Makeup trends come and go so fast that it can be hard to keep up. The sea of core looks doesn’t make it any easier. But when the internet dubs a trend universal for all complexions and skin tones our ears perk up. The English rose makeup trend is the latest look to do just that. Light, airy, glowy and fresh, it’s as effortless as it is beautiful. Below, two makeup artists break down the trend and show us how to get the look.
Featured experts
- Nicole Bueno is a celebrity makeup artist
- Kim Baker is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of GLAMAZON Beauty
What is English Rose makeup?
As you can probably guess by its name, the English rose makeup trend is designed to replicate the soft, beautiful look of a rose—think fresh cut and just bloomed. “Rose colors are the essence of this look,” says celebrity makeup artist Nicole Bueno. She explains that the focus is on the cheeks and the lips. “The mood is very delicate and romantic, so pinks, plums and neutral or reddish browns work best,” she says.
That said, heavy contouring and sharp lines are not necessary for this trend. In fact, Bueno notes that contouring should be avoided or, at the very least, used sparingly. “Overall, the face should be softly defined to give your skin a lit-from-within appearance,” she adds.
Who does English Rose makeup work for?
Blush trends often need to be adjusted to fit different skin tones. The baby doll blush trend is a great example of how varying shades, such as bubblegum and fuchsia, work on different complexions. However, English rose makeup is universal thanks to its neutral color palette. Rosy undertones can be found in almost any complexion, so it’s just a matter of finding a mix that best suits you. “Pink, plum and brown shades are the go-to colors for English rose makeup,” says Bueno. For fair skin, she recommends opting for lighter-toned products and richer versions for deeper complexions.
How to achieve the look
English rose makeup starts with a good base. The skin needs to appear more natural, so priming products are essential. Instead of opting for mattifying products, celebrity makeup artist and founder of GLAMAZON Beauty, Kim Baker, suggests concocting a hydrating primer and foundation combo to create your own healthy glow. “Look for products that moisturize and prime at the same time,” she says.
As for your eyes, Bueno insists that eye makeup should be kept to a minimum. “The focus should be on the complexion,” she says. Her tip? Use darker-colored shadows in the crease and lash lines to give your eyes some warmth and depth, then add lighter shades where needed. To help the makeup diffuse softly, both artists agree that fingers and sponges instead of brushes are ideal. Finally, be sure to select a lip color that matches your blush color for a cohesive look.