Summer 2023 is a season of fearless color, radiant skin, and makeup that speaks volumes without saying a word. As the temperatures rise, makeup trends are cooling down with fresh takes on classic aesthetics and bold splashes of color that embrace individuality, creativity, and a sun-drenched glow. This season’s beauty mood board is a celebration of vibrancy and texture, taking cues from nature, fashion runways, and the ever-evolving world of TikTok and Instagram reels. Whether you’re lounging poolside, heading to a rooftop party, or simply enjoying the warmth of a summer evening, these trending shades and looks are designed to help you slay all day. Here are 9 must-try makeup looks that are dominating Summer 2023.
1. Cherry Cola Lips
Dark, moody, and glossy — cherry cola lips are the grungy-glam statement of the season. Inspired by the deep burgundy tones of cherry soda, this shade works across all skin tones, providing a dramatic yet wearable pout that screams confidence. Paired best with dewy skin and soft eye makeup, the cherry cola trend bridges the gap between edgy and romantic. It’s about more than just color — it’s also about texture. Use a high-shine lip gloss or lip oil over a matte or satin-finish lipstick in a deep red-brown or berry hue to recreate the effervescent look of fizzy cola. This makeup moment thrives both day and night and pairs well with minimalist or fully glam makeup. It’s a great alternative for those who are tired of the classic red or pink lips and want to dive into something richer but still summer-appropriate. Celebs and influencers have already begun showing off this trend on the red carpet and social media, confirming it as the sultry-luxe lip of the summer.
2. Tangerine Blush Bomb
Summer 2023 has embraced the power of blush like never before, and leading the charge is the punchy, citrusy shade of tangerine. A warm-toned, sun-drenched hue, tangerine blush adds an instant lift and youthful glow to your cheeks, especially when paired with a light base and minimal eye makeup. Dab it across the apples of your cheeks and bring it up toward your temples for a lifted look that mimics the effect of golden-hour lighting. Cream formulas are ideal here — they melt into the skin, creating a naturally flushed finish that plays beautifully in the sun. This bold yet wearable shade complements warm and cool undertones alike and doubles as a stunning monochrome moment when swept lightly over eyelids and even lips. Think sunkissed skin, a carefree smile, and a fresh-faced glow that radiates joy. Tangerine evokes everything we love about summer: bold sunsets, sweet fruits, and playful adventure. This shade is your ultimate vacation-in-a-compact. Whether you’re hitting the beach or your favorite brunch spot, a swipe of tangerine blush will instantly warm up your entire look.
3. Pastel Lilac Lids
Soft, dreamy, and endlessly ethereal — pastel lilac eyeshadow is a refreshing update to summer’s usual bronze tones. This 2023 favorite is about embracing the delicate charm of lavender without veering into childish territory. Applied sheerly or built up for a more pigmented punch, lilac flatters a variety of eye colors, especially green and brown. The look works best when kept simple: sweep a pastel lilac cream shadow or shimmer pigment across your lids, then finish with fluffy lashes or a single coat of mascara to keep things light and romantic. You can also add a touch of highlight in the inner corners for extra brightness. Want a twist? Add a pop of metallic lilac to the center of your eyelids or pair it with a bold graphic liner in white or black. Pastel lilac is the ultimate cool-girl color — it feels whimsical without losing its edge and adds an instant artistic flair to any ensemble. It’s a subtle nod to the Y2K revival, wrapped up in an ultra-modern, wearable package that feels totally fresh this season.
4. Ocean Teal Eyeliner
Dive into the deep with teal eyeliner — the aquatic trend that’s making a splash in Summer 2023. Rich, vibrant, and endlessly versatile, ocean teal strikes the perfect balance between bold and wearable. Whether you opt for a graphic wing, a smudged-out lower lash line, or a precise waterline flick, teal makes the whites of your eyes pop and adds intrigue without overpowering your look. This shade works beautifully on all skin tones and eye colors but is particularly stunning on brown and hazel eyes, drawing out golden and green flecks. For a more intense look, use a gel liner or liquid pen to define the eyes, then keep the rest of your makeup neutral. Or, for a beachy, boho feel, blend teal pencil across the upper lash line and smudge it softly with your finger. This color captures the magic of ocean waves, tropical escapes, and clear skies — it’s the perfect mood for summer adventure. And best of all? Teal pairs well with everything from coral lips to bronze cheeks, offering endless ways to customize your look.
5. Glossy Coral Lips
Nothing says summer like a juicy coral lip, and in 2023, the glossier, the better. Glossy coral lips combine the best of peach, pink, and orange tones to deliver a bright, fresh pop of color that instantly lights up the face. The gloss component adds dimension and plumpness, making lips look fuller and more youthful — a perfect match for summer’s carefree energy. This shade complements tanned skin beautifully but also brightens fair complexions, proving its versatility. Pair it with bronzed cheeks and brushed-up brows for an effortless beachy vibe or contrast it against clean, luminous skin for a high-fashion finish. Coral glosses come in all finishes — from sheer tints to high-pigment lacquers — so you can tailor the intensity to your vibe. The key is keeping it playful and radiant. This look screams “summer glow-up” and works just as well for a day at the farmer’s market as it does for golden-hour selfies or evening cocktails. Glossy coral lips are the ultimate pick-me-up — flirty, tropical, and unapologetically fun.
6. Golden Champagne Glow
Move over matte — Summer 2023 is all about the radiant, candlelit skin brought to life by golden champagne highlighters. This warm, flattering shade sits somewhere between gold and rose gold, adding a luminous gleam to the high points of the face without turning ashy or glittery. Whether in powder, cream, or liquid form, champagne highlighter gives you that lit-from-within glow that mimics the soft shine of golden hour. Apply it to your cheekbones, brow bone, the bridge of your nose, and even your collarbones for a head-to-toe shimmer effect. Layer it over dewy foundation or mix it into your moisturizer for a more subtle glow. Champagne tones suit all skin tones and work especially well on warm undertones, catching the light without overpowering the rest of your makeup. It’s the perfect complement to bold blush, bright lips, or colorful eyeshadow. The golden champagne glow brings glamour and softness in equal measure — it’s your skin, but on a dreamy, sunlit vacation.
7. Burnt Peach Eyes
A sultry cousin to bronze, burnt peach eyeshadow offers a smoky yet wearable color story that adds depth without overwhelming the face. This smoldering shade walks the line between orange, copper, and terracotta, making it ideal for both day and night. For a simple summer look, sweep burnt peach across your lids with a fluffy brush and add mascara. Want more drama? Layer with deeper rust tones in the crease or add shimmer for a molten effect. This tone looks incredible on warm skin tones but can be adapted for cooler complexions by blending it with soft taupes or pinks. Burnt peach eyes deliver a sophisticated, sun-kissed vibe that elevates any outfit — think linen dresses, slick ponytails, and glowing skin. The best part? It’s a versatile workhorse of a shade that can be as natural or intense as you like. Paired with nude lips and glossy skin, burnt peach creates a romantic, desert-dreamy energy that’s perfectly in tune with the hottest months of the year.
8. Sky Blue Inner Corners
Add a jolt of playful brightness to your look with sky blue inner corner highlights — a microtrend that’s going macro this summer. This unexpected pop of color brings instant freshness to your makeup without needing a full eyeshadow commitment. By placing a small amount of pale blue pigment or shimmer right at the tear duct, you draw attention to the eyes and create a wide-awake effect. Sky blue plays especially well with bronzed skin and neutral lids, offering a subtle contrast that feels experimental but chic. For a futuristic edge, pair with graphic white liner or metallics; for a softer vibe, blend with champagne tones or soft brown shadows. This trend feels like a breath of fresh air — literal blue skies at your eyes — and is perfect for daytime events, music festivals, or just shaking up your everyday routine. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and surprisingly flattering on all eye shapes. Sky blue inner corners are the playful twist your summer glam has been waiting for.
9. Rosy Nude Everything
Minimalism meets romanticism in the rosy nude trend — a soft, tonal look that sweeps rose-tinged nudes across eyes, cheeks, and lips for a monochromatic masterpiece. Rosy nudes are neutral enough for everyday wear yet sophisticated enough to feel polished and chic. Look for shades with a blend of mauve, beige, and pink — not too cool, not too warm — and layer them in creams or powders for a seamless finish. Start with a sheer wash on the lids, follow with a subtle blush on the apples of the cheeks, and top off with a tinted balm or satin lipstick in the same family. This trend thrives on blending and harmony — nothing harsh, nothing too bold, just glowing, cohesive beauty. Rosy nude everything is ideal for weddings, workdays, or romantic evenings out, giving you that clean-girl aesthetic with a touch of softness. It’s effortless, pretty, and wearable for all skin tones and ages — proof that sometimes, less really is more.
Summer 2023 is the season of expressive, mood-lifting makeup. From electric blues and bold peaches to soft lilacs and sultry cherry tones, this year’s shades are all about making a statement while keeping it wearable and joyful. Whether you want to go full glam or keep it sheer and sun-kissed, these 9 trends offer something for everyone. Let your creativity bloom, let your skin glow, and embrace a season where makeup is not just beauty — it’s energy, freedom, and fun.
