Sunset Glow Makeup Tutorial
Beginner25 min

Sunset Glow Makeup Tutorial

Last updated:

The sunset glow look captures that brief moment when golden-hour light makes everything look warmer, softer, and more radiant. The base is luminous without being oily — think lit-from-within rather than greasy. The eyes get a wash of bronze and gold shimmer that catches light at every angle. Peachy-coral blush sits high on the cheekbones, and a nude-peach lip ties everything together. This is a warm-weather look that photographs beautifully and works across all skin tones when you adjust the depth of your bronze and blush shades.

Step-by-step

  1. 1

    Luminous base

    Step 1 of 7

    Apply a dewy or satin-finish foundation. Mix in a drop of liquid illuminator or glow primer for extra radiance. Conceal only where needed — under eyes and any redness. Skip heavy powdering; set only the T-zone with a light dusting of translucent powder.

  2. 2

    Bronze shimmer wash

    Step 2 of 7

    Sweep a warm bronze shimmer across the entire lid, from lash line to crease. Use your finger for maximum shimmer payoff. Blend a soft matte brown just above the crease to add depth, keeping the transition soft and diffused.

    Tip: Use a champagne or light gold shimmer on the inner corner to open up the eye.

  3. 3

    Golden inner corner

    Step 3 of 7

    Pat a light gold or champagne shimmer onto the inner corner of the eye and along the inner third of the lower lash line. This creates the light-catching quality that makes the whole look feel golden.

  4. 4

    Warm bronzer

    Step 4 of 7

    Apply a warm bronzer to the hollows of the cheeks, temples, forehead perimeter, and jawline. Build for a sun-kissed warmth that enhances the golden theme.

  5. 5

    Peachy-coral blush

    Step 5 of 7

    Apply a peachy-coral blush to the tops of the cheekbones, sweeping up toward the temples. Place it higher than you normally would for a sun-caught, glowy effect.

  6. 6

    Highlight the high points

    Step 6 of 7

    Apply a golden liquid or cream highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and Cupid's bow. The highlighter should look like sunlight catching your face, not a stripe of shimmer.

  7. 7

    Nude-peach lip and lashes

    Step 7 of 7Almost done!

    Apply a warm nude or peach-toned lip gloss. Add two coats of volumizing mascara. Optional: warm brown eyeliner on the upper waterline for subtle definition.

Video tutorial

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Pro tips

  • Spray a dewy setting spray as the final step to lock in the glow and prevent the base from drying down matte.
  • For extra golden-hour effect, apply liquid highlighter before foundation — it creates a subtle glow that shows through the base.
  • This look photographs best during actual golden hour, but it holds up under any warm lighting.

Skin type notes

Oily skin: use a satin (not dewy) foundation and skip the liquid illuminator mix-in. The shimmer eyeshadow and highlighter provide enough glow. Dry skin: go full dewy with cream bronzer and cream blush for maximum luminosity.

Products used

e.l.f.
Halo Glow Liquid Filter

e.l.f.

$14

Physicians Formula
Butter Bronzer

Physicians Formula

$15

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