As temperatures rise and days get longer, it's time to refresh your makeup routine for summer. This season's trends celebrate luminous skin, playful colors, and effortless beauty that can withstand the heat. Here are the hottest summer makeup trends to try now, along with expert tips on how to achieve these looks with minimal effort and maximum impact.
1. Dewy, Glowing Skin
The cornerstone of summer makeup is radiant, healthy-looking skin. This season, we're seeing a shift away from matte, full-coverage foundations toward lighter, dewier finishes that let your natural skin texture shine through.
How to Achieve It:
- Start with a hydrating primer that has illuminating properties
- Opt for a tinted moisturizer or lightweight foundation with a dewy finish
- Apply with a damp beauty sponge for the most natural effect
- Set only the T-zone with a light dusting of translucent powder
- Finish with a facial mist to enhance the dewy effect
Pro Tip: For extra-hot days, look for products with "long-wearing" or "heat-resistant" claims, but avoid those labeled "matte" as they can look too flat in summer lighting.
2. Bold, Colorful Eyeliner
Put away the basic black eyeliner this summer and embrace vibrant colors that make your eyes pop. Electric blues, vivid purples, and even neon greens are trending this season, offering a playful way to add color to your look without a complicated eyeshadow application.
How to Achieve It:
- For beginners, try a colored liner just on the upper lash line
- More adventurous? Create a colorful wing or try a floating crease line
- Look for waterproof formulas that won't smudge in the heat
- Keep the rest of your eye makeup minimal to let the liner be the focus
Color combinations we love: Turquoise for brown eyes, purple for green eyes, and bronze for blue eyes—though there are no rules, so experiment with whatever shades you're drawn to!
3. Sunlit Blush Placement
Blush is having a major moment, with new placement techniques that mimic the natural flush you get from the sun. This summer, we're seeing blush applied higher on the cheekbones and even across the bridge of the nose for that "just spent the day at the beach" effect.
How to Achieve It:
- Choose cream or liquid blush formulas for the most natural, blendable finish
- Apply to the apples of your cheeks, then blend upward toward your temples
- Add a light dusting across the bridge of your nose
- For an extra sun-kissed look, apply a small amount on the forehead
The best shades for this technique are coral, peach, and warm pink tones that mimic a natural flush. For deeper skin tones, rich berries and deep corals create a beautiful effect.
4. Glossy Lips with a Twist
Lip gloss continues its comeback, but this summer it's all about glossy lips with unexpected elements—think subtle shimmer, soft ombré effects, or a popsicle-stained center.
How to Achieve It:
- For the popsicle effect: Apply a lip stain or tint to the center of your lips and blend outward
- Top with a clear or lightly tinted gloss
- For ombré lips: Use a slightly darker lip liner, blend well, then apply a lighter gloss in the center
- Look for glosses with SPF for added protection
Comfort is key with summer lip products. Avoid sticky formulas and look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to keep lips moisturized.
5. Waterproof Everything
Less of a trend and more of a summer necessity, waterproof formulas are essential for hot, humid days. The good news is that waterproof products have come a long way, with formulas that no longer feel heavy or drying.
What to Waterproof:
- Mascara: An absolute must to prevent raccoon eyes
- Eyebrow products: Especially if you have lighter brows that fade easily
- Eyeliner: Look for gel pencils that set quickly
- Setting spray: A final mist of waterproof setting spray can help your entire look last through heat and humidity
Remember to invest in a good makeup remover specifically designed for waterproof products to ensure gentle, complete removal at the end of the day.
The Bottom Line
Summer makeup should be fun, fresh, and functional. These trends embrace the season's carefree spirit while providing practical solutions for looking great despite the heat. Remember that the best summer makeup enhances rather than masks—it's about looking like the best version of yourself while feeling comfortable in the summer heat.
Which summer trend are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments, or tag us in your summer makeup looks on social media!
