‘Coppolacore’ and beyond: The rise of film-inspired beauty
Discover how TikTok has turned film directors such as Wes Anderson and Sofia Coppola into unexpected beauty icons, inspiring a wave of cinematic make-up trends.
Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola and Sam Levinson are just some of the film directors celebrated for their distinct cinematography.
Now, thanks to TikTok, their cinematic visuals are being viewed through a different lens.
If the interactive platform has taught us anything, it’s that Gen Z can find beauty inspo in the most unlikely of places, including the movies.
The creative drawcard of films
From Pride and Prejudice’s minimalist, “no make-up” look to the futuristic aesthetic inspired by Dune: Part Two, it’s clear that the TikTok generation loves a visual prompt.
US content creator Jackie Wyers is one of the leading names when it comes to beauty recreation, and she welcomes the rising demand for beauty looks driven by pop culture.
“For over a decade, I’ve been creating beauty tutorials influenced by pop culture, particularly television and film characters, so I’m thrilled to see it (beauty recreation) get wider appreciation,” Jackie says.
The content creator, who helps her followers emulate iconic television and film character looks, strives to ensure each look is distinct and true to its pop culture reference so that it’s instantly recognisable.
“The beauty community’s reimagining of iconic roles, like Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice, deeply inspires me,” Jackie says.
“I regularly brush up on new techniques and insights from peers, and it’s especially exciting when the original actresses or make-up artists share their set experiences and tips.”
The rise of ‘Coppolacore’
Viral beauty trends often coincide with established film aesthetics — good examples are the coquette and balletcore looks, which both draw heavy inspiration from the whimsical, girly visuals of Sofia Coppola’s films.
“A standout look I’ve shared on TikTok was my Priscilla Presley make-up recreation, posted right before attending the premiere of Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla,” Jackie says.
According to the content creator, beauty tutorials of this nature often involve meticulous research and planning.
“The preparation for this look required extensive research, studying various inspiration photos and carefully selecting the appropriate wardrobe and wig for the transformation,” Jackie says.
“I meticulously plan my steps and choose the best products for each tutorial, aiming to provide clear instructions throughout.”
Fanfare for Priscilla (the movie), together with the release of her book Sofia Coppola Archive, has cemented Sofia Coppola’s impact on both cinemagoers and TikTokkers alike, leading to the coinage of the term “coppolacore”.
Why film-inspired beauty trends have endured
While it’s great to see beauty trends bloom from more inventive sources, the cyclic nature of BeautyTok continues to speed up, to the point of things not being on-trend long enough to be fully realised and explored.
Still, film-inspired beauty trends make a refreshing change from viral buzzwords that often are existing trends rehashed under a new name.
“While trend cycles are indeed fleeting, the enduring celebration of iconic pop culture moments and vintage icons offers a deeper, more personal connection that I believe does foster individualism,” Jackie says.
“Whether I’m recreating looks from Barbie or embodying characters like Daphne Bridgerton, I’m always exploring various aesthetics.
“Yet my personal style stays uniquely feminine and subtly vintage, weaving my favorite influences into a signature that’s distinctly my own.”
More on beauty trends:
- How AI is going to level up your beauty game
- Why beauty avatars are rocking the latest make-up looks
- How to nail the sorority girl beauty aesthetic
- Jade Kisnorbo’s guide to nailing soft goth make-up
Written by beauty editor Charlotte Brundrett.
