These are the top makeup products for summer 2025—period.

      Testing and reviewing beauty products is literally part of my job, which gives me access to upcoming launches before they are revealed to the public. Let me tell you, summer 2025 is really excelling in the makeup realm. Watercolor blushes! French tanning drops! A chili-infused lip balm! Creating a dreamy, sun-kissed look has never been more enjoyable, which is exactly how makeup should make you feel: inspired, creative, and eager to experiment. Recently, several friends have been gushing over my cosmetic bag, curious about which trendy formulas are genuinely worth it. My answer? All of them—though I'll narrow it down to a neat 12. Below, explore the new(ish) products that absolutely deserve a place in your daily makeup routine, along with a few timeless classics I couldn't help but highlight.

      A quick overview of My Favorite Makeup Essentials for Summer 2025:

      Alright, this may not be a makeup item, but I cannot overlook how plump and hydrated these patches make my under-eyes look before applying concealer. Many eye masks claim to de-puff effectively, but none compare to Dior. Packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and pure caffeine, these comma-shaped patches reduce inflammation and fluid retention in just 10 minutes. Yes, $84 for five pairs is quite pricey, but trust me, your noticeably brighter under-eyes will require less concealer later on—and that alone justifies the expense. Additionally, with their Dior Logomania design, they’ll be the most stylish eye patches you own. Period.

      Sothys

      Self-Tanning Additive

      Here's the trick to summer makeup: minimize the number of products (and therefore sweaty layers) on your face. Enter these tanning drops, inspired by a sun-kissed Saint-Tropez tan. (Swoon.) They’re adjustable, user-friendly, fragrance-free, and French—essentially, it's a Côte d'Azur glow in a bottle. Just two drops mixed into my daytime moisturizer provide a gradual, even bronze that looks like I've returned from a two-week getaway.

      Westman Atelier

      Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

      When I seek an extra bronze—um, which is always—I turn to these liquid bronzing drops from Westman Atelier. Please, PLEASE try these; they are genuinely that good. Despite launching in February, it wasn't until this summer that I finally tested them. Influenced by celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty, who praised their effortless, buildable blend, I now can’t imagine my routine without them. They have a beautiful matte finish that mimics how the sun naturally warms your face (unlike shimmer, which can seem unrealistic), and they seamlessly blend into the skin without streaking. Pro tip: Apply a few drops on the back of your hand, mix well with a brush, then stipple it onto your cheekbones and hairline for a believable sun-kissed look.

      Chantecaille

      Future Skin Oil-Free Foundation

      Meet the most hydrating foundation you’ll ever encounter. This water-based gel formula is so nourishing that if I closed my eyes, I would think it was a moisturizer. That's how fresh and bouncy my skin feels while wearing it. It also contains a plant-based retinol alternative, which genuinely improves your skin over time. (I know many makeup products claim this, but I assure you, it's not just marketing.) This foundation is one of those rare finds where you can't tell where your natural skin ends and the makeup begins, which is always my goal with complexion products.

      Victoria Beckham Beauty

      Colour Wash

      Watercolor makeup is all the rage this summer. I don’t want to sweat and blend vigorously; I prefer pigments to flow across my skin like a soft landscape painting. Victoria Beckham Beauty's Colour Wash is a versatile option with its water-based tint and dewy finish. Don’t make me choose a favorite shade! Each sheer, skin-friendly formula is excellent—though Vintage Rose deserves extra praise for adding romance to my routine.

      Summer Fridays

      Blush Butter Balm

      Layer your Colour Wash with a Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm (my favorite is Soft Strawberry), and you can thank me later. This buildable cream pigment provides just the right amount of vibrant flush, and its ceramide-, peptide-, and fatty acid–rich formula is perfect for summer. I swear it looks even better after I've sweated. Summer Fridays excels at delightful textures (their Lip Butter Balm achieves a non-sticky finish), and the brand’s first blush balms absolutely deliver. They are a genuine pleasure to apply.

      Armani Beauty

      Luminous Silk Acqua Highlighter

      Whenever I aim for "angel makeup" (i.e., shimmering, glossy eyelids and ethereal, glowing skin), I reach for this liquid highlighter. The shade Halo (a translucent pearl) delivers a beautiful glazed effect that isn’t overly glittery; it gives off a radiant, natural glow. I love to layer