Let it Glow: Pro Tips for a Radiant Complexion

In the summer, everyone wants a gorgeous glow. Keeping your makeup polished in the heat and humidity may feel like an impossible task, but stop sweating. Let’s start with one basic rule when it comes to modern summer makeup: less is more. You don’t necessarily need to give up your favorite products, you just need to find ways to make them work for the intensity of the season.  

Here are a few of my pro tips (plus some easy fixes) for a natural, effortless makeup application that will leave you aglow.

Exfoliate:

Using a gentle exfoliating product or even a soft washcloth helps remove dead skin that, mixing with perspiration, clogs pores. A good exfoliation will leave the surface of the skin freshened to give you a smoother canvas to apply foundation.

James’s Pick: Twinmedix Resurface

Tone:

Using a gentle toner is perfect for warm summer months. It removes excess dirt and cleanser, but it also serves several other purposes. Toner can help achieve the appearance of smaller pores, restore the pH balance  of your skin, and add a layer of weightless protection. A spray toner is also a brilliant way to add a little extra moisture for even the oiliest skins. This humectant’s properties are more subtle. With a simple spritz, you can refresh the skin and restore your makeup’s placement all day long.

James’s Pick: Embryolisse Rosamelis** **

Moisturize:

The heat can quickly dry out your skin. Drink water (of course) and use a lightweight moisturizer to help your skin remain soft and hydrated this summer. You can keep it simple with a basic moisturizer, or, for some added protection, try one of the new breeds of products that contain sunscreen. You can also opt for a tinted moisturizer that will provide light coverage while protecting and fortifying the skin.

James’s Pick: rms beauty Raw Coconut Cream, $18 - $42 | Shop it** **

Protect:

Even if your moisturizer contains SPF, you should use a separate sunscreen with a much higher SPF for added and necessary protection. A lightweight sunscreen that is safe for use on the face is a favorite in the kits of professional artists. There are many on the market that can match your personal preferences and price range. Look for a formula that is lightweight and dries quickly. Be sure to carry this product with you all day if you are enjoying time in the sun -- it will need to be reapplied.

James’s Pick: Eve Lom Daily Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, $90 | Shop it

Cover:

My advice for summer weather complexion is to keep your foundation sheer and waterproof. Many makeup companies make waterproof and sweat-proof formulas that will withstand brutal summer temperatures. While most liquid formulas are not designed to give much more than sheer or light coverage, they can be an easy way to even out tone and allow you to simply conceal the spots that need additional cover.

James’s Pick: MAKE UP FOR EVER Face and Body Liquid Make-up

Bronze:

For a natural, sun-kissed, sophisticated glow, try brushing on a light powder bronzer. The powder will stay put and not smear like some liquid bronzers and will also add some additional setting properties. For the most natural look, choose a bronzer that is matte in finish and a hue that is one to two shades darker than your complexion. Apply the bronzer using a powder brush along the parts of the face that would naturally get more sun: start at your temple and follow the natural contour downward from your forehead across the highest point of the cheekbone. Add bronzer onto your chin and down the center of the nose. Finish by applying to any exposed skin such as shoulders or décolletage.

James’s Pick: Anastasia Contour Kit, $40 | Shop it

Highlight:

Summer is all about sun-kissed light, so it makes sense that we would add highlights to a face that we just warmed up with bronzer. Powder highlighters should add soft shine and subtle shimmer onto the areas of the face you wish to lift or illuminate. With a small detail brush, add a touch of luminosity to the brow bone, cheek bone, bow of the lip, and along the highest points of the collar bone.

James’s Pick: Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder Candlelight, $44 | Shop it

Set:

Powder is not the only product designed to keep things perfectly put. I recommend using a setting spray to keep your makeup from moving. Choose a lightweight, long-lasting, professional setting spray. Keep it twelve inches from the face and apply in an even stream to set makeup and bring back shine to the skin. Have a touch-up powder on hand to remove excess shine, especially down the center of the face.

James’s Picks: Model In a Bottle Setting Spray;  Inglot SSS Powder

Final Touch:

Complete this gorgeous summer glow with other waterproof products that stay all day even in intense summer conditions. Waterproof mascara, waterproof cream shadow and liner, and a soft, high shine lip will add to your glow. Just be sure to avoid hard lines and edges. Most of all be sure to have fun and let that inner light shine through. Your glow is guaranteed to stay looking great.

Image: E+/Getty Images