Aperol Spritz Eyes: The Fun, Flirty Look You’ll Love This Summer Season
Amanda Ramsay is an award-winning professional makeup artist who specialises in makeup content and education for mature skin. Known as your over 40s makeup expert, Amanda has worked with thousands of Aussie women, including celebrities and personalities like Julia Gillard, Sophie Monk, Delta Goodrem, Collette Dinnigan, Jackie O, Miranda Kerr and Mia Freedman.
If someone were to say your makeup looked “a bit orange,” your instinct might be to gasp and dash to the nearest mirror, blending for dear life to erase any signs of a Rimmel Sun Shimmer moment.
Let’s face it—many of us are still haunted by the 90s bronzer boom and the infamous “orange face” that came with it.
But this season, orange isn’t a makeup mishap—it’s a movement.
Introducing Aperol Spritz Eyes, your new go-to party look inspired by the vibrant, citrusy hues of summer’s favourite cocktail.
Think of it as last summer’s golden hour makeup but dialed up with fiery orange and sunset tones for a fresh, youthful glow that’s perfect for women over 40.
Here's my slightly more subdued and 'romantic' take...
Why This Party Season Eye Makeup Trend Works for You.
Let’s be real: bold trends can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried they’ll lean too young.
But this look has been reimagined to be wearable and flattering for all you ageless beauties.
It’s not about neon shades or harsh lines—it’s about embracing softer tones of orange, peach, and coral to create a radiant, lit-from-within glow.
1. Start with a Glowy Base.
When recreating Aperol Spritz makeup, I like to use softer tints and tones of orange and pink, like peach, apricot, rust and soft pinks alongside sheer dewy skin for a golden-hour glow.”
Achieving that radiant base is key first step.
Opt for sheer cream formulas that are skincare hybrids to keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated—think soft pink cream blush for your cheeks.
Fresh Lightweight skin tint; I used the hydrating Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Liquid Foundation SPF 18, Huda Beauty GloWish Bright Light Sheer Concealer to brighten, plus my lightweight gel textured cream blush Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel Cream Blush in and dusted a little Benefit Willa -Nude for a perfectly pink cheek.
2. Tone It Down, Wear It Proud.
The secret to making this trend wearable is all in the colour choice and application.
Start with a wash of Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick(I used the shade 'Truffle') to neutralise any discoloration on your eyelids, and create a budge-proof eyeshadow base.
For the 'main look' I’ve used the Napoleon Perdis Colour Lust Eyeshadow Palette. It has the perfect mix of subdued flattering hues to bring this look to life.
How to use an eyeshadow palette for a fun party look:
Sweep a soft apricot matte shadow (shade 2) across the lids, blending it softly for a diffused sunset effect.
Use a slightly deeper peach (shade 3) above your crease and along the lower lashline to open up your eyes, smudge a little rust (Shade 4) into the outer corners of your eyes to elongate and lift and finish with a touch of shimmer on the inner corners of the eyes for that golden hour glow (I mixed shades 5 & 7).
3. Tie It All Together With a Fun Summer Lipstick Colour.
And don’t forget your lips—dab on a sheer pinky or coral gloss or tinted balm like Eye of Horus Bio Lip Elixir or M.A.C Cosmetics Glow Play Tendertalk Lip Balm in shade 'Photogenic' to tie everything together whilst keeping your eyes the star of the Aperol Summer Show!
Still Unsure? Here’s the Best Part...
This doesn’t need to be the over-the-top orange or vibrant pinks (although if that’s your jam I encourage you to go for it) — yet it’s a fun, sophisticated and a somewhat unexpected twist on the usual party makeup.
I encourage you to play and find the balance that works for you: a pop of color here, a glow there, and a whole lot of confidence everywhere.
So, pour yourself an Aperol (or your favorite mocktail), turn up the music, and give this look a go for your next soirée.
Because makeup, like life, should always be a little bit fun—at every age!
Check out more of Amanda's fun makeup articles below:
