Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a masterclass in color with a new wave of wearable, expressive, and texture-rich makeup trends. This season, bold doesn’t mean brash. Instead, we’re seeing pastel tones, soft-focus finishes, and nostalgic hues reimagined with a modern twist. From juicy glosses to muted greens, makeup artists are embracing color as a means of personal expression without the drama of precision or overproduction. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, this year’s shade spectrum invites everyone to play.
Butter yellow: Sunshine in a swipe
Soft, luminous, and unexpectedly flattering, butter yellow is the breakout color of Spring and it’s not losing steam as we head into peak summer. Its creamy undertone bridges cheerful and chic, offering a touch of warmth that flatters all skin tones. Makeup artist Timothy MacKay expects even greener variations, like chartreuse, to emerge by fall, but for now, think sunshine-soft.
Ease into the trend with pastel yellow eyeshadow, like Victoria Beckham Beauty’s velvety pigment, or add a pop to your mani with shades from JinSoon or Essie. For the bold: layer it onto your eyelids with clean skin and glossy lips for a look that’s as fresh as it is editorial.
Blurred berry: Depth without drama
Berry shades raspberry, Bordeaux, mulberry are stepping out of winter and into summer, softened with a blurred, low-maintenance finish. “You get the richness of berry shades without the weight,” says pro artist Christin Cook Zito, who’s loving the diffused lip trend. Think soft-edged stains, sheer balms, and velvety textures.
To achieve the look, swap your classic lipstick for a berry-tinted balm or apply a rich shade to the center of your lips and blur outward with your fingertip. For a more tonal look, dab a matching cream blush on the cheeks and blend into the crease of the eye Y2K energy, redefined.
Pistachio green: The pastel power player
Pistachio, matcha, mint green in its softest, most gelato-inspired forms is having a moment. This muted hue feels cool and unexpected, especially against glowing, minimalist skin. Chanel makeup artist Tyron Machhausen recommends using it on the lids or lower lash line for a pop that’s subtle but striking.
Cream formulas and sheer washes are key. A swipe of pistachio liner or shadow adds dimension while keeping the overall look soft. Pair with brushed-up brows and a dewy complexion to let the color breathe.
Wet shine: Gloss, lacquer, and luminous everything
Texture is as crucial as color this season, and wet shine is leading the charge. Glossy lips, gleaming lids, and high-shine nails are everywhere. Rouge Coco Baume and Fenty’s Glass Slipper luminizer offer glassy finishes that elevate any hue. “It’s polished but playful,” says Machhausen. “You can wear a color you love and make it feel new just by changing the finish.”
For lips, layer a translucent gloss over your favorite liner. For cheeks, try a skin balm with a built-in highlight. And on nails, go for high-gloss top coats that mimic gel without the damage.
Lovely lilac: Feminine, cool, and modern
Cool lavender and lilac tones continue their reign as a go-to for both romantics and minimalists. Zito calls lilac “a dreamy, modern twist on spring and summer makeup,” perfect for monochromatic looks or unexpected pairings.
Apply a soft lilac shadow for a whisper of color, or use a lavender-toned setting powder to brighten and soften the complexion. Pair with glossy lips and a light shimmer highlighter like Gucci’s frosted formula for an ethereal finish.
Oceanic coral: Summer’s beach-glow essential
Bright, buoyant coral tones inspired by ocean life are delivering heat this season. Zito recommends coral cream blushes to bring warmth and freshness to the cheeks especially on dewy, hydrated skin. Products from Saie and Merit provide easy-to-blend, skin-loving options.
For lips, a coral balm or satin-finish lipstick offers a sun-kissed effect without veering into neon territory. Layer with a bit of clear gloss to enhance the beachy, youthful glow. It’s the kind of color that feels like golden hour in makeup form.
Future nostalgia: Metallics with a modern edge
A nod to Y2K glam with a polished update, “future nostalgia” is all about shimmer chrome liners, metallic lids, and sparkling finishes that feel grown-up and intentional. “It’s a futuristic take on early 2000s,” says Zito, who predicts a rise in holographic textures and bold liner shades like Atlantic blue, emerald, and aqua.
Try metallic eyeliner as a stand-alone statement with bare skin and brushed-up brows, or layer it with a frosted shadow for full fantasy. Chrome and glitter textures are back, but this time, they’re smoother, sheerer, and far more wearable for everyday.
Whether you’re gravitating toward muted greens, soft berries, or glossy finishes, Summer 2025 makeup is about exploration on your own terms. Play with pastels, experiment with new textures, and let your favorite colors lead. The rules are simple: express yourself, glow a little brighter, and have fun doing it.
