With leisurely pool days and sun-filled beach trips on the horizon, it’s time to try out some new summer makeup looks. This year, we’re not so much letting go of the fall and winter trends that captivated us throughout the pas few seasons, but rather honing in on the skin and paring down the drama to fit the warmer weather.
That’s right, toasty makeup and cloud lips are still on trend for summer, with a focus on skin that’s not too glassy or glazed but still packs a healthy glow. “Skin is moving away from ultra-glossy and instead feels more softly matte, with intentional highlight placement, giving makeup a more elevated, supermodel-inspired finish,” says celebrity makeup artist Desirae Cherman, whose clients include Lili Reinhart and Camila Mendes.
The main through-line this summer? ow-contrast makeup looks that feel lived-in and effortless. “Everything feels a little more undone in the best way right now,” says Cherman. “Softer brown liner, taupe tones, understated contour, and a slightly deeper lip line that creates definition without looking overly ‘done.’ It’s effortless, cool, and actually wearable for real life.”
For example, celebrity makeup artist Sangwan Jeon favors 굽굽 (Gubgub) makeup, a Korean beauty trend that creates a “softly toasted, lived-in warmth” for a “moody, sun-kissed, and effortlessly elegant” look.
“What makes the trend so appealing is that it doesn’t chase perfection in the traditional sense,” Jeon says. “It’s more about creating atmosphere and emotion through makeup: warm flushed cheeks, softly smoked eyes, blurred edges, and a naturally ‘melted-in’ finish that feels intimate and modern.”
Ready to turn the temperature up on your look? Keep reading for the hottest summer makeup trends for 2026.
