Sunlight dances longer in the sky, colors feel more alive, and the air vibrates with the promise of adventure—summer is the season to be bold, expressive, and unapologetically radiant. When it comes to makeup, especially eye makeup, summer 2023 calls for daring departures from the subtlety of past trends. This is the time to experiment with fearless color palettes, glimmering finishes, and unconventional shapes that bring life to your eyes. Whether you’re heading to a beach party, an evening rooftop hangout, or simply want to make your daily look pop, this season’s eye makeup trends are all about celebrating your individuality and turning heads. Below are 8 electrifying eye makeup looks that embody the heat, brightness, and vibrance of summer 2023.
1. Tropical Neons: Heatwave on Your Lids
Nothing says summer quite like a vibrant explosion of neon across your eyelids. Think electric pinks, blinding yellows, flaming oranges, and vivid greens blended with precision yet freedom. The key is to balance the intensity of neon with simplicity elsewhere—keep your skin fresh and lips understated. Use a white eye base to make the pigments pop, and don’t be afraid to extend the shadow outward for a winged or blown-out effect. Neon eyeliners are also making a comeback—draw graphic lines above the crease or in the inner corners for added dimension. This look is perfect for beach festivals or any summer event where you want your eyes to command attention. Pair with oversized sunglasses and a swipe of waterproof mascara to keep it smudge-free in the heat. Tropical neons are not just a look; they’re a mood—a visual representation of the hottest season in full force. Embrace the brightness, because summer 2023 demands it.
2. Mermaid Metallics: Shimmer Beneath the Surface
Dive into the cool, mythical world of mermaid-inspired metallics for a sultry, underwater sheen that catches the sunlight with every blink. This look plays with reflective textures in oceanic tones—teal, aqua, lavender, and silver—applied generously across the lids. Begin with a creamy metallic base and build layers using glitter shadows and chrome pigments for a multi-dimensional finish. Focus on the inner corners and center of the lids to mimic the effect of light reflecting off water. You can even add face gems or stick-on pearls for an added aquatic fantasy element. To elevate the look, smudge a matching shade under the lower lash line and coat lashes with a tinted mascara in blue or purple. Mermaid metallics offer both playfulness and mystique, making them ideal for sunset parties, late-night swims, or moonlit dates. They blend fantasy with fashion, reminding everyone that summer is a time for transformation—and sometimes, just a little magic.
3. Sunset Smokes: From Dusk ‘til Drama
Take inspiration from nature’s most cinematic moment—the sunset—and bring it to your eyelids with warm, smoked-out tones that transition from gold to burnt orange, deep crimson, and even violet. Start with a gradient base of matte warm shades, then layer with shimmering bronzes and reddish tones to create depth and drama. Blend the edges softly to avoid harsh lines and let the colors melt into one another like the sky at dusk. A smudged dark liner and wispy lashes add extra sultriness. Sunset smokes are versatile—they can be dramatic or soft depending on how you apply them, making them perfect for both daytime adventures and evening glam. Complement the look with warm blush and a coral or nude lip. It’s a romantic take on smoky eyes, reinvented with summer in mind. This look captures the fleeting beauty of golden hour and gives it a place on your face—where it can linger as long as you wish.
4. Futuristic Flicks: Sharp Lines, Fresh Angles
Clean, architectural, and fiercely modern, the futuristic flick is the eyeliner trend of the season. Break away from the classic cat eye and explore asymmetric shapes, double wings, floating creases, and even geometric lines extending past the temples. Use a waterproof liquid or gel liner in bold shades—black is classic, but metallic silver, cobalt blue, or neon green bring a futuristic edge. Pair it with a bare or monochrome lid to let the graphic shapes stand out. This look is perfect for making a statement without needing eyeshadow—precision is everything here. Use tape or a stencil for sharp angles if you’re not confident freehand. These edgy liner styles convey a sense of power, attitude, and sleek rebellion. It’s ideal for high-fashion moments, nightclubs, or just for those days when you want your makeup to reflect your bold inner architect. In summer 2023, the future is now—and it’s drawn in clean, unapologetic lines.
5. Glazed Pastels: Ice Cream for the Eyes
Soft, sugary, and almost edible, glazed pastel eye makeup is the sweet surprise of the season. Think of lavender, mint, baby blue, and peach washed delicately over the lids and topped with a glossy finish. These shades give off a youthful, dreamy vibe, but the gloss gives them a modern twist. Start by applying pastel cream shadows or pigments, blending softly into the crease. Then, apply a non-sticky eye gloss or clear balm on top to create that dewy, glazed look. The finish should be light-catching and wet-looking—like your lids just came out of a dip in the ocean. Pair with fluttery lashes and a dewy complexion to amplify the ethereal effect. Glazed pastels work beautifully for daytime brunches, garden parties, or even first dates. They’re the pastel version of dopamine dressing—uplifting and mood-boosting, with a sense of whimsy that only summer can truly justify.
6. Monochrome Bold: One Color to Rule Them All
Minimal in concept but maximal in impact, the monochrome eye look takes a single bold color and makes it the star. Whether you choose cobalt blue, ruby red, chartreuse, or ultraviolet, apply it confidently across lids, under the lash line, and even into the brows for high-fashion drama. Use a cream or liquid formula for maximum pigmentation, and pair it with matching mascara or even colored lashes for full impact. Avoid adding other colors to keep the monochrome integrity intact. This look is runway-ready but surprisingly wearable when paired with sleek hair and neutral lips. It’s also easy to adapt to different skin tones by selecting shades that complement your undertone. Monochrome bold looks offer a graphic, editorial edge that translates beautifully into real life—especially for summer events where standing out is the goal. It’s power dressing, but for your face: direct, intentional, and unapologetically bold.
7. Electric Undereyes: Color Where It Counts
This trend flips the traditional eye makeup layout on its head by putting the focus on the lower lash line. Electric undereyes bring intense color—like hot pink, electric blue, lime green, or even tangerine—to the bottom of the eye, often with smudged or graphic application. You can keep the upper lid bare or use a neutral shadow to ground the look. This unexpected placement creates a reverse pop that draws attention in the most modern way. Use waterproof formulas to prevent smudging, and don’t be afraid to add glitter or metallic detail for a little extra shock. This trend is particularly striking in photos and makes your eyes appear bigger and more expressive. Pair with a nude lip and sleek brows to keep the attention on your eyes. Electric undereyes are for the daring and the trend-savvy—those who know that summer isn’t just about following the sun, but making it follow you.
8. Psychedelic Patterns: Art for the Eyes
This look is for the creatives, the maximalists, and the rule-breakers. Psychedelic eye makeup takes inspiration from 70s prints, tie-dye swirls, and kaleidoscopic colors to create literal works of art around your eyes. Think colorful waves, dots, spiral liners, or patchwork patterns using a full spectrum of vivid hues. This is not about symmetry or perfection—it’s about freedom and expression. Use fine brushes or precision liners in neon and pastel shades to build your design, and finish with contrasting mascara or glitter for added dimension. While this look may not be everyday-wear for everyone, it’s ideal for festivals, raves, photo shoots, or any event where you want to make a jaw-dropping impact. Psychedelic patterns make your eyes a canvas for your wildest imagination. It’s not just makeup—it’s a movement, a statement, and a celebration of the uninhibited joy that defines the summer spirit.
From poolside to party nights, beach days to urban escapes, summer 2023 is redefining eye makeup as an art form—and an attitude. This season invites us to go beyond safe choices and embrace boldness in every blink, shimmer, and swoosh of color. Whether you’re drawn to sharp geometry, radiant shimmer, sugary softness, or artistic chaos, there’s a look here to amplify your energy and set your style on fire. Don’t just wear makeup this summer—make a statement, spark a trend, and most of all, have fun with every daring stroke.
