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Compiled by Asanda Mbayimbayi


Three popular Barbie makeup trends and how to get the look

Searches for Barbie-inspired beauty surged by 300% within days of the recent movie's trailer release.


A recent trailer release for the upcoming Barbie movie has sparked a surge in searches for Barbie makeup.

Barbie core makeup takes inspiration from the iconic doll, known for its bold, feminine, and playful aesthetic.

According to research by FalseEyelashes.co.uk, there was a 300% increase in searches related to Barbie-inspired beauty, also known as Barbie core makeup, within days of the movie trailer’s release.

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Pro-makeup artist Saffron Hughes from FalseEyelashes.co.uk said Barbie core beauty embodies everything that is powerful and pink.

“Barbie core makeup looks come in many forms but are all tied together with their similar nod to Y2K fashion and a heavy presence of pink.

“Muted ‘clean girl’ Hayley Bieber inspired makeup will be replaced with 90s inspired, hyper-feminine makeup looks,” said Hughes.

FalseEyelashes.co.uk also analysed Google Trends data to identify the three most popular Barbie-related beauty trends. They then consulted with Saffron Hughes to provide tips on how to achieve the looks.

This surge in interest for Barbie-inspired beauty is not surprising, as the Barbie brand has been a cultural icon for over six decades. With the upcoming movie release, it is expected that this trend will continue to grow in popularity.

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Five different Barbie dolls with different clothes. Picture: iStock

Tips on achieving your ideal Barbie-pink lipstick shade by considering your skin’s undertone

The rise of bright pink blushes as a makeup trend

It seems like bright pink blushes are going to be the must-have item in your makeup bag for the next couple of months.

According to Pro make-up artist Saffron, Fuchsia blush had a rise of 39%, showing that beauty fans are opting for Barbie’s signature colour over others.

“The maximalist beauty trends in 2023 and the use of bright blushes over contour shades will be a common sight as we ride the Barbie core beauty wave throughout the rest of the year,” said Saffron.

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Pink eyeshadow

FalseEyelashes.co.uk conducted a study to examine the impact of the latest Barbie-inspired makeup trailer on beauty trends.

According to their findings, there was a 76% increase in searches for pink eyeshadow as soon as the trailer was released and among these searches, pink glitter eyeshadow had an 85% increase which was possibly inspired by Margot Robbie’s eye makeup from the trailer.

Saffron Hughes says pink eyeshadow can be tricky to work with as it can easily look like an eye infection.

“Keep the colour around the eye and avoid the waterline and lower inner eye. To achieve Barbie’s signature eye lift, concentrate most of the product on the upper, outer lid,” explained Hughes.

Two twin Barbie dolls. Picture: iStock.

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Pink mascara and eyeliner

Pink eyeliner has emerged as an unexpected trend in the world of Barbie core.

Despite Margot Robbie’s makeup in the Barbie trailer being mostly understated, with the exception of Barbie’s iconic bright pink lipstick, beauty enthusiasts are still finding ways to embrace the trend in bolder ways.

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“To get high impact pink lined eyes, keep the eyelids free of colour so that the liner remains the focus.

“To finish, either use a pink mascara or follow with your favourite black one,” said Hughes.

Lipstick related searches rose a collective 1014% worldwide over the course of 24 hours and it’s no wonder, thanks to Barbie’s statement pink lipstick aired on the trailer.

“The doll Barbie has seen to wear various shades of pink over the decades, but the live action version is a concoction of bubble-gum pink and fuchsia – likely created to best match Robbie’s skin tone,” added Hughes.

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Finding a signature pink lipstick that compliments the undertone of your skin is no easy task, colour clashing is common and can lead us to avoiding pink lipsticks altogether.

How to find your undertone

Saffron Hughes, a makeup artist, provides guidance on identifying your skin tone.

“If you are fair and know your skin burns quickly in the sun, it is likely you have a cooler skin tone.

“Look at the veins on your wrists. If they are blue or purple, you have a cooler skin tone, whereas if they are green, you have a warmer skin tone.

“If you have a deeper skin tone, hold up a white sheet of paper to your face. Any undertones will stand out in comparison to the paper and if your face has red or purple undertones, you have cooler skin. Gold or yellow undertones signal a warmer skin tone,” he further added.

A Barbie-doll with a curly hair and colourful makeup. Picture: iStock

Which lipsticks suit my undertone

According to Saffron Hughes, once you have determined your undertone, selecting the appropriate shade of pink that complements it becomes easier.

“For cool tones, opt for blue-based pinks like a bubblegum or raspberry pink. For warmer undertones, a purple-based fuchsia or one with a coral hue will be your Barbie best friend,” closed Hughes.

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