Even if you’re not addicted to TikTok, it’s pretty likely you’ve been influenced to try out a viral beauty product or trending makeup that’s emerged from the app.
The platform has become a go-to for beauty tips, whether it’s the latest makeup dupe discovery or the cheekbone hack, which promises to mimic the bone structure of Bella Hadid.
Obviously, some of these you need to take with a pinch of salt – as much as I’d love to believe a contour stick in the right place will give me the face of a supermodel.
Regardless, I still love discovering and trying out new TikTok beauty trends, and the latest one that I’ve become obsessed with is dark academia makeup.
Like other aesthetics that have populated the app such as ‘clean girl’ and ‘coquette,’ the dark academia trend can influence everything from your clothes to the books you read, your home decor and of course, your makeup.
What is dark academia?
While the dark academia look started to surface on TikTok around 2020, it’s a trend that comes back around every autumn/winter season and has been more popular than ever this year.
Dark academia takes inspiration from crisp autumn walks, dusty grand libraries, cosy coffee shops and gothic novels, so if your weekends are spent with any of the aforementioned things, congratulations, you’re well on your way to becoming a fully-fledged member of dark academia!
What are dark academia colours?
Both the fashion and makeup looks incorporate shades from the following categories: autumnal browns, oranges, burnt reds, deep earthy tones and muted neutrals.
How can I get the dark academia makeup look?
There are a few main elements to nailing the dark academia look, the majority of which require products you will either already have in your makeup bag, or investment items that you will use again and again.
The overall aesthetic focuses on warm, dark shades, accentuating the eyes and lips and giving an overall romantic, gothic look.
Basically, if you’re someone who struggles to let go of the Halloween vibe post-November (like both members of team beauty at Eliza), this is the look for you.
Below, I’ve guided you through each step to achieve dark academia makeup for yourself.
For the base:
This look is all about that messy, undone look, so a flawlessly perfected base is not what you’re going for.
Instead, opt for a product that lets your natural skin still show through, such as a tinted moisturiser, and spot conceal any places you particularly want to cover.
A little highlighter on the high points of the face can also help to give a soft glow to the complexion that looks like you’re perpetually lit by candlelight (the end goal here).
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For the eyes:
Here is where you want to bring in those warm brown hues.
You can either just use mascara or add a little definition with some eyeliner – using a brown-toned shade rather than black gives this a softer look, as does using some eyeshadow on an angled liner brush rather than a gel pencil.
For your eyeshadow shade, you can go as dark or as light as you want depending on how dramatic you want your eyes to be, but just make sure the hue stays in that neutral brown/rust arena.
To apply, take your chosen eyeshadow and buff all over the lid up to the crease and below the lower lash line.
Some people even choose to go one step further, adding a cool contour shade under the eyes to fake dark circles. If you’re like me and have already won the dark circle lottery, that’s one step less!
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For the blush and contour:
Forgo the bronzer with this look and instead find a blush that you love, because this look demands it.
I personally like to use a blusher that features the same tones as my eyeshadow as it brings the look together, such as Fenty Beauty’s Cheeks Out Cream Blush in Rose Latte, which has a subtle brick red hue to it.
Deep berry blushes can really add to the romantic vibe and give that natural winter flush, but again, use the shade you feel most comfortable in.
The dark academia blush look relies on applying the blusher not only on the cheeks but across the nose; don’t be afraid to add a little more than you usually would, as you’re relying on this as the only source of colour on your base.
A light bit of contour also helps to add definition to your features, but as with the foundation, you want to avoid being overly precise, so stay well out of baking territory.
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For the eyebrows:
Staying on the same path as the rest of the look, the eyebrows should take minimal effort and time.
They’re usually softly filled in (a powder is perfect for this look) and set with a brow gel that’s close to your hair colour for a natural finish.
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For the lips:
For me, the lips are undoubtedly the main feature of the dark academia look. It’s the perfect opportunity to pull out those deep berries, browns and reds that felt too punchy or dark to wear for the rest of the year.
Another win for the girls that are always in a rush: there’s nothing precise about this lip. It’s all about achieving that slightly smudged signature Parisian look, so apply your chosen lipstick to your finger and push into your lips for a blotted effect.
For a just-kissed lip look that comes straight out of the bullet, Glossier’s Generation G Lipsticks are my absolute favourite.
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And that’s all you need to achieve the dark academia look. So, whisk your hair up in a messy bun, pack your copy of Wuthering Heights and go grab that coffee in your local – if slightly pretentious – coffee shop.
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