Golden Hour Makeup Tutorial

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Create a dewy, bronzed base

   Step 1 of 5

   Apply a lightweight, luminous foundation or skin tint with a damp sponge. While the base is still slightly tacky, apply a warm-toned bronzer on the high points where the sun naturally hits: tops of cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead, and chin. Blend well so it looks like a natural sun-kiss, not a stripe.

   Tip: Mix a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation for an all-over glow from the start.

2. 2

   Warm peach blush

   Step 2 of 5

   Apply a warm peach or coral cream blush to the apples of the cheeks and blend upward toward the temples. This adds warmth and dimension that complements the bronzer. Keep the blush placement high on the cheekbones for a lifted, sun-kissed effect.

3. 3

   Golden shimmer on the eyes

   Step 3 of 5

   Apply a warm champagne or gold shimmer shade across the entire lid using your fingertip for maximum pigment payoff. Add a soft taupe or warm brown in the crease for gentle definition. Keep it simple—the shimmer is the star. Skip eyeliner or use a thin line of brown pencil close to the lash line.

   Tip: Wet your finger before picking up shimmer eyeshadow—this intensifies the gold and makes it look more metallic.

4. 4

   Highlight the high points

   Step 4 of 5

   Apply a gold or champagne liquid or cream highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid's bow. Blend with your fingertip for a seamless, lit-from-within glow. This step is what ties the whole golden-hour effect together.

5. 5

   Honey-toned lip

   Step 5 of 5Almost done!

   Apply a warm nude, honey, or caramel lip gloss or tinted lip balm. The lip should look hydrated and warm-toned, complementing the golden warmth across the face. Skip bold lip colors—the skin and eyes are the focal point here.

   Tip: A lip oil in a warm honey shade gives the perfect balance of color and shine for this look.