The Aussie Makeup Trend & How to Actually Do It
Sun-kissed, bronzy, and barely-there - I broke it down for NewBeauty, and now I'm breaking it down for you.
Aussie makeup is having a serious moment, and honestly? I get it. When I think about this look, I think soft, natural, skin-focused, super bronzy and slightly undone. Sun-kissed skin, minimal eyeshadow, brown tones on the eyes - overall, less is more, but still sultry, sexy and bronzy. It's the kind of makeup that looks like you just got back from a beach vacation, even if you've been sitting at your desk all week.
And the reason it's trending right now makes total sense to me. As the weather warms up, people want light, fresh and sun-drenched - in their makeup, their nails, everything. It also fits into a busy life without any fuss. This style is all about looking polished without spending too much time or looking too "done." Which, if you ask me, is always the goal.
So let me walk you through exactly how to create it - step by step, with the products I love and recommend.
Start With Your Skin
The whole foundation of Aussie makeup - no pun intended - is great skin. Before you even think about makeup, you want a solid skincare routine going, including SPF. The makeup is meant to enhance what's already there, not cover it up.
Once your skin is prepped, reach for one of these to add that bronzy, glowy base right at the high points - cheekbones and forehead only, not all over:
A lightweight, skin-loving option that gives an instant glow without any heaviness. Perfect if you want that lit-from-within look before your base even goes on.
Westman Atelier Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops
A more bronzy option that melts right into the skin. Mix it into your moisturizer or apply a few drops to the high points for a natural warmth that doesn't look like product at all.
The Base
For your all-over base, this is not the moment for full coverage. You want a skin tint, a sheer foundation, or a tinted moisturizer. The whole point is that your skin shows through. You can still use concealer where you need it - under the eyes or anywhere you want a little extra coverage - but keep it targeted and light.
Bronzer - Cream First, Then Powder
Dior Forever Skin Bronze Bronzing Balm Stick
Apply this cream bronzer to the high points of the face - cheekbones, forehead, and a little on the nose. Blend well. This is where that sun-kissed warmth comes from, and layering a cream underneath a powder bronzer later is one of my favorite techniques for making it look real and last all day.
Blush
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo
For Aussie makeup, you're not reaching for anything super pink. You want something neutral, rosy, or bronzy - think a natural flush rather than a statement cheek. I love the shades Not Too Much, She's Blushing, or She's Flushed for this look. The cream and powder duo is perfect because the cream blends seamlessly and the powder sets it for wear.
Setting Powder & Finishing the Face
Apply a light dusting of setting powder only where you need it - under the eyes and through the center of the face. Then go back in with a powder bronzer over anywhere you applied cream bronzer, and set your cream blush with a powder blush and a fluffy brush. This layering technique is everything for a look that stays put and still looks like skin.
Eyes
Keep it simple here. Sweep your bronzer right across the eyelids and through the crease for an all-over wash of warmth - it ties the whole look together without any extra effort. Liner is completely optional, but if you want it, keep it soft and go for brown or bronze tones.
Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil in Bronze or The Perfect Brown
Apply softly along the top lash line and waterline for that lived-in, sultry finish without anything harsh or heavy. This is the kind of liner that makes people wonder if you're even wearing liner at all - in the best way.
Finish with a brown or black mascara and a clear brow gel, combed through for fluffy, natural brows. Aussie makeup is not about structured, defined brows - let them breathe.
Lips
Warm and neutral is the move here. Skip the pink, rosy, or berry shades - you want something that completes the sun-kissed vibe without pulling attention away from that gorgeous bronzy skin.
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Wherever Walnut or Anywhere Caffeine
Gently line the lips, slightly fill them in, then buff and blend with a brush or your finger for a soft, natural edge. No harsh liner lines here.
Hourglass Phantom Glossy Lip Balm in Sense
Finish with something glossy and nourishing over the liner for that effortless, beachy lip. This is the final touch that pulls the whole Aussie look together.
The whole point of Aussie makeup is that it looks easy - because it is. It's the kind of look that works whether you're heading to brunch, the office, or even down the aisle if you want something relaxed and naturally stunning. Less effort, more glow. I will always be here for that.
xo, Caitlyn Michelle
