Although the British summer brings its usual mix of sunshine and sudden showers, one thing stays the same, we’re all chasing that glowing, fresh-faced makeup look. The kind that holds up, no matter the weather.
To stay ahead of the one make up trend that returns every summer, we caught up with celebrity makeup artist Mira Palmer for her go-to tips on achieving flawless, heat-proof makeup that won’t slide off by midday.
“Less is more in the summer months,” Mira says with a knowing tone. “That’s always been my golden rule.” And with her signature style being a dewy, barely-there glow, it’s easy to see why.
So how does a powerhouse artist like Mira keep her clients looking luminous, breathable, and beautifully real, even in the height of summer.
The first step to summer-ready skin is putting aside your winter staples.
“Ditch the heavy foundation. Your skin needs to breathe in the heat,” she says. Instead, Mira reaches for NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, a go-to in her kit. “It gives this lit-from-within glow without feeling like you’re wearing anything.” Another fave of hers? Sculpted by Aimee’s Tint & Glow – a serum-like tint that glides on with zero effort. “It’s just one of those products that feels like skincare but gives you coverage.”
We all know the struggle of how mascara in the summer can be risky business. By 4pm it’s often smudged, flaking, and halfway down your face. But not if Mira Palmer has anything to do with it.
“Tubing mascara is a total game-changer,” Mira says. “It’s not waterproof, but it is smudge-proof and it slides off easily with warm water, which is perfect if you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts.”
Her budget-friendly favourites? Revolution’s Wrap Lash and e.l.f.’s Lash Xtndr. “Both perform beautifully, without the hefty price tag.”
When it comes to texture, Mira is all about keeping things light and seamless. “In summer, I always swap powders for creams,” she says. “They melt into the skin and just look more natural.” One staple she swears by is Morphe’s Cheek Thrills palette, a go-to in her kit. “It’s brilliant and is multi-use for eyes, lips, and cheeks, so you’ve got everything in one place.”
Also on her must-have list? Merit Beauty’s Eye Shadow Sticks. “They’re foolproof, super quick to apply, and the pigment is just gorgeous,” she adds.
When it comes to brows, Mira keeps it simple but structured. “A good brow gel is your best friend in the summer,” she says. “I love e.l.f. ‘s Brow Laminating Gel or even Schwarzkopf’s Got2B Brow Gel, once they’re set, they’re not moving.”
To fill and define, she swears by West Barn Co.’s Brow Pencil, which comes in a wide range of shades. “The tiny nib gives that precise, hair-like stroke, and the formula blends so well and guarantees no blocky brows here!”
And the biggest make up mistake of all?
“Too much makeup. And way too much powder,” Mira says without hesitation. “It sits in the sweat, clings to the skin, and just looks heavy.” Her solution is to start with a lightweight base, keep product to a minimum, and choose hydrating, breathable formulas. “It’s about enhancing, not masking.”
Even with the best products, summer heat can test any look or skin type, especially on long days and into summer nights.
For those mornings when time is not on your side, Mira has a routine down to a science.
“Start with a tinted moisturiser, I love Hourglass for luxury or NYX for a brilliant high-street option. Conceal where needed, curl your lashes (I swear by Truyu or Tweezerman), brush up your brows, then fill and shape.”
Next comes a flush of colour. “Merit’s Flush Balm in ‘Stockholm’ is my summer go-to,” Mira explains. “It’s a soft pink that blends in seconds and gives the perfect natural glow.”
In Mira’s world, beauty isn’t about perfection, it’s about knowing how to work with your skin, not against it. Her summer mantra? Fresh, glowy, and uncomplicated.
And really, with the sun (occasionally) shining, isn’t that what we all want too?
