Are You A Coquette Beauty?

by BR Kellie

You're never too old to learn new things, or so the saying goes, and recently I was introduced to the concept of 'coquette'. Don't get me wrong, I know what the word means. When I think coquette, I think cute but flirty. I also recall that at one time in history it had a touch of negativity attached to it and was used as a word used to denigrate young women. Which is perhaps why it's become not just a trend, but an aesthetic. A way for women to take back the word and make it their own, turning coquette into a beautiful lifestyle that features decor, fashion and - you guessed it - makeup. So how can we get our coquette on, on our face? 

The coquette look is super pretty and mostly focuses on pink shades on three areas - the lips, eyes and cheeks (although some lovers of coquette like to rock a red rouge) - which makes it accessible for those of us who shy away from big, bold looks.

Lips

For the lips, a simple pink neutral lipstick is all that's required, but you want it to look more blurred rather than crisp. Application is simple, just apply the lippy (cream or matte, it's up to personal preference), then use your fingertip to push the colour into your lip, creating that blurred appearance.

Cheeks

Perhaps the most important part of the coquette process to get right is the cheeks. Think oodles of pink. Almost, but not quite, to the point of being clown-like. Think one of those terrifying porcelain Victorian dolls that look like they'll hack your head off in your sleep. Apply to the point of 'woah Nelly', then stop. Over-applied? Grab a damp sponge and bounce it on top of your blush to lift some colour.

If you want, you can even use your blush as an eyeshadow to create a simple monochromatic look. Though if you belong to the More Is More club...

Eyes

Do I rue the day I decluttered this palette? Now that coquette's in I do. If you're wanting a soft but smokey romantic eye, this palette would be the ultimate help in achieving that look. Of course, there are other palettes out there that'll do the trick, but I feel ABH's Modern Renaissance is the embodiment of coquette beauty. To finish off the eye look, you'll need lashings of mascara or even falsies to create lush, long wispies, and perhaps even a tiny little cat flick of eyeliner.

As for your base? Frankly, I think it's up to you. Some might say you need a matte, full-coverage look, others will say to keep it luminous and fresh. I fall on the side of doing what works for your skin type. My skin looks terrible with a matte full-coverage foundation, so trying it with the coquette look would make me look like I was trying too hard. You do you.

All in all, I'd say the coquette aesthetic is an elevated neutral look, that's romantic and super pretty. Definitely an aesthetic worth flirting with.

So, are you a coquette beauty? Or is there another beauty aesthetic you love? Get chatting below!