The Tomato Girl Makeup Trend Is Back (and Better Than Ever)
Keeping up with the number of viral aesthetics is its own job these days (which is why we’re here reporting the hottest looks for you). According to socials, the next big thing on the menu is tomato girl makeup—a juicy beauty trend that actually popped up a few summers ago and has come back even better.
There’s no need to go grocery shopping, either. Being a “tomato girl” is about leaning into the ripeness and rosy cheeks of late summer, so think lots of blush and faux freckles. You’ll leave people wondering if your sun-kissed look is thanks to a Mediterranean vacation or frolicking in the South of France (even though we know you didn’t go farther than your makeup drawer).
Here’s all you need to know about the tomato girl trend that’s taking over, and how to get the flushed look for yourself.
What Is Tomato Girl Makeup?
If you’re still wondering what being a “tomato girl” might mean, allow us to expand on the definition. Besides the blush-forward makeup, the look pulls inspiration from gardens in late summer, and has been characterized by photos of linens hung outdoors and dinner parties with friends, while Sinatra’s classic hit, “Somethin’ Stupid,” has soundtracked it all.
In short, being a tomato girl is all about being carefree and joyful—in life and in makeup. And thanks to the trend’s minimal look, you might be able to put together your glam faster than you can put together a caprese salad.
How to Get the Tomato Girl Makeup Look
Step 1: Give your skin a juicy glow.
While we’ve never (personally) aspired to look like a tomato, the fruit’s smooth and plump skin does make us jealous sometimes. To get that fresh glow for yourself, start with a hydrating moisturizer like the Water Cream from TATCHA, which your skin will slurp up like a big glass of water.
Follow up with a dewy foundation for that lit-from-within look: Among our favorites is the CIATÉ London Skin Tint—a semi-sheer balm that delivers an ultra-dewy, glass-like finish—as well as TULA SKINCARE’s Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Skin Tint, which offers buildable, lightweight coverage and SPF 30.
Step 2: Color your cheeks with blush.
As the trend’s name implies, you’ll want to reach for a red or terracotta blush to get the signature flushed look. While you can use whatever product you have on-hand, creamy formulas are easier to work into the skin, making them perfect for achieving that natural tomato girl finish. Apply a generous layer of blush over your cheeks and blend it in using your fingers to warm up the formula.
Distribute the cream blush as you see fit—you can even grab a brush or beauty blender to help finish melting the product into your skin. To truly get that sun-kissed look, however, you’ll want to double-down with a powder blush, like this dramatic FENTY Cheeks Suede Powder Blush. That extra layer will give you a more saturated, long-lasting glam (but be careful not to apply too much, or you’ll end up looking sun-burnt instead).
Step 3: Add in your finishing (tomato) touches.
While a dewy base and rosy cheeks are key to the tomato girl look, even the smallest details can leave the biggest impact. To complement your blush, try adding a red-toned lip. All you’ll need is a precise lip liner—like this value Beaming Lip Liner Duo from BEAUTY VAULTE—and of course, your red lip of choice. For a terracotta-toned lip, try out this weightless lipstick from KOSAS, and for a more red hue, you’ll want to grab this versatile trio of Voyage Vacay lippies from THEBALM.
To truly embrace the sun-kissed look, you’ll also want a luminous tan and freckles (both faux, of course). Consider using these Hyaluronic Tan Drops from RODIAL before your makeup for a bronzed glow, or repurposing a brown eyeliner or lip liner to create small, freckle-like dots around your nose and cheeks. A sweep of highlighter across your face, wherever the sun would hit, will help you look even more radiant. Bring the warmth and shine of your look full-circle by adding a shimming champagne or rosy eyeshadow, all of which can be found in LAURA GELLERS’s Essentials Candy Cravings Palette.