Summer Date Night Makeup Routine
My go-to skin prep, glow-boosting makeup, and the luxe scent I never skip.
Summer nights just hit different. There’s something about golden hour, warm air, and a flirty dress that makes getting ready feel like an event. Whether it’s dinner on a rooftop or just cocktails on a patio, I love a date night beauty routine that feels effortless but still gives. Here’s how I prep my skin, the glow products I swear by, and the final touch that always gets compliments.
1. Start with Skin: The Glow Begins Here
If you’ve been around here for a minute, you know I like to prep my skin. I like to think of it as the foundation before the foundation. I’m going to link everything I love to prep with for you!
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Cleanse: I start with a gentle exfoliating cleanser to refresh and smooth the skin.
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Tone + Serum: A hydrating toner followed by a vitamin C serum gives my skin that lit-from-within look.
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Moisturize: I go in with a lightweight gel moisturizer and always finish with SPF (even if I’m heading out at sunset—you never know).
Bonus tip: I’ll use a chilled jade roller to de-puff and wake my skin up. It’s a little moment of self-care that makes a difference.
2. Makeup that Glows but Lasts
Hot summer nights mean I need products that hold up, but still feel light and breathable. Some of my summer date night makeup favorites right now are from Fenty Beauty, Rare Beauty and Danessa Myricks, but to know me is to know that I love and use so many brands!
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Primer: I start with a glow-enhancing primer to create a smooth, radiant base. I recenlty discovered Danessa Myricks new product and OMG. It’s amazing.
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Foundation: A lightweight, skin-like foundation is key. I’ll use just enough to even things out without covering too much. Lately I’ve been using Giorgio Armani, but I have so many favorites. Linking them all below.
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Bronzer + Blush: Cream formulas are my go-to in summer. I blend a warm bronzer along the cheekbones and temples, then tap on a peachy-pink blush for a sun-kissed finish. I am currently love LYS for my bronzer and Rare Beauty for my blush.
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Highlighter: I love a subtle champagne highlight on the high points of my face—just enough to catch the light without going full disco ball. I rotate between Fenty Beauty, DIBS and tarte cosmetics to achieve this.
3. The New Setting Spray I’m Obsessed With
Okay, let’s talk about this new launch I cannot stop using: Tarte’s Life Lock Setting Spray.
It’s lightweight, hydrating, and gives your makeup this gorgeous, fresh finish. Think dewy—but not greasy. I spray it right after makeup and then again before heading out the door. It also helps your look stay locked in, even through Florida humidity (a true test, trust me).
4. Finishing Touch: The Fragrance That Turns Heads
I started getting into fragrances last year and I feel like I found my “signature scent.” For date night, and really any occassion, I LOVE: Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Grand Soir.
It’s warm, elegant, and just sexy. Amber, vanilla, and tonka bean come together in the most luxurious way—it lingers in the best way and always gets compliments. This is the scent I reach for when I want to feel confident and feminine.
There’s something so fun about romanticizing your beauty routine—especially in the summer. It’s less about perfection and more about feeling good in your skin. Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, a good glow and a great scent go a long way.
Let me know if you try any of these!
xx,
Steph
Check out some of my previous beauty posts here!
