The pandemic-induced lull of the previous years has undoubtedly seen us take to understated, feminine looks (read: clean girl make-up). But as life returns to normal, the resurgence of glam make-up has made a comeback in full force—now, with a softer twist. Enter: luscious brows, diffused smokey eyes, minced lower lashes, and a peachy finish—the hallmarks of the sensual Thai make-up style. This look in a nutshell? Soft girl finally meets the city, and yes—she’s ready to take it on.
Thai beauty is all about elevating your features to create an alluring je ne sais quoi, if you will. In search of a subtly elevated look that grants you a second glance? Consider this take on soft glam that works just as well for weddings as fireside chats in the office. Here, Vogue speaks to Thai make-up artists to bring you the best step-by-step guide.
Recreating the Thai make-up style
In the past, more emphasis was placed on make-up that completely revamped the look of the wearer.
“Today, that trend is gone. Now, we’re focused on creating a natural, golden skin finish that gently covers up any skin imperfections,” explains Tiffany Fang, a Thai professional make-up artist based in Singapore. The Miss Universe make-up and hair stylist goes on to emphasise that the most important step is to ensure that your skin is well moisturised before starting your make-up routine for optimal results.
A dewy base is key
“While the Thai make-up style today is glamorous, we continue to put our attention on creating a glass skin look—it’s important to have a dewy finish,” says Thippawan, a Thai professional make-up and hair stylist based in Singapore. While skin texture is completely normal, it is possible to achieve a smooth porcelain canvas with the right technique.
On a moisturised face, use a lightweight, illuminating primer to even out your skin texture and bring out your inner glow. Next, apply your lightweight foundation of choice with a damp beauty sponge, blending from the center out. If you’re in need of a touch of radiance, add a touch of liquid highlighter to the high points of your face. To finish off, dust a translucent setting powder over your T-zone and seal it up with a hydrating facial spray.
Feathery brows
One of the defining features of this make-up style lies in its luscious, up-swept brows.
“For the Thai make-up style, it’s important that brows look fuller and contain dimensions,” remarks Thippawan. Echoing the same sentiments, Tiffany advises simply applying mascara and using a small comb to brush your brows upwards if they are already full. If not, fill the sparse areas with an eyeliner.
Let the eyes speak
As opposed to the western smokey eye, the Thai style gravitates towards softer, diffused pigments, with emphasis on the lashes.
“Eyeliner should be applied sharp and softened by applying eyeshadow over it,” remarks Tiffany. She recommends swatching on an earth-toned eyeshadow stick on the eyelids, before blending them outwards with a darker colour. Similarly, Thippawan recommends a orange nude for a modern take on the smokey eye. For a fuller effect, coat your lower lashes with a generous coating of mascara. Engage the falsies and use tweezers to group the strands into romantic sections.
Softly flushed cheeks
Unlike most make-up looks, the Thai make-up style gravitates towards subtle cheek flushes that sit on your cheekbones. Tiffany suggests cream blushes for longer-lasting wear. “Apply it with a sponge and gently tap it onto the cheek area, but avoid extending it to the tip of the nose,” she advises.
Lips, lips, lips
You may opt for a bold lip colour to seal the deal, but the beauty of the Thai make-up style lies in keeping the focus on the eyes. “Choose a shade that complements your eyes! Apply a darker tone on the inner lips before blending it out with a lighter colour and topping it off with a nude orange to create a dimensional look,” gushes Tiffany.
Set it in
Last but not least, seal in all the hard work with a hydrating setting spray. That’s all you need for a versatile soft glam look that can bring you from cafe hopping to a romantic dinner date.
