As 2024 approaches, the beauty world is a vibrant mix of past influences and fresh innovations, with the Scandi makeup trend emerging as a standout star, embodying the core Scandinavian values of minimalism and sustainability. This trend captivates with its inherent simplicity and eco-conscious approach, quickly winning over beauty enthusiasts globally.
The Nordic beautiful way of living is based in established cultural values, like ‘hygge’ and ‘lagom’, which both reflect a simplicity and balance. Self-care with a twist, the Danish term hygge, talks about coziness and contentment and encourages seeking joy in the simplest of things. Scandinavian beauty routines that promote well-being and relaxation are full of this idea. Just as in Swedish lagom (meaning just the right amount), the narrative of this concept involves an attempt to find an equilibrium of beauty routine without the unnecessary amount.
When we talk about makeup the Scandi trend offers the philosophy of ‘less is more’. Beauty in Scandinavia is different from the elaborate and product heavy routines living on other parts of the earth. That’s using less, great quality products that are good to the skin and do work. With influencers such as Matilda Djerf and Emma Ellingsenn popularising this minimalist vibe, the hype steams ahead.
TikTok has really helped popularize the Scandi makeup trend as social media platforms. The so-called ‘Scandi girl’ aesthetic, or the spirit of an effortless, understated elegance, has gone viral during the past couple of years among young beauties who have been longing to make it their own. Scandi trend is in response to these fast changing, high pressure beauty standards showcased in mainstream media these days, promoting natural beauty and personal uniqueness.
At its heart, the Scandi makeup trend is about celebrating and enhancing your natural beauty by embracing unique features rather than concealing them, aligning perfectly with a growing global movement towards inclusivity and diversity that challenges long-standing, narrow beauty standards.
Beyond celebrating natural beauty, the Scandi makeup trend champions sustainability and mindful consumption, a critical focus as consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, with Scandinavian beauty brands leading the way by prioritizing natural ingredients and organic practices over synthetic alternatives.
The enduring appeal of Scandi makeup lies in its seamless blend of timeless sophistication with a contemporary edge, offering an authentic and simple aesthetic for those seeking clarity in a complex world, focusing on accentuating natural features rather than masking them, making it achievable with minimal effort.
Going natural and glowing complexion, defined by The Scandi look, starts with skin preparation. Once cleansed it is very important that you apply a lightweight nourishing moisturizer. But in the realm of Scandinavian beauty, healthy skin is at the heart of it, so you’ll want to find products such as hydralting serums that give you a dewy, radiant base. Finish it off with a primer that provides a primer with a little bit of glow to enhance your skin’s natural texture giving you a smooth base for your face makeup.
If we are referring to the base makeup, pick a sheer foundation or a BB cream in a light coverage. My idea is that allowing your skin to breathe and for your own special features to show (freckles, rosy cheeks, etc.) were my goal. Saie Glowy Super Skin Foundation in that it contains elements of both skincare and makeup as it works to even out the skin tone without hiding what glow we actually have.
Product on Amazon: Maybelline Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream, 8-in-1 Skin Perfecting Beauty Balm with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Sheer Tint Coverage, Oil-Free, Light
Brand: Maybelline New York
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Use concealer sparingly to only where needed. Dark circles and blemishes can be concealed with brightening concealers, which maintain a fresh looking, lively appearance. Instead, use a fluffy brush to give you that airbrushed look rather than looking cakey or overly covered.
Product on Amazon: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer, 120, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)
Brand: Maybelline New York
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To gracefully sculpt your features, consider replacing your usual contour shades with a warmer bronzer that can serve a dual purpose for both contouring and bronzing, such as the Caia Glow Bronzer with its smooth texture, perfect for achieving that signature Scandi radiance by applying it along the cheekbones and across the temples for a natural, sun-kissed glow.
Blush is fundamental to the Scandi look; opt for a cream blush that complements your skin tone and apply it to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards to create a subtle, healthy flush that mimics a natural glow, much like the multi-tasking Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge, which can be used on both lips and cheeks to further the trend’s minimalist ethos.
Consider the e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick for a versatile and creamy color that blends beautifully for eyes, lips, and cheeks, available in shades like Dazzling Peony, priced at $5.00 with an impressive 4.3-star rating from over 72,000 reviews on Amazon.
The eyes should be soft, understated. Taupe or beige eyeshadows will be used. While maintaining a natural look apply a light wash over the eyelids with a fluffy brush. When it comes to brows, sweep a light dusting of powder down the outer half of your brows using a dry or damp sponge, using a brow gel or crayon for sparse areas and keeping the shape soft and natural.
The Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick in Champagne Shimmer offers a long-lasting, crease-proof finish for a medium golden-beige shimmer, complete with a built-in smudger, rated 4.3 stars by over 50,000 customers on Amazon and priced at $16.00.
Last, apply a hydrating spray to set the look of the dewy finish. To fight out excess shine, minimal powder might be all that is needed, just in the T-zone. To finish it off, pick a highlighter, whether liquid or cream, to place on your high points of the face such as the cheek bones, that extremely crooked nose bridge, and the little dip just next to your mouth under the lip.
For instant hydration and rejuvenation, the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rose Water is a highly-rated face mist suitable for all skin types, earning a 4.5-star rating from over 67,000 reviews on Amazon, available for $5.60.
The perfect finish for lips is a natural gloss or lip tint for enhancing your natural lip colour. After all, the Scandi look is about natural beauty so keeping your lips hydrated and slightly shiny is a perfect addition to that.
Enhance your lips with the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Set, a 5-piece collection featuring both cream pearl and matte finishes, ideal as a makeup stocking stuffer, which boasts a 4.5-star rating from over 31,000 customers on Amazon and is priced at $26.92.
The Scandi makeup trend isn’t something to follow, it is more about celebrating you being unique, being yourself and living a natural makeup life. Skin care is the base of your routine and let your natural features be your real highlight! Because this is less is more, not only are you picking up your makeup, you’re still celebrating yourself.
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