Light Feminine vs. Dark Feminine Makeup Tutorials

Newsflash! Femininity isn’t one-dimensional. There’s duality in everything, feminine energy included. Creators on Tiktok have been exploring this idea with light vs. dark fem makeup...and we’re here for it. The always beautiful, Danielle Marcan demonstrates both sides with this stunning look, but there’s a lot more to it than what meets the eye. Your personality and values play a huge role in classifying you as dark or light fem. But when it comes to makeup, it’s a matter of choosing between black eyeliner or bright highlighter. So, are you more Cassie or Maddie? Glinda or Elphaba? Which personality and makeup look suits you best?
Light feminine energy vs. dark feminine energy is a classic character contrast trope we see in television and movies. A good example is the characters Chloe and June from the sitcom, Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23. TV Tropes describes, “Both female characters are decidedly feminine but in different ways. The light is generally angelic and feels love, whereas the dark is generally devilish and plays with desire. The light is usually sweet and naïve, whereas the dark is usually aloof and brooding.” So, how does this translate to makeup?
Your appearance is a huge part of your femininity. Light fem, being the more common of the two, is often associated with a glowy complexion, pale pink lips, and sparkling eyes. This is the side of femininity that is praised and encouraged by society. Dark fem is paired with black, smokey eyes, chiseled features, and a bold lip for a more powerful look. However, it’s important to note that the dark feminine characters are not villains. When it comes to femininity, dark is not evil, and light is not good. In fact, we need both to balance each other out. Also, feminine energy can be harnessed by everyone, no matter your gender identity. There are no limits when it comes to expressing yourself through makeup.
Bright Pink Blush: The more like a barbie doll you look, the better. This cream blush from Milk Makeup in shade Rally provides a beautiful rosy shimmer to your cheeks. For a powder option, try Patrick Ta’s blush in shade She’s a Doll.
Highlighter: There’s no such thing as too much highlighter when it comes to light fem. Put it on your cheeks, eyes, nose, cupid's bow…pretty much anywhere the sun shines. SCB’s liquid highlighter goes on smoothly and adds the most delicate shimmer to your skin.
Pink Lip: Remember what I said about looking like a barbie doll? That goes for your lips, too. It just so happens that SCB has the perfect shade of pink for you to embrace your light feminine energy, and it’s called Saintly.
Contour: You need a cream contour to snatch your cheekbones and jawline. Makeup By
Mario’s SoftSculpt Shaping Stick is creamy, buildable, and dries down to a matte finish. For a full tutorial on contouring, click here.
Eyeliner: Black eyeliner is a staple in any dark fem look. If you want to smudge it, reach for an eyeliner pencil like Loreal’s. For a sharp wing, I prefer Stila’s waterproof liquid liner. If you’re feeling adventurous, a smokey eye is another great option to embrace your dark feminine side. (Put link to smokey eye blog)
Dark Lip: A dark lip is the last thing you need to tie your look together. SCB’s lipstick in shade Boudica is a beautifully deep, mauve shade that will give you the most powerful of pouts.
Whichever shade you are, wear it proudly! Your femininity is yours to define and embrace... whether that be dark, light, or anywhere in between. Let us know in the comments which look you prefer and tag us on Instagram if you try them out!
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