Strawberry makeup: the makeup trick for a beach glow

Have you ever finished applying your makeup, looked in the mirror, and felt like something was missing, but you couldn't quite put your finger on what? It's not more color, it's not more coverage. It's that radiant glow, those rosy cheeks, the look of someone who's just had a good laugh or spent the day in the sun. That effect, that "je ne sais quoi" we all crave, has a name: strawberry makeup . And the good news is, it's achieved with very little effort.

What exactly is strawberry makeup?

Strawberry makeup is a trend that originated on TikTok and Instagram, and Hailey Bieber popularized it, making it one of the most copied looks of recent years. The idea is simple: to mimic the freshness, color, and juiciness of a ripe strawberry. Think rosy cheeks with plenty of blush, lightly tinted lips, luminous and hydrated skin, and, if you're feeling bold, some faux freckles for a touch of effortless naturalness. It's not dramatic makeup. Quite the opposite: fresh, quick, and flattering for almost any skin tone.

Why it works (and why it doesn't go out of style)

• It's very easy to do , even if you don't have much experience with makeup .
• It's beneficial because it simulates healthy, rested skin , something we all want to project.
• It's versatile : suitable for everyday wear, a date, or brunch with friends.
• It doesn't require a huge collection of products; four basic ones are enough.

The key to her success is that she doesn't strive for perfection. She strives to be real. And that, in a world of impossible contours and Instagram filters, is incredibly refreshing.

The step-by-step guide to achieving it

Before we talk about products, one important thing: prepped skin is 50% of the result. Strawberry makeup needs a hydrated and luminous base to work. Start with a light moisturizer, let it absorb well, and then apply a medium-coverage foundation or BB cream that gives you that second-skin effect, not a mask-like one.

1. Light and luminous base

Forget mattifying or high-coverage foundations. The goal is for your skin to show underneath the makeup. Look for fluid formulas with a satin or natural finish.

2. Blush: the centerpiece of everything

Here's the heart of the strawberry look . Apply a strawberry-pink cream blush directly to your cheekbones with your fingers and blend it towards your temples. Then set it with a powder blush in the same shade for longer wear. The key is in the amount: more than you think you need.

3. The touch on the nose

She's also applied a touch of that blush to the bridge of her nose. That detail gives the "I've been in the sun" effect and completes the look.

4. Simple eyes with pink eyeshadow

A light strawberry or rosy beige eyeshadow on the eyelid is enough. The goal is to make the eyes look awake, not the main focus. You can add a little mascara, but don't overdo it.

5. Juicy lips

A tinted gloss or balm in a light pink or raspberry shade. No eyeliner, no contouring. Just that touch of juicy color that evokes, yes, a strawberry.

6. Fake freckles (optional, but a plus)

Using a light brown eyeliner pencil or eyeshadow applied with a fine brush, draw small, irregular dots on your nose and cheeks. Don't make them too perfect: the key is for them to look natural.

Vichy Laboratoires

IDÉAL SOLEIL BB cream SPF50+ toucher sec

BB Cream - Sunscreen for face

From £ 13.14

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Clinique

CHUBBY STICK tinted cheek balm

Blusher

From £ 18.59

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How to adapt strawberry makeup to your skin tone

One of the reasons strawberry makeup has become so popular is that it can be adapted to virtually any skin tone. The key is choosing the right shade of pink for your undertone.

If you have fair skin , soft pinks and slightly raspberry tones enhance the natural blush effect.

On medium skin tones , warm pink or coral tones add luminosity without looking artificial.

Darker skin tones , on the other hand, are usually especially flattered by berry tones or more intense red fruit colors.

The important thing is not to follow strict rules, but to find a shade that blends with your skin and provides a natural freshness.

La Roche Posay

TOLERIANE PINK BLUSH micro-pulverized powder blush #02

Blusher

From £ 19.71

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Essence

WHAT A TINT! lip and cheek tint

Blusher - Lip gloss

From £ 2.97

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Mistakes that ruin the strawberry effect

Don't prep your skin properly . If your foundation is dry or cakey, cream blush won't blend well, and the result will be patches of color instead of the natural flush we're looking for.

Don't just use very red tones . Strawberry makeup is pink, not red. If you go overboard with the intensity, the look loses its fresh and youthful charm.

Don't forget your neck and décolletage . If your face has a spectacular glow, but your neck is dull, the contrast is obvious. A touch of highlighter on your décolletage completes the look perfectly.

The products that make the difference

Although strawberry makeup is known for its simplicity, the right textures can transform the look. Cream blushes are key because they blend seamlessly with the skin and provide that dewy finish so characteristic of the trend.

BB creams , lightweight foundations , and hydrating glosses also work very well, helping to maintain a fresh look without overloading the makeup. With just a few well-chosen products, you can recreate the complete effect.

Maybelline

SUNKISSER Liquid Blush and Bronzer

Blusher

From £ 6.22

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Catrice

MELT & PLUMP volumizing lip balm

Lip balm

From £ 3.74

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Makeup that flatters because it lets your skin show through.

Perhaps the success of strawberry makeup lies in the fact that it doesn't aim to transform the face, but rather to enhance it. Its rosy cheeks , luminous skin , and luscious lips create a fresh and healthy look that is flattering any time of year.

More than a viral trend , it's a simple way to achieve a natural, luminous makeup look that's easy to adapt to your own style.