So, what’s the summer vibe? You dipping out of town for a beachy reset? Living your best patio life with an Aperol or Hugo in hand every Friday? Backyard chilling, bouncing from wedding to wedding, or—let’s be real—doing all of the above? Whatever your plans are from Memorial Day to Labor Day, do it cute. Think glowy skin, a juicy blush moment, or pastel lids that scream “I’m the main character.”
Summer makeup hits different—it’s more chill, a little messier (in a hot way), and way more playful than the other seasons. It’s giving barefoot glam, golden hour selfies, and feeling the breeze in your hair. I’m always reaching for products that can keep up with the heat and still serve looks. Bonus points if they make you feel like you’re in your soft girl or adventure-core era.
Scroll on for summer makeup inspo straight from the pros—these looks are ready to ride with you all season long.
Mermaid Core
The glazed, sparkly, wet-look eye vibe? Yeah, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Steve Kassajikian, Urban Decay’s global artistry boss, says it’s giving mermaid-core magic — think dreamy, iridescent lids that hit different every time the light hits ’em.
Wanna nail the look? We suggest smudging Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (try Zero or Demolition) along your lash line for that soft definition. Then, swipe on their Glaze-On Liquid Eyeshadow — Frost Boss and Sunshine Tax are total summer slays.
For that ultra-glazed, golden hour energy, Half Magic’s Glitterpuck Pressed Fairy Dust is a must. It’s a water-infused glitter powder that glides on like a gel and stays put. Just swirl your finger in the pan and tap it onto your lids — instant fairy vibes.
Glowy Everything
Obsessed with sparkle? Same. This glitz-on-glitz moment is giving golden hour meets ocean shimmer vibes. Think: the sun hitting the waves, but make it glam. Swipe on a glittery shadow (your go-to “mermaid” shade, obviously) and top it off with a matching lip oil that shines like you just stepped out of a fantasy. We’re talking max shimmer, no chill. Try Yves Saint Laurent’s Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss in 01 or 06, or Revlon’s Super Lustrous Glimmer Lip Oil for that full glow-up energy.
Its Giving 80’s
Summer isn’t just for poolside hangs and plowing through your TBR — it’s full of weddings, rooftop parties, and way too many photo ops. So maybe give your usual golds and bronzy browns a little break and play with some cool tones instead — think icy blues, dreamy violets, soft grays. A wash of matte color across the lids? Kinda everything right now.
The vibe: effortless but intentional. Don’t be scared of the shade — just make sure you blend like you mean it so it flatters your eye shape instead of fighting it. Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick is clutch for this — start with a shade close to your skin tone, then layer on your cool hue with the most pigment near your lashes, fading out as you go up. And please… no harsh lines. The magic is in the soft blur. Let the color whisper before it makes a statement.
Blush, Baby, Blush
Blush girlies, rise up—the blush train isn’t hitting the brakes this summer. Makeup artists say it’s all about those rosy, coral, and pinky cheeks for the szn. Whether you’re a powder babe, cream queen, or liquid lover, now’s the time to go wild with your fave formula.
We’re loving that classic “just got sun-kissed” flush on the apples of your cheeks, but if you wanna snatch the look a bit more, try the lifted technique—blush high up on the cheekbones, blended out toward your temples for that instant facelift vibe. Feeling artsy? Ombré blush combos are a whole mood and perfect for playing with your aesthetic.
For a flush that actually lasts past brunch, try layering cream and powder blush. Pro picks include the Sigma Beauty Cream Blush in Cor-de-Rosa, Milk Makeup’s Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick (with the Set Matte Powder Blush on top), and of course, the OG NARS Powder Blush. Go ahead and blush like you mean it
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