Autumn often brings a moody makeup vibe – think vampire lips and rusty color palettes – but this season Scandi makeup, we’re seeing the opposite trend emerging from the burnt ashes: Scandi makeup.
In some ways, it feels pretty wintry with its icy highlights, pink tones, and natural skin warmth, but it’s also a trend rooted in minimalist makeup and a ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. So, what is Scandi makeup, and how do you create it? We’ve got all the details.
What is Scandi Makeup?
Scandinavian makeup is one of the many ‘no makeup’ looks we see repeatedly, but this one brings a Nordic, cool-girl vibe. It’s bright, fresh, and looks natural, dewy, and radiant – without having to ‘try too hard.’
“When I first think of ‘Scandinavian makeup,’ I immediately think of Scandinavian supermodel Elsa Hosk. She’s super bright blonde, always bronzed, and always glowing,” says Emily Gray Higgins, celebrity makeup artist and spokesperson for Catrice Cosmetics. “She may try different makeup looks, but there’s something special about her that still gives off a Scandinavian vibe, whether it’s the sculpting, the natural freckles that are hidden, or the eyeshadow that makes those icy blue eyes look wise.”
The Scandinavian makeup aesthetic that Higgins sees each other in is bronze, shimmer in all the right places, and a rosy flush that feels cold outside Scandi makeup.
“I love that it’s more of a fall/winter look, but there’s still bronze and warmth at the base of the face,” says Higgins. “And the pearlescent highlights always grab me. This is a great transitional makeup look from summer to the colder months. Something about her reminds me of the “snow queen.”
How to find Scandi makeup looks.
To recreate Scandi makeup looks, you need all the elements. Here’s how to get the look.
Natural, hydrating base
Like any no-makeup makeup look, Scandi beauty is all about skincare. “It’s all about making your face look super hydrated, rested, and glowing, with the focus on healthy, kissed-up skin,” says Aimee Carr, makeup artist and esthetician. “The goal is to look like a natural beauty while keeping your makeup minimal and natural.”
Pearlescent and matte highlights
“To get the Scandi look, you want to add a little highlight—almost white—to your fresh, hydrated base,” says Higgins. The key is to keep it as natural as possible, so avoid glitter or heavy shimmer Scandi makeup.
Bronzer
“A good bronzer also helps to create a glowing effect. You can apply it all over your face or on specific areas for definition,” says Carr. Alternatively, she suggests adding a few drops of bronze or face cream to your foundation Scandi makeup.
Rock Roth
Blush is a key element of Scandinavian makeup. This trick involves using a pink tone, which will naturally change your skin tone when it’s cold outside (this will depend on your complexion) Scandi makeup.
It should also be applied to areas where you naturally blush, so avoid any dramatic application or sculpting with blush. Carr suggests using a moisturizer or liquid formula for an extra glowy effect makeup.
Pink and Glitter Lips
Pair your lips with a pink lip gloss, balm, or oil to match your rosy cheeks. Alternatively, says Higgins, you can use a light red lipstick, but apply a lip liner first to set everything in place and add a little volume Scandi makeup.