While Memorial Day (and all of its sales) marks the unofficial start of summer, we still have a few weeks left of spring to savor as we gear up for the summer solstice. Naturally, this can only mean one thing for us beauty lovers: It’s time for a makeup bag overhaul. Sure, we already revealed some of the most coveted new beauty launches rolling out this season, but thought, why not consult some makeup artists to find out the top trends and their favorite products for spring and summer, too? From tinted sunscreens to skin-care-infused foundations and bronzers that give the most gorgeous sun-kissed glow, we can confidently say their recommendations are worth writing home about (and adding to cart).
“This spring and summer you can expect to see lots of blush, bright-colored eye makeup and balmy, satin skin finishes, as well as more lip oils and glosses instead of traditional lipstick,” says makeup artist Jonet Williamson.
Makeup artist Allan Avendaño is in agreement. “Pops of color will show up just like on the runways,” he says. “It’s all about having fun and using elements of color, whether it’s brushed on, graphic lines, sheer washes or bold pops” He adds that we can expect to see dewy, lit-from-within skin everywhere, too. “A luminous glossy complexion that’s so sexy for spring — it hugs the natural curves and contours of your face and gives your natural highlight points reflections of light.”
In addition to bright blush and glossy skin, makeup artist Shadi Malek predicts we’ll be seeing tons of faux freckles paired with barely-there eye makeup this season. “The combo is elite and makes you look super sun-kissed and fresh,” she says.
If you’re keen to try the trends, find the artists’ must-have spring and summer beauty essentials below.
Sunscreen
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Sunscreen is an absolute must — and the makeup artists agree. They’ve picked out some favorites that wear beautifully under makeup and act as primers, as well as others that enhance the skin’s natural glow.
A favorite of makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran, this ultra-hydrating, subtly tinted sunscreen features vegan collagen along with watermelon extract (high in vitamin C, amino acids and antioxidants) to both nourish and protect skin while wearing it. “This is my go-to SPF for sun protection without the heavy feel,” says Jaikaran. “Its lightweight formula ensures your skin stays shielded from harmful UV rays while feeling breathable and comfortable.”
“If you're looking for healthy sun protection that gives your skin a radiant glow, look no further,” says makeup artist Elisa Flowers. “My dermatologist gave me a sample and the glow on my face, chest and arms was so gorgeous, I had to order one — it's scent-free, doesn't burn your eyes or skin upon application and it feels lightweight. In fact, it's so comfortable I forget I'm wearing it."
Makeup artist Suzanne Sabat loves to use this weightless tinted formula in place of foundation, especially during the warmer months. “This formula allows everyone to protect their skin and look great while doing it,” she says. In addition to broad-spectrum UV protection, it also contains powerhouse antioxidants and ectoin to further safeguard skin against free radicals in our environment, as well as damage from blue light.
“It’s on the pricey side, but this sunscreen is great for sensitive skin and it’s formulated with niacinamide and vitamin C,” says Williamson of her staple SPF. The featherlight formula leaves zero white cast, making it an amazing option for all skin tones across the board — plus it contains paracress extract, which is known for its firming and lifting properties.
This gorgeous formula from Korean beauty brand Krave Beauty is another must-have for Williamson, who says it’s “fabulous for sensitive skin and leaves zero white cast.” The all-chemical formula contains hero ingredients like soothing beetroot extract, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, as well as propanediol to prevent moisture loss.
Primer
For the spring and summer, the experts recommend primers that enhance your radiance while prolonging your makeup’s wear time. Embracing the glowy look doesn’t mean sacrificing longevity with these picks.
This unique gel-cream blurring primer is one of Jaikaran’s most-used formulas, and with good reason. “It creates the perfect base as it blurs imperfections, minimizes pores and extends the wear of your makeup,” she says.
“This dewy primer gives a lived-in glow and elongates your foundation wear as the spring months bring on warmer weather,” says Sabat of Milk Makeup’s OG Hydro Grip primer. The lightweight gel formula adheres to makeup so it lasts all day long (even in the heat!) and contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and aloe water to hydrate and soothe skin while you wear it.
“This primer helps keep your makeup in place, has a subtle radiance and also helps makeup glide onto the skin so it’s perfect for dry patches,” says Flowers of this luxe pick from Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk line. The formula contains nourishing shea butter, skin-softening rice bran and hydrating glycerin to leave skin looking dewy and supple.
We understand why this is currently sold out. This ingenious mattifying, yet hydrating water-to-powder formula contains a winning combo of kaolin clay to absorb shine, niacinamide to minimize pores and soothe and tremella mushroom extract for its powerful antioxidant properties. “This is such a unique formula,” says makeup artist Eunice Kristen. “It leaves your face matte for hours without ever feeling drying on the skin.”
Foundation
The makeup artists favor foundations that are light and buildable, ideally with a natural finish that you don’t have to worry about looking cakey in heat and humidity.
“Foundation with skin care in it has been trending,” says Sabat. “This serum-based foundation allows for buildable coverage and has nourishing ingredients, which is great for skin coming off the harsher winter months.” Available in 51 shades, this comfortable formula contains ingredients like redness-reducing arnica, as well as two proprietary complexes that calm skin while fighting against free radical damage. It also has a super natural, skin-like finish that’s neither too shiny nor too matte.
“This stick foundation is perfect for the hot weather because of the soft matte finish,” says Malek. “It’s truly buildable and feels like you have nothing on.” It offers light (yet buildable) coverage and contains MVP ingredients like murumuru butter, hyaluronic acid and castor seed oil to deeply hydrate and nourish all skin types.
Another solid stick foundation is this luxurious pick from Westman Atelier, which Avendaño regularly uses on clients in the spring and summer months. “It feels good when it melts onto your skin, provides buildable coverage and has a natural skin-like finish,” he says. "It’s also so easy to touch up with as well.” The delicious, creamy formula contains moisturizing squalane and skin-soothing ingredients for a balanced complexion.
Bronzer
Summer beauty looks typically have tanned skin involved, and thanks to these expert-approved bronzers, you can achieve that golden glow on the fly.
This drugstore gem from NYX only costs $10 and gives the skin a gorgeous sun-kissed glow — like you just got back from Barbados, sans the sun damage. “This bronzer blends in effortlessly to give your complexion warmth and dimension,” says Jaikaran, who adores how buttery and smoothly the formula glides onto the skin. “It has mango, shea and almond butters so it creates a beautiful smooth finish.”
“This bronzer stick is quick and allows our beauty lovers on the go to get the makeup job done quickly but efficiently,” says Sabat of this dual-ended bronzing stick. “The formula allows for easy layering and lets you become the bronzed goodness you deserve to be.” It comes in nine stunning shades ranging from fair to deep and features skin-boosting ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter and vitamin E, along with rosemary leaf extract and hyaluronic acid.
Another standout powder option, this pressed formula from r.e.m. Beauty has really impressed Williamson. “The satin matte texture is so nice and easy to blend, plus it’s formulated to softly blur any imperfections,” she says. Despite being a powder, it never looks heavy, chalky or unnatural on the skin, and it seamlessly glides over texture to make it look less noticeable.
“I love this bronzer from Gucci because of the longevity and the tiny bit of shimmer it has,” says Malek. The hydrating vegan formula contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter and castor seed oil, along with soft-focus microspheres to help diminish the look of pores and texture on the skin. Another plus? The packaging is a work of art, and it features a light floral scent that makes it feel extra opulent when you apply it.
Flowers is a huge fan of this radiance-boosting body oil from French brand Nuxe. “The sparkling, golden, dry formula smells incredible and gives skin a twinkling shine,” she says. Plus, it’s amazing for your skin as it’s loaded with seven highly nourishing botanical oils, including borage, sweet almond, vitamin E, camellia, argan, tsubaki and hazelnut.
Mascara
In the hotter months, mascara has to hold up against humidity and sweat, so long-wearing, smudge-proof formulas are a must.
“Whether you're lounging poolside or dancing the night away, this mascara stays put,” says Jaikaran of Maybelline’s bestselling waterproof formula. “It delivers long-lasting volume and definition without smudging or flaking.” Moreover, it’s clump-resistant and won’t break down — even in the face of sweat or tears.
This classic mascara is iconic for a reason: It’s long-lasting, delivers mega volume and length and also contains panthenol and ceramides to nourish and fortify lashes while you wear it. “It’s my ultimate go-to,” says Williamson. “I've literally tested it for an underwater shoot and it didn't budge.” Need we say more?
This high-end pick is a non-negotiable in Kristen’s kit, both year round but especially in the summertime when mascara is prone to smudging. “It maximizes your lashes with volume and length but never clumps,” she says. Uniquely, it contains iris florentina extract from Yves Saint Laurent's garden in Morocco to help nourish and soften lashes.
“This is a major favorite of mine because it lengthens, volumizes, doesn't flake and is actually waterproof,” says Flowers. It also has Alix Earl’s seal of approval, so you know it means business.
"This mascara is wow, wow, wow!” says Avendaño of L’Oréal’s top-rated waterproof formula. “It lengthens and volumizes with its special brush that has firm bristles on the upper portion and flexible bristles on the body to create a fanned out shape.”
Setting spray
To lock down your look, a setting spray can make all the difference. Not to mention, it provides a refreshing spritz on a hot day.
Jaikaran and Williamson both rave about this powerful mattifying spray from One/Size, which contains green tea extract and witch hazel to absorb oil while tightening the look of pores. “This is one of the best setting sprays we’ve gotten in the last few years,” says Jaikaran. “Grab the full size and travel size because it’s the perfect companion for your makeup and traveling as it locks in everything from your everyday look to your all-out glam moments.”
“This spray is great for refreshing your makeup and gives you a really nice glow,” says Avendaño of Tower28’s award-winning facial spray with hypochlorous acid. “It also protects your skin from the environment and bacteria while soothing irritation and calming redness.” It’s especially ideal for summertime when skin gets sweaty and more prone to bacteria buildup and inflammation. A few spritzes under or on top of makeup will effortlessly temper redness while delivering a gorgeous dewy finish.
Lip products
Lip tints and bold hues will be a focal point this summer, according to the experts. Hybrid glossy lip balms do double duty, adding shine while moisturizing the lips. For more pigmented payoff, liquid lipstick ensures long-lasting color.
“This is the perfect balm, as the tinted shades give you the best of both worlds, providing both moisture and color,” says Jaikaran of this peptide-packed formula from Ole Henriksen. “The formula has cloudberry oil and lip-specific peptides that offer more definition and fullness.”
Flowers says she constantly reaches for this long-wearing liquid lipstick in the summertime, as the colors are bold and beautiful and the formula doesn’t budge but never dries lips out. The hydrating velvety formula contains castor oil, vitamin E and dimethicone, all of which help keep lips soft and comfortable while you wear it.