Makeup for sunbathing: tips for a fresh summer glow

From lounging by the pool on holiday to dancing at a festival, navigating a packed summer commute or spending the afternoon at a beach club – hot weather can put your makeup to the test. Add SPF, sweat and soaring temperatures into the mix and suddenly your usual beauty routine needs a seasonal refresh. Whether you're curious about makeup for sunbathing, looking for the best way to wear foundation in summer or simply trying to stop your makeup disappearing by mid-afternoon, a few small swaps can make a big difference. Think lightweight bases, glow-friendly formulas and sun protection that works seamlessly with your makeup.

Yes, you can wear makeup in the sun – but it’s worth being a little strategic. Think breathable layers, high-protection SPF and makeup that’s happy to handle heat, rather than your full winter glam routine trying to survive a summer commute. Now that your makeup knows the summer assignment, let’s look at some tips to help it stay fresh, flawless and SPF-friendly.

The more layers you apply, the more there is to slip, separate or feel heavy when temperatures rise. If you're lounging round the pool in the day but still want a little coverage, a lightweight base, some concealer where you want it, waterproof mascara and a touch of colour can often look fresher than a full-coverage routine in hot weather. This is especially true if you’re at the pool from dusk to dawn (no judgements). Makeup for sunbathing should be minimal, comfortable and built around sun protection first – and it’s still important to seek shade, cover up and avoid relying on SPF alone.^2,3

Good summer makeup starts before foundation. Cleanse, hydrate and give each layer a little time to settle so your base doesn’t pill or slide around. For a glowier start, try Hello Sunday’s Illuminating One Glow Primer SPF50.

It works nicely as a makeup-prep step thanks to its radiant finish, while also adding high SPF50 protection.

Even if your foundation, primer or tinted moisturiser contains SPF, it’s still best to start with a dedicated sunscreen and apply enough of it. It’s recommended to use sunscreen with at least SPF30 and reapplying it regularly, especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying.¹ A good rule of thumb is that SPF in makeup is a bonus, not the whole plan. Cancer Research UK also recommends using sunscreen with at least SPF30 and a high UVA star rating, alongside shade and covering up.²

Reapplying SPF over makeup used to feel like beauty’s great unsolved mystery. Thankfully, there are now much better options than rubbing cream over a carefully blended base and hoping for the best. A facial SPF mist, sun stick or lightweight reapplication product can make top-ups easier when you’re out and about. Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50 is a handy pick because it’s designed for face, scalp and hairline top-ups, while Beauty of Joseon’s Matte Sun Stick with Mugwort, Camelia and SPF50+ PA++++ is another useful handbag option for targeted reapplication.

Try blotting first if your skin feels sweaty, then reapply SPF using light layers. SPF powders can be useful for reducing shine, but they shouldn’t be your only top-up method as it’s hard to apply enough powder evenly to get reliable protection – dedicated SPF reapplication products should be the main focus.^1,4

Summer makeup doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be a little more sweat-proof. Choose textures that feel light, flexible and comfortable, then add setting power only where you actually need it.

The best foundation for summer is usually the one you barely feel on your face. Look for lightweight liquid foundations, skin tints, tinted SPFs or tinted moisturisers that even things out without creating a heavy layer. For a base with built-in coverage and SPF, Ultrasun Face Tinted SPF30 is a strong option.

It gives a sheer tint while helping to even the look of skin tone, making it a lovely swap for heavier foundation on warm days.

Follow the product instructions carefully and reapply as directed, especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Primer can help smooth the look of skin and give makeup something to grip onto, which is especially useful when warmth, humidity and SPF are all in the mix. You don’t necessarily need a heavy-duty mattifying primer – sometimes a light, glow-giving primer is enough to make your base sit better. For a summer-ready glow, Altruist’s Primer SPF50 works perfectly for this step.

Use it after skincare and before makeup or wear it alone on low-makeup days.

Bronzer is your friend in summer, especially when you want warmth without chasing an actual tan. Sweep it where the sun would naturally hit – cheeks, temples and the bridge of the nose – and blend well so it looks soft rather than stripy. For a no-sun glow, mix a drop or two of Weleda’s Sunkissed Bronzing Serum Drops into moisturiser or apply carefully to the high points of the face.

It gives skin a warm, fresh-looking tint without needing to tan in the sun, which can damage skin over time.^2,3

A little glow looks beautiful in the sun, but chunky shimmer can exaggerate texture and look more obvious in bright daylight. Choose satin, soft-glow and cream formulas instead of anything too glittery. Save the full sparkle for evenings, when the heat is softer and your makeup can have a little more fun. For daytime, think ‘healthy sheen’ rather than ‘festival disco ball’ (unless you’re at a festival of course).

Setting powder can help where you need it most – usually around the T-zone, under the eyes and around the nose. Keep it targeted rather than powdering the whole face, so your skin still looks fresh. A setting spray can also help your makeup settle into the skin and reduce that powdery finish. For extra shine control during the day, blotting papers are a lighter-touch option than repeatedly adding more powder.

Waterproof mascara and eyeliner are summer classics for a reason. They’re especially helpful on beach days, holidays, weddings, festivals or any day where heat and humidity are part of the plan. But you don’t need your whole makeup bag to be waterproof. Focus on the products most likely to smudge – mascara, liner and brow gel – then keep the rest of your routine fresh and flexible.

Curious about what makeup will have your back in hot weather? Here’s a checklist:

Yes, you can wear makeup in the sun – you just need to make SPF the star of the routine. Keep your layers light, choose heat-friendly textures and use proper SPF reapplication products throughout the day, so your summer makeup looks fresh without compromising on protection. Think of it as your warm-weather beauty formula – SPF first, makeup second, top-ups always. Your glow can then come from happy skin, rather than a burn.

Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.