It seems we have yet another barely-there beauty trend on our hands to join the likes of the 'Clean-Girl' aesthetic and cloud skin trend. Meet 'Gentle Makeup', the soft-focus look you'll be seeing everywhere this summer...
While Y2K era frosted eyeshadow and bleached brows have so far dominated the 2023 red carpet, it seems the warmer months are ushering in a new soft, nude glam movement, beloved by a certain rising IT girl.
Coined 'Gentle Makeup' by none other than Sofia Richie, the look offers the perfect minimal look, Unlike other barely there makeup routines, it doesn't necessarily forgo any of your fave steps, i.e blush or highlighter, which often get kicked to the curb for that 'no-makeup-makuep' effect. It also all comes down to application and, in Sofia's case especially, blendable, creme-based products.
So, for anyone looking to change up their everyday makeup regime, allow us to break down the budding trend...
What is the 'Gentle Makeup' trend?
If you've been on TikTok anytime in the last few months, you'll know Sofia's wedding was the social event of 2023, with the bride giving 'Quiet Luxury' vibes with everything from her pre and post-wedding outfits right down to her sun-kissed makeup looks—all of which, she's shared with us in numerous GRWM videos.
In one such video, Sofia also seemingly inspired a new summer beauty trend, which she dubbed 'Gentle Makeup.' Alas, this trend doesn't necessarily refer to makeup that is ideal for those with sensitive skin—though it's easy to incorporate your favorite tried and tested products into the routine.
And while this look is very similar to the classic no-makeup-makeup look, it verges more on the soft glam makeup side. As celebrity makeup artist and beauty influencer, Letitia Sophia explains: "Gentle makeup is all about keeping things simple yet effective. Minimal products to enhance the natural beauty that is already there. Less really is more when it comes to this makeup trend."
@sofiarichiegrainge here we go 👰🏼
♬ original sound - Sofia Richie Grainge
In her videos, Sofia perfectly illustrates how you don't have to forgo coverage or sculpting steps to achieve a seamlessly blended or subtle look—nor do you have to have an extensive beauty collection to switch up the look from day to night (though, if you do already have a bulging makeup bag, that's okay, and *same*...).
As we can see, for a sunny day by the pool, Sofia opted for a bronzy, sun-kissed base (using her fave blush combo), before skipping concealer, but following up with eyebrow gel, mascara, highlighter and lip liner to create a pretty but low-maintenance look.
@sofiarichiegrainge let the festivities begin ✨
♬ original sound - Sofia Richie Grainge
Then, in another GRWM, she showed the same makeup look—using all the same products—but amped up with the additions of her Hourglass concealer as well as her contour wand, favorite eyeshadow palette and powder bronzer.
As for rocking this look yourself, Sophia says it, "requires a nourishing moisturizer, a concealer with great coverage that’s buildable, a lash curler and good mascara to elongate the lashes, cream highlighter, bronzer and blush with a glossy lip. Simplicity at its finest!" She recommends the Reft Brow Tint (available at Sephora) and the Rose Inc. Cream Blush (also at Sephora) as good staples for this regime.
If you need more inspo for this look, the likes of Hailey Bieber, Laura Harrier, Yara Shahidi and Matilda Djerf have also been rocking the gentle, soft glam vibe.
Our pick of 'Gentle Makeup' essentials
To build your Gentle Makeup routine, we'd recommend opting for some multi-purpose crème makeup products but also a good powder—because you want dewy, but not shiny.
You should also invest in a non-comedogenic foundation and concealer and some nude staples, especially in the lip and eyeshadow department.
And If you're here for actual *gentle* makeup for sensitive skin—we've also got you...
If you've stumbled across this piece in the hopes of finding some beauty gems that are kind on sensitive-skin, we've got you. Here's some gentle 'Gentle-Makeup' options...
Be sure to also check out brands like ILIA, Merit and NudeStix, all of which offer a range of products with clean and cruelty-free formulas.
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