There’s something about summer’s warm weather that makes you want to lie back, relax and enjoy time at the beach or pool. But how do you capture that feeling in a makeup look? It’s easier than you think, thanks to the rising “Aussie makeup” trend. According to leading beauty and wellness booking platform Fresha, Google searches for the term have risen more than 1,000 percent over the last quarter, and the look has been gaining traction across social media, especially TikTok.
After the return of full-glam, 2016-style makeup earlier this year, beauty lovers are now stepping away from heavily sculpted looks in favor of something more effortless: natural, breathable makeup with a lit-from-within glow. Ahead, everything to know about Aussie makeup.
What Is Aussie Makeup—and Why Is It Trending?
Rather than striving for perfection or masking imperfections, Aussie makeup enhances and embraces natural features. “When I think Aussie makeup, I think soft, more natural, skin-focused, super bronzy and slightly undone,” says Charlotte, NC makeup artist Caitlyn Dominic. “Think sun-kissed skin, minimal eyeshadow, brown tones on the eyes—overall, less is more but still sultry, sexy and bronzy.”
You want to create a healthy, glowing base with the help of a strong skin-care routine (including sunscreen) before applying makeup. Once you do, the base will be barely there, featuring a lightweight skin tint, sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer, with soft bronzed tones and a lived-in, beachy finish.
As the seasons change and we head into warmer weather, people are looking for light, fresh, sun-drenched moments, whether that’s in their makeup looks or even their manicures. It’s also a style that fits easily into busy, on-the-go routines. “I think this style is trending because it taps into the overall shift toward more natural, low-maintenance beauty,” says Dominic. “People want to look polished without spending too much time or looking too ‘done.’”
How to Create the Aussie Makeup Look
“Start by prepping the skin based on your skin’s needs,” says Dominic, whether you have normal, dry, oily or combination skin. She recommends a product that’s both bronzy and glowy, like the Saie Glowy Super Gel ($29) or Westman Atelier Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops ($58). “I wouldn’t apply this all over the face, but just to the high points such as the cheekbones and forehead,” she explains.
Then, for your all-over base, opt for either a skin tint or a lightweight foundation. The focus should be on the skin without covering it up. “You can still use concealer where you need it, whether that’s for extra coverage or to brighten the under-eye area,” she says.
Next, Dominic recommends reaching for a cream or liquid bronzer of choice, such as the Dior Forever Skin Bronze Bronzing Balm Stick ($52). “Apply it to the high points of the face such as the cheekbones, forehead and nose,” she says.
For blush, “I would do a cream product that isn’t super pink,” she says, instead choosing “something more on the neutral, rosy, bronzy side.” She recommends the Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo ($40) in shades Not Too Much, She’s Blushing or She’s Flushed for a natural-looking flush.
When it comes to setting powder, apply a light dusting only where needed, “such as under the eyes and through the center of the face,” she says. “Then, set any areas with cream or liquid bronzer using a powder bronzer and a fluffy brush and set cream blush with a powder blush.”
You can reuse your bronzer for eyeshadow: “Sweep it across the eyelids and through the crease for an all-over wash of bronziness,” she says. Eyeliner is optional, but if you do use it, keep it soft and “opt for a brown or bronze,” says Dominic. She likes the Makeup By Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil ($26) in Bronze or The Perfect Brown, applied along the top lash line and waterline.
For eyes and brows, she recommends a brown or black mascara and a clear brow gel. “Gently comb through the brows,” she advises. “Aussie makeup does not focus on structured brows—more natural and fluffy.”
Complete the look with a neutral, warm lip rather than a pink, rosy or berry shade, like the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Long-Lasting Lip Liner ($26) in Wherever Walnut or Anywhere Caffeine. “I would gently line the lips, slightly fill them in with the pencil, then buff and blend with a brush or finger,” says Dominic. “Finish with something glossy, like the Hourglass Phantom Glossy Lip Balm ($38) in Sense.”
