Fairycore Is The Weird & Unexpected Beauty Trend You'll Want To Try

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by Eleanor Mallon |
Tue, 17 May 2022

fairycore

As Miranda Priestley famously points out, there’s nothing groundbreaking about florals for spring but there is something kinda unexpected about spring’s current trend; fairycore! This unpredictable trend is making the rounds everywhere, from TikTok to the Met Gala.

via Giphy

Okay, so let us clear it up real quick… Fairycore is a trending beauty and fashion aesthetic inspired by fantasy creatures, dreamy landscapes, and a sprinkle of magic. It’s whimsical, romantic, and ethereal, but don’t write it off as just another “cute trend” because there’s a darker side to the forest, too. Think: evil woodland princess. Confused? Keep reading for our full fairycore beauty guide with tons of inspo from all of your fave fashion and beauty queens at the Met Gala. Seriously, the Met Gala theme should’ve been fairycore!

Fairycore 101

Before we get into all of the deets and looks, let’s talk a little bit more about the trend itself. Fairycore isn’t an aesthetic that’s risen in fame overnight, it’s been around for the past few years and has been growing in popularity; so much so that the hashtag now has over 1 billion views on TikTok… And counting!

What started as an underground beauty trend running alongside its more popular older sisters, goblincore and cottagecore, fairycore started gaining traction as a method of escapism. Amidst the bleak and monotonous pandemic, beauty lovers became obsessed with experimenting with Avante Garde looks and anything that sparked joy. Enter: fairycore stage left. It’s fanciful and quirky and lets your imagination run wild. Inspired by woodland creatures who sprinkle magic wherever they go, fairycore is all about fantasy.

Another major factor contributing to its popularity? The trend is super easy and fun to play with as it serves both romantic beauty looks: flushed cheeks, a dusting of freckles, and stardust eyeshadow, and a darker, more vampy vibe. When it comes to fairycore hair, it can vary from cute pixie crops to long, cascading curls.

Fairycore Makeup

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A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid)

Fairycore gives you so much freedom with your beauty look and that undoubtedly includes your beat.

When it comes to your complexion, keep it simple and opt for a clean, minimal look with dewy skin, plenty of blush, and faux freckles. To achieve this in seconds, we use our Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick, $25, as it has the most stunning juicy skin finish. As for the faux freckles, either grab your brow pencil or invest in the Freck Beauty Freck The Original Freckle, $28.

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A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner)

While we’re on the topic of brows, the overarching theme for a fairycore brow is slender, hinting at the Y2K (early 2000s) era. Alternatively, take queues from Kendall who opted for a bleached brow and XXL doll lashes, which when paired together, radiate pixie fairycore energy.

While bleached brows may feel like a major commitment, you’ll realize it’s often a quick-die job to achieve the look, and you can simply die them back when you’re ready to. Kendall literally did it for the Met! You can also fake the look with a bleach brow tint like the Sensorium Beauty Brow Engineer (in Platinum, Bleached, or Ash), $17.

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A post shared by Iris Law 🧼🧊 (@lirisaw)

Now onto the main course: the eyes. This is where the fun really begins. Keep it ethereal with icy cool shimmers that look like stardust, layered on top of dreamy pastel hues. If you’re willing to go the extra mile, decorate your lids with gemstones for the ultimate fairycore finish.

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A post shared by DOVE (@dovecameron)

If you’re feeling more max than minimal, look to Olivia Rodrigo and Teyana Taylor for inspo, and opt for bejeweled purple tones. Our new Huda Beauty Color Block Obsessions Palette, $29, in Purple & Orange is perfect as it features whimsical lavender hues and fierce purple shades, as well as plenty of shimmer shadows.

Sorry, but can we just take a minute to appreciate Winnie’s Met Gala look? It’s giving Fairycore fantasy and we’re so into it.

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Fairycore Hair

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A post shared by Kaia (@kaiagerber)

When we think fairycore, we instantly think of a fairy dancing through a forest with long curls adorned with crystals. Basically, the exact look model Kaia Gerber wore to the Met Gala. If you don’t have the natural length, don’t fret, there are so many other fairycore hair looks! With that said, it may be the perfect opportunity to invest in some hair extensions. Check out our hair extension guide for more deets.

Baby braids are another hair trend that can be woven in to get you to the fairycore aesthetic. Whether you slay braided tendrils or opt for a half-up half-down look like Jung Ho-yeon, don’t be afraid to get creative and never hold back on the accessories.

 

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A post shared by Tiffany Haddish (@tiffanyhaddish)

Of course, another way to embrace fairycore tresses is a pixie crop. We’re obsessed with this bleached blonde crop on Tiffany Haddish. Seriously, hot girl fairy energy.

Do you like this trend? Let us know in the comments below.

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