How to Get a Sun-Kissed Glow This Summer (No Beach Required)
There's something about summer that makes everyone want to look like they just stepped off a yacht in the Mediterranean. That warm, bronzed, dewy glow that says "I've been living my best life" — even if your best life involves an air-conditioned office and a very good makeup routine.
The good news? You don't need a plane ticket or hours in the sun to get there. You just need the right products and a little know-how.
Step 1: Build Your Base Tan (Without the UV Damage)
Start with a self-tanner to give your skin that warm, sun-kissed undertone that makes everything else pop. Our Tanning Mousse in Tan is lightweight, dries quickly, and — most importantly — doesn't streak. Apply it to clean, dry skin using a tanning mitt the night before for a natural-looking result by morning.
Pro tip: Exfoliate first. Dry, flaky skin grabs self-tanner unevenly, so a quick scrub the day before makes all the difference.
Step 2: Sculpt and Warm with Bronzer
Once your base is set, it's time to add dimension. Bronzer is your best friend for mimicking the way the sun naturally hits your face — across the forehead, along the cheekbones, and down the nose.
Our Bronzer in Tawny has a silky, blendable formula that looks natural rather than muddy. Use a fluffy brush and apply it in a "3" shape on each side of your face — starting at the temple, sweeping under the cheekbone, and finishing at the jaw.
Pro tip: Less is more with bronzer. Build it up gradually rather than going heavy-handed from the start.
Step 3: Add a Flush of Summer Color
A bronzed look without blush can fall flat. The secret to that healthy, just-been-outside glow is a pop of color on the cheeks.
Our Liquid Blush in Dew Peach is perfect for summer — it's lightweight, blends seamlessly into skin, and gives a dewy finish that looks like you're genuinely glowing from within. Dab a small amount onto the apples of your cheeks and blend upward toward the temples with your fingers or a damp sponge.
Pro tip: Apply liquid blush before powder products so it melds into your skin rather than sitting on top.
Step 4: Highlight the High Points
This is the step that takes a good glow to a great glow. A touch of highlighter on the right spots makes your skin look luminous and three-dimensional.
Swipe our Highlighter Stick in Bronze Lights along your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your brow bone, and your cupid's bow. The creamy formula melts into skin for a natural-looking radiance — not a glittery disco ball effect.
Pro tip: For an extra-glowy moment, dab a tiny bit of highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes to make them look brighter and more awake.
The Full Routine at a Glance
- Apply Tanning Mousse the night before for an all-over base glow
- Dust Bronzer in Tawny across the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw
- Dab Liquid Blush in Dew Peach onto the cheeks and blend upward
- Swipe Highlighter Stick in Bronze Lights on the high points of the face
Get the Full Kit
All four of these products are available together in our Sun-Kissed Glow Kit — curated specifically for summer and priced at 10% off when you buy them as a bundle. It's the easiest way to make sure everything works together seamlessly.
Because summer is short. Your glow shouldn't be.