Newsflash: You’re fun! And this summer, your makeup should be, too.
There’s nothing I love more than minimalist makeup during the summer—a bronzy, beachy look that’s basically effortless. But right now, my beauty bag is begging for a shake-up. While I might not totally abandon my golden hour glow ’til fall, I’m suddenly craving bold color, graphic lines and sparkly shimmer.
For a neutrals girlie like me, the slightest hint of hue can feel unexpected (and maybe a little unhinged), but I’m ready to channel my inner Chappell and brave some brights.
And who better to guide me than Half Magic co-founder and head Euphoria makeup artist Donni Davy and The White Lotus makeup artist Rebecca Hickey?
“Makeup can be like a mood ring, ever-changing,” says Davy. “It can be artistic, it can be sarcastic, it can look like a drawing, it can look like a colorful explosion.” Hickey is even more direct: “These colors just scream fun. Just how makeup should be!”
But even for the boldest beauty babes, brights can be intimidating. Thankfully, Davy and Hickey have some tricks to make pops of color work for everyone.
Start Slow
“Blue is a great gateway color as it’s not too far from black,” says Davy. “If you’re used to wearing black or brown eyeliner, darker blue will still give you that definition.” Feels like too much? “Layer a little blue glitter over your black liner for subtle sparkle and color.”
Try:
ColourPop Chrome Creme Gel Liner in Ventura Blvd, $9, colourpop.com
Half Magic Glitterpill Eye Paint + Eyeliner, $23, ulta.com
Choose Your Fighter
To steer clear of clown territory, don’t go allover bright, cautions Hickey. Choose two features max to play up, then keep the rest of your face soft. “I always love a bold cheek, then I like to play with the eyes or lips—but never all three in the same look,” she says. Peepers are the prize? Go with a glossy, lighter lip and add a flush of blush to balance the drama.
Try:
Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette in I Know That’s Bright, $20, nyxcosmetics.com
BeachPlease Cream Blush in Dream Hour, $20, tower28beauty.com
Go Monochrome
Here’s a hue hack: Use the same product on your cheeks and pout to create a vibrant yet harmonious look. Add a 2-in-1 stick to your kit (we love a bright pink or electric coral)—just a few swipes for a cool, cohesive statement.
Try:
Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick in Bright Coral, $36, jonesroadbeauty.com
Embrace the Rainbow
You have your heart set on a certain color…but not sure if it works? Grab an eyeshadow palette featuring several shades so you can test them out. “If you’re super fair and blond, you might find yellow washes you out,” shares Hickey, “but if you deepen it and add a touch of orange, you get marigold, which is super fresh and works with lighter skin.” It may take a little trial and error to find the exact colors that work, but that’s part of the fun.
Try:
ColourPop Pallet Town, $30, colourpop.com
Hey, girl! Just to let you know, this piece originally ran in our June/July 2025 Issue. Read our print mag for free *today* when you click HERE!
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Top and slider image: Tanya Rex/Gallery Stock
