Summer is here, and it’s time to spice up your everyday look with a splash of color. Whether you want to start with pretty, neutral metallic eye shadows, bubblegum lips or a sweep of bronze to brighten up a pallid complexion, there’s a look for every taste. Read on for our list of 10 top looks and products, complete with simple how-to instructions.
Summer is a great time to take a risk and experiment with color – especially with the wide array of makeup shades popular this season. Wondering how to (tastefully) try out the neon trend, or fake a golden glow with bronzer? Need a way to add drama to your usual eye shadow palate of subdued taupes and golds? In this article, you’ll learn how to add color and drama using some of summer’s hottest shades for lips, cheeks and eyes.
Eyes
Trendy neons. Go from blah to wow by adding a vibrant pop of color to your eyes. This season, neons are making a big splash - but tread carefully if you’re not used to such bright colors. Cosmopolitan suggests, “To avoid looking like you've just stepped out of the 80's, choose only one of these shades to brush onto your eyelids.” Choose an electric blue, tangerine, lime or any other standout shade. POP Beauty Lid Neon contains a rainbow of pretty neons, so you can experiment to your heart’s content.
Cool purples. Purple is a hot shade right now, and surprisingly wearable. Allure suggests sheer orchid purple, worn with black eyeshadow. “Choose a powder version with a satin finish and spread it over your lids so the color is truly opaque,” the magazine recommends. Use a sweep of a lighter shade all over your lid, followed by a darker purple to contour. Try a two-color set like Laura Geller Eye Stay
Cream Shadow, Lilac & Orchid to make choosing complementary shades a little easier.
Brilliant blues. According to Elle, “Waves of blue washed over eyes at many of the spring 2012 shows.” But you don’t have to follow Barbie’s classic blue eye shadow look – there are many blues to choose from. Navy, sapphire, periwinkle or cornflower blue – choose just one, or layer them all. Laura Geller Baked Marble Eye Shadow Blue Heaven is a swirled combination of beautiful blues that makes it easy to create your own look.
Metallic neutrals. Not a fan of bright neons or girly pastels? Look for your favorite neutral shades that have a hint of metallic sheen. Ladies Home Journal suggests “glammed-up neutrals, such as brown, taupe, and ivory, as the palette that will take your summer days from ho-hum to hubba-hubba.” A touch of bronze eyeliner will complete the look, like Jane Iredale Liquid Eye Liner - Copper.
Lips
5. Warm reds and oranges. Be bold and welcome summer with your choice of reddish or orange tones on the lips. “Pick products that are opaque without a drop of shimmer, and when applying, prep lips first with a matching pencil,” suggests Allure. The magazine recommends blue-tinted shades if your natural undertones are cool, and orange tones if you have warm undertones. Jane Iredale PureGloss for Lips - Apricot Fizz is an orange gloss that also plumps and nourishes the lips.
Girly glosses. Pretty glosses and sheer lipsticks are just right for barbeques and pool parties – a hint of color that flatters without taking center stage. "You don't want your lips to feel 'dressed.'" Therefore, look for lightweight glosses in any of the season's pastel shades, such as peach, coral, or pale pink,” Pati Dubroff, Dior makeup artist, tells Ladies Home Journal.
Flirty pinks. Not a fan of pastels? Pink is making a comeback this season, but you don’t have to stick to the soft, demure shades. Stay trendy with brighter, more saturated pinks – think bubble gum and strawberry ice cream. Try Stila Lip Glaze Bubble Gum.
Cheeks
Golden glow. Good news – you don’t have to spend time using self-tanners to get that coveted golden glow. Instead, try using a bronzer. Sweep a light layer over the cheeks as you would use blush, or apply color anywhere the sun naturally hits – forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. Make sure not to go too dark, or it’ll look unnatural. Jane Iredale Sunbeam Bronzer is a palate of four shades from pink to gold that you can mix and match or swirl together.
Coral cheeks. Add a pop of color that still looks almost natural with a cream or lip stain in a coral shade. Allure recommends avoiding pink-toned corals if you naturally get flushed cheeks; however, if you have yellow undertones, “go for more pink and less orange.” Stila Custom Color Blush Self Adjusting Coral adjusts to suit your unique skin tone. Or, look for a stain that’s made for both lips and cheeks; coral is great for the lips too.
Facial highlighter. For a lighter, more subtle option than a bronzer or blush, a facial highlighter is a great way to give your face some color. Plus, it will complement bolder eyes and lips without competing for attention. Look for a multi-tasking highlighter like Jane Iredale In Touch Highlighter, which can also be used on the eyes and brow bone.
Whether you consider yourself a trendsetter or prefer a more natural-looking makeup palate, don’t be afraid to stray from your everyday makeup regimen and try something new. Go glam for weekends and layer your favorite neon eye shadows, or try a strawberry pink gloss for that next shopping trip with the girls – and enjoy this summer’s hottest trends.
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See also:
Summer Makeup Shades for Every Skin Tone
Smart Summer Fashion and Beauty: Tips and Products that Protect Your Eyes From Sun Damage
Green Your Summer Skin Care Routine with 8 Eco-Friendly Finds
Summer Nail Fashion: Manicure Trends for Every Style