The Top Summer 2024 Makeup Trends: Expert-Backed Looks to Try
This season’s makeup is all about vibrant colors, nostalgic details, and creative textures for looks that last through the summer heat.
When the hot weather returns and the sun shines long into the evening, it’s time to freshen up your beauty routine with this year’s trend-forward makeup looks. Summer 2024’s makeup trends—culled from runways, celebrity beauty looks, and insights from leading makeup artists—strike a balance between playful color, revived classics, and long-wear practicality. Whether you’re ready to embrace next-level brights or prefer sheer washes that look effortlessly chic, there’s a trend for every style and comfort zone this season.
1. Colored Mascara: Make Your Lashes Pop
Colored mascara is stealing the spotlight as the easiest way to add an unexpected jolt of personality to your eye look. Seen everywhere from the runways to celebrity Instagrams, it’s the perfect entry point for those nervous about statement shades. Makeup artist Amrita Mehta predicts this will be the breakout trend of the season, commenting, “It’s a quick, easy, and foolproof way to add an unexpected pop of color to any look.”
- How to Wear: Sweep on multiple coats—think blue, purple, green, or burgundy—until you get the intensity you want. For a true opaque effect, build up at least three layers.
- Pro Tip: If you get any smudges, use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water for cleanup. For a subtle twist, just touch the tips of your lashes with the colored formula and keep the roots neutral.
- Try: YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Electric Blue, L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Deep Violet.
2. Blue Eyeshadow: Retro Hues with a Modern Spin
Throwback blue is back, but the look is less ‘80s costume and more polished statement. Sky blue, periwinkle, and teal are leading the wave on lids, either worn as an all-over wash or as a sharp winged liner for a minimalist take.
- How to Wear: For an everyday approach, blend a light blue shadow across the lid and pair it with plenty of black or navy mascara. Going graphic? Use a gel or liquid liner in cobalt to flick out a wing, or layer blue shadow over white for max vibrance.
- Pair With: Dewy skin and lips in a pale pink or peach for balance. Let eyes be the focal point.
- Pro Tip: Keep the rest of your makeup understated to let your eyes shine—and avoid venturing into costume territory.
- Runway Inspiration: See recent looks from top summer shows for examples of blue done right, often paired with breezy ponytails or slicked-back hair.
3. Underpainting: The Celebrity Artist’s Secret
Popular among A-list makeup artists, underpainting involves applying contour and highlight beneath your foundation for a lit-from-within effect. This technique ensures the skin looks sculpted and radiant—but never harsh or streaky.
- How to Wear: Apply your chosen contour, highlighter, and blush where you want to sculpt, then go over everything with a sheer layer of foundation or skin tint. This allows the color and structure to show through while avoiding hard lines.
- Products: Use creamy contour sticks and liquid highlights for easy blending. Choose a lightweight foundation for the final layer.
- Pro Tip: Opt for shades one or two steps lighter and darker than your natural skin tone for the most natural result.
4. Muted, Blurry Lips: ‘90s Revival with Modern Edge
Soft, blurry lips in muted berry and terracotta shades are making a strong return. Inspired by the ‘90s but updated for now, the technique is all about softly diffused color without crisp lines or ultra-glossy shine. Jacquemus, Acne Studios, and Maison Margiela all delivered versions of this lived-in, fresh-from-a-kiss mouth on their catwalks.
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- How to Wear: Press a matte lipstick onto your lips using your finger rather than applying straight from the bullet. Gently blur the edges outwards so the color looks softly faded—but still intentional.
- Finish: Opt for matte, powdery formulas in creamy berry, dusty rose, or brick red shades.
- Try: Freck Beauty Makeout Club Soft Blur Lipstick, Simihaze Beauty Velvet Blur Matte Lipstick Balm.
- Tip: For extra staying power, blot with a tissue and dust translucent powder over the lips.
5. Doll Blush: Channeling Playful Pink Glow
Thanks to the lingering impact of the blockbuster Barbie movie, doll-like blush is everywhere. Anna Sui’s spring/summer runway paraded cheeks with exaggerated pinks, while stars like Zendaya and Sabrina Carpenter have made blown-out, youthful blush a beauty statement.
- How to Wear: Concentrate a poppy-pink blush directly onto the apples of your cheeks, blending outward in an oval for a lifted, playful effect.
- Longevity Hack: Layer a cream blush first, then set with a powder blush of a similar or slightly brighter shade. This ensures color that lasts through humidity and long summer days.
- Try: r.e.m. beauty Hypernova Satin Matte Blush, Revlon Illuminance Gel Serum Blush.
- Pair With: Minimal eyes and lips to keep the look fresh and vibrant.
6. Matte Smokey Eyes: Grunge Influence Reimagined
Soft, smudgy smokey eyes with a matte finish are having a serious moment, seen on the runways of Luar, Louis Vuitton, and LaQuan Smith. This trend dials up the drama with minimal effort, channeling a touch of ‘90s grunge with contemporary ease. Demi Lovato and countless influencers model this edgy—but surprisingly wearable—look.
- How to Wear: Smudge deep brown, charcoal, or black matte shadows around the lashes and through the crease. Tightline the upper and lower waterlines for extra definition.
- Finish: Keep shimmer to a minimum and focus on blending for a soft, diffused effect—it’s about smokiness, not sharpness.
- Try: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals, Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Matte Eyeshadow.
- Use: A dense smudge brush for perfection, or your fingertip for a rawer, undone vibe.
7. Holographic Makeup: Multichrome Statement Looks
Holographic and multichrome finishes are the ultimate festival and party must-haves for Summer 2024. The key is a more-is-more approach: shimmering, color-shifting pigments on eyes, tops of cheekbones, even collarbones and beyond. On the runway, Priscavera took things further by dusting models’ chests with iridescent highlight, solidifying this trend as both daring and inclusive.
- How to Wear: Sweep a holographic, multichrome eyeshadow across the lids, dab iridescent highlighter on cheekbones, and finish with a slick of shimmering lip gloss. Layer multiple holographic products in coordinating tones for a 3D effect.
- Festival Edition: Don’t be afraid to apply to the body—shoulders, clavicles, or décolletage.
- Try: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick, Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow.
Table: Summer 2024 Makeup Trends at a Glance
| Trend | Signature Look | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Colored Mascara | Vivid lashes in blue, purple, or green | Build up intensity with multiple coats; clean edges with Q-tip |
| Blue Eyeshadow | All-over wash or sharp wing in sky/cobalt | Balance with a neutral face; keep brows soft |
| Underpainting | Subtle contour and highlight under skin tint | Use creamy, easily blended formulas |
| Blurry Lips | Soft, smudged lipstick in berry/terracotta | Apply with fingertips; use matte formulas |
| Doll Blush | Poppy pink on cheek apples | Layer cream and powder; keep lips/eyes minimal |
| Matte Smokey Eyes | Smudged, undone shadow | Focus on blending; tightline waterlines |
| Holographic Makeup | Multichrome eyes and highlight | Layer products; use on face and body for impact |
Expert Tips for nailing Summer Makeup Trends
- Layer for longevity. Pair creams and powders to help makeup endure summer humidity and activities.
- Set strategic spots. Powder only the T-zone to keep glowy finishes elsewhere.
- Use brushes and fingers creatively. Brushes can give a polished effect; fingertips ensure a soft, blurred look.
- Don’t skip prep. Fresh, hydrated skin makes trends like underpainting and dewy blush pop without looking cakey.
- Custom blend shades. Mix and match for a one-of-a-kind vibe—especially when using blues and pinks.
Product Recommendations for Your Summer Makeup Kit
- Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Electric Blue
- L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Deep Violet
- Freck Beauty Makeout Club Soft Blur Lipstick
- Simihaze Beauty Velvet Blur Matte Lipstick Balm
- r.e.m. beauty Hypernova Satin Matte Blush
- Revlon Illuminance Gel Serum Blush
- Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette
- Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Matte Eyeshadow
- Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick
- Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is underpainting and how does it improve my makeup?
A: Underpainting is the technique of laying down contour, highlight, and blush before foundation, resulting in a softer, more diffused complexion that appears naturally sculpted and radiant.
Q: How do I make my makeup last longer in hot weather?
A: Use a combination of cream and powder products, set with a lightweight setting spray, and consider blotting papers during the day for oil control.
Q: Can colored mascara work for minimal or professional looks?
A: Yes—apply just to the tips or in a subtle shade (like navy or burgundy) to add interest to low-key or office-friendly makeup.
Q: Are matte smokey eyes hard to wear every day?
A: By focusing on blending and using brown or taupe instead of black, matte smokey eyes can be soft and wearable for any day.
Q: What is the best way to wear holographic makeup outside of festivals?
A: Opt for subtle holographic highlights on the eyes or cheekbones for a touch of dimension—save full-face glitter for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
The Summer 2024 makeup trends are all about uninhibited color, creative finishes, and reimagined classics that encourage individual expression. Mix, match, and update these looks to reflect your vibe—because staying on trend should always feel like fun.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0FRb2YFwyY
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a60321641/summer-2024-makeup-trends/
- https://subtlbeauty.com/blogs/subtl-beauty-blog/summer-2024-makeup-trends
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g60993070/summer-2024-makeup-trends/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/celebrity-hair-makeup/a61080483/jodie-comer-peachy-beachy-makeup-summer-2024-trend/
- https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/a60964770/summer-2024-makeup-trends/
- https://pocketmags.com/us/cosmopolitan-magazine/aug-sept-2024
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtVmHRbU6M8
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