about what I’m clearing out from my closet (goodbye jeans! goodbye turtlenecks!), it’s also about organizing my beauty drawer. I take the time to toss out any expired winter skin care and makeup products and restock my stash with season-appropriate favorites like a sweat-proof facial sunscreen or a light, tinted moisturizer. Cleaning out my beauty drawer also helps me plot out my minimalist summer makeup routine. I keep the four to five products I use daily within reach while the rest go into a clear plastic bin until fall rolls around.

When it comes to makeup for the warmer months, I like to use as little product as possible on my face. After moisturizer (CeraVe is my favorite), I’ll apply sunscreen then follow up with several dabs of concealer around my nose and on my chin to hide any redness instead of applying foundation all over. Once my base is set, I’ll use a hydrating tinted lip balm to give my lips a slight sheen in the sunlight, and I always apply mascara to lift my lashes — voilà, done!

It turns out, my less-is-more approach is in line with what the beauty pros recommend you do for summer. “When it’s hot out, I would stay away from any super full coverage products, especially when it comes to complexion. The last thing you want to do is constantly touch up your makeup on a summer day, and a full-coverage look is bound to be impacted by sweat and sun,” says Gerri Molina, vice president, product development and innovation at Merit. Instead of using an all-over foundation, Molina recommends a light to medium coverage concealer or foundation stick.

Additionally, Sara Nicole Smith, Bobbi Brown cosmetics global pro artist says: “Choose super lightweight, sheer, creamy products in the summertime, think tinted moisturizers and cream blush. These lessen the chances of your makeup turning into a sweaty disaster and instead melt into a naturally dewy glow. Sweat-proof, water-resistant products are also key to ensure any oils or sweat from the day won’t melt away your makeup.”

Ahead, check out the products I rely on for my easy summer makeup routine, along with some picks from the pros.

Kate Somerville

Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

$54

Sunscreen is non-negotiable for me and I find this one sits well underneath my concealer. The sunscreen also smoothes out my pores, so on the weekends I actually forgo a concealer.

Merit

Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

$38

I don’t love the super matte makeup look. Instead, I prefer the “sweaty” look and this serum gives me that summer glow minus the actual sweat.

Maybelline

Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

My short lashes naturally point downwards and this mascara lengthens and keeps them lifted all day long.

Ilia

True Skin Serum Concealer with Vitamin C

$32

This is my everyday concealer as it blends easily into my skin and on top of my sunscreen.

Ilia

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

$48

When I go to weddings or special events, I’ll use a foundation for a little more coverage. In this case, I always use Ilia’s tinted option because it is lightweight and buildable, ensuring that I don’t overapply it.

Urban Decay

Naked3 Mini Eyeshadow Palette

$33

A shimmery lid goes a long way for me because it makes me feel awake and fancy even if mascara and sunscreen are the only other products I’m wearing.

Guerlain

KissKiss Bee Glow

$40

This is my favorite tinted lip balm because it is so hydrating (I have super dry lips). I use it on its own or on top of my chapstick.

Bobbi Brown

Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks

$35

“This provides the perfect sheer faux flush but also doubles as a lip color. Apply on the highs of the cheeks to lift and sculpt the face without using a contour,” says Smith of this multitasking compact.

bareMinerals

Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

$37

I love a multipurpose product and this one is a moisturizer, skin tint, and sunscreen in one.

Benefit Cosmetics

Mini The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Primer

$14

For my super lazy days, I apply this on my face to smooth out my pores and call it a day.

This article was originally published on April 15, 2023