Makeup gurus and girlies, I’m sure you’re no stranger to the recent trend taking YouTube and TikTok by storm: Aussie Girl Glam. Also referred to as Vacation Makeup, this viral look consists of an uber-bronzed base, light blush, highlight that mimics that sun-kissed glow, and glossy lips. Many are suspecting that the clean girl look has met its match…and for good reason.
The Clean Girl Makeup Cult
Before the rise of Aussie Girl Glam, clean girl makeup quite literally super-glued itself to the label of everyday-makeup. Simple mascara, a flawless base, light blush and a tight bun—the makeup girls became clean and didn’t look back. As an avid beauty lover, I too was a clean girl makeup fan. Something polished and elegant for all occasions? Count me in. I retired my eye shadow palettes and put my full coverage products down.
We’ve all grown up with family members backing the assertion, “less is more,” and they weren’t wrong! They had a love for clean girl makeup before social media coined it with this famous name. But the reluctance to part with my four-product makeup routine needed to come to end. Pat McGrath, Kevyn Aucoin, and even our viral makeup masters would all agree with one thing: makeup is an art form. How you chose to wield your brush is an extension of your creativity—makeup is a limitless expression and should always have its arms open to inclusivity.
With this in mind, I opened my makeup bag and dug out those products that weren’t so clean girl. I could swear I heard them chime in excitement, but maybe that was just me. Aussie Glam was calling; I had to hear it out.
How To: Aussie Girl Glam
Surprisingly, the products needed to achieve the Aussie Girl Glam look varies from girlie to girlie. My makeup counter was littered with brushes, concealers, lip glosses, bronzers—I think you get the gist. Whether you’re olive, deep, or cool toned, this makeup trend is malleable: meaning it can be molded according to you! As a pale olive, I have to tred carefully with makeup products. Bronzers can end up being too orange-y or grey, while blushes might appear red or highlighter pink on me. Shade matches were my worst nightmare for the longest time. Story of every makeup-lover’s life, no? Especially among those with deeper skin tones or high-contrast complexions.
So, how to achieve this look? I decided to go with a light-weight base: Covergirl’s Skin Tint in the shade fair usually provides me with a decent amount of coverage while remaining breathable. You can add in your favorite concealer if you’re feeling like you look a bit tired or a higher coverage bb cream for a smooth base!
What about bronzer? You always want to go at least three shades darker than your typical shade for a sun-kissed look. I placed my trust in Colourpop’s Bronzer Stick in the shade Moonstone Beach. Blend, blend, blend. As you see below, I was quite literally fighting for my life with my mini-sponge: this bronzer is creamy and thick—the perfect consistency for a long-lasting Aussie Glam base.
Side note: I’m currently post-cold, hence why I added a bit of my favorite blush to kick some life back into my face. Feel free to forego this step.
We need to look shiny too, no? I swapped the bronzer stick out for Colourpop’s Highlighter in the shade Glazey. Needless to say, this product was making all the glazed donuts out there jealous of its gloss.
Don’t forget your go-to lashes or mascara! I opted for Maybelline’s SkyHigh tubing mascara for a smudge-free summer-look. Last but not least, the lip combo is the star of the show: a brown liner and a dab of that pinky gloss you keep in your purse (yes, that one shade we all seem have) will have you all set.
The End Look
Will I be tossing out my love for the clean girl look in exchange for Aussie Girl Glam? A big, fat, YES! At least for this summer. Its lightweight, bronzed-goddess vibe is what makes this trendy makeup look so addictive—I’ve already worn it out twice. It’s no wonder the clean girlies are swapping out their routine for Aussie Girl Glam. The question is, will you?
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