The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Summer Skin and Summer Makeup

Updated:

30 Mar 2026

My name is Iain and I've worked in the Beauty Industry for 8 years now. I've been on the front line in store helping people navigate the world of skin, as well as worked in education, artistry and marketing. When I'm not writing about skincare, you can find me over at Instagram talking about beauty or working on my PhD.

Ah, summer.

When it finally arrives, it feels like everyone lets out a collective sigh of relief.

You get to head to the beach, sip cocktails on the patio with friends, and enjoy daylight that seems to last forever.

But with the new season comes summer skin, along with new ways to master skincare and makeup.

This guide walks you through the must-have skincare for summer, plus a few beach makeup tips and general summer makeup hacks.

So let’s get your summer skin glowing, the cocktails flowing, and this warm-weather product guide underway.

Before diving in, let’s start with a couple of summer skin questions, because getting the season right is not just about soaking up the sunshine and making the most of those long, warm days; it is also about adjusting your routine to match everything summer brings while keeping the same easy, upbeat energy that makes this time of year so good.

How to Take Care of Your Skin in Summer

The biggest skin change most people notice in summer is an increase in oiliness.

Of course, on top of managing shiny skin, it’s also crucial to be mindful of upping your SPF usage.

Throughout Australia, the UV index is much higher during the summer months.

Be sure you’re using an SPF of at least 30 daily.

Got that sorted? Now, swap out your current facial cleanser for something that helps control oil.

These are your summer skincare essentials!

1. Your Daily Summer Skin Non-Negotiable

What it is: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen 75ml

A hydrating, lightweight sunscreen that’s brimming with antioxidants to protect skin from both UVA/UVB rays and environmental aggressors.
It’s completely invisible on the skin and is Australian-made and -owned, so you know you’re getting the best protection.

Who it's for: All skin types. Oily skin types can ditch the moisturiser in the morning because this product is so hydrating.

How to use: Use this moisturising sunscreen as the final step of your morning skincare routine.

Apply generously all over and allow it to sink into the skin for a couple minutes before you apply makeup.

shop Ultra Violette Supreme Screen here

2. The Best Body Lotion for Glowing Skin in Summer

What it is: PCA Skin Body Therapy 206.5ml

An advanced body treatment that targets hydration, texture, and tone to ensure summer-smooth skin all year long.
With temperatures rising, more skin is on display. This fast-absorbing treatment works hard to make skin glow!
Lactic acid works to exfoliate skin gently, while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and shea butter locks in all that goodness.

Who it's for: All skin types, but especially useful for bumpy or rough skin.

How to use: After bathing or showering in the evening, apply Body Therapy to slightly damp skin and allow it to work its magic overnight.

Shop PCA Skin Body Therapy Here

3. The Best Post-Beach Skin Product

What it is: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro Peeling Cleanser 200ml

An essential post beach cleanser that’s packed with salicylic acid to help decongest pores and keep them that way.
Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this formula cleanses away oil and grime gently but effectively.

Who it's for: Perfect for combination-to-oily skins that experience an increase in breakouts during the summer.

How to use: Twice a day, apply to damp face and neck, and massage in circular motions. Rinse.

Shop La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro Peeling Cleanser here!

4. Beach Makeup Made Easy

What it is: MAKE UP FOR EVER Watertone Skin-Perfecting Tint Foundation

The ultimate summer foundation, this sheer offering from Make Up For Ever is beautifully buildable, so you can get the coverage you desire without any heaviness.
Perfect for summer, this transfer- and water-resistant formula lasts up to 24 hours and is comfortable and lightweight.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants coverage and wants the best waterproof makeup for the beach.

How to use: Put a small amount of foundation on a sponge, a brush, or fingers. Blend from the centre of the face outwards.

Shop MAKE UP FOR EVER Watertone Skin-Perfecting Tint Foundation Here

5. The Summer-Staple Bronzer

What it is: M.A.C Cosmetics Bronzing Powder

Available in an array of colours, this long-wearing bronzing powder instantly gives you a summer glow.
Perfect for use all over the face to add warmth and definition, the powder also works along the contour of the eye to add dimension—a tried-and-true entry in my repertoire of beach makeup tips.

Who it's for: All skin types will love this formula, which doesn’t emphasise texture.

How to use: With a large, fluffy bronzing brush, pick up the powder and brush it onto the forehead, cheekbones, and chin to mimic a natural tan.

Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to blend colour through the creases to finish off your beach makeup look.

Shop M.A.C Cosmetics Bronzing Powder Here

6. Lock It and Forget It All Day Long

What it is: Lancome Fix It Forget It Setting Spray

A hyaluronic acid-infused setting spray that keeps makeup in place through sweat, sun, and sea air while it hydrates skin for 24 hours.
This ultra-lightweight formula won’t disturb makeup while it enhances makeup wear time and keeps colours true.

Who it's for: All skin types.

How to use: As the final step in makeup application, spritz 4 to 5 times all over the face with your eyes closed. Let it dry and you’re ready to go!

Shop Lancôme Fix It Forget It Setting Spray Here

How to Keep Skin Clear in Summer

Switching to a gel or foaming cleanser during the summer is a good way to fight blemishes and ensure you’re getting a thorough cleanse.

Introducing a cleanser with a BHA, or salicylic acid, is a great move for acne or blemish-prone skin.

These ingredients gently exfoliate inside the pores and are found in the best skincare products for summer.

How to Apply Makeup in Summer

Keeping your makeup from melting in summer is certainly tricky as high heat means more sweat.

My top summer makeup hacks are to use a sheerer base, make your bronzer do double duty as an eyeshadow, and set everything in place with a setting spray

My best summer makeup tip is to work in thin layers while applying so any separation is less noticeable.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ultra Violette (@ultravioletteau)

Shop All Skincare Here

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

Looking for more guides on skin care and makeup tips for summer? Read more here:

Shop All Skincare Here

SkinCare

A good skincare routine is the key to clearer, more <a href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/beautyiq/skincare/best-brightening-serum/">radiant skin</a>. Choosing the right products for your particular <a href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/beautyiq/skincare/what-is-my-skin-type/">skin type</a> is also important in order to see effective results. We now offer the biggest range and variety of skincare, split into three categories to suit your needs; luxe, professional and essentials. Shop the best range of <a href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/c/skincare/cleansers.html">cleansers, exfoliants</a>, <a href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/c/skincare/serums-treatments.html">serums</a>, <a href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/c/skincare/eye-cream-masks.html">eye creams</a>, <a href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/c/skincare/masks.html">face masks</a>, <a href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/c/skincare/tools.html">skincare tools</a> such as <a href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/beautyiq/skincare/what-is-led-light-therapy/">LED Light Therapy</a>, and more. Identifying your skin type is an important step in selecting the right skincare. Once you know your skin type, you can shop from multiple skin concern categories including <a title="Skincare for Acne & Scarring" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/c/skincare/concerns/acne-scarring.html">Acne & Scarring Treatments</a>, <a title="Skincare Products for Dry Skin" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/skincare-dry.html">Skincare for Dry</a>, <a title="Skincare Products for Oily Skin" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/skincare-oily.html">Oily</a> & <a title="Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/sensitive.html">Sensitive Skin</a>, <a title="Pigmentation Correction Skincare Products" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/pigmentation-correction.html">Pigmentation Correction</a> and many more from the skincare drop-down menu. Best-selling skincare and beauty brands now meet in one place, so it's easier for you to shop the products you love, from <a title="Clinique Skincare" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/clinique.html">Clinique</a>, to <a title="Dermalogica" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/dermalogica.html">Dermalogica</a>, <a href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/medik8.html">Medik8</a>, <a href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/asap.html">asap skincare</a> to <a title="La Roche-Posay Skincare Products" href="https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/la-roche-posay.html">La Roche-Posay</a>, we've refined your shopping experience to make choosing the right skincare a breeze.