How to Do a Soft Glam Makeup Look – Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Inspired

By Tara | Updated: 20/06/2024

Soft glam makeup is a popular beauty trend that aims to create a subtle yet glamorous appearance.

It involves enhancing your features while maintaining a natural look. Whether you have a special event or simply want to elevate your everyday makeup routine, learning how to do a soft glam makeup look can help you achieve an effortlessly chic and sophisticated style.

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of achieving a soft glam makeup look.

What is Soft Glam Makeup?

Soft glam makeup is a style that aims to strike a balance between a natural look and a touch of glamour. It focuses on enhancing your features without going overboard. In practical terms, it involves using nudes, bronze, and gold eyeshadows, subtle bronzer and blush, and strategic highlighter —  all matched with a neutral lip. The goal is to create a soft, ethereal appearance that exudes elegance and sophistication.

Many brides opt for the ‘soft glam makeup look’ for their wedding day as it can provide timeless, understated glam.

For my soft glam look, I am using my forever beauty inspiration, Rosie Huntington Whiteley. Her makeup team always nails a glamorous look that perfectly complements her features and skin tone.

How to Do a Soft Glam Makeup Look - Step by Step

Preparing Your Skin

Before starting any makeup application, it’s important to prepare your skin for the best results. 

Cleanse your face using a gentle cleanser and follow up with a hydrating serum and moisturiser. This will ensure a smooth canvas for your makeup and help it last longer throughout the day.

For this makeup look, I used the SOS Primer from Clarins but have also recommended some highly regarded primers that will give you a luminous glow.

If you have oily skin, you can opt for an oil-controlling primer instead of a hydrating product.

Creating a Flawless Base

To achieve a soft glam makeup look, start by applying a lightweight, dewy foundation that matches your skin tone. Blend it evenly using a makeup sponge or brush.

I used the Hollywood Flawless Filter in Shade Medium (4) from Charlotte Tilbury which imparts a stunning dewy glow and provides medium coverage.

Conceal any blemishes or dark circles with a creamy concealer, and set the base with a translucent powder to prevent shine.

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Accentuating Your Eyes

I always start with white eyeliner on my lower eyelids. This makes your eyes look brighter and wider.

Continue by priming your eyelids to ensure your eyeshadow stays in place.

For the soft glam makeup look you will want to opt for neutral shades like warm browns, bronze or soft pinks.

For the eyes, I am using the Cosmos Palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills. It contains 12 highly pigmented eye shadow shades, from neutrals to bold colours. I like that it has bold blues, pinks and purple along with earthy neutrals so you can add a pop of colour here and there.

I started with Space Dust covering most of the eyelid. I then mixed shades Sun and Quasar placing them in the centre and inner corner of the eyelid to replicate Rosie’s makeup look.

I followed the eyeshadow with the Liquid Eyeliner from Anastasia Beverly Hills to create a winged effect. Finish off with a coat of mascara to define your lashes or add false eyelashes for the accentuated winged effect.

Enhancing Your Features

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To add dimension to your face, use a subtle contour powder or cream to lightly sculpt your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead. 

Apply a peachy or rosy blush to the apples of your cheeks for a natural flush. Remember to blend well to maintain a soft and seamless look.

Perfecting Your Lips

To complete the soft glam makeup look, ensure that your lips are well-defined and neat.

Use a lip liner in a shade close to your natural lip colour to outline and shape your lips. Fill in the entire lip area to create a long-lasting base for your lipstick or lip gloss.

Setting Your Makeup

To make your soft glam makeup last all day or night, it’s important to set it with a setting spray or powder. This will help lock in your look and prevent smudging or fading.

Mist the setting spray evenly over your face or gently dust a setting powder with a fluffy brush for a matte finish.

The Final Look

Here is how the final makeup look turned out:

Two women showcasing makeup and earrings.

Soft Glam Makeup Tips and Tricks

  • Choose soft, neutral shades for eyeshadow and lip colour to maintain a natural look.
  • Use a light hand when applying contour and blush to ensure a subtle effect.
  • Opt for cream-based products for a dewy and luminous finish.
  • Blend your makeup well to avoid harsh lines and achieve a seamless appearance.
  • Experiment with false lashes for a more dramatic yet still soft glam look.
  • Opt for a clear brow gel instead of a dark brow pencil or brush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I achieve a soft glam makeup look without using eyeshadow?

Yes, you can. Soft glam makeup focuses more on enhancing your features and creating a natural appearance. If you prefer not to use eyeshadow, you can simply apply mascara to define your lashes and concentrate on other aspects of the look, such as flawless skin and softly coloured lips

How can I prevent my soft glam makeup from becoming too heavy or cakey?

To prevent your makeup from looking heavy or cakey, remember to start with a lightweight foundation and build up coverage gradually. Use thin layers of product and blend well to maintain a natural finish. Additionally, moisturise your skin adequately before applying makeup to ensure a smooth base.

Can I wear soft glam makeup for everyday occasions?

Absolutely! Soft glam makeup is versatile and can be worn for various occasions, including everyday wear. It enhances your natural beauty without appearing too dramatic or overdone. Adjust the intensity based on your personal preference and the occasion you’re attending

Are there any specific makeup brushes I should use for soft glam makeup?

While there are no strict rules about specific brushes, it’s recommended to use soft, fluffy brushes for blending eyeshadow and contour products. This helps create a seamless and diffused effect. Opt for brushes with synthetic bristles, as they work well with cream-based products.

How can I remove soft glam makeup effectively at the end of the day?

To remove soft glam makeup, start by using a gentle makeup remover or micellar water to dissolve and lift off the products. Follow up with a facial cleanser to cleanse your skin thoroughly. Finish by applying a hydrating moisturiser to replenish your skin’s moisture levels.
Tara Lusk is the founder and creator of Beauty Space
Tara Lusk is a Sydney-based beauty enthusiast and the founder of Beauty Space. She launched the blog in 2018 to showcase the best beauty and skincare brands emerging from Australia, while also providing insider tips and tricks for hair and skincare. With a focus on tried-and-true products, Tara puts the latest cult products to the test to separate hype from substance.