The 15 Summer Eye Looks to Try That Are Hotter Than the Sun

Let’s be honest: We’ve had our summer checklist ready since the start of the year. You’ve got to have the good playlist, delicious appetizers and, of course, a poolside-appropriate wardrobe. But to really seal the deal on the whole summer package (and have heads turn at the next cookout), add a fun look on your lids. See we spent all year perfecting our cat eye and experimenting with bold colors, so why not take our newfound skill to the real world? From neon shadows to bright liners, here are the 15 summer eye looks to try in 2021.

Classic gold shimmer is fine, but have you considered incorporating the whole gold family? We’re talking gold, rose gold and a golden nude. The sun rays have nothing on this glowing look. Pro tip: Add the boldest gold to your inner corners.

Get the look: Makeup By Mario Master Metals Eyeshadow Palette ($48)

If you’re looking for a shade that replicates the incredible hue that happens just before the sun goes down, we have look for you. The golden shade gives a subtle shine that mixes orange and yellow hues to mimic the long summer days. Give your lids some love by applying it all over (yes, even above the crease).

Get the look: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter ($36)

Whether you’re rocking millennial pink or a rosy shade, the color works for every season. Forget the liner and use a shadow to create a deep cut.

Get the look: Danessa Myricks ColorFix 24-Hour Cream Color in Creme Brulee ($18)

Look, neon will always be in. Reach for this vibrant shade for an out of this world look. The color possibilities are endless, so try pink, yellow or green as a starting point.

Get the look: Lottie x Lalia Loves Neon Palette ($8)

We’re swapping out our go-to black liner for a vivid color instead. Plus, who said we had to do the standard cat eye for the summer? Have fun and run your liner above the crease and brow bone for a trippy lined style.

Get the look: Glam Vice Cosmetics “Total Babe” Retro Liner ($8); NYX Vivid Brights Creme Colour ($10); Marc Jacobs Highliner Eyeliner ($26; $18)

While millennial pink continues to thrive, there’s a new shade coming to town. The sage green color is a big trend this summer, so expect to start seeing it everywhere, lids included.

Get the look: Urban Decay in “Freak” ($19); Juvia’s Place ($20); Anastasia Beverly Hills ($60)

You simply can’t go wrong with pastels this time of year. The purple shade reminds us of blooming flowers and the fresh smell of lavender. Seriously, who doesn’t want to be reminded of that?

Get the look: Juvia’s Place The Violets Eyeshadow Palette ($14)

Speaking of pastels, two colors are always better than one. Use a light blue and a green shade for a beach-inspired look. Divide and conquer with the blue on the inner corner of your eye and green shining through on the outer corner. And don’t forget to blend, blend, blend.

Get the look: By Beauty Bay The Pastels Palette ($10); Violet Voss Bright Vibes Palette ($30); Colourpop Fade Into Hue Palette ($34)

“Here comes the sun, do do do…” Nothing says summer like a nice, vibrant yellow shade. Shine brighter than the sun in this color and apply it all over the eye.

Get the look: Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Neon in “UFO” ($18)

We don’t need summer showers to see a colorful rainbow. Grab shades like yellow, green, orange, pink and purple and begin to layer up until the crease for a striking band of colors.

Get the look: L.A. Girl Pastel Dream Auto Eyeliner ($5); Haus Laboratories Eye-Defining Gel Pencil ($9); Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Eyeliner ($26; $18)

It’s time to level up your eye look with some bedazzled stickers (or jewels). Whether you choose stars, stripes or clouds, decorate your corners, lids or brows with summer-y face decal.

Get the look: NYX Shaped Glitter ($8); Donni Face Decals ($18)

Yup, we’re ignoring the lash line entirely and taking our eyeliner to the skies (aka our new favorite spot). It’s all about creating an “outline” by connecting your curve line (that runs parallel to your crease) and your preferred wingspan (that’s on the outer corner of your eye). This technique is perfect for all eye shapes (especially for the monolid gals).

Get the look: Suva Beauty UV Brights Hydra FX Palette ($30)

A yellow and orange mix will never go out of style. This classic combo shows off our favorite part of the summer–the glowing sunset at the end of a long fun day.

Get the look: Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Palette Vol. 3 ($60)

Dewy makeup is very much in, especially for the warm weather. Swap out your powder eyeshadows for liquid formulas instead. It’ll leave your eyes looking glossy without it being too sticky or cakey.

Get the look: Danessa Myricks Beauty ColorFix Neon in Wasabi ($18); Danessa Myricks Beauty ColorFix 24-Hour Cream Color Glaze ($18)