7 Day to Night Makeup Looks for Summer

Truth: We’re all pretty busy people. From the moment you turn your alarm off in the morning, you’re up and on the move, shimmying between all of the appointments that line your calendar. Between days at the office, meetings, happy hour, brunch, and the occasional date, it’s truly a wonder you’re able to balance it all—especially while trying to do so with a put-together makeup look. Since you’re always running from point A to point B, we thought it was about time to come up with a solution for those frenzied makeup applications in the bathroom and the car—especially for summer, when you’re supposed to feel more relaxed!

The secret to looking good all day long, even when your agenda is jam-packed, is coming up with makeup looks that easily transition from day to night. While certain eye makeup or lip colors may not be considered office appropriate, starting off with a toned-down face allows you to easily translate your look—with a quick touch-up—for whatever the evening has in store. Intrigued? Check out the following seven day to night makeup looks for summer.

DAY TO NIGHT MAKEUP idea #1: ADD A METALLIC HINT OF COLOR TO YOUR LIPS

When you’re in a time crunch, the last thing you probably want to do is remove your lipstick and reapply a different hue. So, instead of reaching for makeup remover to start the process all over again, be strategic. Here’s how:

During the day…sport a lighter, office-appropriate shade, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints/Lips Metallic in Moon Lust. The metallic shimmer is eye-catching enough to tie your daytime look together without being too dramatic for your 9-5.

At night…keep your lighter lip in place and darken the corners with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints/Lips Metallic in Smoldering Eclipse or Liquid Venom. The lighter center fading into darker corners will give the illusion of a fuller-looking pout, while the darker metallic hue will give an edgy air to your nighttime look.

DAY TO NIGHT MAKEUP idea #2: CHISELed cheeks

A fully contoured face can look a bit excessive during the daytime, but chiseled cheeks and sculpted features are perfectly suited for after work hours.

During the day…rock a fresh-faced, no-makeup, makeup look. Brighten up your under-eye area, the bridge of your nose, the center of your chin, and between your brows with a light concealer from the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Concealing and Contour Kit.

At night…break the concealer palette back out and sculpt your face with the darkest color to add definition.

DAY TO NIGHT MAKEUP idea #3: EMBRACE BRIGHT EYELINER

Wearing a full cat eye to work may be too much, but we all know a cat eye can complete any nighttime look.

During the day…lightly line your lower waterline with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude. This can help perk up the look of your face for a fresh feel.

At night…create a graphic eyeliner look by adding a winged cat eye to your upper lids in the color of your choice. Since summer is the perfect time to branch out and sport bright colors, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Eyeliner in Electric Blue or Intrepid Teal.

DAY TO NIGHT MAKEUP idea #4: SMOKEY EYE MAKEUP

The last thing you want to do is walk into work with ultra-dark lids—it’s a tad too dramatic for the daytime. Since you’ll definitely want to add a little luster to your lids by nightfall, create the perfect base in the morning, then do a quick eye shadow touch-up come nighttime.

During the day…use the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette to create a subtle, two-toned eye shadow look.

At night…take your makeup up a notch! Smudge the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Eye Shadow in Crushed Stone across your lids and along your lower lash line for a sultry, metallic effect.

DAY TO NIGHT MAKEUP IDEA #5: COAT YOUR LASHES WITH MORE MASCARA

No nighttime look is complete without voluminous, defined lashes!

During the day…sweep a coat of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara onto your lashes before heading out the door, making sure to toss the tube into your bag for the perfect nighttime pick-me-up.

At night…add an extra coat or two of mascara to amp up your glam factor.

DAY TO NIGHT MAKEUP IDEA #6: prime and set for a look that lasts

If you want your face makeup to last throughout the day (and why wouldn’t you?), you need to start your makeup routine with a primer and finish off with a setting spray.

During the day…before you even reach for your concealer or foundation, apply a makeup primer that will bring out your inner glow and also ensure even foundation application. Try the L'Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer. Once you’ve applied your full face of makeup—eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara included—spritz on some of the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray to prevent any smudging or settling.

At night…don’t change a thing! Because you’ve taken the right steps before and after applying your face makeup, it should last throughout the entire day. If you need to, dust on some face powder for a quick touch-up.

DAY to night makeup idea #7: be strategic about your foundation

After a long day is not the right time to re-apply your foundation or apply another layer on top of what you’ve already got. Leave your foundation at home and toss powder in your makeup bag for touch-ups.

During the day…apply a foundation that’s formulated to feel lightweight and also last through your entire day, such as the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight.

At night…use the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Powder for any nighttime fixes, dusting a bit of product onto your forehead, nose, and chin, or any other areas that may be starting to shine.

Want more makeup inspiration? Here are 3 Long-Lasting Makeup Looks That Are Perfect for Summer Weather.