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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.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
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.
6 Summer Makeup Trends to Try in 2026
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
Versed
Everything Balm in Aura
Rhode
Pocket Blush in Spicy Marg
Merit
Flush Balm in Persimmon
Watercolor Blush
There’s no denying that blush is having a moment right now. Whether it’s the name of the blush technique you’re employing or the brand you’re wearing, every beauty lover is tapped into the flushed look right now. One thing that stays consistent is the internet’s love for sheer, cloudlike color. “I’m obsessed with the watercolor makeup trend right now,” says celebrity makeup artist Nam Vo. “Think sheer washes of blush, blurred edges, and that effortless lit-from-within glow.”
Gonzalez agrees, having popularized vintage-inspired, poppy blush on her longtime client Sabrina Carpenter. “Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Cheek Tint in Brick Brown has been my go-to for the cheeks,” she divulges. “I love applying it on the back of my hand first, then using my ring finger to dab it onto the cheeks, lips, and the tip of the nose.”
It’s placement that matters most here, according to Vo. “Blush is no longer just on the apples,” she explains. “It’s contour. It’s structure. It’s glow almost draped up into the temples for that 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
As if mimicking music-festival lights and midsummer fireworks, sparkly eye shadow and whimsical shimmers are taking center stage. Gonzalez calls out “glitter and gels on the eyes” as one of her mega trend predictions, recommending Armani’s Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow in Tobacco as a must-have for summer glam. “It gives you a little bit of sparkle, but it’s not so satin,” she explains. Whether you reach for fairy-dust pink or silvery sparkles, this trend was made for hot 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
As we mentioned, the “cool-girl grunge” trend that’s gripped the last few seasons isn’t going anywhere this summer. It’s just taking new shape. Charli XCX has been the purveyor of so many rock-star eye makeup moments this season, inspiring us to pair gray smoky eyes with juicy, hydrated skin in the promo for Music, Fashion, Film. Models like Gabbriette and Alex Consani make us want to sleep in black eyeliner for their effortlessly cool, messy makeup looks from Gucci’s cruise 2027 show. Extra points for Y2K-inspired frosted lipstick and shimmery brow bones.
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
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Healthy, luminous skin is still one of the pinnacles of summer beauty; however, Vo sees things taking a meta turn this year. “We’re also seeing skinimalism evolve into what I call hyperreal skin,” Vo muses. “It’s still natural but more intentional with strategic glow, sculpt, and hydration.” In the age of AI, artists are turning away from the faux glamour of digitally enhanced skin and focusing their attention on hydration and glowy, natural-looking highlighters so their clients can always put their best skin forward—no filter necessary.
“Radiance will always be the main character for summer,” says Vo. Just make sure to prep your skin correctly for the best results. “Start with a rich moisturizer and a glowy primer,” she advises, then go in with skin makeup only where necessary. Vo explains that she prefers to use “lightweight, radiant foundations” or even just concealer only where it’s needed for the most natural effect.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Shop “Hyperreal Skin” Products
Tatcha
The Longevity Memory Cream
Refy
Glow and Sculpt Serum Primer
Hourglass
Unreal Liquid Highlighter
Hazy Pout
“Brush-blurred lips are having a moment. They give that soft-focus, ‘just bitten’ effect without looking overdone,” says Vo. Think of it as that hazy sunrise over the horizon line on a hot summer’s day. This look, popularized by the work of celebrity makeup artist Nina Park, went viral for making celebrities’ lips look naturally plumper, and all you have to do is gently buff your overlined lip liner with a small blending brush. “And don’t skip a glossy lip balm or oil to finish the look. It ties everything together,” Vo advises.
Shop “Hazy Pout” Products
L’Oréal
Blurfiller in Nude Espresso
Dior
Addict Lip Glow Oil in Rosy Candy
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
How is summer 2026 makeup different from last year?
“Summer 2025 was more about clean girl, minimal, almost-bare skin. Summer 2026 is still fresh but more expressive,” says Vo. “We’re layering sheer textures instead of stripping everything back, and bold blush is here to stay.” We’re talking about more color, glow, and individuality. “It’s less about perfection and more about artistry that still feels wearable,” she explains.
How should we summer-proof our makeup?
These stunning looks take some work, so the last thing you want to do is sweat them right off. Luckily, the pros have a few tips.
“Less is more in the heat. I always say thin layers set strategically,” advises Vo. “I’ll use cream products first, then lightly set only where needed—like the T-zone—so the skin still looks juicy.” Gonzalez models similar behavior, opting for liquid products, like Armani’s Luminous Cheek Tint, during the daytime and topping things off with a powder blush in breezier evenings. “It sets the liquid blush in place. It really locks it in and won’t move,” says Gonzalez. But if you think you might end up sweating, Gonzalez says to skip the powder blush, as it can end up looking streaky.
One last tip? Stock up on reliable setting spray and blotting wipes. “A good setting spray is your best friend,” Gonzalez says sagely. “I also like to press products into the skin rather than swipe for better longevity.” It’s for this reason that she keeps blotting papers on hand during the summer, which “will keep your glow fresh, not greasy,” she states.
Armani Beauty
Cheek Tint Liquid Blush
Refy
Face Setter Setting Spray
Skin Gym
Ready, Set, Blot Blotting Papers
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.
