Credit: Getty
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
3 min read
From sun-kissed skin to that gold-flecked glow, here’s how to recreate summer’s most radiant hour…
Even if you’re more of a cool weather kind of person, it’s undeniable that in those hazy summer evenings, the lighting just hits different.
Think about those gorgeous, long summer days – whether you’re on holiday with friends or lounging in the back garden – from 6pm onwards, the sky is filled with a golden sheen that makes everything feel softer, giving your skin a lit-from-within glow that’s almost filter-like. And, if you’ve spent the day soaking up all that glorious vitamin D (with ample sun protection, of course) your complexion often exudes a glow that’s hard to capture in the bright light of day.
Until now that is, because people are recreating that golden hour glow with make-up and if you ask us, it’s kind of genius.
Thanks to an influx of new make-up formulas – from sun-baked bronzers to gold-flecked highlighters – sun-drenched skin is just a five-minute make-up refresh away.
So even if you’re quietly hoping pumpkin spiced latte season comes around quickly this year, it’s still possible to fake being a summer enthusiast with a sprinkle of golden hour make-up in your beauty bag. Keep scrolling for our favourite sundowner make-up picks…
Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Beauty Serum
No matter your skin tone, a couple of drops of Lumene’s Instant Glow Beauty Serum and your skin is left fresh-faced and glowing, with a natural-looking dewy sheen. If you’re fair skinned, mix it with moisturiser to sheer out the pigments.
Shop Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Beauty Serum at Lookfantastic, £27
Dr.Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm SPF50
This brilliant base blurs the line between a traditional BB cream and a more medium-coverage foundation. It smooths over skin leaving a soft focus finish that’s undetectable.
Shop Dr.Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm SPF50 at Lookfantastic, £35
Iconic London Kissed by the Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glow
Iconic London knows how to give good glow, and this new cheek compact is no different. Bringing together all the goodness from a highlighter, bronzer and blusher in one, it drenches skin in a sun-kissed sheen that’s like nothing else we’ve tried.
Shop Iconic London Kissed by the Sun Multi-Use Cheek Glow at Lookfantastic, £25
Hourglass Voyeur Eyeshadow Sticks
That golden hour glow doesn’t just stop at our skin – drench your lids in a glistening lacquer of light with these mesmerising cream shadow sticks. The pearlescent pigments catch the light beautifully, giving your entire face a radiant glow.
Vieve Satin Slip Lipstick
For lipstick, the Stylist beauty team is currently obsessed with these new Satin Slip Lipsticks from Vieve. They’re buttery soft and last for hours on end.
Summer Fridays Blush Balm Stick
If you’re a fan of dewy skin, you’ll love these blush balm sticks from Summer Fridays. They give your cheeks a pop of natural-looking colour, while leaving behind a really nourishing sheen that glistens in sunlight.
Saie Glow Sculpt Multi Use Cream Highlighting Blush
Saie is another brand that has that sun-kissed mood board covered. These new cream highlighter blushers give your skin a natural-looking glow that looks like your best-ever skin (you don’t need to tell anyone it’s actually make-up).
Shop Saie Glow Sculpt Multi Use Cream Highlighting Blush at Cult Beauty, £26
Refy Body Glow
That golden-hour glow needn’t stop at your neck, drench your skin in soft, shimmering radiance with this buttery soft body highlighter from Refy.
Chantecaille Real Bronze
Chantecaille’s bronzers are simply beautiful, and this limited edition newbie is no different. Its finely milled powder is perfect for those who want a depth of colour, without a high-gloss sheen.
You may also like
12 of the best blonzers for adding a warm summer flush to the skin
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
Topics
Sign up for the latest news and must-read features from Stylist, so you don’t miss out on the conversation.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.