Believe me, these 6 beauty trends will make a significant return this summer.
If the outdoor weather is any indication, summer has officially arrived. Sandals are on, rosé is abundant, and my SPF is already hard at work. However, if you've clicked on this article, you’re not interested in any of that. Instead, you want to discover the latest summer beauty trends. While researching the top looks for the upcoming season (which is my job, after all), I noticed a significant theme uniting the latest hair, nail, and makeup trends: the return of beauty trends. It seems we’re fully embracing a nostalgic era, with many summer beauty looks making a comeback. As someone who grew up in the '90s, I’m quite excited about this. Writing this article filled me with nostalgia. From shimmery chrome nails to crimped waves, these trends offer a fresh take that demonstrates that a comeback beauty trend can be just as impactful as the latest fad. Below, I've compiled the top summer beauty trends returning this year, so keep reading to learn more...
**6 Summer Beauty Trends Making a Comeback in 2026**
1. **Mermaid Waves**
This trend has been gaining traction for some time, but summer is when mermaid waves will truly shine. I frequently crimped my hair as a teen, making this look particularly nostalgic for me. Fortunately, hair tools have greatly improved since my school days, allowing you to achieve a more natural, effortlessly cool mermaid wave that exudes a beachy vibe.
**Get the Look:**
- **GHD Wave Triple Barrel Hair Waver**
This is my favorite tool for creating mermaid waves this season.
- If you're fortunate enough to have natural waves, enhance them with this lightweight texture mist.
2. **90s Lips**
Deep brown, ‘90s-style lip liner was a major trend this winter, and it appears to be carrying over into summer, which I absolutely love. Pair it with a lighter lip gloss in the center for added style points this season.
**Get the Look:**
- **Fenty Beauty Trace'd Out Pencil Lip Liner Brown'd Out**
A gorgeous deep brown hue from Fenty Beauty, featuring a waterproof, long-lasting formula ideal for warm weather.
- **Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Opal**
This gloss gives off all the Y2K vibes.
3. **Summer Shimmer**
Shimmery nails are making a return this summer! Remember those frosty, pearlescent manicures from the early 2000s? They are back as sheer, shimmery manicures that feel both fun and elegant for the season.
**Get the Look:**
- Not only does this polish create a shimmery finish, but it also repairs and fortifies the nails beneath.
- **Essie Nail Polish Pearly White Shimmer**
A pearly white polish is always a summer staple.
4. **Terracotta Tones**
Terracotta shades were extremely popular in the '90s, and after noticing some of my favorite celebrity beauty looks recently, it seems they are making a comeback. This warm color palette provides a lovely sun-kissed glow, so it’s no surprise that top makeup artists are opting for terracotta bronzers, blushes, and lipsticks this summer.
**Get the Look:**
- **Guerlain Terracotta Natural Healthy Glow Powder**
Guerlain's powder will make your complexion appear radiant.
- **Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm Toasted Terracotta**
This may very well be my summer blush of choice.
5. **Butterfly Layers**
I remember discussing butterfly layers in 2023, and the hairstyle has quickly returned this summer, with the choppy style prevalent on my Instagram feed. It embodies ‘90s vibes in the best way, and for a polished finish, I suggest using your favorite hot brush to add volume and bounce.
**Get the Look:**
- **Hair by Sam Mcknight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Hair Mist**
6. **Maximalist Mani**
Farewell to understated luxury nails; maximalist manicures are making a vibrant comeback this season. Just like in fashion, bright colors and bold nail art are welcomed with enthusiasm for summer, and I’ve already started saving my favorite styles for my next appointment.
**Get the Look:**
- **Mylee Artiste Nail Brush Kit**
Nail brushes are essential for achieving maximalist nail art.
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Believe me, these 6 beauty trends will make a significant return this summer.
They never stay away for long.