Soft Glam vs Dark Glam: Which Makeup Aesthetic Fits Your Vibe?

There are two kinds of girls in every group chat: the ones who reach for the champagne shimmer, and the ones who reach for the smudged kohl. Soft glam and dark glam aren’t just makeup styles, they’re personalities. And honestly? Most of us are a little bit of both, depending on the day, the outfit, the mood we woke up in.

So let’s break it down. Which one is actually you?

Soft Glam: The Quiet It-Girl

You’re a soft glam girl if:

  1. Your “no makeup makeup” look still takes 25 minutes.
  2. You own at least three different highlighters and can tell them apart.
  3. Your go-to lip is a gloss or a nude lip.
  4. You’d rather look “put together” than “done up”.
  5. Pinterest boards full of glass skin and soft waves.

Signature products: cream blush, a light-catching highlighter, brown kohl instead of black, a lash curler you actually use, gloss over matte every time.

Dark Glam: The Main Character

Dark glam doesn’t whisper, it says something and means it. Smoked-out eyes, a bold lip in wine or blackened red, contour that could cut glass, skin that looks like it was carved instead of painted. It’s not about being loud for the sake of it. It’s about intention. Every line means something.

You’re a dark glam girl if:

  1. Winged liner is non-negotiable, even for a quick errand.
  2. You have a “villain era” playlist and you live in it.
  3. Bold lips over just gloss, always.
  4. You’d rather be remembered than blend in.
  5. Your Pinterest boards look like a mood-board for a thriller you’re writing in your head.

Signature products: matte black or brown liner, a deep lip stain, cream contour with sharp edges, dark smoky shadow, skin set to stay.

The Truth Is, It’s Not Either/Or

Here’s the thing, your makeup aesthetic doesn’t have to match your outfit, your mood, or even your personality on a given Tuesday.

Some days you want to look like a quiet luxury it-girl who’s never raised her voice in her life. Other days you want your eyeliner to have a body count. Both are valid. Both are you.

The real flex isn’t picking a side, it’s knowing which one to reach for and why. Soft glam for the brunch you actually want to be photographed at. Dark glam for the night you want to walk into a room and feel the temperature drop.

So, Which One Are You?

Start building your own version of both. Because the best makeup aesthetic isn’t the one on a mood-board, it’s the one that makes you feel like the most concentrated version of yourself.

Follow along on Pinterest @blusharchiveco for daily soft glam and dark glam inspo.

The Power of a Perfect Wing: Mastering Eyeliner for Every Eye Shape. 

Achieving the perfect winged eyeliner can elevate any makeup look, while also adding a touch of elegance and drama. However, the technique can vary significantly depending on your eye shape. Here’s a guide to mastering the art of winged eyeliner tailored to different eye shapes.

1. Almond Eyes: Almond-shaped eyes are versatile and can pull off almost any eyeliner style. For a classic wing, start at the inner corner and draw a thin line along the lash line, gradually thickening it as you reach the outer corner. To create the wing, extend the line upward at a slight angle, following the natural curve of your lower lash line. This enhances the eye’s natural shape.

2. Round Eyes: For round eyes, the goal is to elongate the appearance. Start by applying eyeliner along the upper lash line, keeping it thin at the inner corner and gradually thickening it towards the outer corner. To create the wing, extend it outward and upward, ensuring it’s longer than the lash line. This will help to create an illusion of length and lift.

3. Hooded Eyes: With hooded eyes, the eyelid covers a portion of the crease, making it important to create a wing that’s visible when the eyes are open. Begin by applying a thin line along the lash line, and when you reach the outer corner, create a small wing that extends slightly upward. You may also want to slightly thicken the line along the outer third of the eye to ensure it stands out.

4. Monolid Eyes: For monolid eyes, the key is to create depth and definition. Start with a thin line along the lash line and gently flick the wing upward at the outer corner. You can also add a bit of a thicker line to the outer corner to create a more dramatic effect. This will help to open up the eyes and create a more elongated appearance.

5. Downturned Eyes: To lift downturned eyes, start with a thin line along the upper lash line, thickening it as you approach the outer corner. For the wing, angle it upward to counterbalance the natural downward slope. This technique will create a more lifted and youthful appearance.

Regardless of your eye shape, practice is essential for mastering the perfect wing. Use a gel or liquid eyeliner for precision, and consider using tape or a business card as a guide for cleaner lines. Remember, makeup is an art, and the perfect wing is all about finding what works best for you. Happy lining! Xoxo.