Please enable JavaScript to fully enjoy our lovely website.You need to have JavaScript enabled to make full use of this website.

Your ultimate guide to summer beauty: makeup looks & fragrances

Sunnier climes call for a summer beauty switcheroo. For starters, you want skincare to be lighter (read: less sweaty), SPF needs to protect without clogging pores, and makeup formulas have to last all day long. Summer fragrances also beg for your attention, offering up notes of cotton, bergamot and whimsy florals instead of winter's heavier, headier approach.

Don't know where to start? Our handy guide will have you skipping from picnic to pool party, without so much as a mascara smudge ruining your flawless summer makeup looks. Yup – you're welcome.

Summer-proof your skin: the perfect base

You simply cannot start a summery makeup look without the right base. A delicious bronzy glow begins with a solid skincare routine and a good slathering of SPF, long before a makeup brush even touches your skin.

A summer skincare routine might feel counterintuitive – nobody wants to slather their skin in creams when they already feel hot and bothered – but it's imperative to protect your skin against sun damage, breakouts and dryness.

Small switches will make your skincare routine work smarter for summer weather: opt for lighter, water-based moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin C to hydrate, control oils and brighten skin. Non-comedogenic formulas work a treat in the heat, as do pre-makeup SPFs. If you're wondering, "Can you tan through makeup?" the answer is a resounding yes. So, always combine your beat with a separate sunscreen, even if your summery makeup formulas boast SPF ratings. Treat an SPF-infused foundation like an add-on, rather than the main attraction.

SHOP SKINCARE

The golden rule: sunscreen under makeup

There's a reason that every dermatologist, editor and influencer waxes lyrical about SPF no matter the weather. Using sunscreen under makeup protects against premature ageing, skin damage and even skin cancers. And for anyone who wants to know, "Can I tan through makeup?" it's worth noting that you can, and you can even tan while wearing SPF. Sunscreen just blocks the harmful UV rays, not all of them, so you can still tan while protecting your skin. For you, the best sunscreen under makeup is the sunscreen you'll actually wear, so get yourself acquainted with what's out there.

"Physical" or "mineral" sunscreens use zinc oxide to block UV rays like a literal shield, while "chemical" sunscreens absorb UV rays, transform them into heat and then release them. Nowadays, there's no need to settle for thick, chalky-white pastes; technology has evolved since they were the norm. Instead, SPFs can be completely transparent, skincare-infused and lightweight. If you're still worried about a white cast, opt for a chemical formula to avoid the whiteness of zinc. If you have sensitive skin, try a physical formula. Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all sunscreen solution – you might have to kiss a few frogs before finding your perfect match. Mwah.

SHOP TANNING & SUNCARE

Choosing your coverage: lightweight foundations & tints

Forgo winter's heavy foundations in favour of formulas that let your skin breathe. Thick foundations can trap sweat, highlight texture, encourage breakouts and melt in the heat. The best foundation for hot weather won't do this, instead calling on non-comedogenic ingredients that play nicely with heat and humidity – all without clogging pores.

Find your best summer foundation by searching for something with light coverage. In hot weather, it's better to apply multiple, strategic, thin layers over one big cakey one. Tinted moisturisers are perfect for this, offering a natural finish with added skincare benefits. If you have oily skin, opt for a buildable, waterproof, oil-free liquid foundation with a semi-matte finish to do away with shiny foreheads. (The sun is the only thing we want to see shining...)

Easy & breezy: your go-to summer makeup looks

There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to creating summer makeup looks; the very beauty of makeup is that you can play and experiment with it. So, while we can (and will!) give you some tips, be sure to take 'em with a pinch of salt, and a bucketload of your own creativity.

When it comes to summer makeup, you generally want to apply thicker formulas sparingly, and apply colour with gleeful abandon. Go wild with your summer eyeshadow looks (why not even add some sparkly gems?), and now's the time to grab that bright blush you've been saving for. (For up to 60% less than the RRP, obvs.)

SHOP MAKEUP

The 'golden hour' glow: bronzed & radiant

Summer beauty trends come and go, but bronzing with zeal during the summer months is something that's stood the test of time. A bronzed flush tends to make skin look youthful and healthy, and adding a lick of golden gleam is one of the easiest ways to tailor a makeup look for summer.

If you have dry skin, begin with a dewy base; if you have oily skin, start with a blurring primer. Then use a liquid bronzer to warm up the hollows of your cheeks, temples and forehead. You can always use a powder formula, but a liquid, slightly metallic bronzer looks ethereal under sunlight. More is more, and if your face starts to look like a different colour to your neck, just add some to your décolletage too.

A pop of colour: soft summer eyes & lips

While bright hues fit right in during summer months, the season also suits more delicate looks; reach for soft summer eyeshadow shades with a bit of shimmer to catch the sunlight. Happily, summer eyeshadow looks don't need to be complicated – simply use your bronzer to add a subtle wash of colour to lids. This will pair well with your bronzed skin from earlier, creating a modern, monochromatic look. Hailey Bieber – eat your heart out.

Add summer lipstick colours like corals, pinks and sheer reds to really tie everything together. If bright colours scare you, reach for a balmy tint. Alternatively, try using an opaque, full-coverage lipstick a little differently: apply sparingly and diffuse the colour with your fingers. If you're a ride-or-die nude kinda gal, consider nude shades that lean towards your chosen hue. A slightly coral nude would look sensational, as would a brown-pink shade, or a deep chocolate red for darker skin tones.

Expert tips to make your makeup last all day

Heat and humidity pose the ultimate threat to any good beat: foundation melts, mascara smudges and shine stubbornly pokes its way through. Worry not! We've got expert-approved tips to keep your summer makeup looks from rudely disintegrating.

A long-lasting base begins with skincare, so treat yourself to a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser to prevent makeup from slipping later on. Gel-based formulas work well, absorbing fast and playing well with matte foundations. Also make sure to apply SPF separately instead of relying on SPF-infused makeup formulas. This will prevent pilling and helps your foundation to grip.

Even with all of this in mind, even the best foundation for hot weather might fall short in extreme temps. When you notice this happening, try pressing a tiny amount of translucent powder into your skin, covering the T-zone after skincare and before makeup with built-in oil control.

Prime, set, and forget

Prime, set, and forget

Primers, powders and setting sprays can make a big difference to your summery makeup looks, locking them in and helping them to look fresh all day.

First, let's talk primers. A good primer will give you a smooth base while acting like velcro – gripping onto later formulas with gusto.

Powders usually come into play once you've finished your base makeup. A finely milled translucent powder will shut down shine with ease, but a light touch is necessary; over-powdering will make you look cakey and, ironically, cause your makeup to melt faster.

If you still get shiny throughout the day, avoid retrospectively piling on the powder. Instead, blot your oily patches first, and then apply a light dusting of translucent powder to keep your makeup feeling fresh, not heavy.

Surprisingly, translucent powder doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting alone. Try the sandwhich method when applying blush or bronzer. To do this, apply a cream formula and then follow with a powder formula of the same shade to make it last longer.

Seal everything in with a setting spray, which acts like a top coat. Long-wear, mattifying formulas are more likely to withstand summer weather.

Discover your signature summer scent

Heat changes how your summer fragrances develop on the skin. Warm weather speeds up evaporation, making citrus and herbal top notes smell brighter but fade faster, while heavier scents can feel overpowering. That’s why warm weather calls for light, refreshing summery perfumes. Look for citrus notes like bergamot and grapefruit, aquatic or marine accords for a breezy feel, and green aromatics such as mint or basil for cooling freshness. Soft florals and gentle woods help add balance and longevity without weight. The right fragrance for summer should feel clean, uplifting and effortlessly wearable in the heat.

Light & refreshing: the best summer perfumes for women

Choosing the perfect summer perfume for women is all about embracing light, airy notes that feel refreshing. Perfumes for summer often blend bright florals with sparkling citrust notes to cut through the heat with an uplifting and energising feel. Fresh florals like jasmine, peony and neroli also add a sense softness, while sweet fruits like coconut, peach or pear bring a playful, tropical edge.

SHOP WOMEN'S FRAGRANCE

Cool & crisp: top summer fragrances for men

The best summer fragrances for men are clean, refreshing and built to perform in warm weather. Instead of heavy woods or spices, the best men's summer fragrances use cooler, lighter notes that stay fresh. Aquatic accords are a staple – they give that clean, “just‑out‑of‑the‑sea” feel that’s perfect for hot days. Pair these with invigorating citrus notes for instant brightness and energy. Clean woods like sandalwood, cedar and vetiver give structure without weighing the fragrance down, creating a crisp, masculine finish. Look for herbal notes (like basil and rosemary) to add a refreshing lift.