Makeup Labs

Tag: holiday makeup

  • 5 Easy Holiday Makeup Looks for Summer 2026

    5 Easy Holiday Makeup Looks for Summer 2026

    You’ve packed the outfits, sorted the sunscreen, and figured out where you’re going. The one thing nobody ever plans ahead of a holiday is their makeup, and then you get there and end up doing the same thing every day by default. Not this summer, whether you’re spending two weeks in the Mediterranean or just a few days away, here are five easy looks worth having in your rotation, along with the products to pull each one off.

    In This Guide:

    1. “No-Makeup” Makeup
    2. Sunkissed Makeup
    3. Smokey Makeup
    4. Toasty Makeup
    5. Island Girl Makeup
    6. The full product list

    1. “No-Makeup” Makeup 

    The no-makeup makeup look is exactly what it sounds like, you’re wearing makeup, but nobody can really tell. It’s the most low-effort option on this list and also one of the most universally flattering, particularly in the heat when heavier products tend to work against you (Who What Wear, 2026).

    The key products here are the e.l.f. Sheer For It Blush Tint and the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. Dab the tint onto the apples of your cheeks and blend outward for a natural flush, then tap a little onto your lips too, since it’s designed to do both. Finish with the lip butter balm over the top for a glossy, hydrated finish, and that’s genuinely all you need. The Summer Fridays balm is 100% vegan and cruelty-free and comes in sustainable, recyclable packaging, which is worth knowing if that’s something you factor into what you buy, and e.l.f. matches it on that front too, since the brand is fully vegan and double certified cruelty-free by both Leaping Bunny and PETA. Brush your brows up, add a coat of clear mascara, and you’re done in five minutes.

    2. Sun-kissed Makeup

    Think back from the beach, cheeks warm, skin golden, that’s the sunkissed look: bronzed, glowy, effortless. It’s one of the most popular holiday aesthetics right now, with makeup artists noting that summer 2026 is all about enhancing what you have rather than layering on coverage (New Beauty, 2026). 

    The two products you need are the Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer and the ICONIC London Illuminator. Sweep the bronzer across the areas the sun would naturally catch, forehead, temples, bridge of the nose, and cheekbones, then press the illuminator onto the high points of the cheeks and the inner corners of the eyes for a lit-from-within glow. ICONIC London is worth a mention here too, since the brand is 100% vegan and cruelty-free across its entire range. Keep the rest of the face minimal so the bronzed skin stays the focus. A slick of gloss and you’re done.

    3. Smokey Makeup

    A smokey eye on holiday sounds like a lot of effort, but it doesn’t have to be. The version that works best in summer is softer and more smudged than the classic black cut-crease, using warmer or cooler tones depending on your vibe that evening (Marie Claire, 2026). 

    A KIKO Milano eyeshadow palette in smoky tones has everything you need in one place. Pick two or three shades and blend them across the lid, keeping the edges deliberately diffused rather than sharp, and it’s worth knowing that KIKO doesn’t test on animals, even though the brand isn’t fully vegan across every product. Then line the upper lash line with the e.l.f. Smoky Kohl Eyeliner, smudging it slightly with a brush or your fingertip for that lived-in, holiday-night-out feel. Keep everything else simple: a nude lip, a coat of mascara, and you’re good to go.

    4. Toasty Makeup

    The toasty look is warm, bronzy and rich, somewhere between the sunkissed look and a full glam. It’s the one for golden hour dinners, sunset cocktails, and anywhere you want to look like you’ve been in the sun for a week even if you’ve only just arrived.

    Start with the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzing Stick and blend it into the cheekbones, temples and jawline for a deep, sculpted warmth. It’s cream-based so it melts into the skin rather than sitting on top, which means it actually lasts. Top the lips with the Maybelline Lifter Gloss in a warm nude or peachy shade to complement the bronzed base. The combination of a creamy bronze base with a glossy lip is one of the easiest ways to look polished on holiday without feeling overdone.

    5. Island Girl Makeup

    The island girl look is the most editorial of the five but still very wearable. It’s dewy, fresh and a little undone, think effortless more than anything else, with long lashes, a barely-there lip stain, brushed-up brows and skin that looks naturally radiant.

    The Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara is the hero product here, giving length and definition without looking heavy. Pair it with the SACHEU Lip Liner STAY-N in a sheer berry or rose shade for a just-bitten lip that lasts through dinner and beyond, and it’s a genuinely solid choice for conscious shoppers too, since SACHEU’s lip products are vegan and cruelty-free. Keep skin light and glowy, and let the mascara and lip stain do most of the work. For the full island girl look including faux freckles and a step-by-step breakdown, check out our guide to the perfect island girl makeup look.

     

    The Full Product List

    Five looks, ten products, and enough variety to cover every occasion from a lazy pool day to a proper night out. Pack light, mix and match, and enjoy actually having a plan this time.

    Featured Products

    References

     

    This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure for more information.



  • Who Says Makeup Can’t Be Worn at the Beach? The Best Products for Hot Summer Days

    Who Says Makeup Can’t Be Worn at the Beach? The Best Products for Hot Summer Days

    You’re on the beach, the sun’s out, and you’ve finally found the perfect spot. You reach into your bag for your phone to take a picture and catch a glimpse of yourself on the screen, only to notice your foundation has melted into your pores, your mascara has migrated south, and whatever blush you put on this morning has completely disappeared. Sound familiar?

    The issue was never makeup itself, it was always the wrong makeup. Heavy foundation that slides off the moment the temperature rises, powder that turns patchy the second sea air hits it, mascara that ends up halfway down your cheeks before you’ve even got your towel out, none of that is a reason to go bare-faced. It’s just a reason to shop smarter.

    Whether you’re at the pool, on a sun-soaked terrace, or standing in the sea with your sunglasses on, there’s a whole category of products built specifically for this, heat-proof, sweat-proof and humidity-resistant (New Beauty, 2026). 

    Here’s everything you need for summer makeup that actually lasts.

    In This Guide:

    1. The Base: Lightweight Coverage That Won’t Budge
    2. The Brows: Definition That Survives Humidity
    3. Cheeks and Lips: Colour That Survives the Heat
    4. The Final Step: Locking Everything In
    5. The full product list

    1. The Base: Lightweight Coverage That Won’t Budge

    The biggest mistake people make with beach makeup is starting too heavy, and a full-coverage foundation in 30-degree heat is fighting a losing battle from the moment you apply it. The goal on a hot day is skin that looks healthy and even, not like you’re wearing makeup at all.

    The Kosas DreamBeam Sunlit SPF 30 is the ideal starting point here. It gives you sun protection and a sheer, glowy and bronzy tint in one step, so your base is already doing double duty before you’ve even thought about anything else, and it’s also vegan and Leaping Bunny certified, which makes it a solid pick if you’re trying to shop a little more consciously without giving anything up on performance. Press it into the skin with your fingertips for the most seamless, skin-like finish. SPF before any makeup on a beach day is non-negotiable, and this makes it genuinely easy to do (Who What Wear, 2026).

    2. The Brows: Definition That Survives Humidity 

    Brows are one of those things that can completely fall apart in humidity. Sweat, sunscreen and sea water can all take a well-groomed brow from polished to patchy within minutes, and the fix is a brow gel, ideally one with a genuinely strong hold rather than something that gives up by lunchtime.

    NYX Professional Makeup’s The Brow Glue has become a bit of a cult product for exactly this reason, holding brow hairs in place all day with a firm-but-flexible grip that’s water-resistant enough to handle whatever a beach day throws at it. Brush it through your brows in the direction of hair growth and you’re done, no pencil, no powder, just naturally defined brows that last. As with most NYX products, it’s also PETA-certified cruelty-free, so it’s an easy add to a more conscious beach bag too.

    3. Cheeks and Lips: Colour That Survives the Heat

    Powder blush is not your friend at the beach. In humidity it can look patchy, and in heat it tends to sit on top of the skin rather than melting into it, which is exactly the opposite of what you want on a day like this. Cream and liquid formulas are a much better bet, partly because they bond better to skin and partly because they don’t need layering to build colour.

    Benefit Cosmetics’ Benetint is one of the original long-wear tints and still one of the best. A rose-tinted liquid that stains the cheeks with a natural flush, it builds easily and gives that effortless sun-warmed look shown in this quick beach makeup routine. Dot it onto the apples of the cheeks and blend quickly with your fingers before it sets, and it doesn’t budge in the heat, working just as well on lips for a simple, sun-kissed look that holds up all day too.

    For lips specifically, the Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain is worth having in your beach bag, and it has the added bonus of being fully vegan and cruelty-free. Because it stains rather than sits on top of the lips, heat, sea water and the occasional drink won’t shift it. Apply it before any gloss or balm for colour that lasts all day with zero touch-ups needed.

    For a mascara that won’t move, the Maybelline Sky High Mascara is a beach bag staple. The waterproof formula gives length and volume without the dreaded panda-eye effect, even after a dip in the sea, and a few coats of this is really all your eye makeup needs on a day like this.

    4. The Final Step: Locking Everything In 

    Setting spray is the product that ties everything together on a hot day, and it’s not just for those doing a full glam look. Even a minimal face benefits from a quick spritz to lock everything in place before the sun has a chance to undo it.

    The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is one of the best around for this. Celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez has described a good setting spray as your best friend in the summer, recommending you press products into the skin for longevity and finish with a spritz to keep everything in place (Who What Wear, 2026), and this one delivers exactly that. It’s a fine, even mist that sets makeup without making it look flat or heavy, and it’s also vegan and Leaping Bunny certified, so the ethics hold up as well as the formula does. Hold it about 30cm from the face and spray in a slow figure-of-eight motion for even coverage.

     

    The Full Product List

    The beach is not a reason to skip makeup, it’s a reason to wear better makeup. Swap the heavy formulas for lightweight tints, lean on waterproof mascara and a long-wear stain for colour, and finish with a setting spray, and that’s really all there is to it. For inspiration on what looks to actually wear once your base is sorted, check out our guide to the best holiday makeup looks for summer 2026 for ideas that work just as well by the pool as they do on a night out.

    Featured Products

    References

     

    This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure for more information.



  • Travel Beauty Essentials: What I’m Packing in My Makeup Kit

    Travel Beauty Essentials: What I’m Packing in My Makeup Kit

    Travel Beauty Essentials: What I’m Packing in My Makeup Kit

    With summer just around the corner, it’s almost time for those long-awaited summer holidays. As I start planning my getaway, one of the biggest challenges is deciding which makeup items to pack. With so many favourites in my collection, narrowing it down to just the essentials is no easy task. Join me as I prepare my summer travel makeup kit, ensuring I have everything I need to look fabulous and feel confident on my adventures.

    Traveling is one of my greatest joys, but packing can sometimes be a daunting task—especially when it comes to my makeup kit. Whether I’m heading off on a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, I’ve learned that the simpler the better and also bringing multi-use items in my travel makeup kit can make life that bit easier for maintaining my beauty routine whilst saving that much needed luggage space.

    1. The Basics: Foundation and Concealer

    First things first: a light, tinted moisturiser, I opt for a lightweight, buildable foundation that can be applied with fingers for a quick touch-up or a more polished look. Especially when I’m going to a sunny destination, my oily skin cannot handle full coverage as it will literally slide off my face. My go-to is the Sculpted by Aimee Tinted Moisturiser, not only does this cruelty-free formula provide a gorgeous glowy tint, but also offers 30 SPF and blue light protection, so your skin is extra safe a nasty against UV rays. As for concealer, the matching creamy formula that Sculpted by Aimee have created is perfect for that glowy holiday look. This cruelty-free formula also is enriched with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to sooth your skin barrier. This product can be used to multitask as an under-eye brightener and blemish cover-up which saves room in your kit.

    2. Multi-Tasking Marvels: Blush and Bronzer

    Space-saving products are key when traveling. That’s why I love a good multi-use product. The Laura Geller Travel Palette is a must have. These multi-tasking marvels include blushers, bronzers, highlighters and eyen eyeshadows, making them the perfect all-in-one travel kit. These are great as it has both matte and shimmer options for versatility to switch up your looks. These also are a great price and are 38% off right now, so don’t leave it too long to check them out.

    3. Eyes on the Prize: Eyebrow Pencil and Mascara

    For eyebrows, I stick with a reliable eyebrow pencil that has a spoolie on one end. It’s compact and allows for quick and easy application. A really good one to try is the E.L.F Instant Lift Brow Pencil. This pencil has sooo many different shades to choose from and also is such an amazing price making it a steal!


    Mascara is another non-negotiable in my travel kit. I prefer a waterproof formula to withstand any climate and ensure long-lasting wear. A travel-sized tube is perfect for saving space. The Poppy Austin Vegan Mascara is a great option due to the organic formula being hypoallergenic, waterproof and nourished your lashes with Argan Oil whilst protecting them in the heat (to avoid the dreaded panda eye look)

     

    4. Lip Service: Lip Balm and Lipstick

    I like to keep things simple with my lips while traveling. A moisturising lip balm with sun protection is all I need during the day. As someone who suffers with sensitive lips in the sun it is a must-have for my daily bag. This lip balm from Dr Organic is perfect for that extra support. Not only does the lip balm have SPF for protection but the formula is also natural, vegan and cruelty free, perfect for us being sustainable queens.

    For evenings or special occasions, I pack one versatile lipstick in a flattering shade that can be dressed up or down. The Melixir Vegan lip butters are perfect to bring with you. This formula is extremely moisturising for that Kylie luscious lip. They are tinted for the perfect night-time makeup look. They are also plant based and come in a wide range of shades for all of you gorgeous gurus.

    5. Tools of the Trade: Brushes and Sponges

    When it comes to tools, less is more. The Eco tools core brush and sponge kit is the perfect all round tool set to bring with you, without taking up too much space. With brushes and a sponge that can be used for powder, foundation, and eyeshadow products, you are good to go.

    6. Finishing Touch: Setting Spray & UV Mist

    Last but not least, a travel-sized setting spray helps keep my makeup in place all day, whether I’m exploring a new city or lounging on the beach. It’s a game-changer for maintaining a fresh look despite changing climates and activities. The absolute best setting spray I have ever tried is the Urban Decay all nighter mist which honestly, I do not know what magic is in this bottle, but I promise you, your makeup will stay put all day and night. Not only is it amazing but comes in a travel sized bottle for your convenience.

    One absolute must have for you makeup gurus is Garnier’s Super UV over makeup mist! Do you ever do your makeup routine and realise that you have forgot to put spf underneath (or is it just me). This absolute lifesaver allows you to spray this mist over your makeup and creates a spf barrier without ruining your makeup. This gorgeous non greasy formula includes hyaluronic acid and also SPF 50 to leave you protected.

     

    Packing a travel makeup kit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing versatile, multi-purpose products and keeping essentials to a minimum, you can create a compact yet comprehensive kit that meets all your beauty needs on the go. I hope my travel makeup kit inspires you to ditch packing your full makeup bag (which may save you from any disasters, think Ross from friends) and helps you look your best on your next adventure. Happy travels!

    Love Naidine x