The Real Chic Life

In late spring/summer I usually find myself reaching for lighter makeup, glowy skin products, glossy lips, and anything that makes me look like I just came back from vacation.

The key to summer beauty is learning where to place products, how to layer them, and how to create that healthy, sun-kissed look without looking overdone.

If bronzer, highlighter, blush placement, or glowy makeup has ever felt confusing, this quick and easy guide breaks it all down step-by-step.

Start With Lightweight, Glowy Skin

Instead of matte foundation, I usually lean toward:

• Skin tints
• Tinted moisturizers
• Tinted SPF
• Lightweight foundations
• Spot concealing instead of full coverage

The goal is fresh, breathable, radiant skin. Right now I’m still loving Merit’s tinted mineral sunscreen.

For summer, I also love mixing a drop of liquid illuminator into foundation or moisturizer for an all-over glow. It gives that “lit from within” effect without looking glittery.

Summer Skin Prep Matters

Glowy skin starts before makeup though.

A good summer prep routine:

1. Lightweight moisturizer
2. SPF (always)
3. Hydrating primer if needed
4. Makeup

How To Use Bronzer

Bronzer is meant to mimic where the sun naturally hits your face. So think warmth — not contour.

Where To Apply Bronzer

Apply bronzer to:

• Forehead near the hairline
• Temples
• Cheekbones
• Nose bridge lightly
• Jawline

I like using the “3 method”:

Start at the forehead, sweep around the temples, curve into the cheeks, then lightly along the jawline in the shape of a number 3.

Cream vs Powder Bronzer

Cream Bronzer is best for:

Dry skin

Natural makeup looks

Dewy summer skin

Cream bronzers melt into the skin beautifully and tend to look the most natural in daylight.

Powder Bronzer is best for:

Oily skin

Long wear

More defined glam looks

If you’re new to bronzer, start light. It’s much easier to build than remove.

Common Bronzer Mistakes

• Applying too low on the cheeks
• Using a shade that’s too orange
• Bringing bronzer too close to the center of the face
• Forgetting to blend into the neck

Summer beauty should look effortless, soft, and warm — not muddy.

Blush Placement Changes Everything

A lot of people stop at bronzer, but blush is what creates that fresh, healthy, slightly sun-flushed look. Yes — blush and bronzer can work together, and using both usually creates the most natural, dimensional look.

For A Lifted Look

Apply blush: High on the cheeks, sweeping upward toward the temples

This gives a lifted, youthful effect.

For A Soft Sun-Kissed Look

Lightly place blush across: Cheeks and nose bridge

This mimics a natural summer flush after being outside.

Summer Blush Shades I Love

• Peach
• Coral
• Rosy pink
• Warm berry tones

Cream blushes especially shine in summer because they keep the skin looking fresh and hydrated. I wore Rhode Pocket blush in the shade Teacup for spring, but I plan to try the shade Freckle for summer.

How To Use Highlighter Without Looking Glittery

The secret to good highlighter is placement and restraint.

You want glow — not a stripe of sparkle.

Where To Apply Highlighter

Apply lightly to:

• Tops of cheekbones
• Bridge of nose
• Cupid’s bow
• Brow bone
• Inner corners of eyes

For summer, I prefer cream or liquid highlighters because they look more natural in sunlight. My favorite is Merit’s Day Glow highlighter stick because it’s not sparkly but it catches the light beautifully.

Don’t Forget Body Glow

Summer beauty isn’t just about the face.

Some of my favorite summer beauty looks include:

• Body oils
• Shimmer body lotion
• Collarbone highlight
• Glossy shoulders and legs

A little glow on the body makes sleeveless outfits and summer dresses look even prettier. I’m obsessed with this glowing body oil and it’s under $10.

I especially love applying body oil to:

Shoulders

Collarbones

Shins

It makes the skin look healthy, hydrated, and luxe.

The Easiest Summer Eye Makeup

Summer is the perfect time to simplify eye makeup.

I love an effortless mascara only look, but here are some easy summer eye combinations:

• Bronze shadow + mascara
• Champagne shimmer + brown liner
• Soft peach shadow + glossy lips
• Golden cream shadow + brushed brows

I also love swapping black liner for brown in the summer because it feels softer and more effortless.

Summer Lip Combos That Always Work

Summer lips should feel easy.

Some combinations I keep coming back to:

Nude liner + gloss

Pinky brown liner + peach gloss

Soft red or coral lipstick

Lip oils

Sheer balms

Setting Your Makeup So It Lasts In Heat

The trick is balancing glow with longevity.

Instead Of Heavy Powder:

• Powder only where needed
• Focus on the T-zone
• Keep the perimeter of the face glowy

Then finish with:

• Setting spray
• Facial mist throughout the day

Over-powdering is usually what makes summer makeup look cakey.

My Favorite Summer Beauty Rule

Not every feature needs to compete.

If your skin is glowing, your eyes can stay simple.

If your lips are glossy, your blush can stay soft.

Summer beauty is really about enhancing what’s already there and looking radiant, healthy, and effortless.

What are your summer makeup go-tos? Let us know.

Xo, Courtney