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We’ve tried everything from sweat-proof mascara to mermaid eye glosses, the latest bases and a whole lot of blush. Discover the latest summer makeup drops loved by the Get the Gloss team
Just like our wardrobes, it’s that time of year when our makeup bags are due a zhuzh: it’s out with our paler shades of foundation and in with that bronzed, dewy glow and glossy eyes as paradise beach holidays and long summer nights call. Now we’re after longer-lasting looks, with sweat-proof eyeliners and mascaras, and brighter, feel-good colours that will pop like a poolside pina colada. From the Revlon serum tint, which our beauty editor thinks is the perfect base in hot weather, to a mousse blush that will make your cheeks gleam, and a watermelon-scented highlighter that’s sunkissed in a stick, find out which makeup drops have got us summer-loving this week…
“Legendary makeup artist Terry de Gunzburg has pulled off a clever foundation coup by turning her hugely-loved By Terry Brightening CC Serum into a CC Foundation in 24 sheer shades. The combination of correction, skincare (brightening niacinamide plus a moisture complex) and coverage makes for a high-functioning base, which the beautiful Japanese rose extract elevates to a sensory treat. It’s sheer and hydrating and I found no fading or flaking as the day wore on – one pump from the glass bottle is all you need. If it’s in your price bracket, this will be your new love, I guarantee.”
“Chanel’s Spring 2024 makeup collection is themed around the sea with coral shades and iridescent mermaid vibes. This blush/bronze duo perfectly offsets my current shimmery eye (see eye gloss, below) with its matte-but-not-flat finish. It looks a little muted in the picture but is really quite peppy. Chanel powder cosmetics are always embossed in a way that is ‘on theme’; here there’s a rippling water effect. Bonus points for the decently-sized brush in this mirror compact, making it the perfect summer cheek flush in one iconic box.”
“How do you do a sparkly eye aged 56 without looking try-hard? The answer is an iridescent eye gloss and in this collection of five chrome finishes by Anastasia Beverly Hills. I’ve gone for the everyday gold (pictured) and also a mermaid blue which gives a subtle pearlescent wash to my eyelid, used either neat or over eyeshadow. It has a gel-oil texture which you need to use sparingly and not too close to the waterline to avoid irritation. I loved it so much I went a bit mad!”
“Although this is a mascara created for and with the help of teens, it’s one you’re going to want to steal (as I have) as it gives the perfect length and separation, without clumping or smudging. Plus it’s a tubing mascara that comes off just with water while being water resistant – yes it will withstand broken-hearted crying! Indu has made it easy for teens to make mascara-wearing a success; it’s this age group’s most-worn makeup item according to research and the thing that they can mostly get away with at school. It comes in brown and black and is suitable for sensitive eyes of all ages!”
“If achieving longer, fuller lashes with zero clumps throughout the summer months is your goal, then may I introduce you to this new mascara from Clarins? The defining element is the brush and this has bristles that helter-skelter around the wand so if you give a little flick of the wrist as you apply, you end up with brilliant results. The formula is creamy, not too wet nor too dry, inky black and doesn’t budge, smudge or melt in the heat.”
“Doll Smash is a small makeup brand that needs to be on your radar for this eyeshadow palette alone (but they have lots of other great products too). It contains eight neutral-toned shades, plus, six matte and six metallic shimmers – and you’ll use them all. The pigment payoff is excellent so you only need to sweep over a small amount for a gorgeous effect. The perfect palette if you have summer weddings, events or for all your eye makeup needs in fact.”
“Cream blushers can feel like they melt away in an instant on hot summer days, and powders can sit quite heavily on the skin. This is where this new serum blusher stands out. It has a lightweight texture that almost feels like refreshing water when you blend it in, but it delivers a gorgeous, sheer wash of colour that stays on your cheeks whatever you put it through. A great option for any bridal makeup looks.“
“If you find black eyeliner too heavy in the summer, and brown a bit boring, then this shimmering metallic eyeliner is a great alternative. It’s creamy enough to blend for more of a smokey eye shadow effect, or if you let it dry after application, it stays put as an eyeliner flick for hours.”
“This is the perfect summer makeup texture as far as I’m concerned: liquid-creamy, it sinks into the skin like a moisturiser, without leaving any of the powdery dryness that can accentuate pores and lines. It evens out the skin tone and blurs imperfections while being traceless – with added hydrating effects. There are twelve shades and it contains vitamins C, E and B3 to brighten skin tone; as well as SPF15 – but don’t rely on that for your sun protection! No excuses for not wearing suncream as well.”
“Brow inks are among the most natural-looking ways to accentuate your brows – and very fade-resistant during the hotter months (this one promises 20 hours’ wear). They usually come with a super-fine tip, which is just too, well, skinny – and it takes forever to fill out your brows with them. BBB’s pen, however, has a clever ‘trident’ tip that you simply rake through your brows, significantly speeding up the tinting process without risking going overboard (it’s still by no means a big or clunky tip). For the finer individual hair work, you just use the side of the wand. Clever, and it comes in two shades.”
“Matte lipsticks are like skinny jeans – why does it seem like they’re the ONLY option these days, when millions of people (including me) aren’t suited to them? After a certain age, matte textures just shrink your features and tend to sit in fine lines, because they’re not moisturising enough. I prefer satin lipsticks, which have a creamier texture and a subtle sheen, without being too glossy. With oodles of pigment, they have just as much staying power as matte when their well-formulated, but are way more flattering and comfortable to wear. Yensa’s silk lipsticks are all of that – and I’m loving this bright flamingo pink shade, to ring in our belated spring.”
“This midlife makeup brand made a splash with its putty-like glowy bronzer – and has now followed up with two blushers, for those who are afraid of blush. These oddly textured mousses slide weightlessly onto skin, building easily and settling with a candlelit gleam, rather than a glossy sheen. The rosy and nude-peach shades suit every skin tone and freshen your cheeks without shouting for attention. There are even hydrating and barrier-protecting ingredients in here. Perfect for enhancing your summer glow. “
“It’s time to welcome more subtle sun-kissed looks and for a natural yet radiant style, this highlighting stick – at a bargain £8 – is my shortcut to a luminous glow. The smooth, blendable consistency makes it easy to apply – simply draw it on and blend with your fingers. This fuss-free stick can also be built up for a more glamorous festival look. The delicious watermelon scent screams summer.”
“The glass lip look is everywhere, and this collection of five glosses gives high shine with a wash of iridescence and smack of vanilla in five shades. I love this subtle pink but there’s also a surprisingly wearable blue. Wear it alone for an iridescent shine or layer it over your lip colour for a more cosmic effect. The thin applicator provides just the right amount of product, without feeling too heavy or sticky.”
“With festival season approaching, the search for a perfect all-in-one palette is on. Finding a compact option that doesn’t skimp on shades, contains usable colours and is less than £20 can be challenging, but Morphe has nailed it. There’s a mix of matte and shimmery rose tones all with decent pigment depths that allow for a variety of looks for all eye colours. For added depth, try wetting your brush to achieve a metallic finish. It’s going in my Glastonbury bag this year.”
“If you’re a fan of Netflix’s hit show Outer Banks, this collaboration is a must-have. But even if you’re not, there are several reasons why this should be a summer essential for teens. The subtle blush adds a slightly luminous, yet natural flush to your cheeks. And, the balmy consistency is easy to rub on with your fingers – so it’s perfect if you’re new to makeup. With an affordable price tag and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this multitasker gets even more appealing.”
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