Chances are that if you have social media, you’ve seen the soft-girl aesthetic. From Bratz dolls to pastel clothing to cosy decor, it’s all about exuding cutesy femininity. This subculture originated on TikTok (where else?!) and singer Ariana Grande is its poster girl. Think girl-next-door mixed with Disney princess and you’re on the right track!
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This aesthetic as a whole might lean young, but the make-up looks associated with it are suitable for everyone. It’s all about using minimal product to achieve a youthful, radiant finish.
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Want to wear the soft-girl trend? Here’s how to recreate this look (plus the products you need to do it).
Step 1: Prime your skin
After performing your skincare routine and your face is clean, apply a primer. Look for one that contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. This will add moisture to your skin and make your complexion plump and youthful while also keeping your make-up in place.
Step 2: Use sheer coverage
When it comes to your foundation, less coverage is more when it comes to achieving this trendy look. The idea is your skin, but better, with a soft, dewy finish. This means skipping the full-coverage formulas and going for something lighter, like a BB or CC cream or tinted moisturiser, instead.
Step 3: Go heavy on blush
One of the key elements of this trend is that you should extend your blush beyond just the apples of your cheeks. How far? Take it up the side of your cheekbones as this will replicate a natural flush. Using a cream formula is great for buildable colour and a glowy finish.
Step 4: Accent with highlighter
You can further accentuate your youthful glow by applying some highlighter to the high planes of your face. Your cheekbones as well as the tip of your nose and Cupid’s bow should all get a light sweep of highlighter. Make sure you blend it in properly so it looks natural.
Step 5: Tame your brows
No, this look does not call for Instagram Brows! Bold, heavy and perfectly shaped is not what this girly aesthetic is all about. Instead, use a clear brow gel to tame your natural hairs in place. It doesn’t have to be that neat, either, but it will add some volume to your eyebrows.
Step 6: Finish with gloss
Again, soft-girl make-up isn’t about heavy, dark colours. For your lips, you can finish it off with a lip gloss or nourishing lip oil. Look for ones that will also give your lips a wash of subtle colour. Alternatively, you can use a lip tint or stain followed with some lip balm.
