If there’s one thing I’ve learned this summer, it’s that I don’t need a full face of makeup to feel put together. Most days, whether I’m heading out to the pool, running a quick errand, or just working from home and wanting a little color, I reach for the same handful of products that take me less than five minutes and give me a natural, glowy finish.
This is my summer poolside makeup routine: the no-makeup makeup look that makes me feel like myself without the fuss. It’s mostly drugstore products, a few specialty items, and the whole thing is built around one goal: glow. The Kopari sunscreen and Rare Beauty tinted moisturizer combo gives me that dewy, illuminated look I love in the summer, and everything else just enhances what’s already there.
For reference, when I’m doing a full makeup look, I layer on CC cream (in place of foundation), bronzer, blush, powder, and eyeshadow on top of this base. But for pool days, errands, and those “I just want to look alive” mornings? This is all I need. A full makeup routine post is coming soon, but for now, here’s the simple, glowy, under-5-minute version.
Why I Love a “Poolside” Routine
I used to think that if I was going to do any makeup at all, I had to do the whole thing. Foundation, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, the works. But honestly? In the Texas summer heat, a full face melts off in about 20 minutes anyway. And most of the time, I’m not going anywhere that requires all that effort.
What I really want on a pool day (or errand day, or WFH day) is to look like myself, but a little more awake, a little more glowy, and a little more “put together” without actually putting in much effort. That’s what this routine gives me.
Here’s what I skip for this look:
- Foundation / CC cream
- Powder
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Eyeshadow
And here’s what stays:
- SPF (always, especially in summer)
- A dewy, glowy base
- Brows
- Mascara
- A hint of lip color
That’s it. Seven products, under five minutes, and I’m out the door feeling good.
The Routine (step by step)
Step 1: Kopari Beauty Sun Veil Illuminating Elixir Face Sunscreen SPF 38 ($38)
SPF is non-negotiable for me, especially in the summer, and this one doubles as the first layer of glow. It has a subtle illuminating shimmer that catches the light beautifully without looking glittery or over-the-top. I apply this all over my face as my base, and it gives my skin that “lit from within” look before I even add anything else. It’s lightweight, doesn’t feel greasy, and layers perfectly under the tinted moisturizer.
Step 2: Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($30)
This is the product that replaced foundation for my minimal days. I layer it directly over the Kopari sunscreen, and together they create this gorgeous dewy, glowy finish that looks like healthy skin, not makeup. The coverage is light-to-medium, so it evens things out without looking heavy or cakey. It also has SPF 20 built in, so I’m getting double sun protection. On no-makeup days, this combo is the whole vibe.
Step 3: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer ($32)
I only use concealer where I need it: under my eyes and on any spots or redness. The NARS concealer is my go-to because it covers without looking thick, and it doesn’t crease under my eyes throughout the day. A little goes a long way, and it blends out quickly with my fingers so I’m not fussing with brushes or sponges.
Step 4: NYX Micro Brow Pencil ($11)
Brows frame the face, and this is the one step that makes me look the most “done” with the least amount of effort. The NYX Micro Brow Pencil has a fine tip that mimics hair strokes, so I can quickly fill in any sparse areas and define my brow shape in about 30 seconds. It’s drugstore, it works, and I’ve repurchased it more times than I can count.
Step 5: NYX Control Freak Clear Eyebrow Gel ($7)
After filling in my brows, I brush them into place with this clear gel. It holds everything in place all day (even in the heat and humidity) without getting crunchy or flaky. It’s one of those products that costs almost nothing but makes a noticeable difference.
Step 6: L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Volume Mascara ($14)
Mascara is the one product I will never skip, even on my most minimal days. This one gives me volume and length without clumping, and it holds a curl all day. I do one to two coats and I’m done. It’s a drugstore classic for a reason.
Step 7: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color ($26)
This is my “throw it on and go” lip product. It gives a hint of color and moisture without feeling sticky or needing a mirror to apply. I keep it in my bag for touch-ups, and it’s the perfect finishing touch for a poolside or errand-run look. It’s the kind of product that makes you look polished without trying too hard.
Final Thoughts
That’s the whole routine: seven products, under five minutes, and a glowy, natural finish that works whether I’m laying by the pool, running to Target, or just working from home and wanting to feel like a human. The best part is that most of these products are drugstore-priced, so it doesn’t break the bank to keep them stocked (which my low-buy self appreciates).
If you’re someone who skips makeup entirely in the summer because a full routine feels like too much, I’d encourage you to try a simplified version like this. You don’t have to do it all to feel put together, sometimes just SPF, a little glow, and some mascara is enough to completely shift your mood.
A full makeup routine post is coming soon for the days when I do want to go all out, so stay tuned for that!
Comments (0)