Why Barbiecore is the aesthetic of the moment
If this season’s predictions are any indicator, expect beauty and fashion to transform into a sea of pink as the Barbiecore aesthetic takes off.
Pink comes and goes as the colour du jour, but this season sees the feminine hue and all its shade variants dominate fashion and beauty on an unprecedented scale.
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What’s behind the ‘pinkfluence’?
Dubbed “Barbiecore”, the look is heavily derived from the ultra-pink, ultra-girly aesthetic of Barbie culture that was popular in the 1980s and ’90s.
However, TikTok is really where the trend started to gain momentum, paired with the eagerly anticipated Barbie film.
Starring Aussie Margot Robbie in the titular role alongside Ryan Gosling, the film directed by Greta Gerwig will hit screens later next year.
“I absolutely love the Barbiecore trend and I think it’s a fun way to evoke a feminine vibe,” Sydney hair and make-up artist Thanh Vo says.
“I definitely think TikTok has a massive influence. Megan Fox is a great example of Barbiecore, which can be seen in her recent outfit and make-up choices.”
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Barbiecore is the perfect excuse to experiment with colour
Fashion houses such as Valentino have taken a more extreme approach to Barbiecore, exploring colour blocking in vibrant shades of pink such as fuchsia.
In turn, this has led to the resurgence of dynamic pink lip shades to create on-trend statement lips.
“I like that we’re bringing back colour into our make-up looks after recycling neutral and earthy tones for quite some time now,” Sydney make-up artist Amy Hanneman says.
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Pink doesn’t have to be loud
While Barbiecore is excessively pink, the trend itself doesn’t have to be as intimidating given that pink remains a relatively safe and neutral make-up shade.
“I feel like the Barbiecore trend can be incorporated in a subtle way for the everyday person,” Amy says.
“For the most part, clients are comfortable with using pink in their make-up, but the majority still prefer a subtle, fragmented approach rather than an extreme all-pink beauty look.”
For those who want to develop a more pink-oriented approach to beauty, Amy suggests starting off slow by trying a subtle trend such as a soft pink lipstick or sweep of powder pink eyeshadow on the lids rather than a trusty shade of beige or brown.
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Dip your toes instead of diving in
Amy is all about having fun with make-up, but recommends a less-is-more approach until you find your feet with Barbiecore.
“Rather than committing to buying an array of pink-toned make-up, which you could very well never use, pop into a local make-up counter and ask instead for samples of pink products that catch your eye,” Amy says.
“This is a great way to have a play without delving straight in.”
Thanh says she usually starts off with peachier tones compared to full-blown pink.
“That way you still achieve Barbiecore, but less intense,” she says.
“If you want to embrace the Barbiecore trend in a subtle way, add a pop of pink instead.
“For example on the bottom eyelid while having neutral shadow on your upper lids, or adding a pastel pink blush on the cheekbones.”
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Pink isn’t always universally flattering
While there’s a shade of pink out there for everyone, your undertone and skin shade will determine which types of pinks will look best on you.
“Opting for shades of pink that suit your skin is always the way to go and you will find this to be the most flattering approach,” Amy says.
Written by Charlotte Brundrett.
