We’ve had our skin glowy, dewy, glassy and buttery. This summer, we’ll take it poolside! The latest skin trend to make waves is a summer-specific look all about the ideal vacation look with the shine and glow of healthy, hydrated skin. Want the perfect poolside skin without the sun damage? Discover how experts craft the look of the summer below!
Featured Experts
- Mimi Luzon is the founder of Mimi Luzon
- Natalie Dresher is a makeup artist based in New York
- Rupert Kingston is the creative director and co-founder of delilah
Poolside Skin Starts With Skin Care
Poolside skin is all about a healthy glow and that shiny, glass-like effect of bronzy, well-oiled skin. And of course, you need a base that prioritizes a fresh and smooth complexion.
“For glowing summer skin, it’s all about layering the right skin care and keeping the makeup light,” advises founder of her eponymous skin-care brand, Mimi Luzon. “Summer makeup prep [is] essential, and I love our Legendary Glass Cream ($199) for the deep hydration and a luminous, glass-like finish without greasiness.”
For this trend, there’s a step that’s a must-have: sun protection.
“As a makeup artist, my number one tip is to always start with SPF 50,” says creative director and co-founder of delilah, Rupert Kingston. “Don’t worry—you’ll still catch a tan, just more slowly, more safely and with far less long-term damage.”
Just make sure to give your skin time to absorb the SPF before going in with any makeup.
“Do your usual skin-care routine first, then apply SPF 50 generously to your face, neck and décolletage,” Kingston explains. “The key here is patience: wait at least five minutes before applying any makeup. This gives the SPF time to fully absorb and settle into the skin. Skip this step, and you’ll likely end up with a slippery, oily mess—not the luminous, fresh look we’re after. Do not rely on the SPF in your makeup, it just won’t protect you the way a good sunscreen will.”
How to Nail Poolside Skin
Once you’re ready to apply makeup, New York makeup artist Natalie Dresher recommends keeping your approach minimal, rather than full coverage. “A beautiful skin tint layered on top of a sunscreen is my personal favorite, and I love skin care-infused skin tints because they tend to be thin and glowy,” Dresher says. “The Complexion Perfecting Tinted Serum by Ogee ($59) is my current favorite!”
“Don’t be afraid to choose a shade that’s a touch warmer or slightly deeper than your natural skin tone,” Kingston adds. “It’ll give you that bronzy, sun-kissed glow and continue to work with your complexion as you pick up a bit of colour. Apply it in a light layer with a brush—buffing across the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin, and blending a little onto your neck and chest for a seamless finish.”
What You Need for Glowy Poolside Skin
