As the temperature rises and we embrace the sunny season, it's time to refresh your makeup routine with the latest summer trends. This year's summer makeup is all about lightweight formulas, radiant skin, and pops of color that celebrate the joy of the season. Let's dive into the hottest makeup trends that will keep you looking fresh and fabulous all summer long.
1. Dewy, Glowing Skin
This summer, it's all about that dewy, radiant complexion that looks naturally hydrated and luminous. Heavy, matte foundations are taking a back seat to lightweight tinted moisturizers, skin tints, and glowy primers.
To achieve this look:
- Start with a hydrating primer that adds luminosity
- Opt for a sheer to medium coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer
- Apply liquid highlighter to the high points of your face (cheekbones, brow bone, cupid's bow)
- Set only the T-zone with a light dusting of translucent powder
- Finish with a hydrating setting spray
Pro Tip: For hot days, look for products labeled "long-wearing" or "sweat-resistant" to maintain your glow without melting away.
2. Colorful Eyeliner
Bold, vibrant eyeliner is making a big splash this season. Think electric blues, vivid purples, bright teals, and sunny yellows that add an unexpected pop of color to your look. This trend is perfect for summer because it's playful, eye-catching, and can be as subtle or dramatic as you like.
Try these creative applications:
- A simple colored wing
- Double liner (pair a colored liner with a black or white one)
- Waterline-only color for a subtle effect
- Graphic shapes and patterns for the bold
Pro Tip: Waterproof formulas are essential for summer to prevent smudging in the heat and humidity.

Vibrant eyeliner adds a playful element to summer looks
3. Bronzed, Sun-Kissed Complexions
The bronzed goddess look never goes out of style for summer, but 2024 is taking it to new heights with dimensional bronzing techniques that create a natural, sun-kissed effect.
Here's how to master modern bronzing:
- Choose a bronzer 1-2 shades deeper than your natural skin tone
- Apply in a "3" pattern: temples, cheekbones, and jawline
- Add a touch to the sides of the nose and across the forehead
- Layer with a complementary blush for dimension
- For extra glow, top with a golden-toned highlighter
Pro Tip: Cream bronzers blend seamlessly into the skin for a more natural finish in summer heat.
4. Watercolor Eyes
Soft, diffused eyeshadow in pastel and vibrant hues is trending this summer. This "watercolor" effect creates a romantic, dreamy look that's perfect for both daytime and evening summer events.
Creating watercolor eyes:
- Start with a tacky eye primer to help colors adhere
- Use a damp brush to pick up your eyeshadow for more intensity
- Apply the most vibrant shade at the center of the lid
- Blend outward with softer, complementary colors
- Keep edges soft and diffused
- Minimal mascara keeps the look ethereal
Pro Tip: Try layering multiple colors for a dimensional rainbow effect, or stick to a monochromatic palette for a more subtle approach.

Soft, blended eyeshadow creates a dreamy watercolor effect
5. Glossy Lips
Matte lips are taking a summer vacation as glossy, juicy lips return to the spotlight. From clear gloss to sheer tinted options, the emphasis is on a plump, hydrated pout that captures the light.
Perfect your glossy lip:
- Exfoliate lips first to ensure a smooth canvas
- Apply a hydrating lip balm as a base
- For more color, use a lip liner and/or lipstick underneath
- Top with your favorite gloss
- For special occasions, try a gloss with fine shimmer particles
Pro Tip: Look for non-sticky formulas that won't catch your hair in the summer breeze!
6. Minimal, Fluffy Brows
Natural, fluffy brows continue to reign supreme this summer. The focus is on enhancing your natural brow shape rather than heavily filling or sculpting them.
Achieve the perfect summer brow:
- Use a clear or tinted brow gel to brush hairs upward
- Fill in sparse areas with light, feathery strokes
- Choose a product 1-2 shades lighter than your hair color for a softer effect
- Consider a brow lamination treatment for a longer-lasting fluffy effect
Pro Tip: Waterproof brow products will ensure your brows stay in place during pool parties and beach days.
7. Multifunctional Products
Summer 2024 embraces makeup minimalism with multifunctional products that simplify your routine. Lip and cheek tints, bronzer sticks that work on eyes and face, and highlighters that double as eyeshadow are perfect for hot days when you want to look put-together with minimal effort.
Benefits of multifunctional products:
- Creates a cohesive, harmonious look
- Reduces the number of products in your makeup bag
- Perfect for travel and on-the-go touch-ups
- Often come in cream formulas that blend beautifully in summer heat
Pro Tip: A single peach or coral shade can work as blush, eyeshadow, and lip color for an effortlessly coordinated summer look.
Conclusion
Summer 2024 makeup is all about embracing color, glow, and simplified routines that can withstand the heat. Whether you prefer a minimal approach with just a swipe of colored liner or want to go all-out with a watercolor eye and glossy lip, there's a trend for everyone to try this season.
Remember that makeup should be fun and expressive—don't be afraid to experiment with these trends and adapt them to suit your personal style. After all, summer is the perfect time to play with color and add some brightness to your beauty routine!