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Vibrant colors, warm dustings of blush, radiant skin—the bulk of summer 2024’s makeup trends seem to draw inspiration from the season itself. To begin, blush echoes time spent staying active under the sun (whether said sun is high in the sky or setting over the horizon). “The overarching theme for summer 2024 is blush blush blush,” says makeup artist Brandy Allen, citing sunburned blush and boyfriend blush as examples. “The sky’s the limit!”
Another expert-approved triple-down? “Skin skin skin!” says makeup artist Melanie Inglessis, listing a nourished glow and ample protection as seasonal musts. (In case you needed the reminder Inglessis says “SPF is cool!”) Inglessis anticipates a skin-forward season, with complexions showing through and finished in touches that enhance your natural luminosity.
Meet the expert
- Brandy Allen is a celebrity makeup artist to stars like Skaii Jackson.
- Melanie Inglessis is a celebrity makeup artist to stars like Rosamund Pike.
- Donni Davy is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Half Magic beauty.
- Jenna Kristina is a celebrity makeup artist to stars like Zoey Deutch.
Summer’s carefree air elicits a few irreverent details, too. Watery blues and brat-girl greens make for splashy shadow shades, while eyeliner is grunge and smudged to rebellious effect. And as for lips? Go glossy, or opt for organic applications of stains and lipsticks that evoke a fresh-picked summer snack?
Read on for nine makeup trends that are heating up this summer.
Sunset Shades
Ombré blush applied to honor a midsummer sunset blends pinks, tangerines, and corals for a pretty, lifted effect. The universally flattering trend was sparked by beauty influencer Alissa Janay, and the subsequent, painterly approach is easily adaptable depending on your face and taste—and if blush isn’t your thing, try the gradient on your lids. For an ultimate example, make a point to head outside and watch the sun go down.
Grunge Girl Eyes
Grunge beauty has been trending upward for awhile now, which means this season’s eye liner is rebelliously smudged. Lived-in liner that welcomes imperfection helps channel the just-go-with-it spirit of a wild summer night, all while feeding a larger (and welcome) theme of nonchalance. “I’m so sick of the clean-girl aesthetic, and I’m super excited to jump on a trend that I genuinely love,” says makeup artist Donni Davy. “Put eyeliner on, smudge it, load up your lashes with mascara, and top your eyelids with shimmer or glitter.
Full Flush
Whether you prefer a faux sunburn or boyfriend blush, swirls of pigment designed to make your complexion appear naturally flushed are among the season’s top trends. “'I’m so happy blush is making a comeback right now. It’s fun, youthful, and brightens anyone’s face!” says Kristina. “I personally love cream blushes because they mimic the texture of skin—you can really melt them into the skin to create a flawless blend.”
Glossed Lips
Summertime and lip gloss are the ideal combination, a single swipe lending to simple day-to-night glamour. “I love a glossy lip,” says Kristina. “It feels sexy and is super easy to achieve.” The makeup artist suggests investing in a gloss that comes with skin-tending benefits, like PS…Vitamin Lip Oil. “It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E to keep the lips soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Colored Mascara
Broaden your palette without overhauling your entire look with a coat (or several) of colored mascara. Along with adding an expected pop, a strategic choice can open your eyes and enhance your irises. “Love, love a colored mascara, especially an electric blue or purple,” says Inglessis. She favors Dior Beauty’s classic offerings (the brand punctuates blacks and browns with a blue shade).
Blurred Berry
Berry season extends to your makeup palette. The goal here is to appear as if your lip color was borne of a berry bite (or several), an organic feat accomplished with a stain, or with this summer’s penchant for a blurry pout. “When creating blurred lips, it works best to use a lip product that isn’t super glossy,” says Kristina. “You want the product to be richly pigmented so that you see the effect.” Kristina recommends applying a matte lipstick straight onto the lip and using a finger to blend out the edges. When carried off with a berried hue, Kristina notes that the application “complements the free-spirited feel of summer.
Effulgent Skin
Luminous, wet-look, pearlescent—summer’s skin comes with a seamless glow. “I’m excited to see less products on the skin,” says Inglessis. “Use a balm like Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream on the parts you want to highlights for a natural glow without shimmer or reflection.” If extra is your preferred mode, damp skin is also an option. Reach for your preferred moisturizer (and SPF) and follow with luminous primer and cream products to keep things as damp and dewy as possible. And finally, touches of highlighter can make even bare skin pretty, pearly, and perfect for mermaid play.
Dolly Blush
Call it a remnant of the fall 2024 runways or the Sabrina Carpenter effect, but doll-like beauty notes are a 2024 summer essential. This trend focuses blush on the apples of the cheeks, pink shades blended subtly toward the temple and often matched to an equally saccharine lip color.
Cool Colors
From all the blues to neon lime (aka Brat-girl green), the season’s shadow shades are cool yet vivid. “Bold eye makeup is back!” says makeup artist Jenna Kristina, who anticipates washes of color over the entire eyelid, layered liners, and pops of color at the inner corners. “People use makeup as a form of creative expression based on their moods or where they are in life. If you're feeling super playful and funky, you might experiment with vibrant colors.” Bonus: The same shades also make for a striking, of-the-moment mani or pedi.