Summer Makeup Looks That Are Forever on Trend
With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what makeup looks you’ll want to rock as the days get longer and things start heating up. Summer is a time for fun and playfulness, and where better to make the most of that aspect than in your makeup routine!
That’s why we’ve put together our list of summer makeup looks that are forever on-trend. Using these ideas as inspo, feel free to experiment and make each one your own this summer.
1. No Makeup-Makeup
Arguably one of the biggest staples of summer makeup is the no makeup-makeup trend. When you rock this look, you’re trying to give off those most effortless, woke-up-like-this vibes by using just a few products to enhance your natural features.
You’ll want to start with a layer of moisturizing primer, then apply a light or medium weight foundation. If you want to go truly minimal, you can skip the foundation altogether and go straight for concealer in the areas where you may want a little bit more coverage.
From there, add a swipe or dab of bronzer along your cheekbones, in the middle of your forehead, and along your temples. This will give the bronzer a natural, sun-kissed feel. Dab a little bit of liquid blush along your cheekbones for a glowy flush, and don’t forget to add a dot on the bridge of your nose where the sun would naturally hit.
Once you’re done with your face makeup, get your favorite brow shape with the Set Me Up Brow Hold-Crystal Clear and swipe on a few layers of mascara. Remember, you’re going for an effortless, bare-faced look, so less is more.
With a light lip glaze and a spritz of setting spray, you’re ready for whatever summer throws your way.
2. Bitten Lips
Dramatic overlined lips have made quite the splash in recent years, but the more subtle, bitten lips look is a timeless summer trend that always looks good.
The idea behind this look is to create the appearance of lips that have just been kissed. Instead of the sharp, hyper-defined lines that make other lip looks pop, this look has a softer, more lived-in feel.
To get the bitten lip look, you’ll need a matte lip product that won’t dry your lips out, like our Pout Pillow Cushion Matte Liquid Lipstick. Start by dabbing the lipstick in the center of your lips on the top and bottom, then gradually blending the product to the outer edges of your lips.
Without fully filling in your lips like you normally would, use your finger to smudge the color around to create the blended, blurred effect.
3. Colorful Mascara
To add a playful edge to your makeup looks this summer, try out colorful mascara. You can get mascara in a wide variety of shades (from bright blue to deep burgundy).
Applying it just as you would traditional black or brown mascara, these shades can bring out different colorful tones in your eyes and add a whimsical element to your summer makeup looks!
4. Grunge-Inspired Eyes
Inspired by the bold, almost goth makeup looks of the ‘70s and ‘80s, another classic summer trend for when you want a more dramatic look is grungy eyes.
When you’re going for grungy eyes, think of your favorite smokey eye look, the morning after going out. A crucial aspect of grunge makeup is that it never looks too perfect, part of why we love it in summer.
Using a dark eyeshadow palette, eyeliner, and mascara, this look isn’t hard to do at home. With the darker of the eyeshadow colors you’re going to be using, fill in your eyelid. Once you’re happy with the first shade, apply a slightly lighter shade above it and outwards, creating the quintessential smokey eye shape.
With your shadow in place, apply your eyeliner to both your top and bottom lash lines. Remember, grungy makeup isn’t about perfection, so stay away from the sharp felt-tip eyeliners and try an eyeliner pencil that you can smudge a bit after applying.
Apply several layers of mascara to ensure your eyes really pop, and you’re ready to dance the night away.
5. Bold Lips and Bare Face
In summer, you may notice that your skin tends to look and feel better. This may be a result of sweating more in the heat (which unclogs pores and pushes out unwanted dirt and impurities), higher levels of vitamin D, or more time spent in the ocean.
Regardless of why, with your glowing summer skin, you might want your face makeup to be more minimalistic. However, that doesn’t mean your makeup looks can’t still be bold.
That’s where one of our favorite makeup trends for summer, the “bold lips and bare face” look comes into play. With minimal face makeup applied, you can make use of the summer months to try out a bold array of lip colors.
From rich berry tones to bright tomato red, the summer is a great time to let your lips take center stage.
That said, before you apply any lipstick or other lip products, make sure to care for and prep your lips. Using a lip scrub to remove any dead skin is an easy way to smooth out your lips.
Applying a few swipes of the Nourishing Lip Balm will make sure that your lips are deeply hydrated before you add any tinted products.
6. Sunset Eyes
There are few things more romantic than a summer sunset, so why not bring some of that magical palette into your summer makeup looks? Using the iconic reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows of summer sunsets, you can make several different bold eyeshadow looks this summer.
Our Beach Sunset Palette is the perfect choice for creating these looks. With nine different blendable, smooth eyeshadow shades, you can experiment and innovate all summer long.
7. Bright Blush
If you’re not sure if you’ve applied enough blush in the summer months, remember our rule of thumb: more is more. Summer is a time when everyone is rocking a warmer glow, and you can be a part of that trend with a bright, bold blush.
Given that the name of the game in summer is ultra-hydrated skin, we recommend using a cream or liquid blush that will add color to your cheeks without drying out your skin. For an extra wow factor, consider matching your blush and lip color so that you have an all-around rosy vibe going.
8. Glowy Skin
Another staple of summer makeup is skin that’s as hydrated, dewy, and glowing as possible. With the right highlighter, you can put together this look in minutes.
As soon as you’ve applied your base of face makeup (regardless of what it may be), you’re ready for highlighter.
We recommend using a liquid highlighter (like our Glow Bloom Liquid Highlighter or our Sunburst Glow Mixer) to get the dewiest skin possible. The creamy formula and sponge-tip applicator make it easy to achieve the dreamy, glowing skin you want.
Simply apply highlighter along your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose (where you would apply blush for a sun-kissed look), and watch as this hydrating liquid highlighter gives you that special summer sheen.
9. Faux Freckles
The final summer staple on our list is faux freckles. Freckles are the ultimate sign that you just got back from a few relaxing days by the beach or spent a little extra time poolside. That being said, not everyone naturally develops freckles, spends enough time outside in summer, or has freckles that show through their full-coverage face makeup.
If you fall into any of those categories but love the dotted look of freckles, then faux freckles should be your new go-to this summer. With the Freck Please Freckle Tint, all you need to do is lightly apply the formula in a dotted pattern wherever you want your temporary freckles once your face makeup has been applied.
After it dries down a bit, gently tap the formula with your finger and spread the freckles across your face.
The best part? This waterproof formula will last all day long (no matter how hot and humid your hometown gets). This means you don’t have to worry about unwanted smudges and disappearing freckles. Available in several colors, there’s a freckle tint for every skin tone!
Shine Bright This Summer
As you pull out your favorite swimsuits and start putting together your travel inspo board on Pinterest, don’t forget about the makeup looks you want to rock this summer! With just a few products, you can make several different looks that will give you the sun-kissed, playful vibe that screams summer.
Once you’ve perfected some of your summer looks and start posting pics, make sure to tag us. At SHEGLAM, we want to be a part of every step of your beauty journey this summer.