The release of Barbie has colored our world pink, and we’re not mad about it. The film, just like the doll, inspires a specific aesthetic, and it’s no surprise that with the success of Barbie, people are trying to obtain the look. The Barbie makeup look is a fun way to lean into femininity. We talked to celebrity makeup artists about how to get the look, and as you’d expect, there’s a whole lot of pink.
“Barbie is bold, so don’t hold back on the pink. For this look, you are going to want to stick with your cooler pinks and shades that will make your features pop (like a doll), says celebrity makeup artist and founder of the eponymous brand, Jillian Dempsey. Makeup artist and brand trainer Sasha Ghodstinat says, “When you think of the Barbie look, think of yourself at your girliest, with lots of pinks and very flawless skin.”
Build a long-lasting base
First, we need to lay down a layer of foundation to nail Barbie’s perfect skin. Although we’re human and bound to see pores, acne and dark spots that plastic dolls don’t have, finding the right foundation for you will help give you a more even complexion. Ghodstinat recommends Code8 Day to Night Foundation ($65). “This is a great foundation suitable for all skin types, that can provide medium to full coverage,” says Ghodstinat. It also has “amazing skin-care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E that help to hydrate the skin.” Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage ($45) is also a great choice. With 51 shade choices, there is something for everyone.
Rosy cheeks
Barbie’s bubbly demeanor tends to be paired a rosy flush of color on the apples of her cheeks. Dempsey suggests those with medium to deep skin tones try the Cheek Tint in Rosy ($28), while those with fair to light skin tones try it in Petal. “You can even use them on the eyelids if you’re looking for an easy creamy pink eye,” adds Dempsey.
Glowy skin
Barbie is plastic, so a bit of a shine or glow will help round out the look. Celebrity makeup artist and beauty creative director at RÓEN Kate Synnott says you can achieve “Barbie’s signature radiant complexion,” by using the RÓGLOW Skin Stick in Glazed ($39) as a highlighter. “It’s amazing for getting that stunning, lit-from-within glow.”
Celebrity makeup artist and director of artistry & education at Kevyn Aucoin, Nick Lujan, also advocates for “an extra high shine” for Barbie skin. Lujan recommends using Glass Glow Face ($35) “in any shade to the high plains of the face and body (cheekbone, bridge of the nose, temple, décolletage, etc.).”
Pink-toned eyeshadow
“For this look, I love Kevyn Aucoin’s Contour Eyeshadow Palette ($39) in the Medium Deep family. These are the perfect shades for creating this look,” says Lujan. “Use a medium-toned matte shadow in the crease of the eye, preferably in the pinky mauve family. Deepen the crease with a deeper matte rosy-brown shade,” Lujan advises.
Lujan also has a pro tip to really nail the doll’s look. “Once you have finished contouring the crease of the eye, use a cotton swab with water-based makeup remover to sharpen up the mobile lid, creating a sharp floating crease. Then apply a bit of concealer over the mobile lid and set it with a fleshy or white shimmer textured shadow,” says Lujan. If you’d like a variety of pink-hued options to create a more dynamic look, grab the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Instant Eye Palette ($75) or the Pat McGrath Labs Divine Rose Luxe Quad: Eternal Eden ($58).
White eyeliner
On top of the pink eyeshadow, Dempsey suggests drawing a bright white line against the outer waterline to add a highlight and animate the eyes. She recommends using The BRIGHTS in FTA White ($20) for this step.
Winged eyeliner
Alternatively, you could go the winged route to nail your Barbie makeup look. Lujan suggests doing winged liner on the upper lash line. “The winged liner look should be thinner at the inner corner of the eye, but then wider as you work your way outward, and end in a tapered sharp wing,” explains Lujan, who recommends The Precision Liquid Liner ($34) for an easy smudge-free application.
Iconic brows
“For the Barbie eyebrow, you want to see individual brow hairs but still in a structured shape. I suggest starting with the brows and sketching in one hair at a time,” says Lujan. “Once the brows are filled in, clean up the perimeter with a cotton swab and water-based makeup remover. Then, build the rest of the makeup around the brows.”
For this step, Lujan recommends True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo ($28), which has a “marker side for sketching, plus a clear brow gel to lock hair in place.” When it comes to the makeup remover, Lujan likes Bioderma Sensibio H20 ($11).
Spidery lashes
Lujan says Barbie’s “lashes are iconic! The style harkens back to the ‘Mod’ lash look of the ’60s.” Lujan notes that the upper lashes are a major focus with starry, spidery lash look. Meanwhile, the bottom lashes should be “doll-like and separated.”
Begin with an eyelash curler, like Kevyn Aucoin’s award-winning curler ($24). Then choose a dramatic mascara. Lujan recommends Indecent Mascara ($28). Other great products to dial up the drama include Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Volumizing Mascara ($29) and UOMA Beauty Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Nourishing Mascara ($20).
For even more drama, Lujan suggests incorporating false lashes. “If you can find the perfect faux lash, use a pair of super dramatic lashes, and cut them into smaller sections before applying. You can apply the same way you would apply individual lashes,” says Lujan. “Start with shorter lashes in the inner corners, and then the lashes should get longer as you work your way outward.” To nail this look, Lujan recommends using KISS Lash Drip ($5).
Pink glossy lips
I’m sure you knew this was coming, but pink glossy lips are a must for the Barbie makeup look. For true pink, Lujan recommends Unforgettable Lipstick Shine in Enigma ($30). “It is hydrating, glossy and layerable for soft or natural color payoff,” Lujan adds. If you’re looking for another shade of pink, Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Voile Sheer Lipstick ($45) has a ton of options that would work. Don’t forget your lip liner. Lujan suggests resting a heart-shaped lip look with a neutral lip liner.
Synnott says, “Kiss My Liquid Lip Balm Shimmer in Cosmo ($26) is a great way to add a glistening multidimensional effect to the lips.” Another great gloss for this look is Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm in Nearly Apricot ($18).
