From Calvin Klein’s minimalist models with fresh faces to Alexander Wang’s pink-pouted hippie chicks, the oft-used mantra of “less is more” is back full-force this summer. The key is not trying too hard, makeup-wise; fortunately, there are plenty of ultra-light formulations—many with
UV protection—that fill the bill.

Foundations that deliver the goods—i.e. invisible, perfecting coverage that can withstand sun-season humidity—include Body Shop’s Nature’s Mineral Foundation SPF 25 ($25) with absorbent clays plus oxides that provide sun protection, and Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20 ($45) with skin-compatible sea water minerals and aloe for comfortable, natural-looking radiance. Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Powder SPF10 ($47) offers a second-skin look and feel via a loose powder format that’s 20% water, while
Clinique Superfit makeup is an oil-free formula with featherlight fibres to wick away sweat and Aerogel technology to sop up excess oil ($26.50).

Summer heat and humidity can wreak havoc with your eye makeup. Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer ($23) is a great way to keep eye shadow from slip-sliding away, and in the new shimmering nude shade, it’s pretty enough to wear on its own. Or you could check out CoverGirl Shadowblast Eye Colour ($8.99), a clever primer-plus-lid-tint stick. The “Citrus Flair” shade is a particularly subtle, yet sunny choice.

In any season, melting, migrating mascara is the most heinous makeup crime. And in summer—especially if you’re the sporty type—there’s only one solution: Can you say waterproof? Joe Fresh Beauty’s got you covered with their Waterproof Mascara ($6) in Black or Brown. But when you’re looking to up the glam quotient—for after-work drinks on a pub patio—there’s Maybelline Falsies waterproof mascara ($8.99) for thick, runway-worthy lashes in Very Black and Brownish Black.


View our shopping guide to get essential products for a bare beauty look.

Finish off your look with gloss and shiny nails on the next page …

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Talk may be cheap, but smooth, juicy-looking lips are priceless. Avoid that dry, sun-scorched lip look with Clarins Instant Sun Light Click & Gloss SPF6 ($20). Loaded with lip care ingredients, “Vanilla” is a pearly, transparent nude beige shade that’s very much on-trend, and comes with tasty raspberry flavour to keep you smiling. Alternatively, Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 ($17.50) boasts up to eight hours of moist, sunscreened shine and comes in four fashionably nude shades.

We get it. It is summer, after all. So if you’re craving colour, go ahead. Let your flip-flops reveal toenails painted in a prettily perverse cobalt blue or Kraft Dinner orange. But your fingers should follow the nude trend. Bourjois Paris So Laque! Ultra Shine Nail Enamel in “Beige Glamour” ($10) is a stylish, super-vinyl-y way to go naked.

View our shopping guide to get essential products for a bare beauty look.

Read more
Runway look: The nude lip
Summer lovin’ for your hair
Spring beauty trend: Short ‘dos