TikTok Says Maximalist Makeup Is Out, But These 10 Celebs Prove Otherwise
It's no secret that TikTok is obsessed with minimal makeup. Whether it's the "cold girl" makeup trend or the more problematic "clean girl" makeup trend, low-key looks have been the name of the game. All it takes is a little foundation (or a skin tint if you want to be really trendy), some concealer, mascara, and lip oil. Voilà, you're a TikTok-level makeup minimalist.
While we love no-makeup makeup just as much as the next person, we're also pretty vocal about our love for bold looks. Lucky for us, celebs have been delivering them left and right. In fact, some celebs are wearing their boldest makeup looks yet. We're talking about sparkling face gems, metallic accents, and bright and daring colors. (You name it; they're wearing it.)
We must say—after seeing so many minimalist looks on social media, it's rather refreshing to see some maximalist inspo instead. So without further ado, keep scrolling to see the 10 best maximalist makeup looks, from Gigi Hadid to Lizzo, Dua Lipa, and more. They're a total delight, and they might just inspire you to level up your makeup routine.
Gigi Hadid
Makeup artist Patrick Ta created what we consider to be a perfect maximalist makeup look for Gigi Hadid. The pink and white face gems with vivid red lipstick are a winning combination. We think this would make for a perfect holiday party look. Go ahead, and get your gems ready.
Shop the Look
Barbie Ferreira
Barbie Ferreira makes a case for going bold with blue eye shadow. Look closely, and you'll see an icy white highlight on the inner corners of her eyes. It's bold and dramatic, and we love it.
Shop the Look
Lizzo
Lizzo has been wearing so many maximalist makeup looks while on tour, and this was just one of them. It deserves a special mention for the detail of her eyeliner. The color combo is fun too.
Shop the Look
Lily James
This shimmery eye shadow look on Lily James has sat firmly in my Instagram Saved folder for months. It's bright, glittering, and eye-catching, like the makeup version of a starry night.
Shop the Look
The closest I've ever come to this look was when I used this palette (specifically the shade Moon Magic).
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa's fiery red eye shadow and sharp winged liner is giving punk vibes, no?
Shop the Look
This liner has a unique shape so you can get a line as thin or as thick as your heart desires (just flip it over).
Jodie Turner-Smith
We never considered matching our hair to our eye shadow, but Jodie Turner-Smith is changing that for us. We love the high-shine metallic finish of her eye shadow (and the poison-ivy green).
Shop the Look
I swear these Urban Decay eye shadows give the prettiest, most light-reflective effect.
Camila Cabello
Maximalist makeup doesn't have to be eyes only. Take inspiration from Camila Cabello. Her makeup artist, Patrick Ta, created this stunning lip look for one of her recent concerts.
Shop the Look
This long-wearing formula will give you opaque color.
Hailee Steinfeld
Ta was also the mastermind behind this full '80s glam look on Hailee Steinfeld. Every element is important—the smoky purple eye shadow, the draped blush, and the bright red lip.
Shop the Look
You can use this pigment on your lips, cheeks, and eyes.
Rita Ora
If you're looking for a makeup color combo that never fails, it's gold and red. Take it from Rita Ora, who paired her graphic, gold-winged eye shadow with cherry red lipstick.
Shop the Look
This formula has a whipped texture, so it will feel comfortable on the lips no matter what.
Emma Chamberlain
Gen Z also approves of maximalist makeup, if this look on Emma Chamberlain is any indication. Just pick a color—any color—and create a cool monochromatic look.
Shop the Look
A multitasking makeup product if there ever was one.
Next, find out which viral TikTok beauty brands are actually worth the hype.
Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.