How to Get the Victoria’s Secret Angel Summer Makeup Look

Master the sun-kissed, radiant summer makeup inspired by Victoria’s Secret models with pro tips, product picks, and step-by-step guidance.

By Medha deb
Created on

Nothing says summer glam quite like the effortless, radiant beauty of a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Their look is equal parts natural and polished — glowing skin, perfectly bronzed cheeks, sultry eyes, and that just-bitten lip. Whether you’re hitting the beach, going out for the evening, or just want to capture some sun-kissed goddess energy, this in-depth guide will walk you step by step through creating your own version of the famous runway-inspired summer makeup.

1. Start With a Flawless, Glowy Base

To achieve that signature Angel glow, it’s all about prepping your skin so it looks healthy, dewy, and naturally radiant — never flat or cakey. The trick: prepping, layering, and customizing coverage only where it’s needed.

  • Prep and Hydrate: Begin with a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to plump the skin and create a soft-focus base. Luxurious creams like the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream are favorites backstage for the smooth, bouncy finish they deliver.
  • Prime for Radiance: Use a radiance-boosting primer that adds a subtle luminescence. Tap a little extra onto the high points of the face — cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow — to enhance glow from beneath your makeup.
  • Foundation Application: Pick a foundation with a natural or dewy finish. Rather than blanketing your entire face, dot foundation onto areas that need evening out – usually the center of the face, chin, and nose. Use a damp sponge to blend outward for an undetectable, skin-like finish.
  • Conceal Selectively: Target blemishes or dark circles with a creamy concealer. Pat gently with your fingertip so the product melts seamlessly into your base.

Expert Tip:

Victoria’s Secret models often skip heavy powder. Instead, they set makeup only in needed areas — like the T-zone — to avoid losing that luminous effect.

2. Bring on the Bronze: Cheeks That Glow

Sun-kissed warmth is a defining feature of the Angel look. The focus is on bronzed, sculpted skin enhanced by blush and just the right touch of shimmer.

  • Bronzer Placement: Sweep a matte bronzer around the temples, hairline, and along the hollows of your cheeks to sculpt and warm the face. Use a fluffy brush for a seamless, airbrushed look.
  • Strategic Blush: Choose a coral-pink blush with a hint of gold shimmer. Smile, and dust blush over the apples of your cheeks, blending back into your bronzer to create a seamless transition between color and contour.
  • Highlighter Glow: Finish by applying a champagne or peachy highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and inner corner of the eyes. Use a fan brush for a featherlight, natural effect.

Key Products:

  • Benefit Hoola Bronzer for a universal, soft bronze
  • Benefit Coralista Blush or similar shimmery pinks
  • MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in ‘Soft & Gentle’ for a candlelit highlight

3. Brows: Natural, Defined, and Structured

Victoria’s Secret models keep their brows full, fluffy, and softly structured, never overly carved or harsh.

  • Shape and Fill: Use a fine-tipped brow pen or powder in a shade close to your natural hair. Fill in any sparse spots with light, hair-like strokes, focusing on arch and tail for definition.
  • Lock in with Gel: Brush clear or tinted brow gel upward to set hairs in place and give dimension. Don’t overdo it — the effect should look effortless and softly groomed.

4. The Runway Eye

The classic Angel eye look is fresh and radiant with softly shimmering shadows, fluttery lashes, and perfectly defined liner. It’s sultry but approachable, wearable for day or night.

  • Prime Lids: Start with an eyeshadow base to prevent creasing and help shimmer shades pop.
  • Inner Corner Highlight: Apply a pale champagne or iridescent pink shadow to the inner corners and first half of your eyelid to instantly brighten and open up the eyes.
  • Lid Shade: Choose a rich, sparkling gold or pale bronze and layer it over the center and outer half of the lid, blending gently into the lighter shade.
  • Define the Crease: Contour the crease with a soft matte brown shadow. Blend upward and outward in a windshield-wiper motion to create depth without harsh lines.
  • Brow Bone Highlight: Sweep a satin or matte ivory under the arch of your brow to lift and define.

Eyeliner and Lashes:

  • Draw a thin, precise line along the upper lash line with a felt-tip liquid liner, flicking out a subtle wing at the outer corner for a lifted look.
  • Apply wispy, fluttery false lashes for the iconic VS effect. Blend with a coat of black mascara on both top and bottom lashes.

Shadow Palette Picks:

  • Urban Decay ‘Naked’ or similar warm neutrals
  • Stila ‘In the Light’ palette for shimmer and matte options
  • L’Oréal Super Slim Liquid Liner for lasting definition

5. Lips: Soft, Full, and Kissable

The final touch of the VS Angel summer makeup is a luscious, natural-looking lip. The best shades? Neutral pinks, peach, or a soft coral, never too matte: think hydrated, pillowy lips with a healthy sheen.

  • Prep: Exfoliate gently for a smooth canvas, then apply a hydrating balm.
  • Line: Outline lips with a nude liner just a shade deeper than your natural color, slightly overdrawing at the Cupid’s bow for added fullness.
  • Color: Choose a creamy lipstick or tinted balm in pinky-nude or peach. Dab color with your fingertip for a relaxed, runway feel.
  • Gloss: For added shine, pop a dab of clear or shimmery gloss at the center of lips.

6. Pro Artist Tips for the Ultimate Runway Glow

  • Layer Your Glow: Add a cream highlighter beneath powder highlighter for long-lasting radiance.
  • Body Glow: For allover summer sheen, blend bronzer and highlighter down the neck, collarbones, and shoulders.
  • Subtle Sculpting: Use bronzer and blush together rather than harsh contour, blending for a beachy, sun-drenched finish.
  • Don’t Overpowder: Skip mattifying powder on the cheekbones; keep the glow alive by only dabbing it down the nose and forehead as needed.
  • Confidence Is Key: Every pro makeup artist and Angel agrees: confidence transforms any makeup look. Embrace your features and let your attitude shine.

Product Table: Essential Tools for a VS Angel Look

StepRecommended ProductWhy It’s Great
MoisturizerCharlotte Tilbury Magic CreamPlumps, hydrates, and preps skin for makeup
FoundationGiorgio Armani Luminous SilkLightweight, radiant finish, never cakey
BronzerBenefit Hoola BronzerUniversal matte bronze without orange tones
BlushBenefit CoralistaCreamy, shimmery coral for a natural flush
HighlighterMAC Mineralize SkinfinishSoft, buildable luminosity for face and body
EyeshadowUrban Decay Naked PaletteRange of warm shimmers and mattes for depth
EyelinerL’Oréal Super Slim Liquid LinerUltra precise, stays put all day
MascaraBenefit Bad Gal LashVolumizes and blends false and natural lashes
Lipstick & GlossYSL Rouge Volupté ShineCreamy, sheeny color with lasting moisture

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I get that ultra-glowy skin without looking oily?

A: Layer liquid or cream highlighters beneath powder formulas. Instead of applying to the entire face, focus on cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. Set only the T-zone with setting powder if you tend to get oily.

Q: Are there any budget-friendly dupes for these products?

A: Yes! For example, try Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth for luminous foundation, Milani Baked Blush in ‘Luminoso’ as a blush dupe, and e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel for fuller brows.

Q: Will this look suit deeper skin tones?

A: Absolutely. Opt for bronzers and blushes that complement your undertone (look for deeper, richer hues with warm shimmer), and switch to gold or copper highlighters for the most flattering effect.

Q: Is there a way to make this makeup last through heat and humidity?

A: Use a long-wearing, sweat-resistant primer, waterproof mascara and eyeliner, and finish with a setting spray. Blotting papers help control shine without disturbing your glow.

Pro Angel-Inspired Bonus Tips

  • Tan Safely: Use a subtle self-tanning mousse a day before for a flawless, bronzed effect without UV exposure.
  • Body Highlight: Mix a drop of liquid highlighter with body lotion for radiant limbs and collarbones.
  • Keep It Versatile: This look can be dressed up with a deeper eye or lip color for evening summer events.
  • Let Your Features Shine: Don’t overcorrect unique features — the Angel vibe is about enhancing, not masking, what makes you you.

Summary Table: Victoria’s Secret Angel Summer Makeup Essentials

FeatureTip
SkinDewy, healthy, with strategic glow
CheeksBronzed, coral-pink blush, luminous highlight
BrowsSoft, full, naturally structured
EyesChampagne shimmer, soft crease, fluttery lashes
LipsNeutral pink or peach, creamy or glossy finish
BodyHighlight at collarbones, bronzed arms and legs

Glowy, sun-sculpted, and softly seductive — the Victoria’s Secret Angel makeup look is all about embracing the season’s warmth and your unique, natural beauty. By following these expert-driven, step-by-step instructions and customizing each element to your individual features, you’ll be ready to step out with confidence, turning any sidewalk into your personal runway this summer.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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