How to wear a Pastel Makeup Look

Pastel this, pastel that, we’ve heard the internet go gaga over it over the last few years. The trend, however, keeps going strong. So much so that peach fuzz, another pastel, was declared to be the Pantone colour of the year. With them taking over our lives, let's get to the bottom of pastel makeup and learn how to do it.  

What are pastels exactly?

In a few words, pastels are the most delicate tints of a colour. Pastels could be pinks, purples, yellows, or even greens in their softest, most pale nature. These colours add simplicity and a petite aesthetic to your look. Hence we see the pastel makeup looks going viral.  

What counts as pastel makeup?

Pastel makeup is the ‘soft girl’ makeup trend that has taken the beauty world by storm. The viral pastel makeup ideas are all about sticking to your soft, pale, and delicate colours that almost resemble a spring garden or even cotton candy. From your lavenders, mint greens, baby pinks, and powder blues, pastel makeup is all about looking fresh, youthful and fun! 

 

As breezy as it looks, getting a perfect pastel makeup look might not be all that easy. You always run the risk of going overboard or looking too washed out while trying out this soft girl makeup. To get your pretty pastel makeup right in the first go, pick the right colours! It's important to pick a shade that complements your skin tone.  

 

Pastel makeup can sometimes wash out darker complexions, so dive into richer tones if you have a deep skin tone. Remember, pastel makeup is typically matte! Use a matte finish primer and a matte foundation to ensure a good base for your pastel makeup looks. Lastly, since pastel colours are soft and subtle, it's important not to overdo it. Keeping the rest of your look simple will allow your pastel makeup to truly shine.  

 

Makeup always looks best when you tailor it to your personal style. However, using a guide or a tutorial for your first few tries always helps you to get the feel of an aesthetic. Same goes for your pastel makeup looks! To make life simpler, here are some easy yet gorgeous pastel makeup tutorials. 

Step-by Step Pastel Face Makeup

A flawless base, without a speck brings in the delicate look we need for a pastel makeup look. Here’s how to ace a pastel face makeup look: 

 

1. As per usuals, we start out with a primer while we jump into our pastel face makeup. A matte primer is the best bet to blur out your pores and control any oiliness that can’t be hidden by your light, pastel makeup look. 

 

2. A weightless foundation comes in next. A pastel makeup look goes light on colours and a cakey foundation might stand out too evidently. This is why a light yet buildable matte liquid foundation is ideal for your pastel makeup look. Blend it evenly on your face and neck.  Try using a simple skin tint if you have apprehensions about a foundation. 

 

3. A concealer is important for your pastel makeup. With minimal colours on your face, any blemishes or dark circles tend to stand out. Hence, a crease-free concealer is a must. Use it only on the spots you wish to cover and blur out. Blend it properly into your foundation. 

 

4. Blusher is where it gets tricky. Apply light strokes of a naturally pink blush from your temples to your cheeks. Use very gentle strokes. Lastly, blend with a clean or a different brush to get a seamless pastel makeup. 

 

5. Add a tinge of highlighter along your nose bridge, cupid’s bow, brow bridge, and cheeks. This will ensure that light bounces off perfectly from your pastel makeup look. 

 

6. Lastly, seal in your pastel makeup with a lightweight finishing powder. 

Step-by Step Pastel Eye Makeup Look

The point of a subtle face makeup was  to accentuate your pastel eye makeup. The magic lies in the eyes when it comes to pastels. Your eyes are a perfect canvas to blend in all the colour while keeping the face delicate. Here’s how you pull off a pastel eye makeup: 

 

1. If you haven’t already, apply a generous amount of primer on your eyelids before you start out with your pastel eye makeup. This helps to create an even base for your eye colours. You can also dab in another drop of concealer to let the pastels pop. 

 

2. Eyeshadow is the make or break of your pastel eye makeup. For best results, pick the pastel eye makeup colours according to your skin tones and undertones. While baby pinks and blues go well with light tones, lilacs and purples might look great on deeper tones. Deeper skin tones also wear frosty or fluorescent pastel eye makeup well. Those with olive tones can also pick minty and peachy pastel shades.  

 

3. Once you have your pastel eyeshadow palette handy, pick two pastel eye makeup colours. Apply one on the inner crease of your eye and blend it outward. Apply the second colour on the outer end and blend it inwards to create an ombre pastel eye makeup.  

 

Pro Tip: Use a white eye shadow before painting in your lids to add a pop and easy blend shades. You can also use a wet brush to make sure you get the full eyeshadow pigment. 

 

4. Kajal and eyeliner are all too tempting to avoid. These, however, might take away from your dainty look. You can try out slim, coloured liquid eyeliner wisps if you wish to add it  to your pastel eye makeup. Using a white Kajal on your lower lash line also makes you appear doe-eyed, complimenting your pastel eye makeup.  

 

5. Apply thin strokes of mascara to add volume to your eyelashes. You can even use a light eyebrow pencil to slightly shape your brows and complete your pastel eye makeup look. 

 

6. Lastly, add a little bit of highlighter to the inner corner of your eyes, adding shimmer to your pastel eye makeup. 

Step-by Step Pastel Lip Makeup

With your look in place, adding pastels to your lip makeup is a perfect finishing touch. Here’s how you go about it: 

 

1. Add a thin layer of lip balm to prime your lips. This will keep your pout hydrated while blurring out any cracks. 

 

2. Choose a light lipstick shade that goes with your pastel eye makeup colours. Baby pinks or peachy shades, let the lipstick be subtle. 

 

3. Add a quick coat of lipgloss to add shimmer and fun to your pastel makeup. 

 

Pro Tip: For an airy look, you can blend in the lipstick with your finger for a soft, diffused effect after overlining your lips.

 

With all the rules and tutorials in place, your dreamy, pastel makeup look is just one try away. Picking out the right shades, however, can turn out to be  the trickiest and most important part of this tutorial. Maybelline India makes that easy too! Check out our Virtual Try-On Tool, an absolute game-changer for your pastel makeup ideas. This tool allows you to try on different eye and lip makeup looks virtually, with just a selfie or a camera. Now try out all the combinations there are before buying your pastel makeup. 

 

The Foundation Finder Tool, another life saver, can help you find the perfect base makeup shades for your skin, making it easier to create a flawless base for your pastel makeup look.  

 

With a little practice and the right tools, hop onto the pastel makeup trend and create delicate, goddess-like makeup looks that are uniquely you.