Sizzling (yet effortless) ways to wear your makeup in summer

Forget about wasting time on a full face of makeup in summer – ‘less is more’ should be your hot weather mantra. Pick one key area to draw attention to and hone your morning makeup efforts there. Here’s how to take the easy route with your summer makeup while still achieving maximum impact.

A power pout

When it comes to summer handbag essentials, NARS Pro Artistry Director Rachel Goodwin singles out “a true red lipstick and breath mints”. Here are some sure-fire ways to nail a perfectly applied pout.

#1 / Lip prep
To prepare the lips for colour, use a sugar scrub to soften and prevent peeling. “I start with a balm to nourish the lips and then I’ll go in with the sugar scrub on top,” says Casey Gore, makeup artist and founder of The Future Mrs. “After wiping off the excess, I’ll add more balm.”

#2 / Choose your colour
“Statement lips always make an impression,” says Goodwin, who recommends NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment. “If red feels too obvious, go for a vivid fuchsia or deep burgundy, then add a pop of glitter.”

Products you need: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Light My Fire; Dior Diorific Mat Lipstick in Troublante

Enticing eyes

“Even with a super-natural look, you can pump up the lashes,” says Gore. “You can really go to town.” Get your eyes working with these standout techniques and savvy advice from the experts.

#1 / Stay focused
If you don’t want to touch-up constantly, concentrate on the eyes. “I prefer a strong eye on nights where I want to be free to drink, eat, laugh and kiss without being distracted by maintaining my lipstick,” says Goodwin.

#2 / Try jewel tones
“My idea of a perfect summer party look definitely involves colour,” says Goodwin. “Try emerald green or garnet shadow with a bit of gold shimmer, or even some glitter on the inner lid.”  

#3 / Draw a perfect line
Eyeliner is one of those looks that works all on its own. “After you get your line as straight
as you can with your brush or pen, go back with a pointed Q-tip with some makeup remover on it to even out any rough areas and create
 a more perfected angle,”
 says Goodwin. Then, just
 add two coats of mascara.

Products you need: Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Honeymoon; L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Le Kohl Eye Pencil

Go for glow

“Warm, soft golds keep everything dewy and glossy,” says Gore. Note down these tricks on highlighting and contouring so you shine in all the right ways.

#1 / A flattering glow
Gore recommends a warm yet cool contour. “It’s flattering and quite on-trend,” she says. “Then add a beautiful wash
 of soft coral over the top.”
 To hit the right spot for
 a natural-looking flush, “feel underneath your cheekbone so you know where you want to place the stain,” suggests Gore, then apply just above your finger. “It looks like you’ve been a bit sun-kissed.”

#2 / Enviable uplift
Most of us fall back on
 a diagonal sweep under
 the cheekbone to achieve supermodel facial curves. But actually, we should be going in more horizontally. “If you can come across from under the cheekbone, it lifts the cheekbones up,” advises Gore.

Products you need: Elizabeth Arden FourEver Bronze Bronzing Powder; Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight in Super Starlight

If you'd like an easy-to-maintain hairstyle to match your effortless makeup, the newest short hair trend is just what you need.

For more makeup advice from marie claire, head over to marieclaire.com.au

How do you like to wear your makeup in summer? Any favourite products?

Image credits: Getty