Whether you're actually spending time at the beach this summer or just want to make it look like you are, the best summer makeup trends of 2026 are all about getting that vacation-level glow. With trends like Aussie-girl glam, which makes you feel like you've just gotten back from Bondi Beach, and sun-kissed blush, these summer makeup moments are about enhancing what you already have and building on the "your skin but better" moment we're seeing across beauty right now.
“The focus is healthy, radiant skin rather than full-coverage matte makeup," says New York makeup artist Maria Giannopoulos. "More of my clients are asking for makeup that looks like skin." This summer, pack away the full-coverage foundation and heavy contour, and instead reach for lightweight, multitasking cream products. It's all about strategic color placement, hydration and a healthy, lit-from-within glow all season long.
Ahead, check out the top makeup trends for summer 2026, straight from makeup artists themselves.
Featured Experts
- Maria Giannopoulos is a makeup artist in New York
- Stephanie Orsomarso is a professional makeup artist and hairstylist in New York
Sun-Kissed Blush
One of the season's top looks is sun-kissed blush, which New York makeup artist and hairstylist Stephanie Orsomarso loves on her clients as well as herself. It delivers a sunburn-like effect without the sun damage. "Blush is placed across the cheeks and nose to look like you literally just got back from the beach," says Orsomarso. "It mimics the natural flush you get after spending a day in the sun and makes the skin look healthy, youthful and naturally radiant.”
If you want to create the look at home, apply blush high on the cheeks and lightly across the bridge of the nose before blending for a seamless finish. Terracotta, cherry red, coral and warm pink shades are the ones to reach for. Placing the blush high on the cheeks like this helps contour the face as well. “If you want a stronger, more sunburnt effect, apply the product directly to the face before blending,” says Orsomarso. “For something softer and more diffused, work the product into your brush from the back of your hand first, then apply it to the skin.”
To get the look, Orsomarso recommends using Rhode Pocket Blush in Tan Line ($25) or Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil in Papaya Pop ($34).
Seamless Underpainting
The underpainting technique continues to dominate this summer. If you're new to it, rather than layering contour, blush and concealer on top of foundation, you actually apply all of those before foundation—and it works especially well with cream products. Once you've applied the contour, blush and concealer, finish with a lightweight foundation, skin tint or tinted moisturizer. "It creates a soft, skin-like finish that feels lighter and more natural in warm weather," says Giannopoulos.
To get the look, try the m.ph Underpainting Face Palette ($64).
Aussie Girl Glam
If you’ve spent any time on the makeup side of TikTok or other social media lately, you’ve likely seen the rise of Aussie Girl Glam, made up of bronzed skin, faux freckles and glossy lips to deliver a just-back-from-vacation natural glow.
To achieve the look, sweep warm bronzer across the forehead, temples, cheekbones and nose, and add subtle freckles and glossy lips. “It’s become so popular during the summer because it genuinely makes you look like you just got back from vacation,” Orsomarso says.
To get the look, try Chantecaille Real Bronze Gel-Powder Bronzer ($68) and Freck Beauty The Original Freckle ($28).
Butter Skin
While the ever-trending glass skin look emphasizes ultra-reflective shine, butter skin is a bit softer. It’s all about hydrated, smooth and healthy-looking skin that appears naturally luminous but not overly so.
“The look starts with really hydrating skin care,” says Orsomarso. From there, she recommends a sheer foundation or skin tint and spot concealing only where needed. Like so many other summer makeup trends this year, butter skin primarily leans into cream-based products.
“I think butter skin has become so popular because it gives people the glow they’re looking for while still holding up in summer heat,” Orsomarso says. “My clients want healthy, radiant skin, but they specifically request not to look sweaty or greasy.”
To get the look, try the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint ($39).
Watercolor Blush
It’s a blush-filled world lately. If you aren’t a fan of the beachy sun-kissed blush look—or like to switch it up—watercolor blush is another option trending this summer. This technique uses cream or liquid blush blended into the skin to create a diffused, angelic wash of color.
“Watercolor blush creates a soft wash of color that mimics a natural flush rather than a noticeable blush application,” says Giannopoulos. You can enhance the effect with an effortlessly monochromatic look and use the same shade on both your cheeks and lips. “I love this trend because it adds just enough color while still looking natural,” she adds.
To get the look, try Nars Insatiable Longwearing Liquid Blush ($36).
Wet Eye Makeup
Wet-looking eye makeup uses shimmer, chrome and multidimensional sparkle to create a glossy, light-catching finish that appears almost liquid under sunlight. “These are eye looks that appear glossy, luminous and almost wet when they catch the light,” says Orsomarso.
The easiest way to wear the trend is with a cream shadow topped with a reflective shimmer concentrated at the center of the lid. “It's especially popular during the summer because it catches sunlight and flash photography beautifully while requiring very little effort,” she says.
To get the look, try Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow ($25).
