In the Chair: How to Create the Perfect Sun-Kissed Makeup Look

In this edition of In the Chair, makeup artist Diana Macoveiu shares the secrets behind the ultimate summer-kissed glow. From creating believable warmth to enhancing your natural features, she'll guide you through each step to create a fresh, bronzed finish.

Whether your summer holiday is still on the horizon or you've already unpacked your suitcase, there's one thing we all want: that effortless, post-holiday glow. If you're looking to prolong the bronzed complexion you picked up poolside or fake it before you fly, we've got you covered.

With glowing skin, glossy lips and perfectly placed bronzer, you'll have everything you need to recreate the look long after summer has passed.

Written By: Madelaine Law - Published: 24.07.2025

Step 1: Prep and protect

A combination of stronger UV rays, warmer temperatures and sea water can leave your skin feeling tighter and drier, so the key to a glowing holiday makeup look starts with great prep. Apply your SPF followed by a moisturiser that's suited to your skin type to create a hydrated, protected base.

Smooth both over your face and neck, then leave them to sink in for around 10 minutes before moving onto makeup. Giving your skincare time to absorb will help everything that follows sit beautifully on the skin.

Step 2: Create a bronzed base

For that lit-from-within holiday glow, reach for bronzing drops before anything else. Whether you prefer using your hands or a dense foundation brush for a little less mess, dispense a couple of drops and blend them evenly across the face.

This creates a warm, sun-kissed glow beneath your makeup, giving your complexion a naturally radiant finish before you've even reached for foundation.

Step 3: Spot conceal

Rather than applying a full-coverage base, start by concealing only where you need it. Dot a small amount of concealer over any blemishes, redness or areas of pigmentation before gently buffing it into the skin.

This keeps your complexion looking fresh, lightweight and natural - perfect for warmer weather.

Step 4: Perfect the Base

Dispense a couple of pumps of lightweight foundation onto the back of your hand, then work the product into your foundation brush before working it into the skin using small stippling motions.

Focus on the areas that need a little extra coverage, rather than applying it heavily all over. If you'd like an even more seamless finish, gently bounce a damp beauty sponge over the complexion to melt everything together, leaving your skin looking naturally perfected rather than overly made up.

Step 5: Bronze & Sculpt

Now for the best bit… bronze.

Using an angled brush, gently buff your bronzer around the forehead, temples, hollows of the cheeks, sides of the nose and jawline. Build the colour gradually, blending until you've created a soft, seamless transition that mimics a natural sun-kissed warmth.

If you'd like a little more definition, apply a touch of concealer beneath the eyes, down the centre of the forehead and just below your cheek contour to subtly brighten and sculpt the face. Blend with a dry powder puff for a little extra coverage if needed.

Finish by sweeping blush across the apples of the cheeks for a healthy, rosy flush that brings warmth and life back into the complexion.

Step 6: Dial Up the Glow

Now it's time for the glow that brings this whole look together. Using a medium-density brush, pick up your favourite stick highlighter and lightly sweep it across the high points of the face, including the tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and forehead.

Think about where the light naturally catches your skin and concentrate the product there for the most flattering finish. If you love an extra radiant look, layer a glow-infused blush on top for a fresh, luminous complexion that's made for golden hour.

Step 7: Frame the Face

Softly fill in any sparse areas of your brows to add shape and definition without making them look overly structured. Then brush through a brow gel to keep every hair in place for effortlessly polished brows that last all day.

Step 8: Lift Your Lashes

Open up the eyes by curling your lashes at the root, middle and ends before applying your favourite mascara from root to tip.

This simple step instantly makes the eyes appear brighter and more awake while keeping the rest of the makeup beautifully effortless.

Step 9: Finish with Glossy Lips

Complete the look with a neutral, barely-there lip liner to softly define your natural lip shape before finishing with a generous coat of lip oil or gloss.

The glossy finish ties the whole look together, adding the perfect fresh, hydrated touch that's ideal for everything from lazy beach days to balmy holiday evenings.

Step 10: Lock it all in

To keep your makeup looking fresh in the heat, lightly apply a small amount of pressed powder over the areas where you applied concealer earlier using a powder puff. This helps to brighten the complexion while setting only where it's needed, allowing the rest of your skin to maintain its natural glow.

Finish with a few generous sprays of setting spray to lock everything in place, so your dewy bronze makeup stays looking fresh from sunrise to sunset.