Makeup Shades for the Summer

Updated on September 17th, 2026

With the summer days in full swing, I wanted to follow up on my Makeup Shades for the Spring post and share the eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, and blushes that I think are perfect for the summer. To me, the summer is all about bold, bright shades to complement the sunny days.

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Eyeshadow Palettes

NYX Ultimate I Know That’s Bright Shadow Palette

NYX is one of my go-to makeup brands, and the I Know That’s Bright Palette includes 16 vibrant shades with a mix of matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes. The shades have great pigment and are easy to blend, making the palette perfect for any bold summer look.

$20 at NYX and Ulta

Essence Welcome to Miami Eyeshadow Palette

Essence is a wonderful brand for affordable makeup that is of great quality. The Welcome to Miami Palette has 12 bright shades with matte and shimmer finishes that are inspired by the colors of Miami Beach. Given the inspiration, you cannot go wrong with using the palette during the summer.

$9.99 at Essence

Juvia’s Place The Zulu Palette

Juvia’s Place is another makeup brand I recommend, especially for their eyeshadow palettes. The Zulu Palette includes 9 rainbow shades with matte and metallic finishes. The Zulu Palette is one of my most used palettes during the summer as the bright shades are perfect for long, sunny days.

$20 at Ulta

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Lipsticks

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam

I highly recommend the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams as they are one of my favorite lipsticks to wear. The Amsterdam lip cream is a pure red shade that is perfect for bold makeup looks. The lip cream is similar to a liquid lipstick in that it applies liquid and dries matte. However, the lip cream is not drying on the lips, but they are not completely transfer-proof.

$7 at NYX and Ulta

NYX Butter Gloss in Blueberry Tart

I find a lot of lip glosses sticky and uncomfortable to wear, but the NYX Butter Gloss is a game changer. Blueberry Tart is a bright blue shade that is bold and perfect for those wanting to try a unique makeup look. The gloss is not sticky, though it does need to be reapplied throughout the day.

$6 at NYX

MAC Powder Kiss Moisturizing Matte Lipstick in Velvet Punch

MAC is known for their lipsticks, and I finally had the opportunity to try them out. The Powder Kiss Lipsticks glide on the lipsticks, and they are moisturizing on the lips. As far as shade recommendations, Velet Punch is a bright pink shade that would be good for the summer days.

$27 at Ulta

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Blushes

e.l.f. Cosmetics Monochromatic Multi-Stick in Glimmering Guava

e.l.f. is one of the first makeup brands I used as their products are affordable and also good quality. The multi-stick is a cream-to-powder makeup stick that can be used as blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick. The multi-stick is also easy to blend and non-greasy. Glimmering Guava is a peachy pink shade with gold shimmer, and it would complete any summer makeup look.

$5 at e.l.f. and Ulta

Essence What A Tint! Lip & Cheek Tint in Kiss From a Rose

Another product from Essence I recommend is the What A Tint! Lip & Cheek Tint. The tint can be used on the cheeks and lips, and it is non-sticky and has a long-lasting color. Kiss From a Rose is a deep pink shade that would be perfect for the summer.

$4.99 at Ulta

NARS Blush in Orgasm

NARS is known their Orgasm Blush, which is a peachy pink shade with gold shimmer. The blush applies and blends easily, and the color is fantastic. The price is on the higher side, but it is a great powder blush.

$34 at Ulta

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What are your favorite shades for the Summer?