These are the 6 hottest makeup looks this summer, according to MUAs

L360 spoke to beauty experts to discover the viral makeup trends this season and how to perfectly serve the looks at home.

Sun-drenched, skin-first and effortlessly soft — summer 2025 is calling and it wants your makeup bag to catch up.

The aesthetic this season is warm, wearable and rooted in natural radiance, with barely there beauty upgrades that still pack a punch.

Zoe Trigwell, makeup artist and founder of Trigwell Cosmetics, explains: “It’s all about believable beauty this summer. Skin that looks like you’ve actually been in the sun, not like you’ve painted it on.”

L360 caught up with beauty insiders to break down the season’s top makeup moments and how to achieve them at home.

Read more: Bella Hadid’s makeup routine — and where to buy the products

@alliehorta making this my signature look of summer &lt3 @Haus Labs by Lady Gaga ♬ Poker Face – Lady Gaga

Blush as bronzer (aka ‘blonzer’)

Wave goodbye to the ashy contour of seasons past. This summer, we’re warming up with blush taking centre stage in place of bronzer.

Zoe says: “This is a trend I mentioned a few summers back, and it’s definitely having a moment again. We’re seeing people swap out their traditional bronzers for warm-toned blushes in burnt peaches or soft burnt reds.”

The technique is all in the placement. Apply blush to the high points of the face — the tops of cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, temples and a touch on the forehead.

The result? “It’s bronzed, but believable,” Zoe notes. “And when paired with freckles (real or faux), it gives off a soft-focus, sun-kissed finish that looks effortless.”

L360 loves the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush. Buy for £22 at Sephora.

Read more: Molly-Mae Hague’s makeup and skincare essentials to buy now

Faux freckles

A soft beauty trend that refuses to quit — but with a 2025 upgrade. This time around, freckles are lighter, more dispersed and ever-so-slightly blurred to melt seamlessly into the skin.

“Freckles have become a staple for that ‘barely there but still polished’ summer skin,” says Zoe. “The trick now is the finish — lighter application, more scatter and a slightly smudged effect that feels lived-in.”

How to do it:

1. Zoe says: “For subtle freckles, use a powder bronzer or matte brown eyeshadow. For more defined freckles, opt for a cream bronzer or contour product.”
2. Roll off any excess product on the back of your hand, a non-negotiable step.
3. “Gently press and roll the product across the face. Focus on the nose bridge and upper cheeks for the most natural effect.”
4. Tap over the area with your finger to soften and diffuse.
5. Don’t forget Zoe’s final touch: “Freckles look even more believable when applied over your blush/bronzer placement — especially when those warm, burnt tones are used to mimic a natural tan.”

Buy a faux freckle applicator from Trigwell for £10.

Read more: The best cream makeup products for dry or mature skin

Brown mascara

This season, black mascara takes a back seat in favour of its understated sister, brown. The effect is subtle definition with a touch of warmth, perfect for enhancing that laid-back summer look.

Zoe explains the appeal: “Brown mascara is on the rise — it’s subtle, warm and perfectly complements sun-drenched skin and the more natural-toned palettes people are leaning into this year.”

Try it with minimal eyeshadow and fluffed-up brows for an effortlessly chic finish that whispers, rather than shouts.

L360 loves the L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Balm Bown. Buy from Superdrug for £11.99.

Blurred lips

For those craving a hit of colour without the commitment, Sina Knapmeier, Senior Brand Communication & Creation Manager at makeup brand essence, says that blurred lips are your new-season essential.

This Korean-inspired technique gives lips a soft-focus effect that’s equal parts relaxed and refined.

How to do it:

1. Exfoliate and hydrate with a lip scrub and balm.
2. Apply your favourite lip tint or lipstick.
3. Smudge the edges with a finger or brush.

It’s giving “I just ate an ice-lolly on the beach” and we’re very into it.

L360 loves the Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain. Buy from Look Fantastic for £32.50.

 

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Soap brows

Forget overly carved brows — the vibe now is all about lifted, full, fluffy brows with staying power.

According to Sina: “This simple trick fluffs, shapes and locks your brows in place all day — giving you that natural yet structured look.”

How to do it:

1. Use your brow pencil to fill in sparse areas.
2. Spray a spoolie brush with facial mist until the bristles are damp.
3. Rub the bristles of the brush against the bar of soap until you build up a residue.
4. Comb your brows with the brush into your desired shape.

If the idea of using your bathroom soap feels a little too DIY, opt for a clear brow gel as it gives the same voluminous finish without the residue.

L360 loves the Fenty Skin Cocoa Cleans’R Soothing All-Over Cleansing Bar. Buy from Look Fantastic for £11.

‘No makeup makeup’

Is it skincare? Is it foundation? It’s no makeup makeup — and it’s very much here to stay. Think lightweight moisturiser or serum-primer hybrid.

Sina puts it best: “This trend is all about using makeup to, ironically, create the illusion of bare, flawless skin while still enhancing your features.”

The trick is using minimal product, maximum placement:

1. Thin layer of light foundation or skin tint.
2. Dab of concealer where needed.
3. A whisper of contour or bronzer-blush hybrid.

L360 loves the Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint. Buy from SpaceNK for £28.

Full summer makeup step-by-step

Looking to pull all the trends together? Here’s your foolproof summer glow guide:

1. Start with a hydrating, lightweight base.
2. Brighten the under-eye area with concealer.
3. Use blush as bronzer for a sunlit flush.
4. Add freckles using Zoe’s pressing-and-rolling technique.
5. Brush up brows with soap or brow gel.
6. Coat lashes with brown mascara.
7. Smudge on a blurred lip or keep it glossy and natural.
8. Set everything with a dewy spray.

Zoe summarises: “It’s not about looking made-up — it’s about looking like the best version of your summer self. Freckles, blush and a little bit of glow go a long way.”

Feature image credit: Freepik