Your guide to summer's hottest shades

Summer days are almost upon us (hooray!), which means you’re more than likely getting ready to pull out your sunscreen (remember: SPF50+ is your new best friend!), bronzer and illuminator.

And while you’re at it, you may want to look into incorporating these shades into your summer beauty look. They’re bright, they’re cheerful, and they’ll ensure your summer make-up will be nothing but on-trend.

Psst! Regardless of shade, anything metallic, shimmery, or glittery is wonderful for summer, so try incorporating it in your make-up or on your nails.

FUCHSIA

What's a sunny summer without some bright and vibrant make-up? Well, still summer but not as much fun. So why not jazz things up with an eye-catching fuchsia? Part pink, part purple, the shade will leave you feeling like a superstar. And if you’re not so keen on a bold fuchsia lip, wear the shade on your nails for a glorious summer mani.
 

Try:

Australis Velourlips in Ma-Li-Boo
Sinful Colors in Boom Boom
Vixen Liprageous Temporary Lip Tattoo in Fucshia 3D
Yves Saint Laurent Dessin Dez Levres Lip Liner in Fuchsia (try this as an eyeliner too for an eye look that stands out!)
Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Obsess, $22, Myer

PEACOCK BLUES AND GREENS

Before you scoff and roll your eyes because you think these shades belong in the 80s, hear me out. Used in moderation, these shades (either individually or combined) can make your look pop like it’s never done before. Be adventurous and give it a go – just remember, keep it simple.
 

Try:

Face of Australia Budge Proof in Poison Ivy
Revlon Chroma Chameleon in Cobalt and Topaz
Nars Guy Bourdin Cinematic Eyeshadow in Wishful Thinking, $39, www.meccacosmetica.com.au
Colour by TBN Eye Wind Up Pencil in Blue
L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Smoky in Stormy Sea

RED

There’s a reason the phrase is ‘classic red’. You just can’t go wrong with a bold red lip or a fire-engine mani. But why not mix things up by trying out a matte lipstick or a nail polish that’s packed with glitter? Or don’t – either way, you’ll look like a million bucks.
 

Try:
 

Orly Nail Polish in Risqué Encounter (from the Secret Society collection), $18.95, 1300 769 355
Max Factor Colour Elixir Giant Pen Stick in Passionate Red
Ulta3 Nail Colour in Disco Fever
Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Red Door Red
The Body Shop Colour Crush Lipstick in Red Siren

WHITE

Sure, it may be the colour of purity but white is…err…white hot for this summer. Stark white nails against bronzed skin is summer perfection, but why not also incorporate some white (or even some silver) in your eye look? Perhaps a white winged liner could be your signature look this summer? It’s fresh, it’s crisp, it’s bold, and it’s just what the doctor ordered.
PS: this trend is perfect for those messy eaters who have no hope with wearing white clothes.
 

Try:
 

Sax Crème Precision Eyeliner in Silver
piCture pOlish in Bright White
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil in Pure White
OPI Gel Polish in Alpine Snow
Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in 23 Vapor, $45, David Jones

GOLD

Bronzed and dewy skin is wonderful come summer, but add a metallic shimmer of gold into the mix and you’re taking your beauty look to a completely different level. It’ll add radiance and warmth to your complexion and will look gorgeous whether you wear it on your hands or face.

Try:
 

ELES Nail Enamel in Columbina Gold, $20, 1800 069 116
ck one colour powder eyeshadow in 500 jaded
The Glossbar Lip Glaze in Peep Show, $21, www.theglossbar.com.au
Designer Brands ElectrifEYE Metallic Crème in Saturn
Blixz Liquid Gold, $17.50, www.blixz.com.au

Which shades do you like to wear in summer? Which of these trends are you excited to incorporate into your summer beauty look?