3 simple make-up ideas to try this summer for glowing, dewy skin
Olivia Perl
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 4 minutes
From a golden glow to gilded eyes, embrace the sheen of early summer evenings with our pick of metallic make-up looks
Think of summer, and radiant, golden make-up will almost certainly come to mind. Crushed golds and shimmering highlights; fresh skin and dewy finishes – they’re all lusted after once the weather hots up. However, there’s a fine line between a lustrous, luminous glow and looking shiny or oily, so artfully applying good make-up products is the name of the game.
But the allure of a beautifully radiant complexion goes way beyond the sunnier days of summer. According to Boots’ Beauty Trend Report for 2023, our hunt for glowing skin transcends the seasons, with Google stating that searches for dewy skin have increased by almost 25%*. Not a huge surprise coming off the back of the TikTok viral ‘Clean Girl aesthetic’, where radiating a natural glow using skincare and make-up was thrown into the spotlight.
Fancy giving this trend a try? We’re here to help. Picking the expert brains of make-up artists Jesse Walker and James O’Riley, we’ve created three must-try make-up looks.
Are you ready to glow up? Watch our tutorial below and scroll on for more top tips, as well as our team's approved product picks, to help you put your personal stamp on each look.
1. Glowing, dewy skin
For an all over skin sheen, mix liquid highlighter with foundation or tinted moisturiser
“The secret to glow is always in moisture,” says make-up artist Jesse Walker. So the night before applying make-up, use a brightening mask to create a luminous base. Then, cleanse your face the next morning and use a hydrating moisturiser and serum to help your skin glow from within. For an extra radiance-boosting treat, “you can incorporate a bit of facial massage to really get the blood flowing in your skin,” says Jesse.
Before going in with foundation, sweep on a radiance primer. “If you find your make-up tends to move in the summer because it’s hot or because it’s dry, sometimes a really good primer can help foundation last all day long,” says Jesse.
Now it’s time for the base. James says, “For an all over skin sheen, mix liquid highlighter with foundation or tinted moisturiser.” Do this by pumping foundation onto the back of the hand and then dropping in a liquid highlighter. Simply mix together with a brush or dab onto the skin with a sponge or fingertips for an even coverage.
To really brighten the skin, James suggests, “Adding a second layer of highlighter on top of cheekbones and around the temples for extra golden dimensions.” Do this with a small brush, sponge, or for the easiest application, just use the ring finger. Keep the second layer light and build up slowly for a seamless finish.
Recreate the look
Top pick: 17 Light Reflect Liquid Highlighter
• Available in three shades
• Lightweight
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
Available in three shades, this liquid highlighter is formulated with shea butter for a natural sheen that can be worn on top of a base, mixed with foundation to amp up the glow, or simply on its own. A great make-up all-rounder.
2. Glimmering, golden eyeshadow
Pair a graphic, golden eye applied up to the brow with mascara’ed lashes, to reflect maximum light
Eyes are the windows to the soul, so why not frame them with a golden glimmer? There are two routes to go down here: a summer alternative to a smokey eye or something that really packs a punch.
For the former, James says, “Don’t be afraid to use colour under the eyes for more drama, and add extra pops of gold into the corner and centre of the eyes for the ultimate gilded multi-chrome effect.” Met Gala, eat your heart out.
To really make a statement, pick a densely pigmented gold and go beyond the eyelids for a seriously eye-catching effect. “Pair a graphic, golden eye applied up to the brow with mascara’ed lashes, to reflect maximum light,” James recommends.
And the good news is, perfect isn’t always best. “Apply with fingers for an imperfect finish,” suggests James.
Bonus tip: to make sure these creations last for as long as possible, start with a good eye primer to provide extra grip and staying power for eyeshadows.
Recreate the look
3. Gilded accents
Pick out favourite features with gold highlights…
Short on time? For a long-lasting glow that stays put in the hotter months and takes seconds to create, reach for a powder gold highlighter.
Pick out favourite features with gold highlights. The trick is to apply it to where the light catches the face naturally. “Swipe across high points, centres of the eyelids, inner and outer corners of the eyes, Cupid's bow, bridge of the nose or cheekbones,” says James.
Using a brush or fingertips, gently swipe or buff in the powder product either over a base, for a more done finish, or simply on top of sunscreen, for a bare-faced feel. Whatever you choose, make sure to secure it in place with a radiance setting spray – stay away from too much powder, if the skin can handle it, to really enhance the luminosity you’ve created.
“As a final step, apply a tinted lip balm for a flush of colour on the lip, while keeping things nice and light and glossy,” suggests Jesse. Apply it straight from the bullet for the perfect finishing touch to the glowy look.
Recreate the look
Top pick: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trophy Wife
• Hyper-metallic gold
• Buildable
• Super-fine shimmer
• Long-wear formula
• Cruelty-free
This radiant powder highlighter will have you dripping in gold, reflecting the light and enhancing features when applied to the cheekbones, nose, inner corner and Cupid’s Bow. It’s called Killawatt for a reason.
