Fake An End-of-summer Glow

Fake an end-of-summer glow

A woman with long brown hair and a sun-kissed makeup look in a light blue dress with yellow lace sits on a boat at sunset, pink clouds above and calm ocean water in the background.

You’ve been rigorous with your SPF (or maybe you just spent most of this sunny szn stuck inside an your internship) but by August, you kinda want to look a li’ll more sun-kissed before those summer rays fade away.

Glowy skin prep

Four skincare products (sunscreen, serum, moisturizer, primer) from Glow Recipe, CeraVe, and Saie are arranged on a pastel floral background with Glow skin prep text—your essentials for achieving a radiant sun-kissed makeup look.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Face Sunscreen Stick- SPF 45, $30 | Maybelline Grippy Serum Hydrating Grip Primer Makeup, $12.99 | CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Face and Body Lotion for Balanced to Dry Skin, $15.99 | Saie Glowy Super Gel Multipurpose Illuminator, $29

First, you’ll need a gripping serum primer so your products will stick. Yep, UV protection is also essential so adding a sunscreen or a sun balm will keep your skin hydrated and protected. For a base that gives summer tan, add some bronzing drops along with your go-to moisturizer. Take your time with skin prep—it’s the foundation for your makeup to last all day long.

Base layer

A flat lay of five makeup products—LOréal skin tint, Tower 28 concealer, Rare Beauty stick, Rhode blush, and e.l.f. powder—on a pastel floral background with the text “Base layer” for an effortless sun-kissed makeup look.

L’Oreal Lumi Le Glow Skin Tint, $16.99 | Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer, $22| Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick, $28 | rhode pocket blush, $24 | e.l.f. Halo Glow Powder Filter, $14

After prepping your skin, you’ll want to use products that’ll melt into your base. Start with a skin tint for a natural glow with it’s minimal coverage, then add a serum concealer for brightening those pesky under-eyes. Apply a liquid bronzer to your eyelids, cheeks and nose. Then, go in with liquid blush for a natural flushed finish. Once you’ve applied your liquid products, use a pressed powder to set your face in place.

Radiant finish

A flat lay of three makeup products on a floral pink background—LOréal stick, Urban Decay All Nighter spray, and Dior lip gloss—offers inspiration for a sun-kissed makeup look with Base layer written in cursive.

L’Oreal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick, $12.99 | Urban Decay All Nighter Extra Glow Dewy Setting Spray, $36 | Dior Addict Lip Oil, $42

To enhance your glow, use a liquid highlighter of your choice (we recommend the L’Oreal Paris Lumi Le Glass highlighter stick) and apply it lightly to the high points of your cheeks and eyelid creases. To lock in your makeup, use a dewy setting spray—it’ll help prevent smudging and fading throughout the day. Finally, add a lip oil or gloss with a juicy pink, summery tint.

Now you’re glowing, girl.

Check out these articles if you’re looking for more summer makeup:
✨ Five ways to make your summer makeup extra bold
✨ 5 waterproof makeup products you need to try this summer
✨ Achieving the perfect sun-kissed glow makeup routine

Image: @azramian

Asia Purvis August 13, 2026

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