The overarching beauty theme for this summer season is “pop”.  That is, bold or unique things that draw attention such as a unique hair braid or twist, with a hair accessory.  Makeup colors are mostly bright and bold, but deep colors can go a long way for eyes and lips.  As always, too much of anything can become a distraction so the key is finding the right balance.   If you’re going to wear a bright blue eye shadow, then pair that with a subtle pink lipstick.  Check out out our top 5 picks for this summer.

1.  Chunky Side Braid

A versatile summer hairstyle trend (for long hair anyway) is the chunky side braid – go from the gym or beach right to the cocktail party all the while maintaining fabulosity. You may recognize this trend from the recent release of The Hunger Games, but the style has expanded to the red carpet on celebrities like Rihanna, Kristen Stewart, and Zoe Saldana.

Zoe Saldana working a casual side braid.

ISL Recommends: Keep the hair under control in the saltwater air and humidity with Frederic Fekkai Smooth Sailing Anti-Frizz Cream.

2.  Bright Colored Nails

Nails always have to be done, but things are all about the ‘pop’ this year.  Nails on the shorter side are preferred for summer, but bright colors, neon, metallics, and art have made a big return.

Color Block Mani Featuring the Zoya Beach Collection

Zoya has a whole line of colors.  Check out this Pinterest page for inspiration and how-to’s.

ISL Recommends: Nail decals are really big these days because they are easy to apply just like these Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. They come in a variety of colors to fit any style and you can find it any of your local stores that carry cosmetics.

3.  Metallic Eyes

Sticking with the pop trend, this season’s makeup is all about things that glitter.  Nothing pops more than a shimmery reflection.  For the eyes, metallic looks and sparkles were the big thing in the fashion shows.  Use darker metallics to also achieve smoky eyes, which is continues to be a hot look for Summer. 

Jennifer Lawrence’s smoky eyes using shimmery eye makeup.

ISL Recommends: The eye makeup for Spring and Summer is Mac’s Metal-X cream shadow. It goes on smooth, blends easily, and gives you a liquid metal effect.

4.  Clear Complexion

For the rest of the face, the natural look is the way to go for summer to provide balance.  It goes without saying that it’s all about a clear complexion.  Getting professional facials on a regular basis is ideal, but not practical for most of us.  However, some of the best things are done at home.

ISL Recommends: The Earth Mask from shaffali is an amazing product that pulls out impurities in the skin (great for city dwellers!) that is also pretty gentle and soothing. 

For make up, contouring is subtle enough to maintain that fresh and natural look while also accentuating the cheekbones. Merely add a bit of bronzer from the cheekbone to the top of your ear for the look.

Use makeup sparingly to highlight the cheek lines

5.  Bold Lips

Finally, stained lips are your choosing, but bold and sophisticated is the way to go.  You can’t go wrong with deep colors with a slight metallic shimmer. Several celebrities have been brave when it comes to trying out different bold-colored lips including Katy Perry, Anne Hathaway, Megan Fox, and Angelina Jolie.

Anne Hathaway's deep, sophisticated lip color.

ISL Recommends: This set from Lipstick Queen gives you everything from understated to classy.

Share your Beauty Tips with ISL

Which trends have caught your fancy this summer? Have you tried out any of our recommendations?