With the highly anticipated reboot of The Little Mermaid plunging onto our screens this May, came another beauty-core trend to add to our ever-growing collection. Disney fan or not, this new wave of mermaid-inspired makeup and hair is almost impossible to miss, trickling down from the catwalk, to our very own beauty bags!
"One of the biggest trends of the summer, we’ve fallen hard for Mermaidcore thanks to irresistible shimmering blue and green eye makeup, pearly highlighted skin, wet-look wavy locks, and glossy lips," says Beth Dolecki, national retail and education manager for Urban Decay. "From TikTok to the summer 2023 catwalks and red carpets, Mermaidcore is making a big splash. Go full mermaid (tail is up to you) or nod to the trend by embracing just one of the steps below."
How to achieve the mermaidcore trend
Dewy skin
"We suggest going for glossy, hydrated, and healthy-looking skin with glow. Reach for Urban Decay Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator a dewy tint that manages to hide imperfections, even out the appearance of skin, hydrate and give skin that dewy, fresh finish that embodies mermaidcore. Simply blend out from the centre of the face using your fingers."
Top tip: "Use the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Vitamin C to make your mermaid look last all night. This refreshing mist will not only keep your makeup looking fresh for up to 24 hours, but it will also give skin an illuminated, radiant sheen that screams mermaid! Plus, the vitamin C enriched formula means your skin is soaking in glow-boosting benefits with every spritz."
Oceanic eyes
"The fastest way to mermaidcore is to focus on the eyes with oceanic colours and an ethereal shimmer. Always prime eyes with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion before applying eyeshadow to ensure true colour, zero creasing and longer wear."
"Take the Urban Decay Robin Naked Eyeshadow Palette and choose a light, shimmery shade such as Pulsar and apply all over the lid. Then, using a blue shade like Alien Bare, blend into the crease and outer corner, before taking it to along your lower lid."
"For the ultimate iridescent, mermaid shimmer, there’s only one choice – Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeshadow Mono Moondust in Space Cowboy. Blend over the whole lid and use to accentuate the inner corners, you can even dab onto the top of cheekbones and the cupid’s bow for more mermaid vibes."
Glossy lips
"No need for blue lipstick, unless you’re into it of course! Capture the seaside element with a wet-look, hi-shine, ultra-glossy lip in a coral (get it?) shade. Try Urban Decay Vice Lip Gloss Plumper in Secret Menu. Swipe the flocked brush evenly across the lips for a smooth wash of the shiniest colour."
Mermaid waves
"The easiest way to channel your inner mermaid is to try out beachy waves" says Alice Clayton, brand manager at Beauty Works. "There are a huge variety of wavy hairstyles you can create, from XXL waves to defined, mermaid locks - and they are so easy to do yourself at home."
"The Beauty Works Waver is a triple barrel waver that creates quick beach waves on all hair types, just clamp, hold and release! To get the look, take a 1-2 inch section of hair and clamp the waver at the root, holding for 8-10 seconds before releasing. Insert The Waver into the groove of the last wave and work your way down the same section until fully waved. Allow the hair to fully cool down and set in place before combing through with a wide toothed comb to create tousled, undone tresses."
"Set and define your finished waves with Beauty Works Argan Serum formulated with organic argan oils, this 100% vegan deep nourishing treatment keeps your hair healthy and tames frizz, whilst adding a high shine, iridescent shimmer fit for any mermaid."
Wet-Look Waves
"Look like you’ve stepped straight out of the ocean with under the sea inspired wet-look waves. Wave your hair first with the Beauty Works Jumbo Waver for a loose, textured S-wave pattern. Next, coat your hair with Beauty Works Anti-Frizz Serum from root to tip for a sleek, wet-look finish. Just enough that it’s glossy and textured, without it being sopping wet."
"To finish off the look, spritz hair with Beauty Works Super Hold Hair Spray to lock the style in place."
Top tip - "Flip the waver upside down to create a smoother wave pattern at the top of each section. It’s also easier to follow the wave as you’re styling!"
Aqua locks
"To fully embrace the trend, try adding some colour to your beachy waves," suggests Alex Brownsell, co-founder and creative director at Bleach London. "Washed Up Mermaid deposits an aqua blue tone to bleached hair."
"Maintain your mermaid green with Silver Shampoo every other wash to keep the colour looking cool. If you have dark hair you will need to bleach first using one of Bleach London Bleach Kits designed for your hair type."
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