Over the past year, TikTok users and beauty lovers everywhere have been introduced to several social media–dominating trends centered around creating makeup looks inspired by food and drink. If you have yet to cross paths with latte makeup, the tomato girl, and Hailey Bieber’s viral strawberry-girl look, here’s what you need to know about them: A majority of the tutorials that explore the subject matter are based on sentimental experiences and imagery surrounding them rather than re-creating the appearance of the food itself.
In truth, no one wants to walk around with a face resembling the texture of a bulbous fruit—do we? Recently, we came across the emerging martini-makeup trend. Indulging in martinis exudes an undeniable air of sophistication, making them a top-tier choice among cocktails. This refined and luxurious essence has sparked one of TikTok’s latest viral beauty trends, courtesy of makeup artist Claudia Neacsu. Since its debut on August 9, her martini makeup tutorial has garnered a staggering 610k views and counting. As anticipated, this trend draws direct inspiration from the iconic olive-accented cocktail, infusing captivating shades of green into mesmerizing eye makeup. Whether you are a devoted martini aficionado or captivated by striking aesthetics, there’s unanimous agreement – this look is sensational. Brace yourself for a martini-infused transformation, as we unveil every intricate detail on how to recreate this alluring makeup masterpiece.
What Is Martini Makeup?
“When I created my martini-makeup look, I had no idea it was a trend created around it, so I would say, for me, martini makeup stands for that feminine, luxurious feel and energy that you have when enjoying a dirty martini cocktail at the bar with your friends,” says makeup artist Claudia Neacsu, whose TikTok makeup tutorial received over 594k views since was posted on August 9. “My model has such beautiful hazel, almost golden eyes, and this is what inspired me to create the look in the first place.” Neacsu understands the sudden rise in popularity of the trend as offering the opportunity to try a new look for celebratory moments.
“Most makeup trends that got popular recently are a bit more approachable and easy to create, whereas martini makeup can get a bit more technical from a makeup technique perspective,” she continues. “It’s also a bit more of a dramatic look—not so much for everyday wear like the strawberry makeup look.” Makeup artist and content creator Zoe Kim Kenealy, who released a TikTok makeup tutorial with her take on the look last fall titled “Dirty Martini Makeup,” offered a similar point of view.
“I think the looks that do the best tell some sort of story. All of the cocktail-makeup looks have that quality,” explains Kenealy. Following the aforementioned video, she released a series of drink-inspired makeup looks that evolved into a series. “For a lot of the series that I do, I like to personalize to my followers. … Whatever your favorite cocktail is [may] be the one you want to watch, save, or re-create.” She also highlights the role character creation plays in the popularity of these videos, as “it’s trying to emulate the vibe of the person that would wear that look.”
Neacsu’s Take on Martini Makeup
Admittedly, this makeup look is slightly more advanced than the strawberry and tomato girl makeup that also made waves this summer. However, with the right amount of blending and a little bit of practice, you can nail the martini makeup in no time. Claudia starts with a Natasha Denona crayon in willow green to carefully sculpt a defined crease, focusing on the outer corner of the eye and creating the elongated eye shape while also bringing some contrast to the eyes. To soften the edges, gently blur these lines with a brush. Afterward, take the same green eye pencil to tightline both the upper and lower lash lines, following up with the blurring technique once again.
Next, reach for an eye shadow palette featuring olive tones. Remember, this look is inspired by a boozy cocktail. Claudia uses Natasha Denona’s Yucca eyeshadow palette to mix Willow and Acacia to add to the outer corners. However, any emerald green and matte brown combination should do the trick. To make your eyes pop, use a metallic olive pop on the center of the eyelids, grab a chunky gold glitter eyeshadow and apply it on the lower inner corner.
Before applying eye shadow on top of your eye makeup base, Neacsu recommends making sure the eyeliner is well blended. Otherwise, the eye shadow will apply patchy,” she says. Her advice for smooth and seamless eye makeup application? It’s all about taking your time to blend the product. Work step by step for each eye.
Primp tip: Spritz a bit of setting spray on top of your metallic pigments to ensure long-lasting intensity and shine.
As a last touch, she uses volumizing mascara (she prefers black or dark green) to open up the eyes and add even more eye-catching drama. And voilà! You have the perfect olive-inspired eye makeup look for your next night out. Finally, add a few final touches by reapplying the green pencil to the lash line, followed by a few sweeps of mascara.
This sultry, green martini makeup look is sure to make a splash wherever you go.
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