Well, with the solstice on the 21st, we’re finally into summer! How’s it going for you so far?
I love the rhythm of the seasons, and summer is always a welcome change of pace. Things seem to feel a bit more simple and uncomplicated. I feel like I could pare down to a few favorite dresses, a pair or two of flat sandals, a swimsuit, and a handful of nourishing beauty products and have all I need.
So today, I thought I’d share my summer makeup routine with you and also show off my little DIY beauty station in our new house. I found this beat up little dresser at an antique store, spruced it up with a coat of white paint, and gave it a new home in the corner of our bedroom. Since we have very little storage in our tiny lil’ bungalow bathroom, all hair, makeup, and beauty things go here instead. I love the way it worked out!
Isn’t it just the most serene little space? I love starting my mornings here.
Even though our room gets plenty of natural light, there isn’t much direct light for applying makeup, and there aren’t any plugs nearby either, so I found the perfect solution — an inexpensive battery powered makeup mirror from Ikea.
Left: Thrifted ceramic vase, tiny basket by Storyweaver Mercantile, Lemon Essential Oil, Botanical Facial Oil by Troos Skincare, Body Oil by Primally Pure
Right: Thrifted ceramic plate, silver coin necklace from Storyweaver Mercantile, thrifted gold coin necklace.
Left: Thrifted ceramic vase, dried leaves from our front yard :)
Right: Makeup bag by Storyweaver Mercantile, battery powered makeup mirror by Ikea, Whiskey and Tobacco Candle by Northern Lights (my favorite candle, especially for fall)
Left: tiny basket by Storyweaver Mercantile, Ceramic earrings by Eny Lee Parker
Right: Drawing tutorial by Jordan Clark (I often return to this video for a calming moment of self care)
On these longer, warmer summer days, my makeup routine includes six nourishing, no-fuss products. Read my thoughts on each one below and then keep scrolling to watch the video. And if anything catches your eye, you can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time through the affiliate links below.
Step 1: Troos Botanical Facial Oil
The sun, the wind, the extra time outdoors — my skin usually needs a little extra love in the summertime, so this year I added a facial oil to my routine. It nourishes and moisturizes and preps my skin for a little makeup.
Step 2: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Since I don’t wear much in the way of foundation, I like to use a tiny bit of concealer around my eyes and nose if I’m heading out. I use the Vanilla shade which is a tiny bit lighter than my skin in the summer — it creates more of a highlighting effect.
Step 3: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream
I’ve been using this stuff for a few years now and I keep coming back to it because it’s just so darn easy to apply! No brushes or sponges needed, and absolutely zero caking. Just nice light coverage that gives a natural glow. Bonus: It’s got SPF 30 and is made with organic ingredients. I use the Natural Glow shade.
Step 4: Anastasia Brow Wiz
Here’s another favorite that’s been in my lineup for a few years now. It just does the job so well and blends effortlessly. Since I go light on all other makeup in the summer, I do a subtle bold brow to add a little definition to my face. Best part? It’s low maintenance and stays put all day (unlike eye makeup that smudges and lip color that might have to be reapplied).
Step 5: Lash Food Conditioning Volume 3D Mascara
Here’s what you need to know about me — I like a natural looking mascara. As in, I want a mascara that makes me look like I just happen to have great lashes and am not even wearing mascara. Extreme fullness and length and stuff isn’t what I’m after. So with that said, I discovered this stuff last year and have been super impressed. Natural, natural, natural. (And no raccoon eyes!)
Step 6: French Girl Mineral Lip Tint
I’ve never been a lipstick gal — give me a lip balm lip with a bit of tint and I’m a happy camper. I used to wear Burts Bees lip tint, but I prefer the French Girl color options (I wear the Sonali color). Bonus: it’s is 92% organic.
• • •
And there you have it!
So tell me, do you tend to pare down your makeup in the summer? If you had to pick just one summer beauty item you couldn’t live without, what would you pick? And I’d love to hear if you have any self-care rituals you do in the summer. Share away!
xo,
All of this makeup is amazing, and I love that it is organic and natural! Plus, the space where you keep it is absolutely precious. Another fabulous post!
Ashlea | https://clothedingold.com
Thanks Ashlea! While some of the makeup I mentioned is made with organic ingredients, they aren’t certified organic. :)
Thanks for sharing! My #1 summer beauty item is moisturizer – my skin gets extra dry being exposed to the sun and elements. I’m definitely curious about face oil though! My favorite self care ritual year around is making the time to read a good book as a form of relaxation. Any good beach read recos? I’m always looking for a good page turner!
Great post! And oh, I most definitely pare down my makeup in the summer. I actually just recently did a video on a no foundation makeup routine over on my YouTube channel! And hmm, the one summer beauty item I probably couldn’t live without out would have to either be a highlighter or lip product! My favorite lipstick right now is either Casablanca by Tom Ford or the Generation lipstick from Glossier in Like!
My minimal makeup routine, which I use on weekends year round, not just summer, consists of four products. I use Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers SPF 30 in Fair/Light on my nose, cheeks and under my eyes. (I use a sunscreen without tint on my entire face and neck first). My eyelashes are short and thick, so I like just one coat of a lengthening mascara. Right now, I’m using Neutrogena Healthy Lengths, but I’m about to try L’Oreal Telescopic. Then for color, I use L’Oreal True Match Blush in Tender Rose and Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Rich Raisin. And that’s it. Looking forward to reading other people’s routines.
I applaud you for being so young and already in tune with make up that works for you. I follow a very similar routine that has worked for me for many years. Very important as we get older to look natural yet not washed out. I am going to try your mascara. I always wipe off the wand of what I use to try to achieve what you are talking about. Great post!
This video is amazing!
xx
https://closettostreet.com
Your aesthetic is divine! It makes me think of late summer when you yearn for the crispness of fall. I must ask, what is the white cylinder on your table? Deodorant? And what do you use the lemon essential oil for?
Thank you Katie! :) The white cylinder is a prescription. I thought about moving it for the photos + video, but I use it every day so I decided to leave it. And I do a little aromatherapy by breathing the lemon essential oil every morning — it puts me in the best mood first thing in the morning! I have a morning routine Instagram Story saved to my highlights, where I show how I use it. Feel free to check it out. http://www.instagram.com/caroline_joy :)
Hi Caroline, it was nice to see your video pop up in my YouTube subscription box. I loved the video, accompanying blog post and was happy to be introduced to some brands I’ve never heard of or tried yet. I have a year-round minimal makeup routine but can’t live without sunscreen in the summer for my face, hands and lips. I’ve been loving the Juice Beauty tinted moisturizer. For summer self care I try to take advantage of the later sunset by going on longer evening walks, and this particular summer I’ve already taken two beachy girls’ trips and they were so restorative.
Hi Joanna! So glad to hear that! There’s a learning curve for sure, but I’m having fun trying to make more videos these days. Good call on using sunscreen on your hands — I’ve been doing that lately too. And YES — sunset walks have become my favorite summer ritual. Such a magical time of day! :)
Simple. Fabulous. Classy. Elegant. Beauty.
You always bring a flavor of balance back into my lifestyle with your posts. A calming that says, ” here’s something to enhance the beauty within that shines on the outside.”
Grateful?
Thank you so much for your kind, affirming words Patricia! They mean so much to me. <3
In the the summer time I only wear mascara and a lip palm for the day. If I go out tonight with friends, I’ll put on a lil more eye make-up. But that’s all.
Ahhh, that tiny little basket :)
My normal routine is 5-6 items, but the one thing I couldn’t live without would be my brow pomade. I basically have no eyebrows and because I keep everything else pretty simple I need that color for sure.
What a lovely video–so pretty and calm! It’s a beautiful little space for morning routine.
We live in the woods of Alabama–lots of biting insects during the summer. I keep a bottle of organic bug repellent by the front porch door. Of course it doesn’t work as well as a deet-based product, but it works well enough and I feel better spraying it on our arms and legs on a daily basis.
Summer is actually my least favorite season. Bugs, humidity, excessive sweat and dirt, thunderstorms every other day. I wear a lot of linen and try to get all my outside chores done before 8am. I’ve quit using antiperspirant on a regular basis, but occasionally I do bring it out during the height of summer.
Summer luxuries include freshly-picked berries on our breakfast cereal, lavender blooms drying from the ceiling, and naps in the hammock. And for my 5 y.o. son, a front porch full of wiggling bugs he’s collected!
I loved reading your thoughts, MK! All of your summer luxuries speak to me — freshly picked berries, naps in the hammock. YES. :) I’m trying to ditch antiperspirant, too, but it comes out on the hottest days even still.
I’m intrigued by using oils in the summer – in the past when I’ve tried to layer them under makeup, it causes anything I apply atop it to bead and pill. Have you ever encountered this issue?
Hi Krystal! Hm, I haven’t! Maybe it’s the particular combo of oil and makeup I’m using. Anyone else want to chime in?
It may be from using an oil underneath a water-based foundation, I have heard that that they do not get along. So if you are using an oil, you would want to use an oil based foundation, I think.
I use Pai’s Rosehip oil (holy grail moisturizer / serum / repairer) under makeup. I apply the oil when I first wake up, do other things, and then apply make up. I use 14e organic foundation, which is aloe vera based, not water based. Before that I used 100% Pure’s foundation. Because of the aloe vera gel base, I can apply it immediately after the oil if the morning is more rushed. Perhaps try waiting at least ten minutes in between a thin oil layer and your makeup? :)
Caroline,
Thank you for the feature on Troos facial oil. We are honored to be apart of your daily routine and in the company of other fantastic clean beauty brands!
Do you have another area to store makeup (eyeshadow palettes, blushes) or is this all you keep in a season? I’m intrigued with the idea of not having an overflowing makeup bag, but I don’t want to part with makeup that isn’t expired yet.
Caroline, I so enjoyed the post + video combination. Both were lovely. The details in your space seem so content to be used and appreciated, and your routine seems like a perfect fit for your summer. I agree; summer does inspire simplification. I’ve been relying on Pai’s rosehip oil, 100% Pure sunscreen, ILIA face palette, 14e foundation, and NARS concealer. I’ve been skipping mascara since mine ran out a week ago. I’m kind of enjoying the accidental uniform of bare eyes and flushed cheeks.
I bought the CC cream when you posted about it last year. Totally love it! That and a little mascara, and my look is done ??
I know you’re all about the better ingredients in premium cosmetics, but if you’re ever in a pinch and need some mascara that looks more natural than most options, Maybelline makes one called Full & Soft. It’s practically just a tint.
Thanks so much for the arty and minimalist visuals, the photos and the video. And I just enjoy your postings, thank you!
Even your cosmetics are arranged into tasteful still life’s with attractive accessories. I admire your style.
Thank you! I love a “back to basics” core beauty or clothing post. Getting more into minimalism, it’s refreshing and comforting to see just a handful of suggestions that remind me, I don’t need a lot to look and feel great.
What a nice video, so calm and beautiful! My routine is pretty minimalist yearround consisting of sunscreen, a bit of powder and mascara. So there is no special product for summer, but a wonderful selfcare practice: meeting my husband after work and having icecream in the sun. The best! Especially with long cold winters in Hamburg the sun and long long days mean so much :)
How do you organize/keep all of your jewelry? I’m interested in seeing your minimal style/decor approach to it!
Love this! Would love if you made more videos!!
Hi CAROLINE
I have a similar ritual. I have a tea infused face gelwash from Ziaja and Ziaja face cream for day. I use the Lancôme Miracle Air De Teint with SPF, Flormar concealer, Maybelline powder to define the color, Oriflame Mascara and Nivea Cherry Lip Balm.
From time to time, when I want some event make up, I use Douglas black eyeliner to have a frenchy touch and Oriflame Plum lipstick for a little more intense color on the lips.
In the evening, I use Avene micellar water and Ivatherm eyeliner cream contour.
Also Vichy eau thermale for refreshing my face in the warm days.
A product I cannot live without during any time of the year will be my face cream. It is mandatory wherever I go.
Thank you for sharing this and wait for so much more!
Have a nice summer, hugs!
Hi there. Can you tell me what was the name of web designer that made your previous blog theme? She had a few nice project and I want to get in touch with her
Carissa of Love Riot Co. has designed my past two themes. Love her! :) https://www.etsy.com/shop/loveriotco
Thank you!
I purchased the facial oil, the CC Cream, & the Lush Food Mascara.
All that you “summed” about each product is exact ( of course ), and MORE!
This post. Saved me research. Saved me time.
Blessed me with amazing healthy healing beauty-full products.
You, Caroline. Be blessed for all that you “gift”on your posts.
Grateful❤️?❤️
PS!
I also purchased the mirror from IKEA!
Love it at our cabin! Battery powered. Easy to fit on the dresser. & attractive.
How did I do it without it all of these years?!??
Your content is amazing, Caroline – thanks for sharing and inspiring others. My favorite makeup item is the Tata Harper Voluminous Lip & Cheek Tint in Very Vivacious or Very Naughty, plus the Anastasia Brow Wiz you mentioned. The Tata Harper tints add a natural flush that makes other makeup unnecessary. It’s perfectly buildable, organic and lasts forever. These are really the only products I use year round unless it’s a formal event!
Caroline can you recommend a nice cheek stain or blush for summer, and also fall winter? Which lip color for fall/winter? I would also love to see your fall or winter routine as well as I bought all your summer beauty items and love them to pieces! Thank you for this lovely detailed post too.
Love your summer picks! My must-have in the summer is mascara, but other than that I can go without the rest. I try to wear the least amount of makeup as possible. That Lash Food mascara is one of my faves!
-Tristan
https://www.thepolishedposy.com
It seems that LashFood mascara was discontinued (bummer, I was set to try it). What do you use now? I have in all my life only ever found one mascara that didn’t give me raccoon eyes, which was sadly also discontinued.
Noooo! I’ll have to find a replacement. I still use a tube of Lashfood I got last Christmas. I know, I know. Mascara is supposed to be used within a couple of months or something — but hey, still works for me! :)