By Trend cycles move at breakneck speed – especially on TikTok – but the 'tomato girl summer' aesthetic widely represents the feminine mood of the moment (for those opting out of Barbiecore, at least). Alongside full-skirted sundresses, chic straw bags and leather fisherman sandals, a full flush of blush is a key accessory for the dolce vita energy that the 'tomato girl’ oozes.
Indeed, blusher (and lots of it), is the key differentiator between ‘tomato girl make-up’ and summer’s other dominant beauty look: the sultrier, bronzer-heavy ‘latte make-up’. As the social media-branded name for the trend suggests, red is the new pink (despite neutrals, especially white and tan, playing into the ‘tomato girl’ palette), and the cheeks are the perfect place to showcase shades of red in a modern way.
Naturally, red lipstick and stains also feature in the look, but it’s the resplendent complexion that makes this feel so summer ’23. The perfect recipe comprises a sheer, glow-giving skin tint (one that allows for freckles to peep through), some natural-looking cream bronzer placed where the sun would hit (not as a contour), and red-leaning blusher applied all over the cheeks.
Ateh Jewel Beauty Blush of Dreams Cream Blush in Radiant Rav
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Grateful
Beauty Pie Supercheek Cream Blush in Red Light
Propelling the trend in addition to the 1.5 million views of videos tagged #tomatogirlmakeup on TikTok comes Hailey Bieber’s tutorial for her take on it: ‘strawberry make-up’. Essentially the same look, the model-cum-beauty entrepreneur demonstrated how she nails the colourful make-up.
After skincare, she applies some creamy bronzer and concealer, then two shades of cream blusher, blended to create a warm strawberry shade. Topping off the complexion with some faux freckles placed across her nose and cheeks, it says ‘August on the Med’ – the feeling we’re all craving right now in lieu of any sun-drenched days in the UK. Who needs a holiday?
