The Hottest Beauty Trends to Embrace This Summer 2024

Photo: Tina Vanderghinste Photographed by boysurminskiphotography

Goodbye Spring, Summer is finally here! Say hello to the heat, late nights, vacation days, the and inevitable changes to your beauty routine. As the weather changes, our makeup does too. Goodbye full coverage glam, hello skin tints and blurry lip stains. We’re pinning back our long, fluffy locks more often, and fresh, glowing skin takes center stage.

Summer 2024 is all about "more is more"—bold, vibrant looks that still keep your skin radiant and glowing. Whether you're a beauty minimalist or love experimenting with the latest products, this season has something for everyone. From statement-making makeup to skincare rituals tailored to the summer heat, there’s no shortage of trends to try.

Let’s explore 7 must-try trends that will take your look to the next level this summer.

1. Sunburnt Blush

We have witnessed numerous big brands launching new blushes this year and last year. Whether you have tried it in real life or seen it on TikTok, here are some of the blush launches of 2024; Rhode’s Pocket Blush, Swiitch Beauty’s Bubble Blush, Haus Labs Blush Color Fuse Glassy Blush Balm, IT Cosmetics Sun Blush, Morphe Huephoric Blush, Huda Beauty Blush Filter, Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush and many more!

Clearly, blush is becoming very popular and more people are experimenting with cream and liquid blushes, which are perfect to wear on warm days when you want a barely-there makeup look. This summer, expect a rise in the 'Sunburnt Blush' trend—where fresh, radiant cheeks take centre stage—think less makeup, more blush, and an effortless glow. To achieve a sunburnt look, opt for a warm orange or red toned blush and place it on the apples of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose - these are the areas where you would naturally get sunburnt.

2. Glowy Décolletage

What a better way to immerse yourself in Summer than having a beautiful glow. In Summer, we tend to wear less fabric as we adapt to the heat. Oftentimes our arms, shoulders and/or décolletage are exposed when it’s warm. There are several ways in which you can add a shimmer or a glow to those areas - body oils, body shimmers and highlighters are a few options.

This looks amazing whether you’re dressed up on a night out or just going to the beach. With or without makeup, this adds something extra to make you look radiant and put together. Also, if you add perfume on top of these oils, the scent will last longer, which is an added bonus!

3. Nautical Inspired

When we think of Summer, we think of heat, the sun, fun and the ocean. There’s nothing better than diving into the ocean on a hot Summer's day and laying on the beach. Not forgetting mermaid core, it has been a big topic in fashion and beauty since 2023.

Addison Rae recently carried a big seashell as a handbag to the CFDA, and it looked absolutely stunning. For Summer 2024, we’re expecting ocean-inspired accessories to take center stage, from shimmering jewelry to beachy manicures and, of course, statement handbags. And when it comes to hair, the wet-look trend is making a serious splash. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Rita Ora, Dua Lipa, and Bontle Modiselle have been embracing the sleek, just-out-of-the-ocean vibe, and we’re betting this trend will only continue to grow.

4. Pearly Shimmers

Many influencers and celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter, Kylie Jenner and Tyla are loving sparkly eyeshadows and we believe that it’s going to affect the masses. The makeup brand Patrick Ta recently released a 100% pearl Major Dimension Eyeshadow that has caused all the rage on TikTok. Many people want to try it but the price point is extremely high, which will cause people to find dupes. We’re betting on pearly shimmers and gilded eyeshadows to dominate this summer—perfectly amplifying that sunlit glow we all crave. Even if you don’t want a metallic strobe on your eyes, a little bit of sparkle will look dazzling when you’re in the sunlight.

5. Blurred Lips

As the summer sun heats up and the air gets warmer, it's only natural to dial back on the makeup and embrace a more effortless, natural look—especially on those scorching days when all we want is to dive into the nearest pool or ocean. One trend that's been steadily gaining momentum this season is the Korean Blurred Lip. Known for their signature glass skin and minimalistic makeup, Koreans are big fans of lip tints for their ability to enhance natural lip colour while staying put without constant touch-ups.

Lip tints and stains are perfect for achieving the soft, blurred lip look—no sharp lines or precision needed. This trend is a lifesaver for those long, active days spent in the sun, making it easy to stay chic and put-together, even if you’re in and out of the water all day.

6. Hair Clip Hairstyles

Hair clips are a must have accessory for anyone with medium to long hair. I personally always have one or two hair clips in my handbag because you never know when you might need it throughout the day. Sometimes the weather gets too warm or maybe we just get annoyed with our hair and we need to clip it up - instead of doing a slick back bun (that could pull and damage your hair), using a hair clip to pin your hair back is a quick, easy and stylish solution!

What’s even better about hair clip hairstyles is that you can change up the style of the hair clip so that it fits your outfit. There are so many gorgeous hair clips available and you can really personalise your hairstyle like this.

7. Bold Gold Jewellery

Celebrities, models, and influencers are increasingly embracing bold gold jewellerry as part of their everyday looks. Take Hailey Bieber, for example—she’s often spotted wearing striking gold statement earrings in her Instagram posts. Bold jewelry truly shines when paired with a sleek, pulled-back hairstyle, allowing the pieces to take center stage. One American brand that’s been gaining major traction thanks to its eye-catching gold designs is Heaven Mayhem, proving that people are on the hunt for high-quality, statement-making gold pieces.

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with bold jewelry, as it effortlessly elevates even the simplest outfits. Pairing a classic mini dress or short skirt with chunky gold earrings, stacked bangles, a bold necklace, or a statement belt can completely transform your look, adding an instant pop of style.