Coquette makeup is all about capturing a flirty, youthful charm with elegance. I discovered this look during a spring brunch with friends, playing with soft pinks and delicate details. The compliments made me realize this style’s unique appeal.
The key lies in subtle details like rosy cheeks, shimmering eyeshadow, and a soft winged eyeliner. A glossy, natural lip color finishes the look, creating an effortlessly sweet and alluring vibe.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to create the perfect coquette makeup look. Whether it’s for a date night or adding fun to your daily routine, these tips will help you achieve a fresh, flirty style.
The Timeless Allure of Classic Coquette Makeup
Classic coquette makeup is the epitome of timeless beauty, drawing inspiration from the most iconic women in history. It’s all about capturing that delicate balance between innocence and seduction, with features like flawless skin, bold lips, and sultry eyes. Whether you’re looking to channel Marilyn Monroe’s glam or Audrey Hepburn’s elegance, the coquette look never goes out of style. It’s versatile enough for everyday wear yet glam enough for special occasions.
Marilyn Monroe: Perfecting the Red Lip
Embed from Getty ImagesNo one wore a red lip like Marilyn Monroe. Her signature pout was bold, confident, and utterly seductive. Achieving this look is all about finding the right shade of red that complements your skin tone. Pair it with a lip liner to ensure the color stays put all day. For that iconic Marilyn look, try the MAC Ruby Woo or Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Pioneer—both are perfect for recreating her timeless style.
Audrey Hepburn: The Iconic Winged Eyeliner
Embed from Getty ImagesAudrey Hepburn’s winged eyeliner is as iconic as her little black dress. This look is all about precision and elegance. Start with a fine-tip liquid liner and draw a thin line along your upper lash line, extending it slightly past the outer corner for that classic wing. To master this timeless trend, use the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner or NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner. These liners offer the precision and lasting power you need to channel your inner Audrey.
Grace Kelly: Flawless Skin and Subtle Glam
Embed from Getty ImagesGrace Kelly’s beauty was defined by her flawless, porcelain skin and subtle, natural makeup. The secret to this look is a dewy foundation that provides a smooth, radiant finish without being heavy. Pair it with a soft blush and nude lip for a touch of color. For that Grace Kelly glow, try NARS Sheer Glow Foundation or L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup, both of which offer that soft, natural radiance.
Sophia Loren: Bold Brows and Sultry Eyes
Embed from Getty ImagesSophia Loren was known for her bold brows and sultry, smoky eyes—a look that still turns heads today. To recreate this, focus on defining your brows with a pencil or powder that matches your natural hair color, and blend shades of brown and black eyeshadow for a smoky effect. For those bold brows, try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz or Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil. Pair it with the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette for a look that’s pure Sophia.
Brigitte Bardot: Mastering the Smoky Eye
Embed from Getty ImagesBrigitte Bardot’s smoky eye was the ultimate in French glamour. Her makeup was all about sultry, smudged eyeliner paired with soft, voluminous lashes. Start by lining your eyes with a kohl pencil and blending it out with a smudger brush. To capture Bardot’s effortless glam, use the Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil or Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner. Complete the look with the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara for those full, fluttery lashes.
Elizabeth Taylor: Dramatic Eyes and Defined Contours
Embed from Getty ImagesElizabeth Taylor’s dramatic eye makeup and perfectly contoured face made her one of the most glamorous icons of all time. To achieve her look, focus on accentuating your eyes with rich, dark shadows and defining your cheekbones with a contour powder. Use the Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette to sculpt your face, and the Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in rich, jewel tones for that unmistakable Elizabeth Taylor drama.
Incorporating Vintage Glam into Modern Makeup
Blending vintage coquette makeup with modern trends is easier than you think. Start by incorporating one iconic element into your everyday look, like a bold lip or winged eyeliner. Over time, mix and match these elements to create a look that’s uniquely yours. The key is to keep it balanced—pair a bold lip with minimal eye makeup or a smoky eye with a nude lip. Remember, the goal is to channel vintage elegance without looking dated.
Essential Products for Achieving Coquette Makeup
Achieving the perfect coquette look requires the right tools. Invest in high-quality makeup products that offer precision and lasting power. From a reliable red lipstick to a versatile eyeshadow palette, having the right products in your makeup bag is essential. Consider the MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation for a flawless base, and the NARS Blush in Orgasm for that perfect flush of color. These essentials will help you recreate the timeless coquette look with ease.
Tips for a Long-Lasting, Flawless Finish
To ensure your coquette makeup lasts all day (and night), start with a good primer and finish with a setting spray. A primer will smooth your skin and help your makeup adhere better, while a setting spray will lock everything in place. For best results, try the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. These products will keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless, no matter what the day throws at you.
Classic coquette makeup is all about timeless beauty, elegance, and a touch of glamour. By drawing inspiration from vintage beauty icons like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly, you can create a look that’s both sophisticated and modern. With the right products and techniques, achieving this iconic style is easier than ever. Whether you’re heading to a special event or just want to feel extra fabulous on a regular day, coquette makeup is the perfect way to enhance your natural beauty.
FAQs
- Can I wear coquette makeup for everyday looks?
Yes, coquette makeup can be adapted for everyday wear by toning down the bold elements and focusing on a more natural look. - What’s the best way to find my perfect red lipstick?
The key is to match the undertones of the lipstick with your skin tone. Cooler skin tones pair well with blue-based reds, while warmer tones look great with orange-based reds. - How do I achieve Audrey Hepburn’s winged eyeliner if I’m a beginner?
Start with a pencil liner to sketch out the shape before going over it with liquid liner for a more precise finish. - Is vintage makeup suitable for all skin types?
Absolutely! The key is to choose products that work well with your skin type, whether you need extra hydration or oil control. - What’s the best way to make my makeup last all day?
Use a primer to create a smooth base and finish with a setting spray to lock everything in place for long-lasting wear.