20 Simple Summer Makeup Ideas to Heat Up Your Seasonal Glam

Jasmine Tookes wearing bonzy makeup — @patrickta/Instagram

Out of all the seasons, summer is the time to keep your beauty looks simple. Whether you're traveling or enjoying a day in the sun with friends, makeup should be a fun part of your morning (or night) routine—with little complication.

We've rounded up 20 easy summer makeup ideas to inspire your next golden hour selfie. Makeup minimalists and maximalists, rejoice! From monochromatic full-face looks to holographic highlighter, there's plenty of inspo for everyone.

01 of 20

Matte Accents

Lori Harvey wears prominent white eyeshadow on eyelids — @patrickta / Instagram

White matte eyeshadow is having a moment. Apply the shadow on the inner corners of the eyes and slowly blend it outward on the lids. Finish the look with a defining eyeliner and a few coats of your favorite mascara.

02 of 20

Bronzed and Beautiful

A model with a bronzey makeup look. — @talialyons / instagram

Bronze-y glam for summer is nothing new, but it sure is something gorgeous. Grab your favorite bronzer (or bronze-toned shadow palette) and get glowing.

03 of 20

Bright Eyes

Person holding a pencil in their mouth long hair and striking yellow makeup around the eyes — @makeupwlp / instagram

Want to sport a bold look with little skill required? Pick a vivid eyeshadow color and commit. This yellow tone instantly makes eyes pop. Paired with natural skin and lips, the eyes are the star here, and for good reason!

04 of 20

Monochromatic Moment

model wears peach monochromatic makeup look — @davidrazzano / Instagram

Monochromatic makeup is the gift that keeps on giving. It's especially easy on vacation if you travel with multi-use products. Wearing the same color on the eyes, cheeks, and lips can save you time yet give the impression that you put much thought and effort into getting ready.

05 of 20

Blurry Lips

A model applying a blurry lip. — @rhode / instagram

I'm sure you're well aware that lip liner is getting blurry this year, and the passion isn't pausing for summertime. Having a chunky liner (like Rhode's Peptide Lip Shape!) on hand is the easiest way to make it work for you.

06 of 20

Fresh Flush

model wears soft pink tones of blush and lipstick with thin black eyeliner — @artbyashleyrebecca / Instagram

If you want to spend less time on your eyes, blush and lips can always be a focal point for summer makeup. Here, a natural black liner is applied to the top lids with a slight wing at the corners. This allows the pop of pink to steal the show in a transitional day-to-night makeup look.

07 of 20

Flushed Skin

Lucy Boynton wears thick black eyeliner and false lashes on the eyes paired with rosy cheeks and lips — @patrickta / Instagram

Create a naturally flushed look by using a rosy blush and a matching lip color. Applying blush to the high points of the cheekbone in an upward motion creates a lift that lasts. This is a perfect example of a dressier makeup look you can wear to a wedding or special function that will leave your skin looking gorgeous.

08 of 20

Chic Winged Liner

model wears winged eyeliner and baby pink lip gloss — @vincentoquendo / Instagram

Give winged eyeliner a chance this summer. A single swipe of color makes the eyes the focus of the look. To save yourself time, keep the rest of the skin basic and balanced. Topped off with light lipgloss, this duo can achieve an effortless look that goes with nearly everything.

09 of 20

Berry Burst

Jasmine Tookes wears berry toned blush and lipstick with chocolate brown eyeshadow on eyelids — @patrickta / Instagram

Berry is a top trending color for summer makeup and we are all for it! Whether you opt for a berry-toned blush or lip color, the hue flatters all skin tones and looks, pictured here on Jasmine Tookes.

10 of 20

Freckle Forward

model wears natural makeup look with visible freckles and prominent red lipstick — @cherishbrookehill / Instagram

Let your freckles shine through this summer season. If you have freckles naturally, applying light blush and face makeup to ensure they show through is ideal. If you want to create freckles, you can use a freckle pen on the skin by lightly tapping it all over to create dots that mimic the real thing.

11 of 20

Bring The Heat

model wears natural eye makeup, mascara, and bright red matte lipstick — @cherishbrookehill / Instagram

Bring the heat with a bold lip that lasts. This matte red lipstick is a wonderful way to incorporate color into your summer look without a lot of time or effort. Paired with glowing, bronzed skin, you'll wear this lipstick on repeat for every special occasion.

12 of 20

Soft Smoke

Alexandra Shipp wears soft smoky eyehsadow with a rose colored lipstick — @cherishbrookehill / Instagram

Soft, smoky eyes are the low-lift alternative to doing a full eyeshadow look. They don't use a full-blown dark color palette but still pack some eloquent drama. Worn with softer lip colors and bold brows, a soft, smoky eye can elevate your summer makeup look in seconds.

13 of 20

Define the Underline

model wears prominent black eyeliner on bottom lash line — @brittsully / Instagram

Try something different and line your bottom lash line with a waterproof black or brown pencil. This creates a subtle eye look that doesn't need shadow or excess mascara. The eyes are sultry without being distracting—the perfect trend for anyone who wants to enhance their eyes without committing to several steps.

14 of 20

All About The Glow

model wears a natural, soft and glowy makeup look with highlighted skin — @brittsully / Instagram

Glowing skin goes far during the summer months and makes for one heck of a selfie during golden hour. Applying a liquid highlighter with a brush to the cheekbones, tip of the nose, and under the brow allows for light to reflect off all the right places.

15 of 20

Peach Beauty

model wears natural makeup look that consists of light pink blush and lipgloss — @brittsully / Instagram

Shades of peach are extra flattering during the summer months. This natural makeup look shows that soft touches of blush, lipstick, and eyeshadows are perfect for daily makeup wearers who want to achieve something fresh and subtle.

16 of 20

Holographic Heaven

Dove Cameron wears an iridescent eyeshadow look and rosy colored lipgloss — @kaleteter / Instagram

This is your sign to start wearing holographic, shimmering shadows on your lids to catch every ray of light that comes your way. Start at the center of your eyelid and apply up to your brow bone. The shadow doubles as a highlight and pairs well with dewy face makeup.

17 of 20

Shimmer Shimmer

model wears sunkissed, bronze makeup look on eyes, cheeks and lips — @danessa_myricks / Instagram

Live your best-bronzed life this summer with golden shimmering highlighters. Here, the cheekbones are contoured to perfection while the rest of the complexion products work beautifully together to create a summer glow. Everyone will think you spent two weeks relaxing on the beach.

18 of 20

Always Blush

Alix Earle wears pink monochromatic makeup look — @patrickta / Instagram

If natural, low-maintenance makeup is what you're after, blush can enhance your complexion in seconds and is a tried and true staple no matter the season. Here, Alix Earle is wearing a playful shade of pink that brings life into the apples of her cheeks.

19 of 20

Sculpted Skin

Simone Ashley wears a sculpted bronzed makeup look with minimal eyeliner and full brows — @nikki_makeup / Instagram

Making skin the focal point of summer makeup will never go out of style. Simone Ashley looks incredible in this makeup look consisting of sculpted skin, soft eye makeup, light lip color, and boldly shaped brows. Everything is balanced and beautiful in one.

20 of 20

Classic Beauty

McKenna Grace wears thin black eyeliner on the eyes with a glowing complexion and bold satin red lips — @kaleteter / Instagram

Classic makeup looks are a makeup failsafe. This look is perfect for an evening summer wedding or soiree. When wearing bold, red lips, opt for the finish that is going to feel the most comfortable, whether it's matte, satin, or glossy.