Summer 2017 Makeup Trends

Every season ushers in new beauty trends and the best place to draw inspiration is the top summer runway shows from Milan to New York to Paris! While some looks we may not personally try out in fear of landing a role in a circus, but a toned-down version can be fun. Here are a few top makeup looks trending this summer.

The New Minimalism

Clean skin paired with wash ’n go/surfer girl hairdos were a hit. The “no make-up” look isn’t new backstage, but it once again grabbed the spotlight and was seen at most major shows on (Tommy Hilfiger, Alexander Wang), and off the catwalk (Alicia Keys sticking with her decision to totally ditch cosmetics, Kim Kardashian-West wearing no make-up at all at the Balenciaga front row). Vera Wang, Marni, Antonio Berardi, and Band of Outsiders made the subtlest tweaks, while Michael Kors, Isabel Marant, and Proenza Schouler only used makeup to cover blemishes. So, brave it and go bare!

The Smudgy Not Smoky Eye

If you are going to reach for your eye compact, forget the classic smoky eye — this season is all about the smudgy eye/urban beach girl look. Some makeup icons nailed it by applying eye gloss over black liner for a maximum smudge effect, using messy shadow for a cigarette ash-inspired look, or applying kohl to give a late night/early morning feel. Bottom line, no more hassling overdrawing that perfect line — let bohemian chic rule!

Back to School

Remember at school when you smeared some pink lip-gloss on your cheeks to look like you were wearing blusher because you weren’t allowed to yet? Well, this season you can proudly whip out your rosy-shaded lipstick and apply it to your cheeks instead of blush for a pretty and natural summer flush. The warm rosy glow was a prevalent trend at all major shows. To get the soft feminine look, Delpozo used delicate pinks and orangey golds to give a subtle flush, but defined the face with strong brows. Other artists also applied the trick to models’ temples for a vibrant 80’s flush — think iconic 80’s pictures of Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista.

The Eighties?

Yup, talking about the 80’s, the period was a trend inspirer — from subtle iterations to all-out retro returns. Clearly, this is not the au naturel look mentioned above. At Chanel, Kenzo, and Adam Selman, lipstick-bright blush was applied to the temples; Nina Ricci models wore color-pop lids; and Marc Jacobs’ entire show theme embraced the age from metallic eyes to colored dreads. Dig out your crimpers girlfriends!

A Sparkly Affair

There was no shortage of stand-out looks with loads of shimmer, glitter and sparkle on the catwalk either. In fact, if you’re headed for a night on the town summer its brighter and bolder than ever. The look includes glitter cuticles (Rodarte), dramatic glitter lips (DKNY and Fendi), glitter eyeshadow (Marc Jacobs), and even glitter shapes on models’ faces (Giamba).

Dance Party Vibe

This trending look inspired Gucci to paint models’ eyebrows yellow as well as lilac, peach and white; Nina Ricci to shade eyelids in aquamarine, glossy violet, and tangerine tones; and Mary Katrantzou to give lips an acid-bright orange, pink and red color. For Anna Sui’s ‘girl’s night out’ look models’ lips were a deep burgundy gloss blotted for a stained effect and then layered with clear gloss for a high-shine effect; Acne Studios models wore an unusual mushroom purple lip color; Proenza Schouler’s models had ears painted yellow; and Max Mara painted bold colours onto the temples rather than the eyes. Bottom line, color was everywhere — and in unexpected places!

While some looks are a bit over the top, others are easy to achieve. Whether you going for a natural take or something bold and bright, this summer is going to be hot with options for all occasions and all skin tones.