You log on to TikTok, Instagram, or any other social media app and your FYP will be flooded with Natural Glam and Soft Glam makeup looks. Not only because they are trending but also because these are two classic makeup techniques that never go out of style. Both styles enhance your beauty, but they do so in unique ways. So, what is the difference between the two?
This is exactly what you are going to learn in this article. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two most popular makeup looks.
Soft Glam:
Soft Glam makeup is all about enhancing your natural features while still adding that extra glamour. This type of makeup uses neutral tones. It is heavier than Natural Makeup, but the choice of tones and colors applied on the face softens it as compared to full glam makeup.
Here’s an easy way to differentiate between Soft Glam and Natural Makeup.
Key Elements:
- Flawless Complexion: Soft Glam is not about natural foundation. Multiple layers of color corrector, foundation, and concealer are used to create a flawless complexion. Techniques like baking are used to set the face for long lasting wear.
- Subtle Contouring: While the base makeup is on the heavier side, the shades used on the face are much softer. There is a focus on contouring, but it doesn’t outshine your natural beauty. Subtle contouring is done to enhance your features. It is not used to alter the face shape.
- Highlighted Features: Soft Glam focuses on magnifying natural beauty. There is a special emphasis on bringing your best features into the spotlight. So, highlighting is given more attention. Lighter shades of concealer are used to bring light to the face, instead of focusing more on contouring. Similarly, highlighters are used to bring back glow to the makeup look after setting the face with powders.
- Defined Eyes: Soft Glam focuses on well-defined eyes, by using techniques like smokey liner and fluttery eyelashes. Even though the tones used are mostly neutrals, the eyes are enhanced with eyeliner, matte shadows and heavier lashes. Lids are dusted with a soft shimmer or kept entirely matte.
- Soft and Glossy Lips: Lips are kept on the softer side when it comes to Soft Glam. Clients mostly prefer glossy lips to balance the look with defined eyes.
Natural Makeup:
Natural Makeup focuses on enhancing the natural features as well. In contrast to Soft Glam, however, Natural Makeup focuses on the No-Makeup makeup look.
Key Elements:
- Fresh Dewy Skin and Minimal Coverage: The base is kept soft as compared to Soft Glam. The skin shines through the foundation and concealer. It is kept dewy by using mostly liquid-based products and the usage of powder is kept minimal.
- Focus on the Blush: Since it’s Natural Makeup, there is no emphasis on adding shadows and contours to the face. Instead, blushers are used to add more color to the cheeks. A pink flush is ideal for Natural Makeup to create the look of natural, young, feminine beauty.
- Natural and Barely-there Eyes: Soft shimmer is swept on the lids and softer shades of shadows are used to add slight depth to the crease. The liner is kept thin, lashes soft, and colors neutral.
- Soft Brows: Brows are kept soft as well. Less product is used to keep the brows lifted and full. Soft strokes to create the illusion of thicker brows are preferred, instead of defined, arched brows.
- Soft Lips: Not surprisingly, lips are kept soft, glossy, nude. A tinted lip balm may be used, also, to add some color to the lips.
Soft Glam vs Natural Makeup: A Comparison
Now that you know the difference between both the makeup looks, which one should you choose for your event? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of both the looks regarding different factors.
- Occasion: A formal, evening event or a wedding where all the guests opt for formal wear and heavier makeup, Soft Glam could be the choice. While Natural Makeup would look refreshing at a small-scale, informal events.
- Makeup Preferences: Every person has preferences when it comes to their makeup. If you’re someone who likes a full coverage base and enhanced features, but prefers softer tones, Soft Glam is your best bet. If you like more of a glow and barely-there makeup, you can opt for Natural Makeup.
- Comfort Level: Soft Glam is heavier than Natural Makeup even though the tones used remain neutral for both. If you’re more comfortable letting your skin shine through your makeup, Natural Makeup is the way to go. However, if you’re more comfortable with layers of foundation and want your eyes and lips more defined, Soft Glam can be your choice.
- Skin Sensitivity: Some skin conditions prevent people from wearing a lot of makeup as it can clog pores and cause breakouts. If you have such skin sensitivity, Natural Makeup can look and feel gentler. However, if you have discoloration or a lot of redness on the skin and would prefer to cover it up, Soft Glam is the better choice.
- Time of the Day: Day-time makeup looks better when it’s softer. Heavier makeup is preferred when it’s an evening event.
- Photography: Soft Glam makeup translates better into HD photos. While Natural Makeup can look great in pictures, too, professional photography can make you look a bit washed out in pictures. If you need to get your pictures professionally taken, Soft Glam can be your way to go as it focuses on defining your features more than Natural Makeup does.
Conclusion
There are two main styles for a more neutral makeup look; Soft Glam and Natural Makeup. People confuse both looks often. While both have similar effects, there are a lot of differences between them. Soft Glam adds subtle glamour with neutral tones and defined features, perfect for formal events. Natural Makeup focuses on a fresh, minimal look, ideal for daytime or casual occasions. With the differences now clearly stated, what will be your choice for your upcoming event?