Radiant Skin! Glow! Enchanting Eyes! The Hottest Makeup Trends of Summer Are Heating Up

      As a makeup lover, summer is the season I most enjoy embracing through themes. The warm weather, laid-back schedules, and vibrant fashion inspire me to spend my days and nights outdoors, whether I'm discovering a new beach town on vacation or wandering through humid city streets with friends. Summer makeup carries a unique flair that other seasons miss: the quick smudge-and-go liner before happy hour and the striking lipstick I reserve for when I have a tan. It feels like there are endless possibilities, and celebrity makeup artists agree that summer makeup should be all about fun.

      Celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez shares that bronzed, sun-kissed skin and a glowing complexion will always be staples in any summer makeup routine. "Always aim for a little blushy, sunburnt look," she notes. Several trends are influencing makeup this season that weren’t present in 2025. Cultural moments, such as Charli XCX's current rock-star phase tied to her upcoming album release and Gucci's rebellious cruise 2027 show, are pushing beauty to adopt a more edgy style. Additionally, viral techniques from celebrity makeup artists, like blurred "Nina Park lips" and "Painted by Esther blush," continue to gain traction. Essentially, there's a refreshing mix of makeup trends—both new and classic—worth paying attention to this summer. Read on for insights from makeup artists on each trend and recommended products to achieve the looks at home.

      **6 Summer Makeup Trends to Try in 2026**

      **Beach Skin**

      As Gonzalez states, sun-kissed skin is here to stay. In fact, we’re leaning into sunburn tones this season. This trend features strategically placed rosy-orange blush and bronzed, dewy skin, evoking memories of beach days without the discomfort of actual sunburn. Remember not to skip sunscreen to achieve this look safely! Instead, apply a bronzy or terra-cotta blush on the apples of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose, blending with your fingers for a natural finish. This trend will breathe life into your skin this summer, whether you’re enhancing a post-beach tan or faking one.

      **Shop "Beach Skin" Products**

      - Versed Everything Balm in Aura

      - Rhode Pocket Blush in Spicy Marg

      - Merit Flush Balm in Persimmon

      **Watercolor Blush**

      Blush is undeniably trending right now. Whether it’s the type of application or the brand you choose, everyone seems to be embracing that flushed look. The internet loves sheer, airy colors. Celebrity makeup artist Nam Vo says, "I’m obsessed with the watercolor makeup trend right now," which involves soft layers of blush and blurred edges for an ethereal glow. Gonzalez confirms this, having popularized vintage-inspired blush on her longtime client, Sabrina Carpenter. She reveals, "Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Cheek Tint in Brick Brown has been my go-to for cheeks." The placement of blush has evolved, with Vo explaining it’s no longer limited to the apples of the cheeks but can contour, structure, and enhance glow, extending up to the temples for a sculpted effect.

      **Shop Watercolor Blush Products**

      - Refy Water Blush in Lychee

      - Armani Beauty Cheek Tint in Brick Brown

      - Sheglam Buttery Bliss in Guava Juice

      **Grown-Up Glitter**

      Reflecting festival lights and midsummer fireworks, sparkly eyeshadows and whimsical shimmers are set to shine this summer. Gonzalez highlights "glitter and gels on the eyes" as a significant trend, recommending Armani's Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow in Tobacco as a summer essential. "It provides a bit of sparkle but maintains a non-satin finish," she clarifies. This trend is perfect for sultry summer nights under disco lights.

      **Shop Grown-Up Glitter Products**

      - Armani Beauty Eye Tint in Tobacco

      - L'Oréal Le Shadow Stick in Cloudy Rose

      - Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Silver Glaze

      **Y2K Rock-Star Glam**

      The "cool-girl grunge" trend that has persisted over the last few seasons continues to evolve this summer. Charli XCX has inspired numerous rock-star makeup looks, combining gray smoky eyes with dewy skin in promotional material for her upcoming album. Models like Gabbriette and Alex Consani showcase effortlessly edgy makeup, making a case for bold black eyeliner as an everyday staple, complemented by Y2K-inspired frosted lip shades and shimmering brow highlights.

      **Shop "Y2K Rock Star" Shadow Products**

      - YSL Beauty Couture Mini Clutch Palette

      - MAC Cosmetics Lipstick Shine in Fabby

      - Prada Beauty Pradalines Eye Pencil in Nero

      **Hyperreal Skin**

      Healthy, radiant skin remains a key aspect of summer beauty, but Vo observes a shift toward what she describes as hyperreal skin. "It’s still natural but more deliberate, emphasizing glow and hydration." As artists move away from digitally enhanced looks