This month we decided to draw beauty inspo from its most intriguing, mythical creature, the mermaid. The internet has been awash with mermaid makeup for a while now, so much so, that innumerable iterations of it have emerged, from soft and subtle to straight up theatrical.
We’ve put together our favorite interpretations of Ariel Beauty, both wearable and wacky. Pick between a piercing blue gaze, or a sea-soaked mane, holographic cheekbones or drenched lips – no matter which, we guarantee you’ll be the biggest, most beautiful fish in the sea.
Check out the 5 makeup steps to get the Mermaid look:
1. SEEING BLUE
Whether you’re armed with liner, mascara or eyeshadow, there are several ways to get ethereal, Ariel-endorsed eyes. Do it one of three ways: try a delicate, dual layer of pastel blue and green, or a shock of iridescent indigo shadow on your lids.
If you’re not one for shadow play, a streak of blue liner will put the ‘water’ in waterline, or another alternative yet is whipping your lashes wavy with colored mascara and glossy lids for an ocean-glazed mermaid gaze.
Get the look with: Coloressence Single Pearl Eye Shadow - ES-2, L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim - Blue, Lakme Eyeconic Curling Mascara - Blue
2. GLOW WITH THE FLOW
Bioluminescence isn’t just for jellyfish. Make like the ocean’s inhabitants with holographic highlighter to impart a 3D, prismatic glow you’d only otherwise see while snorkeling over a sunlit bed of reef.
If you can’t find a holographic one, regular highlighter swept onto your cheekbones, cupid’s bow and down the bridge of your nose is enough to add an otherworldly dimension.
Another route to moist, mermaid skin is an illuminated base: put a pinch of highlighter in your foundation or BB cream, or use a finishing spray that lends a hydrated, dewy glow.
Get the look with: Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder - Winter Falls In La, NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator - Sunbeam, NYX Professional Makeup Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Dewy Finish
3. LIQUID ON YOUR LIPS
Whether it’s glitter, gloss or gorgeous blue, the mermaid mouth is a high-octane affair. Match your highlighter with a sheath of holographic gloss over your lipstick, or turn runway to reality with a glittery, statement lip – just mix loose glitter into your lipstick or gloss and dab on with reckless abandon.
Another way to do it – and this isn’t for the faint-hearted – is unapologetic blue lipstick, coupled with devil-may-care swagger and nothing else.
Get the look with: Colorbar Feel The Rain Twinkling Glitter - Dewy 02, Colorbar Diamond Shine Lip Gloss, Nicka K Vivid Matte Lipstick - Slate Blue
4. GET A MER-MANE
If dyeing your hair is too big a commitment, forget multi-colored mermaid strands. A subtler way to rock an ocean-inspired hairstyle is to weave blue or green extensions into beach-textured waves, or sport a lush, mermaid braid decorated with barnacle-inspired baubles.
For nights out, turn the tide with a fresh-out-the-water wet hairstyle, like a slicked back ponytail – a great way to hide stubborn frizz, as well.
Get the look with: Streak Street Clip-On Straight Hair Extension - Electric Purple, Kevin.Murphy Bedroom.Hair Flexible Texturising Spray
5. DIP YOUR TIPS IN THE SEA
Between jewel-encrusted nails, glitters, chromes and elaborate aquatic designs, there’s plenty of options with which you can bring the ocean to your fingertips. Don’t have time for that nail appointment? Put on a quick coat of metallic or high-gloss blue or green– simple, yet equally eye-catching.
Get the look with: Nykaa Mirror Chrome Nail Lacquer - Lunar Green River 162, Maybelline New York Color Show Glitter Mania Nail Lacquer - 608 Bling on the Blue
