Lacy ensembles, ribbons and blush pinks galore, the coquette aesthetic has become the ultimate romantic daydream. Exemplified by Gen Z starlets in the likes of Lily Rose Depp and Madison Beer, the term coquette is the French word for a female flirt. This unapologetically feminine aesthetic is an embodiment of cheeky, Lolita-esque sensuality balanced by the cool and collected sensibility of a bonafide It girl. Labeled “coquette beauty essentials”, chances are the packaging of these would mirror the desired look—perhaps enclosed in pretty pink cases that would look as good in your bag as it would on your face.
From classics like Dior’s premium make-up line to cult beauty brands like Glossier and Rare Beauty, here are the top beauty must-haves for every coquette’s cosmetics pouch.
Bright blush
A brightly flushed mien is the defining trait of any coquette make-up look. What says romanticism better than sweet, rosy cheeks? If you’re partial towards a light, shimmery pink, opt for the cult favourite Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush, a lovely pressed powder donning the iconic Dior monogram—a major aesthetic draw—which gives a shimmery payoff in light taffy pink. If you prefer your blush in deeper shades, Rare Beauty’s Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush in Nearly Berry will do the trick. Apply a generous layer of blush (or two) to the apples of your cheeks for a cherubic glow. Bring the colour higher up to your temples to create lifted effect on the sides of your face.
Volumising mascara
Unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with long, luscious lashes—so heaps of mascara will have to do. Curl and coat your lashes with Too Faced’s iconic Better Than Sex Mascara (aptly named for this aesthetic) which adds volume without clumping. Better still, its sleek, minimalist rose case will look fabulous with the rest of your coquette essentials. The look won’t be complete without swiping mascara onto your bottom lashes as well to give your peepers a rounded, doe-like effect. If you’re dealing with shorter lashes, try Glossier Lash Slick Mascara, which contains microfibres to coat and visibly extend each lash.
Liquid highlighter
Add a shimmer where the light naturally hits your face to add an ethereal glow to your features. Apply an illuminating highlighter to the high points of your face such as your cheekbones, bridge and tip of your nose, and the top of your cupid’s bow. Viral on coquette TikTok, the Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer wears like a second skin—a thin veil of this is enough to lend a luminous radiance to your features and give it extra dimension. Its light and buildable texture is perfect if you like control over your shine, and works well for all-day wear—with no setting powder required.
Neutral palettes
When it comes to colours, the coquette likes to keep it uniform (for the most part). Another coquette favourite by Dior, the Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette is a pressed powder one-stop case for blush, highlight, and two shades of shimmery bronze—a handy palette for nailing a full-face glow on the go. For the eyes, opt for NARS’s Orgasm Rising Eyeshadow Palette with an impeccable selection of nine coquette-approved shades of pink, gold and sepia.
Lip stain and lip gloss
Tie the look together with a plush, just-been-kissed lip. A small dab of ultra-pigmented liquid stain, like Benetint Cheek & Lip Tint by Benefit Cosmetics goes a long way and remains transfer-proof throughout the day. Top it off with a plumping lip gloss like Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer for an irresistible pout.
Hair oil
For thick, glossy locks to frame your visage, make it a routine to nourish your tresses with hair oils and serums. Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil boasts Mirsalehi Honey as its key ingredient. A natural humectant, the ingredient promotes a healthy moisture balance in the hair shaft to keep it strong and smooth for a lustrous mane that will be a breeze to style.
Skin care for a glowing complexion
As the coquette aesthetic emphasises self-care and love, it’s no surprise that good skin care is heavily emphasised. For a refined, seemingly poreless complexion that make-up will glide effortlessly onto, keep topical niacinamide handy in your skin care cabinet. Known for a myriad of skin benefits, the popular ingredient is especially beloved for its anti-inflammatory properties and pore-minimising affect. Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops serum goes the extra mile—delivering hydration and serving as a highlighter for a pearly sheen that will shine through your make-up look.
For a complexion that glows from within, don’t shy away from using tools that promote lymphatic drainage and improve blood circulation around your face. Herbivore Botanicals’ Rose Quartz Facial Roller gently releases tension in the facial muscles to reduce puffiness and boost natural radiance.
