A beginner’s guide to a long-lasting, luxury makeup routine that actually stays put—even in the heat
Let’s talk real summer struggles: you’ve done your full face, you’re glowing (in a good way), and then… 30 minutes later, you’re melting. If you have oily or combination skin, you know exactly what I mean.
The good news? A well-curated summer makeup routine using luxury makeup products can keep your face looking flawless, fresh, and shine-controlled without feeling heavy. I’ve personally tested these splurge-worthy picks through NYC heat, long work days, and humid nights out—and they pass the vibe check.
So, if you’re ready to invest in a routine that delivers long wear makeup, enhances your skin, and feels like a treat every time you apply it—this one’s for you.
Let’s walk through it, step-by-step.
Step 1: Skin Prep is Key (Don’t Skip This!)
Your base is only as good as your skincare. In summer, especially with oily skin, it’s tempting to skip moisturizer—but don’t. Hydrated skin balances oil production, and skipping this step can actually make you more oily later in the day.
The Charlotte Tilbury Water Cream is a gorgeous gel-cream hybrid that sinks in fast and gives a smooth, bouncy base. It hydrates without greasiness, making it perfect for long lasting makeup. If you’re following this routine during the day, make sure to wear spf.
Pro Tip: For best results, apply to clean, slightly damp skin and let it set for 5 minutes before going in with makeup.
Step 2: Frame the Face
If there’s one area that defines the face—it's your brows. For summer, I love a long-wear, layered approach. First, outline with the Joey Healy Brow Pencil, then fill in with the Luxe Brow Powder for a softer, more dimensional look.
Top it off with the Nyx Cosmetics Brow Tint Pen to add realistic hair-like strokes. Even in humid weather, these formulas stay put and don’t smudge. To lock in the brows, the Covergirl Clean Fresh Brows Gel Wax is incredible and will keep them inplace.
Pro Tip: clean up the brows with concealer for a clean makeup artist finish.
Step 3: Prime Like a Pro
Product: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Water Powder Serum
This isn’t your average primer. The Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Water Powder Serum helps control oil and smooth out texture—perfect for those summer pores. It feels like skincare, but performs like a mattifying primer. A little goes a long way, and it grips foundation beautifully.
Step 4: Color Correct Where Needed
Product: Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick in Dark Peach
Dark circles? Hyperpigmentation? This stick is a lifesaver. The Bobbi Brown Corrector Stick blends like a dream and works beautifully under concealer without creasing. If you’re doing a lighter base for summer, this can help you use less product overall.
Step 5: Eye Makeup That Stays All Day
Let’s be honest—long wear eye makeup in summer is a non-negotiable. Start with the Hydro Grip Eye Primer to prevent creasing. Layer in matte and shimmer shades from Shades by Shan, and top the center of the lid with Armani Eye Tint in 67S for that high-end shimmer that doesn’t budge.
Use Essence Super Precise Liner to wing it out, and line your inner waterline with the Flower Beauty Eye Lighter Crayon—it instantly brightens the eyes. Add a touch of drama with Too Faced’s glide liner on the upper lash line - this one is incredibly precises!
For lashes, I like to double up: YSL Lash Clash for volume and Lancôme Idôle for fluttery length. Finish with the Kiss lashes if you want extra glam.
Step 6: Foundation That Won’t Slide Off
Each of these foundations offers buildable coverage, long wear, and a natural finish that plays well with oily skin. If you need max durability, go for Estée Lauder Double Wear. For a radiant skin-like finish, Fenty Soft’Lit is a dream. Want something in between? Armani Luminous Silk gives a soft, lit-from-within glow without making you greasy.
Step 7: Conceal, Sculpt & Blush (cream products first)
Use your concealer to brighten the under eyes and any areas where oil breaks through. I like to mix the Natasha Denona and Lancôme concealers for both coverage and a lightweight feel.
PRO-TIP: let the concealer sit for about 30 seconds before blending it.
For sculpting, the Fenty Match Stix melts into skin and stays all day. Put this along the perimeter of your face and blend using an angled brush.
Armani Cheek Tint gives a natural flush that doesn’t fade! To finish, I layer Neen’s Cream Highlighter which gives the perfect amount of glow.
Step 8: Set & Warmth + Glow
After you’ve applied the cream products on, lock it all in with use the NARS Soft Matte first. The pressed powder will truly set the creams down. The bake using Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder in your T-zone. Let that sit for 2-3 minutes and dust off the excess to finish everything off.
Your face is set, now it’s time to bring it to life. The YSL Hyper Bronze adds that sunkissed look without looking orange. NARS Blush in Thrill pops beautifully on medium-deep skin tones.
Top with Hourglass Strobe Powder for a multidimensional glow that looks lit-from-within rather than greasy.
Step 9: Lips That Last (and Shine)
Outline with MAC Cork for that soft 90s shape, then fill in with the Fenty Gloss Bomb. The texture is non-sticky, hydrating, and summer-perfect.
Step 10: Lock It In
Finish with a double set. First, mist with Fenty You Mist for hydration and glow. Then, go in lightly with Kryolan Fixing Spray to truly seal everything. Your makeup? It’s not going anywhere.
Final Thoughts: Is the Luxury Makeup Worth It?
Short answer: YES.
When you have oily skin, not all formulas work. Investing in high-end makeup for summer can actually save you time, product, and mid-day touchups. These products were chosen because they feel good, perform well, and truly last through heat, humidity, and long days.
If you're building your first luxury kit or upgrading your summer routine, start here. You don’t need everything at once, but these picks will give you that polished, confident glow that lasts.
Thank you for reading!!
XOXO,
Krity
*I get a commission for purchases made through links in this post*
