All About the Viral Scandi Makeup Trend—and How to Get the Look

Autumn often brings with it a sort of moody makeup vibe—think vampy lips and rusty color palettes—but this season we’re seeing an opposite trend arise from the burnt ashes: Scandi makeup. In a way it feels quite wintry with its icy highlights, pink tones, and natural warmth of the skin, but it’s also a trend nestled under the umbrella of minimalist makeup and the “clean girl” aesthetic. So what’s Scandi makeup all about, and how do you get the look? We’ve got all the details.


What Is Scandi Makeup?
Scandi makeup is one of the many variations of “no-makeup makeup” we’ve seen pop up time and again, only this one brings with it an air of Nordic cool girl. It’s bright, fresh, and all about looking natural, hydrated, and glowy—without veering into “tried too hard” territory.
“When I first think of ‘Scandi makeup,’ I instantly picture Scandinavian supermodel, Elsa Hosk. She is super bright blonde, always bronzy, and always perfectly glowy,” says Emily Gray Higgins, celebrity makeup artist and ambassador for Catrice Cosmetics. “She may try different makeup looks, but there is a special something that still gives that Scandi vibe, whether it be the sculpting, the natural freckles poking through, or the eyeshadow that makes those ice blue eyes pop.”

The Scandi makeup aesthetic Higgins sees other recreating is just that: bronzed, glowy in all the right places, and pink blush like it’s cold outside.

“I like how it feels more autumn-winter, but still has bronze and warmth in the face base,” Higgins says. “And the pearly highlights get me every time. I think it's a great transitional makeup look from summer to the colder months. There’s just something about it that gives ‘snow queen.’”

How to Get Scandi Makeup?
To recreate Scandi makeup, you need all the elements. Here’s how to get the look.

1. Hydrated, Natural Base
As with any no-makeup makeup look, Scandi beauty is all about nailing your skin. “It's all about your face looking super hydrated, refreshed, and glowing—putting a focus on healthy-looking skin that is also sunkissed,” says Aimee Carr, makeup artist and esthetician. “The goal is looking like a natural beauty and keeping makeup minimal and natural.”

2. Pearly, Icy Highlights
To get the Scandi makeup look, you’ll want to add some icy—almost white—highlights to your fresh and hydrated base, Higgins says. The key is to make it look as natural as possible, so avoid any chunky glitter or sparkles.

3. Bronzer
“A good bronzer also helps achieve the glow effect. You can apply all over or in specific areas of your face to define,” says Carr. As an alternative, she suggests adding some bronzing drops to your foundation or face cream.

4. Pink Cheeks
Blush is key for Scandi makeup. The trick here is using a pinkish tone your skin would naturally turn when it’s cold outside (this will depend on your complexion). It should also be applied to areas where you naturally blush, so avoid any sort of dramatic blush draping or sculpting. Carr suggests using a hydrating cream or liquid formula for an extra glowy effect.

5. Pink, Glossy Lips
Match your lips to your pink cheeks with a pink-leaning lip gloss, balm, or oil. Alternatively, Higgins says you can use a pale pink lipstick, but make sure to use some lip liner first to keep everything in place and add some dimension.