Summer Makeup Trends 2025

Summer Makeup Trends 2025: Fresh, Glowy and Effortless

Charlotte’s WBTV QC Life recently invited me to join them to chat all about 2025 Summer makeup trends. Summer 2025 is all about breathable skin, natural radiance, and lightweight layers that stay put in the heat.

From Charlotte humidity to vacation getaways, these trends will help you keep your look fresh without feeling overdone. You can watch the segment here and read along for my favorite products!

1. Skin-Focused Makeup

This season, skin is the star. Instead of full coverage, the focus is on light layers that let your complexion shine through. Tinted SPFs, sheer foundations, and glow-enhancing primers are leading the way.

My favorites:

• Hourglass Veil Skin Tint

• Hourglass Illusion Skin Tint

• L’Oréal True Match Serum Foundation

• L’Oréal Lumi Glotion

• Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40

Apply with a light hand and skip the heavy layering. Less really is more.

2. Pops of Color on the Cheeks

Juicy cheek colors in watermelon pink, coral, tangerine, and lilac are trending. The rest of your makeup should stay soft so your cheeks can be the main event.

Cream blushes work best for that dewy, summery finish. Tap them on with fingers or a brush and blend out for a natural flush.

Try these:

• Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

• Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint

• Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil

• Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Blush

• e.l.f Cosmetics Camo Liquid Blush

3. Set Strategically

Setting spray is no longer just the final step. Mist your face between layers to help each product melt into the skin and stay in place.

Use it after foundation, after cream blush, and again at the end to lock everything in. This technique helps extend wear time and keep your base from sliding in the heat.

Must haves:

• Milani Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray

• Kosas Cloud Set Airy Setting Spray + Smoothing Mist

• One/Size On ’til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

• L’Oreal Infallible 3 Second Setting Mist Spray

4. Strategic Glow

Dewy skin is in, but this summer, glow should be placed intentionally. With Charlotte’s humidity already giving you a natural sheen, skip highlighting the forehead and nose.

Apply glow products only to the high points of your face like the tops of the cheekbones, temples, and collarbones.

Top glow picks:

• Saie Glowy Super Gel

• Westman Atelier Bronzing Drops

• e.l.f. Bronzing Drops

• Urban Decay Liquid Highlighter

5. Body Glow

Glowy shoulders and collarbones are perfect for summer nights. Body oils and cream sticks add dimension without looking glittery.

Favorites:

• Sol de Janeiro GlowMotions

• DIBS Status Stick

• Tom Ford Shimmering Body Oil

Apply to exposed skin for a luminous finish that catches the light beautifully.

6. Hydrated Lips

Matte lips are taking a back seat to balmy glosses and nourishing oils. Think sheer tints and shine that feels comfortable all day.

Try these:

• Makeup by Mario MoistureGlow

• Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss

• Lawless Forget the Filler Gloss

Pair these with soft cheeks and a lightweight base for the perfect summer combination.

Final Takeaway

The biggest lesson this summer is that less can last longer. When your products are lighter and layered intentionally, you not only feel more comfortable, but your makeup actually holds up better in the heat. Stick to breathable textures, fresh pops of color, and a little glow where it counts.

xo, Caitlyn