How to Create a Soft Glam Makeup Look, According to a Makeup Artist (2024)

Prepare With Skincare

Prepping the skin is essential for any makeup look, especially when you want your skin to appear as radiant as possible. "It's essential to start with a clean, moisturized face," Gianno says. For this look, I wanted a dewy complexion, so I started with Irene Forte Skincare Rigenerante Pistachio Mask ($55), followed by Augustinus Bader's The Light Cream ($180), to get my skin as hydrated-looking as possible.

Once your skincare has fully absorbed—remember, you want to allow each of your prep products enough time to absorb into your skin so that you don't apply too much too soon and experience pilling—apply a primer to keep your makeup in place for however long you need it to stay put. "Primer is essential to help makeup adhere better and last longer throughout the day," says Gianno.

Build (and Blend) Your Complexion

After you've applied your skincare and primer, it's time for foundation. "Apply your foundation with a damp beauty sponge or brush, leaving the under-eye area alone (or color-correcting if necessary)," instructs Gianno. "The key is seamless blending, so you want to blend until the foundation looks as flawless as possible."

You don't necessarily need to wear a full-coverage foundation for a soft glam look, but you can apply something with slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturizer or sheer skin tint. This gives you a bit more coverage yet falls within the parameters of the skin-like finish associated with soft glam makeup. I'm applying Clé de Peau Beauté's Radiant Fluid Natural Foundation in the shade B10 ($130) and buffing it in with a foundation brush.

Once the foundation has been applied, you can blend concealer under the eyes to help brighten and diminish dark circles. I'm using Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer in shade 5 ($39).

Add Dimension by Sculpting and Highlighting

Once your concealer is applied, it's time to add dimension to the face. While most glam looks have a full-blown contour and highlight situation going on, soft glam is a little different, utilizing bronzer and highlight lightly applied and blended out to sculpt the skin without appearing too obvious.

I've applied Saie Beauty's Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer ($32) to my forehead, cheekbones, and jawline and Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Glow Blush in the shade Euphoric ($38) to the apples of my cheeks.

For highlighter, I'm using Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter in Fair ($49), applying it to my upper cheekbones, the inner corners of my eyes, and right under my brow on the brow bone.

Define the Eyes

For soft glam eyes, Gianno recommends starting with a neutral base applied all over the lid and then going in with a darker shade along the lash line and crease. "Add a darker shade of shadow along the lash line, and when you're ready to highlight... add some to the inner corners and underneath the brow bone," he shares. You can also add eyeliner for more definition. Whether it's liquid or pencil, the liner should not look smudged or smoked out, though, lest you veer too far into smoky eye territory.

I'm using the Tom Ford Beauty Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette in Sous Le Sable ($90), applying the lightest shade all over my lid and to my brow with a fluffy eyeshadow brush, then, using the same brush contouring with the two bottom shades for more depth and definition.

Once the eyeshadow has been applied and blended, you can go in with your liner. I'm using Surratt Beauty's Auto Graphique Liquid Eyeliner in Chat Noir ($44) to define my eyes.

Once the liner has been applied, curl your lashes and go in with a few coats of your favorite mascara. (Soft glam makeup doesn't require the use of false eyelashes.) I'm using Essence Cosmetics' Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara ($5). Once you've applied your mascara, you can run some eyebrow gel through your brows to brush them up and use a pencil to fill in any gaps.

Shape Your Lips

For the lips, Gianno recommends starting "with a neutral pink or brown tone lip liner. Then I woulduse a creamy lipstick, adding shine with a touch of gloss if that's your preference."

I'm shaping my lips with the MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Soar ($24), following up with the Powder Kiss Lipstick in Brickthrough ($26).

Finally, I'm topping off the look with Saie Beauty's Glossy Bounce High-Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil in Kiss ($22).

You're All Set

Once you've completed your look and have no more edits, spray a generous amount of setting spray on the face and let it dry to seal in your products and help prevent smudging, smearing, and creasing. Once your spray has fully dried, you're ready to flaunt your soft glam look all over town.