Fairycore makeup is a delightful and whimsical trend that lets you escape into a magical world filled with soft colors, glitter, and ethereal beauty. Inspired by the enchanting aesthetic of fairies and nature, this makeup style emphasizes soft-focus textures, pastel shades, and a touch of sparkle. In this article, we’ll explore how to create the perfect fairycore makeup look, incorporating expert tips, personal anecdotes, and practical advice.
What is Fairycore Makeup?
Fairycore makeup is all about embracing ethereal colors, glitter, and soft-focus textures to create a magical look that transcends everyday life. Doniella Davy, makeup artist for Euphoria, describes it as “a whimsical escape from reality. It’s about embracing ethereal colors, glitter, and soft-focus textures to create a magical look that transcends everyday life” (HBO Max).
Key Elements of Fairycore Makeup
- Pastel Shades: Soft pinks, lavenders, baby blues, and mint greens.
- Glitter and Shimmer: Sparkly highlights, glittery eyeshadows, and iridescent finishes.
- Soft Focus: Blurred edges, diffused colors, and a dreamy, almost out-of-focus look.
- Whimsical Details: Stars, butterflies, flowers, and other playful elements.
Getting Started with Fairycore Makeup
Prepping Your Skin
To achieve a flawless fairycore look, start with well-prepped skin. Hydrated and dewy skin provides the perfect canvas for this ethereal makeup style.
- Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities.
- Moisturize: Apply a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin plump and dewy.
- Primer: Use a radiant primer to create a glowing base.
Foundation and Concealer
For a soft-focus effect, choose a lightweight, dewy foundation. Apply it with a damp beauty sponge to ensure a natural, seamless finish.
Personal Anecdote: I used to struggle with heavy foundations that looked cakey. Switching to a lightweight, dewy formula made a huge difference in achieving that soft, ethereal look. It feels like my skin can breathe and still looks radiant.
Adding Soft Focus and Glitter
Isamaya Ffrench, makeup artist and creative director of Byredo Makeup, advises: “Fairycore makeup is all about embracing your inner child and letting your imagination run wild. Play with pastel shades, iridescent finishes, and whimsical details like stars, butterflies, and flowers” (Instagram @isamayaffrench).
Creating the Perfect Fairycore Eyes
The eyes are the focal point of any fairycore look. Here’s how to make them pop:
Eyeshadow
- Pastel Base: Start with a pastel eyeshadow base. Choose colors like soft pink, lavender, or mint green.
- Glitter: Apply a glittery eyeshadow on top of the pastel base. Focus on the center of the eyelid for a halo effect.
- Blend: Use a fluffy brush to blend the edges for a soft, diffused look.
Eyeliner
Instead of harsh lines, opt for a soft, smudged eyeliner in a complementary pastel shade or white.
Mascara and Lashes
Choose a lengthening mascara to enhance your lashes without making them look too heavy. For an extra touch of whimsy, try false lashes with a natural look or those with tiny embellishments like stars or flowers.
Personal Anecdote: I once added tiny star stickers to the outer corners of my eyes for a special event. It was a small detail, but it made the entire look feel magical and unique.
Highlighting and Contouring
Fairycore makeup emphasizes a soft, glowing complexion with minimal contouring.
Highlight
Use a highlighter with a pearlescent finish. Apply it to the high points of your face: the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow.
Contour
Keep contouring light and subtle. Use a soft bronzer to add a bit of warmth and dimension without harsh lines.
Terry Barber, Director of Makeup Artistry at MAC Cosmetics, emphasizes the importance of shimmer: “Fairycore makeup is about creating a dreamy, ethereal look that’s both romantic and otherworldly. Think soft, diffused edges, shimmering highlights, and a touch of sparkle” (MAC Cosmetics).
Adding Whimsical Details
Blush
Choose a blush in a soft pink or peach shade. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples for a natural, flushed look.
Lips
Opt for a lip gloss or balm with a hint of color. Shades like light pink, peach, or even a clear gloss with a bit of shimmer work well.
Whimsical Elements
Incorporate playful details like tiny star or butterfly stickers, flower petals, or even a touch of glitter to your look. These elements can be placed around your eyes, on your cheeks, or even in your hair for a truly ethereal effect.
Erin Parsons, Maybelline’s Global Makeup Artist, encourages experimentation: “Fairycore makeup is not about perfection. It’s about embracing imperfection and creating a look that’s unique and personal to you. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to experiment!” (Maybelline).
The Psychological Benefits of Fantasy Makeup
Wearing fantasy makeup like fairycore can have positive effects on your mood and self-expression. According to a study in the Journal of Positive Psychology, fantasy makeup can help individuals escape from reality, reduce stress, and boost confidence.
Expressing Creativity
Fairycore makeup allows you to express your creativity and individuality. It’s a chance to play with colors and textures that you might not use in everyday makeup.
Boosting Confidence
The act of transforming yourself into a whimsical, ethereal character can boost your confidence and help you feel more empowered.
Unique Study: The Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management explores how fantasy makeup trends like fairycore empower individuals to express their creativity and individuality, highlighting the role of social media in promoting and popularizing these trends (2023).
Conclusion
Fairycore makeup is a delightful and whimsical way to express yourself. By embracing ethereal colors, glitter, and soft-focus textures, you can create a magical look that feels like an escape from reality.
As Doniella Davy puts it, “Fairycore makeup is a whimsical escape from reality. It’s about embracing ethereal colors, glitter, and soft-focus textures to create a magical look that transcends everyday life” (HBO Max).
Whether you’re attending a special event, creating content for social media, or just having fun with your makeup, fairycore offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. So gather your pastels, glitters, and whimsical details, and let your imagination run wild. Happy creating!
