Summer Makeup Tips from Carly — Our Founder on the Go
You might already know Carly, one of Wren & Wild’s founders. This year she jet-setted to NYC for Bridal Week and Paris for Fashion Week doing her favorite thing—hair and makeup. While she was in town this month, we sat down with her to chat about her go-to summer makeup tips and must-have products. Here’s what she shared.
Summer is a season for sunshine, outdoor adventures, and easy, glowing skin — but heat and humidity can challenge even the best makeup routines. At Wren & Wild Clean Beauty, we believe clean, thoughtful products paired with smart application make summer makeup that both lasts and feels good on your skin. Here’s a practical, skin-first guide to keep your look fresh all season long.
Prep: Clean Canvas, Healthy Glow
- Cleanse and exfoliate gently to remove buildup and create a smooth surface.
- Follow with a moisturizer suited to your skin type — hydration is essential, even for oily skin.
- Apply a primer targeted to your needs: mattifying for oily or combination skin, hydrating for dry skin. Primer extends wear-time and helps makeup sit evenly.
Skin Base: Less Is More
- Choose a long-wear, oil-free or transfer-resistant foundation, or opt for a tinted SPF/BB cream for lighter coverage and sun protection.
- Apply thin layers and build only where needed. Use a damp sponge for seamless blending and to avoid cakey buildup.
- Set oily zones (typically the T-zone) lightly with a finely-milled translucent powder to control shine without looking flat.
Concealer & Corrections
- Use a long-wear or waterproof concealer under the eyes and on blemishes.
- Lightly set concealer with a small amount of translucent powder — too much powder can crease or cake.
Creams, Powders, and Layering
- Cream blushes and bronzers give a natural, dewy finish that works well in summer. To lock them in, sweep a matching powder product very lightly over the cream once it’s set.
- For eyes, start with an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing. Layer a cream shadow, then dust a powder shade on top for color depth and longevity.
Eyes That Stay Put
- Use waterproof or long-wear eyeliners and mascaras—especially for beach days or humid evenings.
- Tightline (apply liner to the upper waterline) for lasting definition without heavy liner lines.
- Set brows with a clear or waxed brow gel to keep hairs in place through heat and wind.
Lips that Last
- Exfoliate lips, then use a long-wear lip stain or matte liquid lipstick.
- Blot and reapply a thin layer for maximum staying power. For crisp edges, gently dust a bit of translucent powder around the lip line before applying liner.
Set & Seal
- Finish with a high-quality setting spray. Hold at arm’s length and mist in an X and T motion to lock everything in.
- For extra staying power on oily days, lightly press a small amount of translucent powder onto problem areas after the setting spray becomes slightly tacky.
Smart Touch-Ups
Pack a small kit for quick fixes: blotting papers, a travel-size translucent powder, your lip product, and a mini setting spray. Blotting papers remove oil without disturbing makeup, and a quick mist of setting spray revives the look.
Adjust for Weather
- Humid days: prioritize mattifying primers, waterproof eye products, and lighter layers.
- Dry heat: use hydrating primers, cream-to-powder formulas, and a dewy setting spray to avoid flaking.
Sun Protection
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ under makeup or a tinted SPF product from Wren & Wild. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day on exposed areas — consider a face stick or powder SPF for easy reapplication over makeup.
Clean Beauty Tips from Carly
- Choose multipurpose, clean-formula products: tinted SPF or BB creams that hydrate and protect, long-wear natural pigments, and gentle, skin-friendly primers.
- Look for formulations free of harsh chemicals, parabens, and unnecessary irritants to protect both your skin and the environment.
Final Thought
Summer makeup doesn’t have to be heavy to last. With skin-first prep, strategic layering, waterproof eye products, and a good setting routine, you can enjoy a fresh, radiant look all season. Our clean-beauty approach ensures the products you rely on are as kind to your skin as they are effective—so you can feel confident stepping into the sun.
xoxo, Carly