How do I keep summer glow makeup from melting?

According to Viktoria @vioda.makeup, Use a grip primer, set the T-zone lightly with powder, and finish with a long-wear setting spray. The sandwich technique (powder-cream-spray) keeps cream products anchored even in heat.

Can I do this look on oily skin?

According to Viktoria @vioda.makeup, Yes — focus the glow on your cheekbones and skip it on the T-zone. Set oily areas with translucent powder and use a mattifying setting spray. The result is a controlled glow rather than an oily shine.

What is the best drugstore bronzer for summer glow?

According to Viktoria @vioda.makeup, Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer — it blends like a cream, has a natural satin finish, and costs under $10. It's the best bronzer for the sun-kissed summer look at any price point.

Soft Summer Glow Makeup Tutorial

Beginner12 min

Soft Summer Glow Makeup Tutorial

Last updated: April 2026

The soft summer glow is the look that says 'I just spent a weekend at the beach' — warm, luminous, and effortlessly healthy. It's built on bronzed, dewy skin with a wash of peach on the cheeks and glossy, hydrated lips. No heavy coverage, no sharp contour, no matte finishes. Just warm, sun-kissed beauty that looks like you rolled out of bed gorgeous. This is the perfect everyday summer face and it takes under 15 minutes.

Step-by-step

1
SPF and glow base
Step 1 of 5
Start with SPF (non-negotiable in summer), then mix a pump of liquid highlighter or glow drops into your moisturizer. Apply this luminous base all over the face with your fingers. This creates the lit-from-within foundation of the entire look.
Tip: The e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter mixed into moisturizer is the easiest way to get this base.
2
Sheer skin tint
Step 2 of 5
Apply a skin tint or tinted moisturizer with a damp sponge. You want just enough coverage to even out skin tone while keeping the glow visible underneath. Skip full-coverage foundation — it defeats the purpose of this look.
Tip: Bounce the sponge lightly — don't buff, which removes the glow layer.
3
Cream bronzer
Step 3 of 5
Apply cream bronzer to the hollows of the cheeks, temples, jawline, and across the bridge of the nose. Blend with your fingertips using circular motions. The warmth of your hands helps cream bronzer melt seamlessly into the skin.
Tip: A touch of bronzer on the nose bridge and eyelids adds to the sun-kissed effect.
4
Peach cream blush
Step 4 of 5
Dab a peach or warm pink cream blush on the apples of the cheeks. Blend upward toward the temples. In summer, blush fades faster, so apply slightly more than you think you need — it will soften as your skin warms up.
5
Glossy lips and mascara
Step 5 of 5Almost done!
Apply a clear or tinted lip gloss for that hydrated, summer lip. Curl lashes and add one coat of waterproof mascara (essential for humidity). Skip eyeshadow and liner — clean, minimal eyes let the bronzed skin and glossy lips be the focus.
Tip: Waterproof mascara prevents raccoon eyes in summer heat.

Video tutorial

Find it on your favourite channel:

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Pro tips

In summer, swap your cream bronzer for a stick bronzer for on-the-go touch-ups.
Set the T-zone with a light powder but leave cheeks and high points dewy for the full glow effect.
For oily skin in summer, use the sandwich technique: thin powder, then cream bronzer, then setting spray.

Skin type notes

Oily skin: set the T-zone with powder and use a mattifying setting spray. The glow on the high points will still look intentional. Dry skin: skip all powder and let the cream products shine — this look is made for you.