It’s natural for make-up colour trends to match the season they accompany. While fall lends itself to burnt, rusty, and foliage hues, winter skews more deep and snowy. But as spring turns to summer, we tend to embrace a more playful approach via brighter, energetic shades—showing up in creative ways along the eyes, lips, and cheeks—though how we wear these shades changes year after year.
“We’re seeing a shift toward intentional colour—tones that feel both expressive and wearable,” Chanel makeup artist Tyron Machhausen tells Vogue, embracing a more refined, soft, and nostalgic feel compared to 2024. “While last year was all about bold, statement-making shades and maximalist vibes, 2025 feels a bit more subdued, with a focus on pastel tones and textures that are easier to wear day-to-day.” His texture point is interesting, because we’ve been taking note of that too—from reimagined mattes to high-shine and innovative formats trickling in from Korea, there’s an increased interest on how our products feel and wear. Playing with texture is spirited without being too overbearing. Pro makeup artist Christin Cook Zito likens it to a take on Y2K with a modern polish.
When it comes to incorporating these hues into one’s regimen, don’t feel the need to go all in. “It’s all about letting the colour pop without it feeling too heavy or overworked,” Machhausen continues, starting with a fresh, natural complexion as the perfect base. Then, start small by picking a shade you’re drawn to and try it in a more minimal way. “You could apply a pastel or berry hue just to the inner corner of your eye as a fun highlight, or swap a bold lip for a berry-coloured balm. Creamy textures and frosted shades are super easy to work with. And they’re also forgiving—no need for perfect application.”
Whether you’re going bold or minimal, a look at the colours to play with all summer long; plus, how to wear and shop them now.
Butter Yellow
Butter yellow is the undisputed colour of spring 2025, and we do not see the trend slowing down through peak summer. Celebrity makeup artist Timothy MacKay anticipates smooth tones of buttery and bright yellow to dominate, even leaning more into the green family for a beautiful chartreuse hue come September. Until then, add a pop of the shade to your nails with polishes by Essie and Chanel, or to the lids via pigments by Victoria Beckham Beauty and Mob Beauty for a sunny touch to any look.
Blurred Berry
“Berry tones are also coming through strong this season,” Machhausen spills, as a smart way to bring depth and energy to a more neutral palette. “I especially love a monochromatic look, with deep matte berry tones across the eyes, lips, and cheeks—it gives a subtle Y2K vibe without feeling costumey.” Zito is on the berry train, too, but looking toward blurred finishes on the lips. ”You get the richness of berry shades like raspberry and Bordeaux but with that diffused, soft finish,” she says. “It’s low-maintenance but looks effortless.”
Pistachio Green
Pistachio or matcha: Muted greens are slowly making their way into the makeup routines of the masses. “Pastels [like these] bring a lighter, airier vibe that’s a shift from the bolder, more intense colours we saw in 2024,” Machhausen sites. Think: creamy, gelato-inspired hues. “There’s a fresh, understated, cool-girl feel to them, especially when paired with minimal, clean-skin make-up.” Swatch a bit of pigment over the lids or add a hint of colour with a liner. “This adds an unexpected twist that still feels effortless,” he adds.
Wet Shine
“Texture is just as important as colour this season; expect a curated mix of satin mattes, luminous glosses, and refined metallics,” Machhausen says. “The overall direction is polished but playful, designed for versatility and self-expression without feeling overdone.” To wit, many are amplifying their favorite colours with a drench of wet shine. Take a high-octane gloss for example, like Rouge Coco Baume, which he says “delivers that juicy, one-swipe payoff that’s perfect for every day.” Or pair your favourite lip liner with a bit of Fenty Beauty’s luminiser in shade Glass Slipper for lacquered shine sure to last. The nails are getting the luminising treatment too, via eye-catching top coats like our favourite by OPI.
Lovely Lilac
The emergence of lilac makes Zito particularly excited. “It’s fresh, cool, and totally on-trend for spring and summer,” she says. “A little lilac on the cheeks, on the eyes, and even Lilas setting powder—it’s a dreamy, modern twist on colour. Plus, it’s versatile, which makes it so easy to wear for anyone.” To give the trend a try, Machhausen suggest a soft wash of soft wash of Chanel’s Ombre Essentielle in shade Lilas Poudre over the lid. For something more creamy, you’re best suited to turn to RMS’s nourishing matte formula, or keep it simple with an etching of a Glossier eyeliner pencil. Just round out the look with Gucci’s frosted highlighter.
