Another day has come, and there’s another money-themed beauty look to get behind. Clearly, the rich, stealth wealth, and quiet luxury trend is still going strong and the latest look proves it. Old money makeup, like the trends before it, is all about looking effortlessly wealthy and exuding sophistication with every head turn and step. It’s soft and made up without being overdone and can be customized to suit your makeup preferences. That said, it’s no wonder celebrities and Hollywood A-listers are making the look their own. If you’ve found yourself swooning over similar aesthetics on TikTok or Instagram, you’ll probably want to give old money makeup a try. Below, two celebrity makeup artists share everything to know about the trend, including their top tips for recreating the look.
Featured experts
- Erika La’ Pearl is a celebrity makeup artist
- Ash K Holm is a celebrity makeup artist
What is old money makeup?
Like the hair trends with the same name, old money makeup is rooted in timeless elegance and subtlety. “With this look, the emphasis is on enhancing your features without looking overdone—think polished and refined or natural-looking skin,” says celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm. The color palette is also subdued and uses understated tones to softly define the eyes and natural shadows of the face. “This isn’t a contrived look and embraces an effortlessness inspired by general wealth and sophistication,” adds Holm.
That said, there are a few mainstays that define the look. ”Radiant, softly contoured skin, rosy blush, nude lips and natural eye makeup are the basis of old money makeup,” says celebrity makeup artist Erika La’ Pearl. She explains that the eyes are key to this look and that while they are made up, they should still appear effortless. “Classic eye makeup, like a brown smoky eye and wispy lashes, creates just enough intensity without looking dramatic,” she says.
How to do old money makeup
Both artists agree that old money makeup begins with a flawless base, but that doesn’t mean you need full-coverage complexion products. According to Holm, a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer works best since it can be buildable and offer a skin-like finish. The rest of your base should also be natural and simply enhance, not create, the features of your face.
Moving on to the eyes, La’Pearl says that swapping in a bronzer stick or brown concealer for eyeshadow helps create that effortless chic vibe old money makeup is known for, while a few lash clusters blended into your natural lashes enhance the shape of your eyes. To finish the look, Holm says you can opt for either a bold or subtle lip depending on your mood. “A classic red lip is ideal for evening, while a muted rose or nude works best for daytime errands and events,” she says.
All in all, you want to keep the look as minimal and cohesive as possible. Below are the expert-approved products to get the full old money look at home.