Do you know that flush your cheeks get after spending time in the sun? That’s the idea behind sunkissed makeup, the look that leans into soft, natural flushes that mimic the just-back-from-the-beach effect. This guide walks you through what makes sunkissed makeup work so well in the heat and how to try it with products you probably already own.
Why Sunkissed Makeup Fits the Season
When it’s hot outside and your face starts melting before noon, the last thing you want is a thick layer of foundation. That’s exactly why sunkissed makeup hits so well during warm weather. Instead of covering everything up, you’re boosting what you already have: your skin’s natural warmth and lit-from-within glow.
Even the TikTok world can’t get enough of it. The hashtag #sunkissedmakeup already racked up over 378 million views. Creators are showing off their takes using skin tints, cream bronzers, coral blush, and barely-there brows. Celebrities Hailey Bieber and Millie Bobby Brown also joined the trend and made their own versions.
How to Do It: Base, Bronzer, and That Blush Trick
Start with a clean, hydrated face. A light moisturizer or serum will help everything blend more easily. Skip foundation altogether or use a skin tint or a few dabs of concealer. Apply just enough products to even things out without covering your natural skin texture.
Bronzer is where the sunkissed vibe really starts to show. Pick a warm shade that blends easily, then brush it over the upper forehead, around the temples, across the bridge of your nose, and over the cheekbones. Aim for a soft fade that sinks into your skin.
Next comes the W blush method. Start on one cheekbone, sweep across the nose, then blend it back up the other cheek. The W method wraps the color across the face to mimic real sun exposure. Pick peach and coral shades as they look especially natural when blended on your cheeks.
How to Make It Last in Real Life
Start with good skincare. Moisturizing your skin prevents blotchiness and helps color blend more easily. Additionally, pick cream products because they usually stay soft throughout the day and hold up better when it’s warm out. To lock the look, press a bit of powder blush or bronzer over your cream layers for extra staying power. Additionally, touch-ups should stay low-key. Only tap on a bit of cream blush or mist a few spritzes of setting spray to refresh the look. When you stick with light layers, your makeup sits better.
What are The Best Shades to Pull Off
You can get the technique right, but if the color’s off, the whole look falls flat. To pull off the sunkissed makeup, stick to tones that melt into your skin and give a believable flush.
Peach and coral shades work well because they warm up the face without looking too bold. For lighter skin, soft peach tones blend in easily and give that barely-there warmth. For deeper skin tones, go for richer corals or warm terracottas to keep the color visible and fresh.
Avoid anything with too much shimmer or icy undertones. They tend to sit on top of the skin and can throw off the sun-touched effect. Stick to blushes and bronzers with a satin or creamy finish as they reflect light and make a dewy effect.
The Glow-Up, Wrapped Up
Sunkissed makeup doesn’t require tons of products. A few well-placed steps can already give you that post-beach flush without needing the beach at all. With a little warmth in the right spots and that W-blush shape, you’ll get a glow that feels fresh and lived-in.
Want to give it a go the next time you get ready for a warm day?
FAQs: Sunkissed Makeup Trend
- What is sunkissed makeup, exactly?
It’s a makeup style that mimics a natural, sun-warmed glow using bronzer and blush. - Do I need to use foundation for this look?
Nope! A skin tint or just concealer works if you want coverage. - Where should I apply bronzer?
Focus on spots the sun would naturally hit—forehead, nose, cheeks. - What’s the “W” blush technique?
It’s when you sweep blush from one cheek to the other across your nose in a W shape. - Cream or powder products—what’s better?
Creams blend more naturally and work better in warm weather. - Can I wear sunkissed makeup if I have oily skin?
Yes, just set cream products lightly with powder and use a setting spray. - Which blush shades look the most natural?
Peach, coral, and terracotta shades usually melt in best. - How do I make it last all day?
Start with hydrated skin, layer cream and powder, and finish with setting spray. - Is this look okay for nighttime?
Yes—just add a bit more blush or highlight to amp it up. - Can I do this with drugstore products?
Definitely. It’s more about placement and texture than price.