13 Best Summer 2022 Makeup Trends & Ideas to Try
Discover the hottest summer makeup trends from dewy skin to bold colors

The Ultimate Guide to Summer 2022 Makeup Trends
Summer 2022 brought a refreshing wave of makeup trends that perfectly captured the season’s vibrant energy. Gone were the cool-toned shadows and deep burgundy lips of winter – instead, the beauty world embraced pastels, bright neons, and luminous highlighted cheekbones that dominated social media feeds throughout the warmer months.
These trends offered something for everyone, whether you preferred minimalist glamour or bold, statement-making looks. The beauty of summer 2022 makeup was its versatility – you could create stunning looks for everything from casual selfies at home to glamorous evening events.
Gold Eyeshadow: The Glamorous Summer Essential
The most luxurious trend of summer 2022 was undoubtedly gold eyeshadow. This glamorous look became the go-to choice for anyone wanting to add instant sophistication to their makeup routine. The key to mastering this trend was layering – multiple layers of super-pigmented gold eyeshadow created depth and intensity that photographs beautifully.
To achieve the perfect gold eye look, makeup artists recommended starting with an eyeshadow primer to ensure longevity and color payoff. The gold was then applied in thin layers, building up the intensity gradually. Pairing this metallic eyeshadow with heavy, smudgy eyeliner created a perfectly balanced look that was both elegant and edgy.
This trend worked particularly well for evening occasions and special events, but could easily be toned down for daytime wear by using a more subtle gold shade or applying it only to the inner corners of the eyes.
Minimalist Glam: Less is More
For those who preferred a more understated approach, the minimalist glam makeup trend offered the perfect solution. This look proved that you didn’t need heavy makeup to make a statement – sometimes, strategic placement of just a few elements could create maximum impact.
The signature element of this trend was the placement of just two gems on each inner eye. These small crystal or rhinestone accents added just enough sparkle to elevate a simple makeup look without overwhelming the face. The application was surprisingly simple – a small amount of lash glue was all that was needed to secure the gems in place.
This trend was perfect for those new to experimenting with makeup or anyone who wanted to add a touch of glamour to their everyday routine without committing to a full dramatic look.
Bright Eyeshadow: Embracing Bold Colors
Summer 2022 was all about embracing bright colors and contrast, and nowhere was this more evident than in the eyeshadow trends. Inspired by celebrities like Kylie Jenner, makeup enthusiasts began experimenting with vibrant yellows paired with hot pinks, creating eye-catching combinations that perfectly captured the season’s playful spirit.
The technique involved blending yellow eyeshadow across the lid and up to the brow bone, creating a sunny, radiant base. The contrast came from drawing pink eyeliner across the lash line, or alternatively, sweeping hot-pink eyeshadow with a precision brush for a more diffused finish.
This trend required confidence and a willingness to step outside traditional color boundaries, but the results were undeniably striking. The key was choosing highly pigmented eyeshadows that would show up vibrantly against the skin and blend seamlessly together.
Colored Eyeliner: A Subtle Pop of Fun
For those who found bright eyeshadow too intimidating but still wanted to participate in the colorful makeup movement, colored eyeliner along the lower lashes provided the perfect compromise. This trend, popularized by celebrities like Issa Rae, proved that even small changes could make a big impact.
The beauty of this trend lay in its simplicity – just a swipe under the bottom lashes was enough to add personality and interest to any makeup look. Popular color choices included electric blues, vibrant purples, and emerald greens, all of which created beautiful contrast against natural skin tones.
This approach allowed makeup lovers to experiment with color in a controlled way, making it an ideal entry point for those new to colorful makeup trends.
Floating Eyeliner: The Advanced Technique
One of the more challenging but rewarding trends of summer 2022 was the floating eyeliner look. This technique was essentially an elevated version of the classic winged eyeliner, creating the illusion of eyeliner that “floated” above the natural eye shape.
Success with this trend required practice and the right tools. Makeup artists recommended using a felt-tipped liquid eyeliner or marker for the cleanest, most precise lines. Products like the R.E.M. Beauty At The Borderline Eyeliner Marker became popular choices for achieving this look due to their precision and long-lasting formula.
While this trend required more skill than others, the dramatic results made the effort worthwhile for those willing to invest the time in perfecting the technique.
Dewy Skin: The Perfect Summer Glow
Nothing embodied the essence of summer 2022 makeup quite like dewy, luminous skin. This trend celebrated natural radiance and worked perfectly with the season’s warmer, more humid weather conditions.
The key to achieving the perfect dewy look was strategic highlighting. Liquid or balmy highlighters applied to high points of the face created an all-over glow that looked natural and healthy. Essential areas to highlight included:- Cheekbones- Tip of the nose- Cupid’s bow- Collarbones- Shoulders
This trend was incredibly versatile – it could be paired with a full face of makeup for dramatic evening looks or kept minimal for a fresh, no-makeup makeup appearance during the day.
Copper Eyeshadow: Warmth and Sophistication
The copper eyeshadow trend offered a perfect balance between warmth and sophistication. This look paired beautifully with bronzer and warm neutral lipsticks to create a cohesive, sun-kissed appearance that epitomized summer elegance.
One of the appeals of this trend was its accessibility – it didn’t require extensive blending techniques but still delivered major impact. The key to success was starting with a good eyeshadow primer to ensure the metallic copper shades adhered properly and maintained their intensity throughout wear.
This trend worked particularly well on those with warm undertones but could be adapted for cooler skin tones by choosing copper shades with subtle pink or berry undertones.
Green Eyeshadow: Beyond Seasonal Limitations
Green eyeshadow emerged as one of the most unexpected but delightful trends of summer 2022. This look proved that green wasn’t just reserved for St. Patrick’s Day – it could create beautiful, wearable looks perfect for warm weather.
The summer green eyeshadow trend embraced various shades, from soft sage tones to vibrant emeralds. The key was choosing shades that complemented individual eye colors and skin tones. The trend became even more appealing when coordinated with accessories – pairing green eyeshadow with matching green nails created a cohesive, fashion-forward look.
Coral-Red Lips: Summer’s Bold Statement
Bold lips remained a year-round staple, but summer 2022 put a seasonal spin on the classic red lip with the coral-red lip trend. This approach involved swapping cooler-toned reds like burgundies and deep crimsons for warmer hues that better suited the season’s energy.
The coral-red trend offered the drama and sophistication of a classic red lip while feeling fresh and appropriate for summer activities. These warmer coral-based reds complemented sun-kissed skin beautifully and paired perfectly with the other warm-toned trends of the season.
Popular product choices included formulas that offered both color payoff and summer-appropriate longevity, ensuring the bold lips would hold up through warm weather activities.
Application Tips and Techniques
Successfully executing these summer 2022 trends required understanding proper application techniques. Here are essential tips for achieving professional-looking results:
Eyeshadow Application:
For metallic shades like gold and copper, using a glitter glue or primer underneath intensified the color payoff significantly. This technique was particularly important for achieving the vibrant looks seen on social media and red carpets.
Color Blending:
When working with bright colors, the key was building up intensity gradually rather than applying full opacity immediately. This approach allowed for better control and more professional-looking results.
Tool Selection:
The right brushes and tools made a significant difference in achieving these looks. Dense, flat brushes worked best for packing on metallic colors, while fluffy blending brushes were essential for creating seamless color transitions.
Trend Combinations and Styling
One of the exciting aspects of summer 2022 makeup trends was their versatility in combination. Many of these looks could be mixed and matched to create unique, personalized styles:
Minimalist meets Bold:
Combining the minimalist glam approach with one bold element, such as colored eyeliner or bright eyeshadow, created balanced looks that were interesting but not overwhelming.
Metallic Harmony:
Pairing gold eyeshadow with copper accents and coral-red lips created a cohesive warm-toned look perfect for summer evenings and special occasions.
Dewy Base Foundation:
The dewy skin trend served as an excellent base for almost any of the eye makeup trends, creating a fresh, youthful foundation that enhanced rather than competed with bold eye looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I make bright eyeshadow colors show up better?
A: Use an eyeshadow primer or white eyeshadow base to create a clean canvas. For metallic shades, apply glitter glue or setting spray to your brush before picking up the eyeshadow for maximum color payoff.
Q: Can I wear these trends if I have mature skin?
A: Absolutely! Focus on the dewy skin trend with strategic highlighting, and choose one bold element like coral-red lips or subtle colored eyeliner rather than combining multiple bright trends.
Q: How long do these makeup looks typically last in summer heat?
A: Longevity depends on preparation and product choice. Use primers, set your makeup with powder or setting spray, and choose waterproof formulas for eyeliner and mascara to ensure your look stays intact.
Q: Which trend is best for beginners?
A: Start with the colored eyeliner trend or minimalist glam look. Both require minimal skill but create noticeable impact, making them perfect for building confidence with makeup experimentation.
Q: How do I choose the right shade of green eyeshadow for my eye color?
A: Green eyeshadow is particularly stunning on brown eyes and hazel eyes. For blue eyes, choose green shades with warm undertones, and for green eyes, opt for complementary shades that enhance rather than match your natural eye color.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g39464860/summer-2022-makeup-trends/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsLC4HIJ2z8
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/best-beauty-launches-of-2022
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a40775124/readers-choice-beauty-awards-2022/
- https://www.whowhatwear.com/summer-makeup-trends-2022
- https://soapsmith.com/blogs/press/the-2022-cosmopolitan-summer-beauty-awards
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g38484545/2022-makeup-trends/
Read full bio of Sneha Tete