Simple Summer Makeup Looks: 5-Minutes for a Season of Sunshine
- Leanne Kampfe
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: May 29
Patio season is back, and the last thing any of us want is to spend June glued to a mirror perfecting winged liner. That’s why I’ve rounded up my favorite simple summer makeup looks—the five-minute kind you can swipe on before your cold brew turns to bath-water. Picture this: Julian is yelling “road-trip playlist!” from the garage, the dogs are already paw-printing the sunscreen I just set down, and I still need to look pulled-together enough to pass for the Cool Friend who “glows naturally.” Spoiler: natural glow is 80 % strategic product, 20 % pretending you don’t notice the humidity. In this post, we’ll break down a sweat-proof routine, the must-have multitaskers, and a few pro hacks to stay radiant—no beauty meltdown required.
Why Simple Summer Makeup Matters
No one in Minnesota (or probably anywhere, for that matter), wants to waste a moment of the beautiful summer weather sweating over their makeup, either literally or figuratively. We need makeup that:
Does double duty - the fewer products the better!
Stands up to humidity - no streaks or smears for this gal.
Includes skincare benefits along with making us look lit from within.
Must-Have Products for a 5-Minute Face
Here are my hero products you can rely on to make sure you maximize your summer days:
Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer: 2 in 1 product that provides sheer to medium coverage and doubles as your moisturizer. BONUS: it's long lasting and water resistant!
Glowify Shadow Stick in Champagne: Use as a shadow and as a highlighter. BONUS: easy to apply and lasts all day and all night.
Glowify Bouncy Mousse Multi-Use Pigment: This light gel mousse formula is buildable and can be used on lips, cheeks and eyes for just the right touch of color. BONUS: it's infused with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and prickly pear extract to keep skin nourished.
Water Resistant or Waterproof Mascara: A must for the humidity of summer, not to mention any day that includes times spent in the water. BONUS: SeneGence mascaras are formulated with NO paraben, animal byproducts or animal testing.
Glowify Illuminating Moisture Mist: Spritz this glowy elixir anywhere on your body for a bit of shimmer and lightly moisturized skin. BONUS: can be misted over makeup throughout the day to refresh and revitalize complexion.
Step-by-Step: 5-Minute Simple Summer Makeup Look
Apply SPF (even better is moisturizer with SPF, like this one.)
Add your base, I like to use tinted moisturizer and apply with a brush.
Create some definition with color: try a multi-use product that can take care of eyes, lips and cheeks.
Mascara - gotta have those lashes for days!
Spritz with a little finishing spray and you're off for some fun in the sun ☀️
Want more ideas? Check out this post.
Pro Tip: If you're using SPF under your base, make sure it's formulated for the face and try a damp beauty blender for base application to avoid pilling.
Real-Life Wear Test
Maybe you are wondering whether these recommendations can stand of to real life? The answer is yes, ALWAYS yes. I wear all of them regularly, and most of them daily. My mornings involve putting makeup on between 6 and 8 am (depending on the day), and it goes strong until 10pm many nights of the week. Whether I'm at a school board meeting or a pop-up, SeneGence products pass the wear test for busy women. Now that I'm on the permanent jewelry bandwagon, my morning routine couldn't be more simple!
Common Summer Makeup Mistakes & Quick Fixes
Mistake | Quick Fix |
Skipping primer | Swap in SPF that doubles as a grip primer |
Powder overload | Use blotting papers, then a fine mist |
Wrong shade match | Connect with me for a free virtual consult |
Shop the Look / Book a Consult
Quick-Answer FAQ
How can I make my makeup last all day?
Try dusting a bit of translucent powder over your look when you finish to set things and make sure you're using water-resistant, long wearing products!
Is tinted moisturizer enough sun protection?
If it contains sunscreen, it's great for everyday wear. If you're going to be out and about in the direct sun for more than 30 minutes, make sure you have SPF underneath and reapply every couple of hours. More on sun safety here.
Can I use cream products on oily skin?
Yes, as long as they are oil free. I do daily!
Spend Less Time Blending, More Time Living
I'm sooo ready for the warm weather to start, and I hope these tips have you feeling the summer vibes as well. Share your favorite summer beauty hack in the comments!
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