Sad girl makeup is a makeup style that stems from the broader "sad girl aesthetic," which romanticizes sadness as beauty. This aesthetic, popular across different seasons, often incorporates specific makeup elements to achieve a melancholic yet alluring look. The sad girl aesthetic is often found in micro-trends such as the coquette aesthetic and is characterized by certain key features.
Key Characteristics of Sad Girl Makeup:
Sad girl makeup is less about perfectly executed techniques and more about expressing a specific emotional mood through appearance. Here are some of the common elements:
- Focus on the Eyes:
- Slightly Smudged Eyeliner: Often, this isn't a sharp, precise line but rather a softer, more lived-in look. This can be achieved using pencil liners that are blended out, creating a slightly "crying" effect.
- Under-Eye Emphasis: Dark circles are often accentuated rather than concealed, embracing a tired or vulnerable look. Some might even use subtle shadows to emphasize the area under their eyes.
- Muted or Pastel Eyeshadows: Softer, more muted colors, like light pinks, purples, or browns are common choices. These create a delicate, almost fragile appearance.
- Soft and Natural Skin:
- Light Coverage: The emphasis is typically on a natural-looking base, often using lighter coverage foundations or tinted moisturizers. This allows for a more transparent and less made-up appearance.
- Blush: Blush is often used to create a rosy, flushed look. Often applied higher on the cheeks to give a youthful, slightly vulnerable appearance.
- Lips:
- Natural or Muted Lips: Natural or subtly tinted lip balms, glosses, or lipsticks in shades like mauves and light pinks are typically preferred. This complements the soft overall effect.
Examples of Sad Girl Makeup in Practice:
| Feature | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Smudged liner, under-eye emphasis, muted eyeshadows | Light pink eyeshadow with blended brown liner, slight darkening of the under-eye area |
| Skin | Light coverage, rosy blush | Tinted moisturizer with a soft pink blush applied high on the cheeks |
| Lips | Natural or muted lip colors | Light mauve tinted balm or a sheer pink gloss |
Relation to the Sad Girl Aesthetic:
As mentioned by the provided reference, the sad girl aesthetic, which is the basis for the makeup trend, is often associated with bows, pastels, and a sad facial expression. This ties back to the makeup by using:
- Pastel shades for eyeshadow and blush.
- Soft textures to create a vulnerable appearance.
- A general feeling that communicates melancholic beauty.
Essentially, sad girl makeup is not simply about replicating a sad appearance but rather about capturing an overall aesthetic that celebrates vulnerability and emotional depth.
