How to Do Soft Glam Makeup In Just 7 Simple Steps

It’s no secret that many makeup styles weave in and out of popularity — think block brows, ultra-matte lips, frosty highlighter and more. But some makeup styles are timeless, and soft glam is most certainly one of them.

If mastering a flattering soft glam makeup look is on your to-do list, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re sharing how to create a simple, polished makeup look that's perfect for any occasion. 

What Is Soft Glam Makeup?

Before we share a breakdown on how to master a soft glam look, we’d be remiss not to explain what soft glam really means. According to Sir John, celebrity makeup artist and L’Oréal Paris expert, “Soft glam is a little bit more than no makeup makeup — it’s very daytime fresh.” 

“It may not be the serious statement with a cut crease or sculpted contour, but it’s like I’m awake, I’m having a good day and I might go meet a friend for brunch — that’s soft glam,” he explained. Think of it like the elevated version of your daily makeup, or the toned down version of a full glam look. 

How to Create a Soft Glam Makeup Look

There are an infinite number of soft glam makeup looks, but below, we’re sharing how to create one that’s easy to create and flattering on just about everyone. 

1. Even Out Your Complexion With a Natural-Looking Base Product 

One of the major keys to mastering a soft glam look is ensuring that your skin looks natural. To do this, skip full-coverage foundation and opt for something with more sheer coverage that you can build up. 

We love the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation because it has a balmy texture that can be applied using your fingers, a makeup sponge or a brush. It has a natural finish that gets slightly more luminous throughout the day without looking greasy, and it’s comfortable to wear for hours on end. It blurs imperfections without creating a mask-like effect on the face, and it can be built up in areas where you need more coverage. 

2. Subtly Brighten Your Under Eye Area

Applying a concealer that’s multiple shades lighter than your complexion under your eyes will create a stark contrast rather than a natural-looking brightness. 

Instead, grab a lightweight, buildable concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer, 0.5% hyaluronic acid, in one shade lighter than your skin and blend it beneath your under eye area using your fingertips. This will work to cover dark circles and illuminate the area without it looking harsh. 

3. Give Your Cheeks a Flush 

Flushed cheeks instantly bring your face to life. Apply an emollient blush formula, like the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip and Cheek Tint, to your cheeks using your fingertips or a blush brush. Opting for a cream or liquid formula adds glow to your complexion and allows you to skip highlighter if you’re trying to cut down on steps. 

4. Create Soft Eyeliner 

One way to ensure your makeup look is elevated while remaining soft is to create eyeliner using eyeshadow. Rather than creating winged eyeliner with a bold liquid liner, eyeshadow creates a more diffused look. 

Simply prime your eyes with your concealer and dip into a matte eyeshadow color of your choice with an angled eyeliner brush. Press the brush into your upper lash line and gently flick it outwards at your outer corners to create a wing shape and lift your eyes. 

Editor’s tip: While you can skip eyeshadow all together in favor of focusing on the eyeliner, applying a simple wash of metallic color on your lids can elevate your look even more. Dip your finger into the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow and gently blend it onto your eyelid before applying eyeliner. 

5. Layer On Mascara

To give you eyes definition, apply a volumizing mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara. For a toned-down look, apply just one coat. To achieve bolder definition, layer on one to two additional coats. 

6. Apply a Hydrating Lipstick Formula 

One of the defining characteristics of a soft glam makeup look is a natural-looking lip color — this goes for the finish as much as it does for the color. We love the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick because it comes in a range of neutral, coral and pink shades, and it hydrates the lips while providing a subtle glow. The best part is that it delivers pigment without drying the lips or becoming flaky or uncomfortable throughout the day. 

7. Set the Look In Place 

To make sure your look lasts all day long, be sure to set it in place with a setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray. Opting for a setting spray over a powder ensures that you’re not left with a powdery or cakey finish. 

Next: 5 Pastel Makeup Looks to Try This Spring

Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: IG/@glowbykt