These Are the Only Summer Makeup Trends That Matter, According to Gen Z

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(Image credit: @kitkeenan)

There's no denying that Gen Z has a unique influence on the beauty industry, thanks to their unique position as the only generation raised alongside mainstream social media platforms. For Gen Z, this experience comes with the ability to detect and drive trends before the rest of the world catches even the slightest whiff. It also gives them the power to challenge the validity of standards previous generations claimed were timeless.

Before you head to your nearest beauty retailer to stock up for the season, we recommend looking to the so-called 'internet generation' for guidance on this summer's hottest makeup trends. As always, we've made it easy for you by combing through countless youth-driven trends to identify the seven trends you'll see everywhere over the next few months.

Keep scrolling to discover some of our favorite makeup artist-approved trends and the hero products that will dominate the digital space this summer. Spoiler alert: the more blushed and bronzed you are this season, the better.

Juicy Wine-Colored Lips

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(Image credit: @maryljean)

For the past year, juicy over-glossed lips have been a staple in among social media-driven beauty trends. Whether this is contributed to the rise of lip oils or berry-toned looks, this is one makeup trend we'll see nonstop once summer hits. Take inspiration from this shot of content creator Mary L. Jean and gently pat on a pigmented lip balm or swipe two of your favorite lip oils on for more glossy realness.

Electric Eyeliner

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(Image credit: @anaasaber)

You heard it here first: The beauty and fashion crowd will be all about graphic eye looks with pops of color this summer. New York-based model Anaa Saber shows us how it's done with an electric eyeliner swiped across the eyelid and a matte taupe lip to balance out the look. If you're feeling bold, try matching your eye makeup with your outfit for a fashion-forward take on the summer trend.

Golden Hour Glow

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(Image credit: @emmaleger)

One makeup trend we can always count on seeing in the summer is bronzed skin. Golden hour-inspired makeup takes this look a step further, with a glowy base and gold highlighter applied to the high points of the face for an ethereal golden-hour effect. In other words, you don't need to wait until the early evening for a golden glow.

Rosy Hues

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(Image credit: @camrihewie)

When it comes to TikTok beauty aesthetics, ballet and coquette-inspired makeup looks are still on the rise. Lean into these sweet trends by using a pink blush to add a natural-looking flush of color to the skin (draping it from the cheeks across the tip of your nose) and adding a gorgeous glossy lip as worn here by content creator, dancer, and model Camri Hewie.

Full Brows

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(Image credit: @maryljean)

Barely-there brows have been a topic of conversation ever since they reappeared on and off the runway. If you're not ready to shave, pluck, or bleach your brows away, opt for full ones, as they're also having a comeback. Get the look by filling in and shaping the eyebrows with a pencil or brow pomade.

Overly Blushed Cheeks

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(Image credit: @alllisonho)

One of my favorite trends is the emergence of makeup looks that feature overly blushed cheeks á la Allison Ho. Give it a try by applying the blush wherever you need a splash of color: above the temples, across the nose bridge, and of course, on the apples of the cheek for that just-pinched look Gen Z is such a big fan of.

Bronzed Finish

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(Image credit: @chanelmckinsie)

I love a bronzed and sculpted look like the one above on model Chanel McKinsie. This summer will be all about sun-kissed makeup that allows your natural features to shine. To pull it off, use a lightweight, cream-based bronzer and blend it with a buffing brush onto the areas where the sun naturally hits the face.

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Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.