The Best of Summer 2025 Make Up Trends
Our columnist, Sarah-Jane Froom is a professional makeup artist with over 15 years of experience, notably serving as the International Makeup Artist for bareMinerals. Her diverse career encompasses TV presenting, global press events, editorial photo shoots, and collaborations with high-profile celebrities and fashion brands.
As a pro makeup artist, I love keeping up with seasonal trends, but I’m always keen to adapt the looks we see on the runway or in edgy magazines to a look we can all wear from day to day depending on your style. Summer 2025 we are seeing a lot of pastels when it comes to beauty, think pastels with soft washes of lilac, mint, baby pink and sky blue across the eyes, lips, cheeks, and nails. To nail this look, it needs to be balanced, with sheer textures and blended edges. So, if you are heading out for brunch, a festival or a summer evening party here are my top tips for nailing the pastel trend this summer! Pastels this season are about fluidity and fun. You don’t have to go full Barbie or look like you have just arrived back from the 80s. Build gradually and keep it soft. Mix and match your pastel tones and have fun.
Complexion
To keep pastels looking modern, you need a clean, radiant base. Ditch the heavy contour and opt for lightweight, light-reflective products. A hint of rosy or peach blush lifts the whole look.
SJ Loves
By Terry Brightening CC Serum in ‘Apricot Glow’ mix with foundation or wear alone for lit-from-within skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in ‘Pinkgasm’ is a blush and highlight in one.
Eyes
Go for a soft wash of colour rather than bold blocks. Apply your pastel shadow with a fluffy brush for a diffused finish. As an idea of a colour combination, you could try, lavender, mint and sky-blue work really well together. To add a little more dimension try a touch of shimmer to the inner corners of the eyes and or centre of the lid. A simple mint or lilac shade across the lid with a hint of shimmer at the tear duct looks incredible. You could also deepen the crease with a dusty mauve or deep pastel green and add shimmer or metallic in the centre to enhance the eye. If you are off to a Festival, then you can throw every colour at it! Quite often you can get your make up done there! Or to get creative before you go just blend multiple pastel shades and finish with graphic liner and glitter.
SJ Loves
Huda Beauty Pastel Obsessions Palette (Lilac or Mint) dreamy matte and shimmer textures.
By Terry Ombre Blackstar in ‘Frozen Quartz’ or ‘Blue Obsession’ quick, creamy colour that catches the light.
Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette – great to tone down pastels with neutral balance.
Huda Beauty Mercury Retrograde Palette – perfect for adding shimmer and depth for evening.
Lips
Pastel lips work best when the finish is balmy, blotted, or sheer. A full pastel matte can wash you out unless it’s paired with precision and liner. I like to use a pink or nude liner and layer a creamy pastel over the top for softness.
SJ Loves
Maybelline Lifter Gloss in ‘Reef’ or ‘Moon’ high shine with subtle pastel tones.
Huda Beauty Cream Lipstick in ‘Buttercup’ a buttery pink that’s bright but wearable.
Lashes
With pastel shadow, skip the heavy lash. Go for length, lift and separation to keep eyes open and fresh. For festival fun, coloured mascara in lilac or blue can be stunning.
SJ Loves
SWEED Lash Lift Mascara, lengthens without clumps and works beautifully on minimal makeup days.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in ‘Cosmic Black’ or ‘Purple’ for extra flutter and fun.
Nails
Pastel nails are the easiest way to try this trend. Mix and match shades for a tonal manicure or go classic with a single pastel hue that echoes your eye or lip shade.
SJ Loves
Nails Inc. Plant Power in ‘Free Time Is Me Time’ (Lilac) or ‘Time for a Reset’ (Mint) – long-wearing and vegan.
Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in ‘Acai Smoothie’ or ‘Blueberry Muffin’ – rich pastel colour on a budget.
Manucurist do the most beautiful Pastel shades. It’s Gel that’s good for the nails and the planet
