How to get a golden-hour glow, according to a makeup artist

Summer is (if not meteorologically) then at least technically here, and no filter can rival the glow that radiates from a summer evening sunset: that low, golden haze at cocktail hour that just makes everything look and feel better (the cocktail also, possibly, a contributing factor).

The good news is that you can recreate this mood in makeup without a round trip to a remote island. ‘To get this sort of soft, relaxed, sundowner glow – regardless of your skin tone – you want warm, rather than cool shades,’ says makeup artist Caroline Barnes. ‘You also don’t want it to look too “done”, so avoid gold and bronze. Instead, stick with corals, peaches and nudes – they’re such a lovely, flattering entrance into summery makeup, and suit every skin tone.'

'Personally,' continues Caroline, 'I like to go with peach or coral shades on eyes and lips, balanced with pink on the cheeks, just to lift the complexion a little.’ And in terms of texture, matte offers a softness, while ‘using a cream eyeshadow that’s slightly metallic – no matter your age – will catch the light beautifully, and they’re super easy to blend,’ says Caroline. ‘On the lips, to avoid looking washed-out, use a nude liner and tinted balm or oil, or even a soft peachy matte lipstick, which makes the look a little more retro,’ she explains.

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