Lifestyle
In an era ruled by clean girl minimalism and barely-there makeup, soft glam has made a comeback — and this time, it’s richer, glowier, and more confident than ever.
From Hailey Bieber’s luminous red carpet looks to Zendaya’s bronzed elegance and Margot Robbie’s effortless old-Hollywood vibe, the soft glam revolution of 2025 is here to stay.
This look isn’t about contour overload or heavy lashes. It’s about harmony — fresh skin, diffused tones, and just the right amount of sheen to look expensive yet undone. The new soft glam proves that subtle can be powerful, and perfection can still feel human.
What Is “Soft Glam”?
“Soft glam” sits at the sweet spot between natural and glam. It’s dewy skin, blurred edges, and warm neutrals that catch the light without screaming for attention. Think candlelit cheekbones, creamy blush, feathered brows, and glossed lips that glow rather than shine.
Celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes describes it best: “Soft glam isn’t about erasing texture or chasing filters — it’s about embracing real skin with strategic luminosity.”
It’s the evolution of the no-makeup makeup trend, but elevated. Instead of matte minimalism, soft glam is tactile, sensual, and deeply cinematic — the kind of makeup that looks as good in daylight as it does under flash photography.
Why Celebrities Love It
For Hailey Bieber, the trend is a natural extension of her “glazed skin” empire. Her recent red carpet appearances have featured peach-toned cheeks, soft champagne eyeshadow, and lips that look kissed by gloss rather than layered in it.
Zendaya, on the other hand, channels depth and drama — dewy bronze tones, natural lashes, and that radiant-from-within finish her makeup artist Sheika Daley has perfected.
Meanwhile, Margot Robbie takes the soft glam aesthetic into vintage territory, pairing rose-beige tones with brushed-up brows and luminous foundation that mimics candlelight.
What unites them all is the glow: a breathable radiance that feels confident, feminine, and timeless.
The Key Elements of Soft Glam
To master the soft glam look, makeup artists emphasize balance over boldness. Here’s what defines the 2025 version:
1. Skin First, Always
Healthy, hydrated skin is the foundation of everything. Instead of heavy primer and matte foundation, pros recommend light-reflecting serums and skin tints that allow natural texture to show through.
Popular picks include:
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Rhode Glazing Milk by Hailey Bieber
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NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
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Dior Forever Skin Glow
2. Seamless Layers, Not Coverage
Instead of full glam’s harsh contouring, soft glam uses creamy bronzers and liquid blushes that melt into the skin.
Zendaya’s go-to look blends terracotta and honey shades across cheeks and temples for a naturally sculpted finish.
3. Eyes That Whisper, Not Shout
The eyes are defined, but softly — using taupe shadows, tightlined lashes, and diffused brown liner. Margot Robbie often pairs this with warm golden tones and just a kiss of mascara.
4. Glossy, Dimensional Lips
The lips are plush and dewy — think sheer tints rather than opaque color. Nude-rose gloss, balm stains, and light-reflecting finishes complete the look.
How to Recreate the Look at Home
You don’t need a glam squad to master soft glam — just a few key products and the right technique.
Step 1: Prep
Hydrate the skin with a glow serum and a lightweight moisturizer. This sets the tone for natural luminosity.
Step 2: Perfect
Use a sheer foundation or skin tint to even the complexion, then tap cream blush on the cheeks and nose for a sun-touched finish.
Step 3: Eyes
Apply a neutral cream shadow across the lids and softly smudge brown pencil along the upper lash line. Skip false lashes — just curl and coat your own.
Step 4: Lips & Finish
Blend lip oil and tinted gloss for a soft, mirror finish. Mist the face with a dewy setting spray to lock in that candlelit sheen.
The result? Effortlessly elevated beauty that’s photo-ready but never overdone.
The Psychology of Soft Glam
At its core, the soft glam renaissance mirrors a cultural shift in beauty. It celebrates restraint after years of excess — a return to warmth, subtlety, and texture.
Makeup artist Nam Vo calls it “highlight with intention.” It’s not about looking perfect, but alive.
Consumers crave authenticity — the kind that lets freckles, pores, and real emotion peek through.
It’s also deeply feminine. The soft glam glow isn’t about hiding; it’s about revealing — a quiet kind of strength that glows rather than shines.
Why It’s Here to Stay
In 2025, beauty is cyclical, but soft glam endures because it bridges two worlds: nostalgia and modernity. It recalls the satin skin of the 2000s, the Hollywood glow of the ’90s, and the new-age authenticity of the TikTok era — all in one look.
As Hailey Bieber told Vogue earlier this year:
“Soft glam feels like me — polished, but never fake. I still want to look like myself, just glowier.”
That’s why this movement resonates. It’s sustainable beauty — emotionally and physically.
A look that evolves with you, not against you.
The Soft Glam Revolution isn’t a fleeting fad — it’s the new language of beauty.
Effortless, feminine, luminous, and universally flattering. Whether you’re inspired by Hailey’s minimalist glow, Zendaya’s sculpted warmth, or Margot Robbie’s timeless elegance, one thing is clear:Soft glam isn’t about covering up. It’s about showing up — beautifully, softly, and completely yourself.
About the Author
Grace Whitmore is a beauty and lifestyle editor at Nestification, exploring the intersection of modern femininity, quiet luxury, and emotional design. Her work focuses on how aesthetics, mindfulness, and self-expression shape today’s idea of calm confidence — where beauty becomes a state of mind.
Based in New York · [email protected]
