If TikTok is good for one thing, it’s the fresh bout of makeup inspo that’s constantly pouring in. Our current beauty aesthetic obsession? The whimsical look dubbed ‘soft girl’. Think dewy baby-pink flushed cheeks, glossed lips, fluttery lashes and, for a natural everyday take, a light scattering of freckles.
Okay, so it’s basically just soft glam with a trendy name (just like mascara cocktailing). But nonetheless, we are so here for the revival of a full face of makeup after the stripped-back looks we’ve been seeing since the pandemic.
Soft glam is a look that’s not only universally flattering but easy to achieve. And the key to perfecting the look lies in the technique. The whimsical, effortlessly-diffused finish of soft glam takes a lot of blending, buffing and more blending.
So if you’re looking for a subtle, wearable makeup refresh this season, here’s how to nail the dreamy, feminine soft glam aesthetic.
Soft glam makeup tutorial
Step 1: Master your skin prep
Soft glam is all about glowy, hydrated skin, so prepping and priming is essential. Ensure you’re starting with a hydrating skin care routine, layering your serum, moisturiser and SPF before beginning with makeup. It also doesn’t hurt to add a hydrating primer to your makeup kit for an extra shot of hydration.
Minenssey Hydrating Quenching Aqua Cream, $69 at Adore Beauty
Step 2: Pick a lightweight base
When it comes to foundation, we recommend going with a sheer finish formula or a tinted moisturiser or BB cream that will help to even out your skin tone, but keep your natural texture visible. Luckily, there are plenty of hydrating foundations that will be your dewy skin BFF, especially coming into winter.
Bright eyes are also a signature feature of soft glam. Look for light-reflecting concealer for your under-eyes, layering sparingly for a fresh and wide-awake finish. You can also apply concealer under your cheekbones for a subtle sculpt.
Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation, $12.39 at Chemist Warehouse
Step 3: Baby pink blush
For cherub-like cheeks that are synonymous with soft glam, choose a blush that sits somewhere in between a natural flush and a bright pop. A cream blush is the way to go for a flushed-from-within look.
Simply warm the cream into the skin with your fingers, and sweep any residue across the eyelids, lips and the bridge of your nose – basically, anywhere a natural sun-kissed flush would sit. Feel free to layer your cream blush with a powder blush for a longer-lasting finish.
Flavedo & Albedo Dew Tint Cream Blush in Rose, $44 at Sephora
Step 4: A touch of highlighter
No dewy, glowing base is complete without a touch (or a tonne) of highlighter. Nail the skin-like radiance of soft glam with an illuminating liquid highlighter. Apply to your cheekbones, the tip of your nose, inner corners and Cupid’s bow. And don’t be afraid to add a hint of shimmer to the eyes…
Too Faced Cheek Popper Blushing Highlighter, $45 at MECCA
Step 5: Goddess-like eyes
When it comes to soft glam eye makeup, it’s all about diffused shadows and minimalist liner. That’s not to say a cat eye is completely off the table. But stick to low-drama wings or swap your black liner for a chocolate brown hue.
As for eyeshadow, stick to neutrals, pinks and shimmers for the ultimate soft glam look. If you’re not overly confident with eyeshadows, you can always blend your blush and highlighter up onto your eyelids and inner corners for a romantic monochromatic finish.
Morphe 9V Vintage Rose Artistry Palette, $21 at MECCA
Step 6: Fluttering lashes
Less is more when it comes to soft glam. And this includes your mascara, so put away those dramatic falsies! Achieve fluffy, wispy lashes by using a volumising mascara to lift and coat each individual lash, taking your time to comb through and remove any clumps.
If you do love a false lash moment, opt for a dainty pair to add length and a touch of volume without overpowering the whole look.
Ardell Demi Wispies, $9.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Step 7: Glossy pink lips
If you’re a lip gloss lover, soft glam is the perfect makeup look for you. Start with a nude or soft brown lip liner to define your pout. Then go in with a pink or clear lip gloss to enhance your natural lip colour. The simpler, the better!
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee, $9.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty
Bonus step: Faux freckles
If you’re lucky enough to have the real deal, we envy you. For those who don’t, TikTokers have been getting creative and drawing on their signature soft girl freckles with an eyebrow pencil.
If they look too defined to be realistic, simply smudge them a little by pressing your finger atop each dot.
essence tiny tip precise brow pen, $3 at Target
Main image credit: @hungvanngo
Have you tried the soft glam look before? If not, will you?!
The Minenssey cream looks lovely!
I like this look!
Yes very classy especially for day wear.
I like the look but I couldn’t be bothered to try for myself
yes it seems like a lot of steps
Yes soft glam is what I usually do. So pretty.
I’m interested in trying to “apply concealer under your cheekbones for a subtle sculpt.” But minimalist eyeliner – no way!
Note to self… a trip to Mecca for that Morphe 9V Vintage Rose Artistry Palette. very pretty.
I stick to the more natural look these days
Beautiful! Does look great on all those models
Love the whimsical Look so natural and beautiful.
Yes I love the look too. Very very classy
I’d love to achieve this look, but I think it’s best for younger people.
Very informative article. This look perfect for young girls.
I personally don’t consider added lashes a soft glam, but i would definitely love to try this look
Love that blush!