7 Best Summer Daytime Looks

There is a fine line between suitable day makeup and an overdone, clown-like look. Even though wearing makeup during hot months isn’t always pleasant, sometimes we just feel like dolling up a bit. In this article, you’ll learn the basic rules of daytime makeup, then see seven of the coolest looks to try this season.

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Basic rules

By following some basic rules, you won’t ever have to worry about your makeup looking overdone:

• Stay away from black eye shadow and glitter, it is just not appropriate for daytime.
• The eyeliner needs to be subtle, just dash it onto your lash line, there is no need for cat eye during the day.
• Smoky eye is not forbidden; however, lighten it up a bit by using bright pastel colors.
• Keep everything simple.
• Make sure your skin is moisturized and covered with the appropriate layer of sunscreen.
• Avoid heavy foundation.

Look number 1: Purple goddess

Since summer is the perfect time for color, experiment as much as you like, and try out the purple eyeshadow trend this season. If you opt for a rich and vibrant purple shade, it will make your eyes pop and really highlight their shape and color. This look works best with darker skin tones and darker eyes. To keep the color in place, prime your lids with a loose powder before applying the eyeshadow. Add a few layers of mascara, black pencil on your waterline, a hint of pink blush, and a nude lipstick, and you’re ready to go.

Look number 2: Barbie

This one got its name because it really makes you feel like a Barbie doll. It’s simple, cute, timeless, and it’s the best look for blondes (Barbies). Put on a pale pink lipstick, add lush fake eyelashes (or if you have naturally big lashes, just pack them with mascara), and highlight your cheekbones and inner eye corners. If you want your lipstick to last longer, coat your lips with a lip liner first.

Look number 3: Bronze

This look is suitable for all skin and hair colors, since it’s a signature summer makeup look. Bronze your face up, add two coats of mascara, a hint of black eye pencil on your waterline, put on a shimmery bronze daytime eyeshadow, and some nude lip gloss, and you’re good to go. To achieve the maximum glow, use highlighter on the highest part of your cheekbones, on your Cupid’s bow, and underneath your eyebrows.

Look number 4: Silver

Metallic eyeshadows are a huge hit this season, so try this look out, especially if you have a dark complexion. To make your silver eyeshadow really pop, add some shimmery eyeshadow in the lower inner corners of your eyes, which will also make them look larger. Follow with bronze blush on your cheeks and finish your lips with a nude lip gloss.

Look number 5: Rose gold smoky eye

Pulling off a smoky eye that is both summer- and day-appropriate can be tricky, but it’s doable. First, apply rose gold cream eyeshadow all over your eyelid, crease, and eye corners, and blend it with your finger. Next, apply a dark plum powder eyeshadow with a fluffy brush in the outer corners of your eyes, top it off with a shimmery taupe color, and blend from the outer corners toward the middle of your crease. Add some of the same color under your eyes, apply a subtle brown eyeliner, and finish with black mascara.

Look number 6: Monochrome

We love monochromatic looks because they’re super easy and look super gorgeous. The number one favorite is definitely peachy pink. To achieve it, get yourself one of those multi-use products you can apply everywhere, and use it on the apples of your cheeks, your eyes, and your lips. Complete the look with black mascara and a super shiny lip gloss.

Look number 7: Coral lips

Coral lips are the summer version of red lips. You can never go wrong with a coral lipstick, it’s sexy, it complements any skin color, and it’s the signature summer shade. If your complexion is bronze, opt for a pinky coral shade; if your skin is light or pale, opt for an orangey or red coral shade. Complete the look with bronzer and black mascara. For all-day wear in the heat, a long-wear lip stain holds up far better than traditional lipstick. Shop a long-wear lip stain (paid link).

How to Make Any Summer Look Last All Day

Heat and humidity are the biggest threats to any of these looks holding up past noon. A few tricks help:

• Finish with a setting spray: a light mist locks everything in place and helps prevent melting or sliding in the heat. Shop a setting spray (paid link).
• Use waterproof formulas for eyes: waterproof mascara and eyeliner resist smudging from sweat far better than standard formulas, especially important for the bronze and silver looks above.
• Blot, don’t reapply: if shine builds up mid-day, blot with a tissue rather than layering more powder on top, which can look cakey by evening.
• Skip heavy cream products in extreme heat: powder-based blush and bronzer tend to hold up better than cream formulas once the temperature climbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these looks works best for oily skin in summer?

The monochrome and coral lip looks tend to work best, since they rely on fewer heavy cream products that can slide on oily skin in the heat.

How do I keep eyeshadow from creasing in humid weather?

Always prime your lids first, and stick to powder eyeshadow formulas over cream ones when humidity is high, since powder holds up better against sweat and oil.

Can I wear a smoky eye during the day without it looking too heavy?

Yes, the key is swapping traditional dark, matte shades for lighter, shimmery tones like rose gold or taupe, which read as soft and daytime-appropriate rather than dramatic.

What lip color suits every skin tone for summer?

Coral is one of the most universally flattering summer shades, pinky corals suit deeper skin tones while orangey corals flatter fairer complexions.

How can I make my makeup last through a full day outdoors?

Prime your skin well, use a setting spray to finish, opt for waterproof eye products, and carry blotting sheets rather than reapplying powder for touch-ups throughout the day.

How do you like these looks? Do you have some more ideas? Feel free to share them in the comments below.