While no-makeup makeup and dewy makeup have their merits, sometimes you just need to turn it up a notch. That’s where soft glam makeup comes in. Think of it as the happy medium between minimalist and all-the-way-up glam, the sweet spot that works for everyone and anyone—not to mention all days, occasions, and moods.
The hallmark of soft glam makeup is its soft-focus effect on skin, which is why complexion products like makeup primer, blush, and bronzer play a big role here. For inspiration, just think of celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and Billie Eilish. “They’re always put together and polished in a way that makes you notice their features more than the makeup,” says Sara Wren, our Director of Artistry.Below, everything you need to know about creating natural soft glam makeup—and how to get it for yourself.
What is “soft glam makeup?”
“Soft glam is all about turning up the volume on a natural look without going full glam,” says Sara. “It’s also an easy-to-execute look.” While the magic of soft glam makeup has a lot to do with your skin, that’s not the only place where it applies. You can also do soft glam eye makeup if you’re looking for something between a swipe of mascara and a smudged smokey-eye—or soft glam lips for a subtle hint of color.
How to Do Soft Glam Makeup
When it comes to getting the soft glam makeup look, reading about it is good—but seeing it is even better. Below, our Retail Marketing Manager, Madison Devaney, walks us through the how-to, along with some pro tips from Sara.
1. Prep with primer.We love makeup primer for many reasons: It can hydrate, blur, and extend your makeup’s wear time. While you can choose between a hydrating primer (Madison uses Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer) and a mattifying primer, Sara recommends the latter—specifically, Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer—for this particular makeup look. “Your soft glam look needs to last and look smooth without any oil breaking through to disrupt it,” she says. Apply Pore Eclipse using your hands, starting in the T-zone and blending it out to the edges of the face. Not only does the formula feature niacinamide and bakuchiol—two skincare heavyweights that smooth skin texture and improve the look of pores—but it also contains blurring microspheres for a matte finish. It’s basically an instant soft-focus filter for your skin. 2. Enhance your complexion.Next, apply your favorite foundation or skin tint on yourcheeks, forehead, and chin. Then, using a makeup sponge dampened with Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray, blend everything in, making sure you don't miss any areas around your eyes, nose, or hairline. |
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3. Add subtle glow.“Liquid and cream formulas are always going to look more natural on skin for that soft glam look,” says Sara. “They blend together easily with fingers, brush, or sponge without looking cakey, which can happen with too many powders.” Madison uses two different shades of Bionic Bronzer to sculpt her face, blending it in around the hairline, cheekbones, and bridge of the nose with the dampened makeup sponge and adding more as needed. Follow it up with our Bionic Blush, tapping it onto the high points of the cheeks and blending with your fingers, and our Bionic Glow over it to catch the light. |
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4. Set your soft glam eye makeup.Soft glam makeup isn't just about skin. Play up your eyes by swiping on RISE Mascara, wiggling the brush at the base of the lashes before drawing it up to subtly define. Stop there, or go the extra mile by fluffing up your brows. |
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5. Finish with a light lip.While any lip color will do the trick, keep with the theme of light, liquid-based makeup with a swipe of our Electric Glossy Lip Plumper in your favorite shade. Then, finish it all off by investing a few extra seconds into your skin. “Do a final blend with a damp sponge sprayed with Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray,” says Sara. Take it from our team: Soft glam makeup works whether you’re headed to the office or have a wedding in T-minus two hours. The best part? No filter needed. |
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Meet the Expert
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.
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