There is a brief, breathtaking window of time right as the sun dips below the horizon when the sky lights up in a masterpiece of fiery oranges, soft blush pinks, deep purples, and radiant gold. The sunset makeup look captures that exact magic, translating nature’s most dramatic color palette into an ethereal, glowing beauty trend.

Whether you want a bold eye look or a soft, sun-kissed radiance for summer evenings, mastering the elements of dusk-inspired makeup is easier than it seems. Here are the essential components to crafting the perfect sunset look!

Let’s start with the canvas – a dewy, glass-like skin! A true sunset look relies on light reflecting off the face, mirroring the warm brilliance of twilight. Ditch heavy matte foundations in favor of skin tints, tinted moisturizers or lightweight, luminous formulas. Focus on hydrating your skin first, and apply an illuminating primer or liquid highlighter to the high points of the face – cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and the cupid's bow – before applying coverage.

Now to the eyes, the crown jewel of any sunset makeup look. The magic lies in creating a smooth transition between contrasting colors, mimicking the natural bleed of twilight shades across the sky. Work with a spectrum of fiery gold, warm terracotta, vivid coral, and a hint of deep plum or rich violet in the outer corners to add dimension.

No sunset is complete without that final burst of blinding golden light, so the highlight comes to the rescue. Dab a shimmering gold or bronze eyeshadow right onto the center of your eyelid and the inner corners of your eyes to catch the light whenever you blink. For the face, swap icy highlighters for warm champagne or molten gold powders and liquids sweepingly applied across the cheekbones.

To keep the face harmonious, your blush should complement the tones on your eyelids without competing with them. Therefore, opt for warm peach, bright coral or terracotta blushes. Use a liquid or cream blush formula to maintain that dewy texture, apply it slightly higher on the cheekbones and blend it upward toward the temples – a technique that lifts the face and seamlessly integrates the cheek color with the outer edges of your eyeshadow.

Since the eyes and skin are rich with color and glow, the lips should feel effortless, juicy and plump. Pair the look with a warm nude lip liner, a sweep of peachy-pink lipstick, and a generous coat of high-shine clear or golden-shimmer lip gloss. A glassy finish completes the water-like reflection of a twilight landscape.

To elevate the look, sweep a bit of your main orange or coral eyeshadow along your lower lash line and blend it out softly. Pair with fluffy, brushed-up brows and defined, fluttery lashes to keep the eyes looking wide and luminous.

And remember, with a soft hand and a thoughtful blend of warm tones, you can carry the magic of golden hour with you long after the sun goes down.

Article Written by Mirella Haddad