How to achieve a digitized makeup look
As the boundaries between what’s real or not become increasingly blurred, so does the way we’re thinking about makeup. We’re drawing inspiration from social media filters, the metaverse, and the pop culture zeitgeist as embodied by characters in Euphoria, where it’s not about perfection, but instead integrating a futuristic aesthetic into the everyday.
From skin so dewy it’s almost reflective to punchy pigments and lashes that are larger-than-life, here we’re sharing some tricks and techniques to take your beauty look into the next dimension.
HYPER-REAL SKIN
Unlike perfectly “filtered” skin, the idea of hyper-real or augmented skin is more about taking trending glossy finishes to the next level. The key is to layer hydrating serums, essences, and lotions before finishing with a luminising toner. From this point, you can buff in a dewy skin tint as well as plenty of highlighter — think cheekbones, eyelids, and Cupid’s bow.
Try: SuperGoop Glowscreen. Not only does this formula provide broad-spectrum protection from the sun, but it also carries a luminous shimmer that imparts an otherworldly glow. Layer it on top of skincare, but underneath makeup.
META BLUSH
Bright, bold cheek colour that extends beyond the apple is another way to emulate a digitized aesthetic without too much effort. Blend your chosen formula across your cheeks and up onto your temples, dusting any excess onto the bridge of your nose. For added impact, add a pearlescent highlighting powder on top.
Try: NARS Blush in Orgasm. This pressed powder carries an incredibly rich coral-pink pigment, but it also has a soft gold shimmer that’s seriously flattering.
AMPLIFIED EYES
Babydoll lashes are big news on Instagram and TikTok, but create them yourself with lots (and we mean lots) of mascara, and a little black kohl liner smudged into your lash line. If you’re handy with an eyeshadow brush, add some shadow. We love bold hues in unnatural colours like red, pink, forest green, and burnt orange.
Try: Byredo Flora Kalahari Palette. This limited-edition 18-color palette combines a range of silky, pigmented shadows that glide across the lid with ease. Bonus points for all the shimmer.
LIQUIFIED LIPS
Lips so shiny they almost look liquified is another way to take your makeup into the digital dimension. To begin, prep with a nourishing lip balm before applying a coat of long-wearing lipstick in your colour of choice. To add sheen, go in with either a clear gloss or complementary lipstick with a shiny finish. If you need to, clean up the edges with liner.
Try: Tom Ford Lip Color in Scarlet Rouge. This is the ultimate true red that serves up opaque coverage in a single swipe. Or go for Gucci Rouge De Beauté Brillant Lipstick in Goldie Red — not only does this cherry-toned lipstick deliver ample colour, but it has the most wonderful, high-gloss finish. Apply it as a final coat for oomph.
POWERED FINISH
On the other end of the spectrum, a soft, powdery lip is another meta makeup moment worth trying. It’s essential to start with a hydrated base, so gently buff lips with a washcloth before applying a moisturizing balm or treatment. Next, trace a weightless matte formula just around your lip contour for a plump finish. You could also slightly overline with a little lipliner.
Try: NARS Air Matte Lip Color in Gipsy. While it’s matte in texture, this liquid lip formula isn’t at all drying. It also layers beautifully for a punchy finish.
