5 makeup trends you need to know about as we head into summer

At last, temperatures are rising, the sun is shining and we’re starting to inject pops of colour back into our wardrobes. In addition to a general lift in spirits, the warmer months bring about a desire to update our beauty routines and experiment with a new set of fun and colourful trends. To find out the shades we’ll be reaching for and the techniques we’ll be trying this summer, we spoke to Australian makeup artist and Priceline Makeup Director, Sarah Laidlaw.  

#1 / High-shine gloss

If you were a gloss addict in the ‘90s, you’re likely still having nightmares of the super sticky and gluggy formulas that made wearing your hair down on a windy day all but impossible. Luckily, lip gloss formulas have come a long way since then. “In their new form, lip gloss formulations are super shiny without being sticky. And the colours are beautiful,” says Laidlaw. For a new season update, she recommends “using a clear gloss over your favourite lipstick, or head out and grab a few new lip gloss colours to brighten your days”. 

Toolkit: NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Gloss and Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

#2 / Under-eye liner

If you love taking a classic makeup look and making it your own, then we have good news! According to Laidlaw, quirky under-eye liner looks or upside-down cat eyes are going to be our statement look of choice as we head into summer. “It’s eyeliner but not as we know it. Instead of following the top lash line, it follows the outer half of the lower lash line only, and then flicks upward. It’s quite a strong look that can be done with an eyeliner pencil; or create a smudged version with an angle brush and an eyeshadow colour. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a gel eyeliner,” says Laidlaw.

Toolkit: Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner and Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

#3 / Cleopatra eyes

In addition to under-eye liner, dramatic winged looks à la Cleopatra will be trending this summer. Laidlaw explains the look (which was seen on a number of the runways at New York, Paris, London and Milan fashion weeks recently) as a thicker, bolder and more impactful take on the classic winged liner. To recreate the look for yourself, Laidlaw suggests “using a liquid liner or gel eyeliner and a brush. Paint on a winged liner then amp it up to double thickness. Think Amy Winehouse meets Cleopatra.”

Toolkit: Napoleon Perdis China Doll Gel Eyeliner and Zoeva 315 Fine Liner Brush

#4 / Yellow eyeshadow

Whether you opt for a subtle inner corner highlight or a swatch of opaque colour across your lids, yellow eye makeup looks are going to be huge as we head into the new year. Before you go nuts, Laidlaw warns “it’s a high fashion look that isn’t easy to pull off.” Her top advice is to keep your look balanced by curling your lashes and layering a few coats of black mascara to frame the eyes.

Toolkit: MAC Eyeshadow in Chrome Yellow and Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadow in 370

#5 / Draping

Draping popped back on our radar a little while ago, and Laidlaw says the technique is only going to get more and more popular. “Everyone has been asking ‘what on earth is draping?’ Essentially, it involves softly blending colour over the brow bone, around the temple and across the cheek bone,” explains Laidlaw. “This technique popped up in an array of colours, from neon pink, dark metallic plum through to soft peachy pink at fashion shows this year. For a softer version, start with a peachy pink and go light on the brow bone.” For a more in-depth guide on how to drape, check out our handy cheat sheet.

Toolkit: Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush and Revlon Blush Highlight Palette

Looking for more makeup tips and tricks? Then discover the two issues standing between you and your best brows, and find out the four makeup mistakes you need to stop making ASAP.

Which one of these makeup trends are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below.

Main image credit: @oliviapalermo

Inset image credit: Getty