Spring and Summer 2025 beauty trends are all about contrasts, and Bushra Hakim takes us through the most sought-after styles.
Spring and summer beauty is having a moment, one that’s playful, unpredictable and effortlessly cool. The runways have spoken, and this season is all about extremes. On one end, we have smudged grunge eyes and feline flicks bringing the drama, while on the other, blurred skin and soft stains whisper quiet luxury. And just when you think it’s all about minimalism, electric lashes and sculpted lips demand attention. This time, make-up is anything but predictable.
GRUNGE EYES
The early 2000s are making a comeback and, this time around, it’s all about undone, smudgy, lived-in eyes. Grunge-inspired make-up is one of the biggest trends, bringing an effortless, rebellious energy to the beauty world. Think soft, diffused black and brown shadows that look like they’ve been worn all day (in the best way possible, of course). The trick to nailing this look is imperfect application, such as blending out your liner with your fingers or a smudging brush for a sultry, slept-in effect. Pair it with fresh, glowing skin to keep things clean rather than messy, as seen in Dior’s Spring and Summer 2025 show.
JUST KISSED LIPS
Soft, blurred and utterly romantic, the bitten lip trend is taking inspiration from Korean beauty. The look mimics the natural flush of lips after sipping on berries or stealing a kiss. Instead of sharply defined edges, the colour is concentrated in the centre and softly fades out. This can be achieved by dabbing lipstick or tint onto the lips and blending it out with your finger or a fluffy brush.
FUN LASHES
Mascara is no longer just black or brown. Rainbow lashes are getting a colourful upgrade, with neon and pastel shades stealing the spotlight. Electric blue, vibrant pink, sunny yellow and even lilac-coated lashes have made a statement on the runway. Whether you go all out with a full coat of colour or subtly layer a bright hue on your lower lashes, this trend adds an unexpected twist to any make-up look. For a high-fashion style, pair bold lashes with bare skin and a glossy lip to keep it eye-catching, just like the ones at Dries Van Noten’s show.
LIP LINER ONLY
Lip contouring is in, bringing a sculpted, lifted effect to the pout without the need for injections. The key to this trend is using a combination of lip liner, concealer and subtle shading to create the illusion of fuller lips. A slightly darker liner blended seamlessly into a lighter lip shade gives a natural plumpness, while a touch of highlighter on the cupid’s bow enhances the shape, as demonstrated by Pat McGrath at Dolce & Gabbana. This technique works with any lip colour, but by keeping the lip liner’s shade the darkest.
BLURRY NO-MAKE-UP MAKE-UP
Barely-there beauty is a mainstay for spring and summer but, this season, it’s getting a fresh update with blurred, soft-focus skin. Unlike the ultradewy looks of previous years, this trend leans into velvety, lightweight finishes that give the skin a filtered, smooth effect without looking heavy. Achieved using sheer foundations, soft-focus powders and minimal concealer that allows freckles and natural skin texture to shine through. It’s the ultimate ‘effortless but polished’ aesthetic, like the ones on the shows of Gucci, Bottega Veneta and many more.
SUNKISSED PINK
Blush grabbed a lot of attention this time around, with a warm, sunkissed effect that mimics the natural glow of a day at the beach. Instead of placing blush only on the apples of the cheeks, this trend sweeps colour across the cheeks, nose and temples for a fresh, slightly sunburnt look. Peach, terracotta and warm rose tones are the go-to shades, adding a soft warmth to the face.
LIP STAINS
For those who want a long-lasting lip without the maintenance of reapplying lipstick, lip stains are back in a big way. These lightweight, water-based formulas give a sheer wash of colour that melts into the lips, creating a natural flush that stays put all day. Unlike traditional matte liquid lipsticks, stains feel weightless and comfortable, making them ideal for hot summer days. Shades like raspberry, burnt orange and pinky-nude were among the most popular on the runways.
FELINE WINGS
Eyeliner is getting sharper, sleeker and more seductive. The feline flick is making waves now, with elongated, lifted wings that add instant drama to the eyes. This isn’t your typical cat-eye, this version is ultra-precise, drawing inspiration from old Hollywood glamour with liner starting off from the inner corners of the eye. Whether you want a crisp liquid liner or a softly blended pencil version, the key to nailing this trend is creating an upward flick that flatters your eye shape. You can also experiment with unexpected shades like deep navy, espresso brown or even grey.