Blame Barbie! Ahead of the much anticipated Greta Gerwig-directed, Margot Robbie-starring opus about the iconic doll, pink is continuing its domination. Last year, it was all over the runway, most notably at Valentino, where creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli sent out a bubblegum-everything finale. Now, it seems the colour has its sights set on our makeup bag. 

On recent red carpets, it’s shown up on a slew of celebs, making noted appearances at the SAG awards and Oscars where multiple attendees sported rosy hues on their cheeks, eyelids and lips. As stars like Zendaya, Ana de Armas and Angela Bassett demonstrated, it’s all about creating a soft, harmonious look with a medley of blush tones. (Bonus points if your gown also matches.)

Kacey Musgraves teamed up a bubblegum catsuit and feathered cape with matching makeup at this year’s Grammys. Photo: Getty Images

But while the trend calls for coordinating shades all over, contrasting finishes are highly encouraged. For example, if you sweep a matte pink shadow on your eyes, consider balancing it with a slick of high-shine gloss on your lips. In the mood for sparkly lids? Maybe try a matte or satin colour on your lips. Varying the textures this way adds visual interest and helps prevent monochromatic makeup from feeling one-note.

Best Supporting Actress nominee Angela Bassett went for all pink makeup at the Oscars. Photo: Getty Images

As it happens, pink is one of very few colours that’s truly flattering on everybody, regardless of one’s complexion or undertones. It’s no wonder a swipe of blush makes anyone instantly seem more healthy and awake: the hue mimics blood rushing to the surface of the skin, making it look warm and full of life.

Tender and hopeful, the hue also just feels so right for spring, calling to mind pale buds right on the verge of blooming. It’s discreet enough to work in the daytime, yet special enough to turn heads at an event. All that to say, there is no shortage of reasons to think pink this season.

Shop the trend

Pretty pink prods to add to your makeup bag

 

The multi-tasking tint

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal, $64, holtrenfrew.com Photo: Holt Renfrew
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Celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman (her famous clients include Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston) is renowned for her fresh, ultra-glowy looks. This cream colour stick from her eponymous line is one of her go-to tricks for livening up the cheeks and lips.

The sparkly liquid shadow

E.l.f Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow in Little Dipper, $7, elfcosmetics.com Photo: E.l.f. Cosmetics
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All it takes is one swipe of this opaque metallic shadow and lids are topped with gorgeous multi-dimensional shine. (It’s the easiest eye makeup look there ever was.) Bonus: The gel base means it wears super comfortably and lasts all day.

The plumping lip gloss

Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream Gloss in Pink Champagne, $33, sephora.ca Photo: Sephora
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This creamy, shimmer-free gloss glazes lips with highly reflective colour while also making them look fuller with a slight tingling sensation. Peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamins A and E are added in to deeply hydrate and leave lips luscious.

The baby pink lipstick

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipstick in Liv It Up, $44, charlottetilbury.com Photo: Charlotte Tilbury
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Recalling the hue of a satin ballet slipper, this Charlotte Tilbury lipstick was actually inspired by the ethereal beauty of Liv Tyler. It’s packed with oils and antioxidants to soothe and protect, as well as 3D pigments that create the illusion of a more pillowy pout. 

The matte shadow

Sephora Collection Sephora Colorful Eyeshadow in Strawberry Macaroon, $13, sephora.ca Photo: Sephora
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This shade is called Strawberry macaroon—how perfect is it? The darling hue and matte finish make it just the product for recreating Zendaya’s ’60s-style eye makeup from the SAGs (see image up top). Just add some Twiggy-esque lashes and you’ll be set.

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