MAKE a statement

With summer being a time for special occasions, we asked some professionals about the latest make-up trends, and how to achieve these looks on clients

1 Raspberry beret

When it comes to make-up trends, fruity notes always have a place. Summer 2023 had a strawberry theme, followed by tomato vibes in 2024. And after a black cherry winter, we can look forward to a raspberry summer.

Mac Cosmetics included raspberry make-up in its trend predictions for this year. According to Mac senior artist Carly Utting, it is the natural successor to the rich reds and warm crimsons that were popular in the colder months. “We saw huge demand for deep berry lipstick, combined with smoky pinks and cranberries on the eye, and raspberry make-up is the summer sister to that,” she says. “Think transparent jelly-like pinks and watermelon glossy cheeks.”

She also predicts that we will see lots of cool plums and purples.

“The raspberry make-up trend has arrived to bring a fresh and vibrant touch to summer 2025,” says Marla Santos, make-up product manager at Andreia Professional. “Inspired by the juicy tones of raspberries, this look is perfect for those seeking a natural and luminous appearance.”

“Raspberry tones are rich and flattering across many skin tones, offering a pop of colour with a sophisticated edge,” says Dublin-based make-up artist and digital creator Julio Sartori. “You can focus on just one feature – for example, raspberry lips – and pair that with a clean, neutral face for a chic, understated impact.

“That said, I’m a firm believer in balance over minimalism, and when done thoughtfully, you can carry the tone across lips, cheeks and eyes. The key is in the application – sheer washes of raspberry on the cheeks and lids, paired with a slightly more saturated lip, create a harmonious, polished look, without being overdone. Always consider your undertone and lighting – natural light is your best mirror when blending bold shades like these.”

‘Raspberry tones are rich and flattering across many skin tones, offering a pop of colour with a sophisticated edge’

2 Back to Y2K

Several Y2K styles have been experiencing a revival in recent times, particularly among the younger generations. From low-rise jeans and cargo pants to strappy sandals and chunky platforms, the cyclical nature of fashion, along with the power of nostalgia and celebrity influence, means we are seeing a resurgence of looks from the Noughties. With the hashtag #2000s trending across sites such as TikTok, there’s no doubt that Y2K make-up is also back in vogue.

“From frosty eyeshadow to glossy lips and dramatic contrasts, Y2K make-up has found its way back into the spotlight,” says Santos “This trend is bringing back the glitzy, futuristic vibe of the early 2000s, but with a modern twist.”

“Y2K beauty has returned, but with a crucial element – refinement,” explains Sartori. “While the early 2000s were defined by icy shadows, gloss overload and pencil-thin brows, today’s take is more intentional. We’re seeing softer metallic finishes, subtle holographic sheens and a more sculpted approach to pastel tones – think frosted lilac or baby blue, blended seamlessly with warm neutrals.

“To modernise the Y2K look, start with a luminous base, a hint of shimmer on the eyes, glossy lips and just a touch of blush to balance the lightness. The result is playful and nostalgic, but elevated – perfect for a night out or fashion-forward day-time look.”

“Y2K make-up tends to be characterised by lots of shimmer, pastel pinks and blues, and skinny brows,” agrees London-based session make-up artist Callista Lorian Thomas. “The application had a very effortless, carefree feeling – and subsequently ended up looking quite messy on the average person. To update this, use modern blending techniques and layering of products.”

“Frosted lipstick was a Y2K staple, so experiment with shimmer, especially anything with a silver, blue or pink reflect. In the 2000s, bright, white-based lipsticks and shimmers were regularly used alone, but to ground the look and bring it into 2025, outline with a deeper lip liner blended towards the centre.”

When it comes to brows, over-plucked and thinly pencilled arches were the norm in the early 2000s. The 2025 version is less severe. “The brows, while still sleek, are no longer razor-thin, but groomed to flatter and open the face,” says Sartori.

“If you don’t have naturally slim brows, and don’t feel like sacrificing your follicles in the name of fashion, apply a slick of clear brow gel to tame any stubborn hairs,” advises Lorian Thomas. “You can either brush the hairs out and upwards, or follow your natural brow growth. Don’t sculpt or overfill too much. Filling in gaps is fine, but you want to keep these looking as organic as possible – think Britney circa 2000. If you’re blessed with naturally thin brows, pencilling them in is a great option, keeping them neat, skinny and symmetrical.”

3 Satin smooth

While dewy skin has been the go-to aesthetic for the past few years, it can be quite high maintenance. For something more effortless, the ‘no-foundation foundation’ and satin skin looks elevate and enhance natural beauty, while still keeping the skin’s texture and glow.

“The satin skin trend celebrates real skin – texture, pores and all – but it still gives that lit-from-within radiance,” says Sartori. “The beauty of satin skin lies in its balance. It’s not matte or glossy, it’s healthy, soft and breathable.

“This look is best achieved with lightweight, buildable formulas. Use a skin tint or sheer foundation, lightly pressed translucent powder only where needed and strategic highlighting in areas such as the top of cheekbones. Skin prep is essential. Hydration, light exfoliation and a smooth primer allow the products to melt into the skin instead of sitting on top.”

“The ‘no-foundation foundation’ look skips heavy coverage in favour of letting your natural skin shine through,” says London-based make-up artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis, who also advises starting with a hydrated base, using a lightweight moisturiser or hydrating primer.

“Use a creamy concealer only where needed. Opt for a sheer skin tint or skip base products entirely. Add a touch of cream highlighter to the high points of your face for a healthy radiance. Finish with brushed-up brows, tinted lip balm and mascara for a fresh, undone look.”

To achieve the satin skin look, she advises applying a lightweight, satin-finish foundation or BB cream, followed by translucent powder on areas that are prone to excess shine.

“Use a subtle cream or powder highlighter for a lit-from-within glow,” she adds. “Opt for cream or satin-finish bronzing products to add warmth and definition. Keep lips and eyes soft with neutral tones and minimal shimmer, or pair with a signature tone lip or eyeliner. It’s all about balance and a put-together look, rather than a raw finish.”