The 5 Hottest Summer-Makeup Colors

Summertime is all about paring down—trading in sweaters for tanks, boots for flip-flops, and heavy-duty moisturizers for spray-on sunblock. When it comes to summer makeup, less is more, too. So make it count with these gorgeous, supersaturated shades

 

ORANGE GLOSS

The lip-gloss hue we're loving right now? Straight-from-the-grove navel orange—it's a fresh, summery alternative to classic red that's easier to wear than lipstick. Try Nars Lipgloss in Wonder (shown here) or Sonia Kashuk Ultra Shine Sheer Lip Gloss in Cheerful. "Orange looks especially pretty on warm skin," says makeup artist Troy Surratt, so be sure to score a sun-kissed glow with a gradual self-tanner.

DUSKY SHADOWS

 Why weigh down your easy summer look with heavy-looking shadows and liners? "The smoky-eye technique can be done with any shade," Surratt says. Try a palette of dusky browns and pinks, like Revlon Custom Eyes Shadow & Liner in Sweet Innocence, or, for a more shimmery effect, Lancôme Color Design Palette in Sienna Sultry (shown here). Swipe a pink over the lids up to the crease and smudge brown or purple along the lash lines. "This adds intensity without making eyes look too made-up or dark," he says.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEAL POLISH

A bright shade of teal has the same pop-art feel as fluorescent shades without being as in-your-face. Consider your selection carefully, though: Anything too shimmery or metallic can look garish. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Fairy Teal (shown here) and Dior Nail Lacquer in Nirvana do the trick.

PEACH BLUSH

Whether you prefer powder (like Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Espiègle, shown here) or cream (like CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Plush Peach), a dab of peach across the apples of the cheeks imparts a flush that's soft and natural. If your complexion is on the cooler side, go with a pinkier peach; if it's warmer, use a shade that has more orange.

BERRY-STAINED LIPS

Raspberries, strawberries, black cherries—juicy lip shades are ripe for the picking. Since actual stains can be drying, use a lipstick instead, such as Burberry Lip Mist in Blueberry (shown here) or L'Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Enduring Berry. Before applying, exfoliate lips and make sure they're dry to help the color hold fast. Pat on lipstick with your finger, then top with a balm or clear gloss. "Your lips should look moist, but you don't want a high-gloss effect," Surratt says.