I’m a makeup enthusiast, and there is no season I enjoy leaning into thematically more than summer. There’s something about the warm weather, relaxed schedules, and fun fashion that makes me want to stay outside all day and night, whether I’m exploring a new beach town on vacation or frolicking through the humid city streets with my girlfriends. Whatever the case, summer makeup has a certain spice to it that other seasons lack: It’s the quick smudge-and-go liner before happy hour and the bold lipstick that I only reach for when I have a tan. The possibilities feel endless, and celebrity makeup artists agree that summer makeup should be fun.
Bronzed, sun-kissed skin and a sunlit glow will forever be mainstays in any summer makeup routine, celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez tells Who What Wear. “Always a blushy, little sunburnt moment,” she specifies. However, there are a few trends shaping the makeup sphere this season that weren’t factors in 2025. Cultural moments like Charli XCX’s current rock-star era attached to the forthcoming release of her album Music, Fashion, Film in late July and Gucci’s subversive cruise 2027 show are inspiring beauty to follow in fashion’s grungy footsteps, and viral celebrity MUAs’ signature techniques, like blurred “Nina Park lips” and “Painted by Esther blush,” continue to trend.
In short, there’s a whole lineup of makeup trends—both new and old—worth knowing about this summer. Keep reading for makeup-artist breakdowns of each one, plus products that will help you get the look at home.
Beach Skin
As Gonzalez put it, sun-kissed skin isn’t going anywhere. In fact, we’re taking things a step further into sunburn territory. This trend, complete with strategically placed rosy-orange blush and bronzed, juicy skin, is exemplary of art imitating life, eliciting images of beach days and flushed skin, sans the painful and itchy flaking that comes with the actual thing. Please don’t forego sunscreen this summer to achieve this look naturally! Instead, tap a bronzy or terra-cotta blush over the apples of your cheeks and the center of your nose before blending everything out with your fingers for a natural, lived-in look. Whether you’re building on a post–beach day tan or imitating one, this trend will bring your skin to life this summer.
Shop “Beach Skin” Products
Meet Our Experts
- Carolina Gonzalez is a celebrity makeup artist who has glammed the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Tessa Thompson, Sofia Carson, and more. She is a member of the Armani Beauty Collective and is based in New York City.
- Nam Vo is a New York City–based celebrity makeup artist and content creator known for coining the term “dewy dumpling” skin for her ultra-glowy makeup style.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we’d truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
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