When the temps rise, your makeup routine deserves a refresh. Summer makeup is all about lightweight layers, fresh skin, and that radiant, sun-kissed vibe. Whether you're going for beachy glam, soft pastels, or barely-there glow, this guide breaks down the top summer makeup looks and how to recreate them using your favorite Laura Mercier essentials.
Ready to master cool summer makeup, get that beach-ready glow, or serve soft summer makeup realness? Let’s dive into the hottest looks and the products that’ll help you own every summer moment.
The Top Summer Makeup Trends & How to Achieve Them
This season, it’s all about glow without the grease, color that pops but doesn’t melt, and coverage that stays fresh from brunch to golden hour. Think lightweight, longwear, and effortlessly flawless.
How to Achieve It
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Start with a breathable base that won’t budge—our Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation gives you that perfect coverage with a weightless feel.
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Set it (but don’t cake it) with the Translucent Loose Setting Powder, a cult-favorite that keeps shine in check and your makeup in place.
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Top with a soft wash of color with some blush on the cheeks or eye shadow on the lids using sheer creams or powders that won’t slip in the heat.
Laura Mercier’s summer staples have been featured in Vogue and Page Six for a reason—these formulas are built for heat, humidity, and everything in between.
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Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation
Waterproof, long-wearing, medium buildable coverage with 12 hours of fade-proof wear.
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Translucent Loose Setting Powder
The #1 Loose Setting Powder in the US*
24HR Shine Control, Matte Finish
The Light Summer Makeup Look
When it’s 90° and climbing, full beat is out, and light summer makeup is in! This look is perfect for warm days when you want a little polish with zero heaviness.
How to Achieve It
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Swap foundation for the Tinted Moisturizer Blurred Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 30. It gives your skin a soft-focus finish with breathable, buildable coverage.
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Add a flush of color with Blush Color Infusion in Peach—perfect for mimicking that natural “I just stepped into the sun” warmth.
Mastering the Soft Summer Makeup Look
Soft glam but make it summer. Soft summer makeup is all about muted tones, subtle shimmer, and a diffused, romantic vibe.
How to Achieve It
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Blend Caviar Stick Eye Shadow in Strapless across the lids for that soft pink nude.
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Pair it with a swipe of Bronze Color Infusion for a radiant, soft kiss of color on the cheeks.
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Keep your lips soft and hydrated with sheer wash of lip gloss.
Beach-Ready Beauty: Perfecting The Beach Makeup Look
Beachfront makeup isn’t about going all out—it’s about enhancing your features while embracing the salty air and summer glow. Think smudge-proof, waterproof, and SPF-packed.
How to Achieve It
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Skip foundation and only apply tinted moisturizer & concealer to any imperfections. We don't want a heavy or cakey face where you may sweat! Plus, Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizers with SPF give your skin coverage and sun protection in one.
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Top with Translucent Loose Setting Powder to lock it in without looking powdery.
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Add Caviar Extravagant Mascara for flirty, fluttery lashes that won’t smudge—even after a dip.
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Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30
16-hour buildable coverage and 24+ hour hydration for softer, smoother, brighter skin.
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Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Serum Concealer
Buildable coverage, natural finish and long-lasting, waterproof and crease-proof wear.
Cool and Composed: Cool Summer Makeup Styles
Cool-toned girlies, this one's for you. Cool summer makeup leans into mauves, icy pinks, and sheer finishes that make your features pop—especially in the summer sun.
How to Achieve It
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Use Caviar Stick Eye Shadow in Moonlight for that luminous, cool-toned base.
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Sweep Blush Color Infusion in cooler shade like Chai across cheeks for a lit-from-within flush.
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Keep lips cool with a mauvey brown lip liner and an icey cool-toned pink hydrating lipstick for the perfect cool summer lip combo.
These looks are low-key yet polished—and ideal for rooftop dinners, weddings, or anytime you wanna keep it chill and chic.
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Caviar Stick Eye Shadow - Moonlight
High-impact, long-wearing, creamy texture that glides on for 24-hour life-proof wear.
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Caviar Perfecting Lip Liner - 02 Plush Pink
Non-dragging, 16HR of flawless wear, feather and water-proof.
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Caviar Hydra-Crème Refillable Lipstick - 612 Park Ave
A silky creme lipstick that promotes softer, healthier lips over time.
Final Glow-Up: Choose Your Summer Vibe
From light summer makeup to beachy glam and everything in between, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your summer look. The key is finding what makes you feel confident and comfortable—whether that’s a swipe of tinted SPF or a full on bronzed goddess moment.
With Laura Mercier in your makeup bag, every summer moment becomes a beauty moment. So go ahead: experiment, play, and glow all season long.