Our experts reveal some of this season’s hottest looks in cosmetics.
Exaggerated Cat Eye: “If structure to an eye look is your thing, we’re seeing the exaggerated cat eye play out,” says Janeena Rumsey, global education ambassador and artistry lead at Glo Skin Beauty. “Create a cat eye wing shape, but make it longer and sharper for an upgraded graphic feline-liner look that is being called dark femininity or romantic goth.”
Makeup Magic: For cheeks, blushes, bronzers, and highlighters will play a big role,” says Nicole Musco, director of product development at Jane Iredale. “Cheek products in cream formulations or sticks are incredibly blendable and we will see them being applied to areas beyond the apple of the cheeks. Makeup looks showcasing blushes and bronzers blended upwards into the temple and into the eyelid crease or even onto the bridge of the nose will be popular. Lip products with high-shine, non-sticky formulations, such as oils, serums, and glosses will be a focus for the summer, as they hydrate and protect while leaving lips looking luscious and plump.”
Time to Glow: “This summer season will be all about the glow,” says Musco. “Products with good-for-your-skin ingredients that deliver hydration and protection and leave skin looking healthy and dewy will be top of mind for consumers. We will see foundations that deliver a sheer or light coverage to the skin designed to enhance rather than conceal.”
Underpainting: “Underpainting has officially made its way onto the scene and all harsh lines of demarcation are being replaced with a smooth and seamless blend to the complexion,” says Rumsey. “If you’re wanting to achieve a soft-looking summer sculpt with naturally glowing flushed cheeks, try applying contour, highlighter, and blush first, then tinted moisturizer or foundation over the top.”
Summer Smoke: “This summer, the classic smokey eye has taken on a whole new meaning,” says Rumsey. “Think fresh, effortless, and imperfectly perfect with a lived-in approach. It’s edgy, undone, and a perfect eye look to beat the summer heat. Blend, smudge, smoke out, and play with eyeshadows and liners to find the perfect look. And, try adding unexpected colors into the mix rather than the usual charcoal or smokey shades.”
Natural Beauty: “Makeup must-haves for this summer include a dewy makeup primer that can be applied by itself or added to a moisturizer or SPF, a natural brow pencil that defines and thickens, and a mineral-based powder that adds color without completely covering up healthy skin,” says Rene Freeman, global educator at Osmosis Beauty. “Also, a tried-and-true bronzer for a quick pick-me-up and a lush lip oil that nourishes and restores sun-kissed lips.”
Color Story
Find out what shades are standing out this season.
“This summer, you will see tons of magenta, as Viva Magenta was announced as the Pantone Color of the Year for 2023. It is a perfect summer color that is universally flattering and can be worn in many areas of the face, from cheeks to lips and eyes. We will also see corals and oranges, pinks, and shimmery bronze and silver to be used on eyes and lips as complementary tones to sun-kissed skin.” —Nicole Musco, director of product development, Jane Iredale
“Bronzed tones will forever be a summer go-to for most, but for those looking to venture outside of the box, a fresh new color is making its way to the forefront. Hazy hues that lend to a soft, romantic approach and read as light washes of color are in. Think cool-toned pink, mauve with a touch of dusty rose, and taupey greys. Also, pastels are no longer limited to just spring makeup statements. They now carry over into summer, bringing a lightweight airiness to any look. Various tones of lilac, soft canary yellow, baby pink, and electric blue swept across lids, accenting cheeks, and on the lips will be seen this summer season.” —Janeena Rumsey, global education ambassador and artistry lead, Glo Skin Beauty