TikTok Has Spoken: These Are Summer’s 5 Hottest Makeup Trends

By Hannah Baxter
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Get your bronzer and SPF 50 ready because summer is right around the corner (seriously though, how did that happen?). If you're at all plugged into the trend machine known as TikTok, then you know that a fresh crop of buzzy makeup looks have recently taken over our feeds. Not only are we eager to try the latest and greatest beauty trends but the next few months are also all about combating the rising temperatures and the tendency of your favorite products to slip and slide throughout the day. That's why anything that promises to prolong the lifespan of your go-to formulas and keep them looking as pristine as when you first applied is a welcome development.

Luckily, the summer's biggest makeup trends are all about soft beauty, meaning a perfect marriage of dewy and matte with subtle tweaks to your complexion to allow your natural radiance to shine through. Ultra shiny (and potentially sweaty) skin is great if that's your thing, but it's officially time to bring that face powder out from hiding and incorporate it back into your makeup lineup.

Whether you're into a lip moment or a statement eye, there's plenty of aspirational beauty inspiration to go around this season. The best part? The five hottest makeup trends for summer 2023 are all doable with the products you likely already have in your bathroom cabinet (or treat yourself to a shopping spree — you deserve it!). Keep reading for TikTok's take on the must-have makeup looks to try before summer's end.

Cloud Skin
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Cloud Skin

Demi-matte finishes have been floating around the edges of social media for a while now and we're happy to say that cloud skin is leading the makeup race for summer '23. This look is all about a soft matte focus and youthful glow, wherein your previous glazed donut skin meets a velvet matte finish. To achieve this effect, keep a dewy primer on hand along with plenty of blurred blush along the top of your cheekbones and around your temples and targeted powder around your nose and under eyes.

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Underpainting
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Underpainting

In keeping with the soft glam theme of the summer, makeup artist Mary Phillips has rocked TikTok with her underpainting technique in which she applies bronzer and highlighter prior to concealer, foundation, and powder. Be sure to use only one pump of foundation to allow the other cosmetics to shine through and apply with a fluffy brush to keep the application fairly sheer. Snatched but glowing is the name of the game with this one.

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Barbie Blush
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Barbie Blush

Seeing as Barbie is having a major moment in pop culture, it makes sense that all things pink continue to trend in fashion and beauty. For summer, it's all about a luminous glow using a cream or liquid blush in bubblegum pink. Makeup artist Nam Vo recommends using a flat foundation brush to work the formula into the skin for a lit-from-within finish. Yes, the color might look a little alarming until you blend, but trust the experts on this one — your skin will look impossibly healthy and glowy all summer long.

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Cherry Gloss Lips
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Cherry Gloss Lips

Lip gloss is still trending from the runways to our social media feeds, and the newest iteration is the ultra shiny cherry lips look. While red lipstick is a perennial classic, the summer version is all about a glossy, youthful finish by topping off your go-to shade with a sultry, high-shine effect. Anyone can rock this look, and if you prefer a slightly moodier variation, go for a darker maroon shade for some cherry Coke lips.

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Ultra Bronzed
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Ultra Bronzed

Obviously, sun protection is essential everyday but especially in the summer when UV rays are stronger. And honestly, who doesn't love a bronzed glow that looks as if you spend a week in St. Tropez? Bronze makeup looks are all over TikTok at the moment, with options for any skin tone, and tanning drops in particular are making a major comeback. Don't worry — you can replicate a gorgeous tanned look without harming your complexion in the process. Add in a bit of golden bronzer or highlight and you're well on your way to being a true summer goddess.

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