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Light Summer is one of the three Summer seasons and sits between Light Spring and True Summer on the seasonal flow chart.
Unlike Light Spring, this season is cool. However, both sister seasons are a blend of Spring and Summer, with Light Spring leaning more towards the Spring palette and Light Summer leaning more towards the Summer palette.
I. Natural Appearance
The contrast in Light Summer's natural appearance is low. The features are typically all very light.
Unlike Light Spring, though, this season is more muted.
The combination of all of these factors makes the Light Summer overall appear light and delicate.
Consequently, these natural characteristics will need to be repeated in your make-up.
So remember, a natural look on you is a very gentle look. And the Light Summer colour palette lends itself well to creating the required gentleness.
II. The Colour Palette
If you want to learn more about the Light Summer colour palette, please refer to the comprehensive guide.
Light Summer's primary colour aspect is light, and its secondary aspect is cool.
Hue
The colours lean towards the cool end of the scale but are not very cool. That means they contain more blue than yellow undertones. So even if you choose yellow (which is the warmest colour of all), you will find only cooler yellows that contain a tint of blue.
Value
In line with Light Summer’s primary aspect, the colours are light. Although you may find some medium shades, these are just supporting colours for the lighter tints. There are no dark colours on the palette. However, the palette does not include the very lightest colours. Those are Winter’s icy lights, which are closer to white than the colours of Light Summer.
Chroma
The colours are medium in chroma, meaning they are neither very muted nor extremely vibrant. The colours are, however, brighter and more saturated than those of the other two Summer seasons because of Spring’s influence on them. But they don’t have the same intensity as Light Spring colours.
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III. Make-up Colours
Light Summer make-up colours are taken from the same colour palette that is used for clothing.
Complexion Make-up
Complexion make-up includes foundation, concealers and bronzers. These are typically be taken from the neutrals palette.
Foundation & Concealer
Light Summer skin is light and cool and ranges from fair to medium. However, it's not possible to give recommendations on complexion make-up - such as foundation and concealer. These are best colour-matched to your individual skin.
Generally, though, foundation and concealer are best lightweight, liquid and gently pink-based. Creamy complexion make-up may look heavy and apparent on a Light Summer, so best stay away from heavier formulations.
Make sure to choose matter finishes or finish your foundation off with translucent face powder. Shiny finishes will look off on Light Summer skin because Summer appearances are muted.
Bronzer & Highlighter
Bronzing and contouring typically do not improve a Light Summer's appearance. That is because their light complexion cannot handle the often darker, earthier bronzing and contouring colours.
If you really want to wear a bronzer, opt for a lighter one with a pinkish undertone. Make sure your bronzer is not too warm or yellow-based. The most important thing here is not to over-apply bronzer. It has to be very, very delicate.
But it's best to stay away from contouring altogether, as it can look heavy and dirty and is especially problematic on your delicate complexion.
Eye Make-up
Eye make-up colours are also taken from the neutral area of the Light Summer palette except for eyeshadow colours. Highlight eyeshadows come from the complementary and accent colours areas on the palette.
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow colours come from the neutrals on the Light Summer palette - the creams, browns and greys.
For highlight eyeshadows, opt for the gentle pastels on your palette. Some of the more colourful options are purples, blues and turquoises.
When choosing eyeshadows, opt for sheer finishes.
Avoid dark, bright colours or those with a warm yellow undertone. The former will make you look like a clown, while the latter will drain you.
Mascara
Due to the lightness of this colour season's appearance, even small shifts in darkness level are amplified. Black mascara on the lashes is therefore not your best option, as it can attract lots of attention, appearing almost aggressive against the light complexion.
Your best mascara options are cool shades of grey and brown. These may be harder to find, but they are much better choices than black.
Eyeliner
Eyeliner colours are similar to mascara with the addition of some brighter colours. Helpful tip: choose an eyeliner colour similar to your eyes to bring them out.
Again, avoid black since it's too harsh on you. Your darkest colours here are Oceanview and Turkish Sea.
Lip & Cheek Make-up
Blush and lip colours come from the red, peach, pink and coral areas of the Light Summer colour palette.
Blusher
Blusher colours are cool pinks and corals. Your perfect blusher shade will depend on your individual skin tone, so some trial and error may be required.
Avoid overly bright, orange-based blushes as well as too much shimmer. Choose a matte blusher finish.
Lipstick
Like blusher colours, lipsticks come in a range of pinks, corals and reds. When selecting a lipstick, make sure it's not overly vibrant. Light Summer can only handle some brightness.
Opt for matte formulations, nothing too glossy or too shiny.
IV. Make-up Looks
Natural Looks
Light Summer make-up is at its best when it's gentle and delicate.
A natural make-up look is one that will mimic the characteristics of your natural appearance.
For a Light Summer, this means lightness and delicacy with a touch of colour. A dark lip combined with heavy eye make-up on a Light Summer will make them look overwhelmed.
This colour season doesn't need much make-up to achieve a natural look. What is required here is minimal eye make-up and a gently coloured lip. Opt for light pink lips, gentle blush and subtle, light eyeshadow to bring out your natural colouring.
Dramatic Looks
For dramatic looks, the same principle as above applies. Keep your make-up light and gentle, and avoid heavy, opaque colours.
You can choose from the many deep berry and pink colours to liven up your lips. Add a smoky eye in one of your cool grey shades, and you've got a great party look!
