What’s the difference between soft glam and full glam makeup?

Hi! I’m Lauren, I’ve been a hair & makeup artist for several years. I specialise in soft glam makeup, with a sophisticated feel. I’ve often found that clients confuse soft glam with full glam, so I thought I’d explain a little more with some key points and some pics of my work for reference! To the un-trained eye I think there can be a lot of confusion when it comes to recognising the subtle differences. I hope that this can help you identify what you’re seeing when looking at different images and what elements attract you to it. If you’re getting your makeup done professionally my aim is to educate. By the end of the blog I hope you can communicate with your makeup artist like a pro!

‘Soft glam usually encourages an element of glamour but the overall finish should be soft, blended and complimentary.’

Soft glam makeup is a softer, more natural version of full glam. Full glam is what looks like heavy makeup, with multiple layers, contouring, baking. Thick strip lashes and heavy cut creases. Full glam is what you’ll see on Saturday evening TV, on stage, and some beauty influencers favour the full glam style too. I love both full glam and soft glam makeup, but I think full glam has it’s place. It was created originally for stage to exaggerate the features so when you see it up close and personal in daylight It can look quite shocking. I work largely in the bridal part of the makeup industry so for my job I'm working with women who want to enhance their natural features whilst feeling confident and looking like themselves, and soft glam makeup works beautifully alongside this.

Soft glam is a step up from natural makeup. There shouldn’t be harsh lines, or heavy finishes. The skin should be glowing, soft and natural. The eyes softly blended, whist being enhanced. Instead of a black thick, winged liner  it would be a smudged eyeliner, usually in a colour that is softer than black. Instead of a liquid liner you would use a Kohl pencil and smudge with a brush. This is one of my favourite ways to do eyeliner, it’s flattering on almost everyone and if you’re not used to wearing a lot of makeup it’s never too heavy or ‘scary’ looking.

Let’s look at some eyeliner colours that would flatter, Depending on skin tone, and eye colour. Here’s a simple guide;

For brown/hazel eyes, black could look nice especially if you have dark hair but a maroon red or purple would look great. For green eyes a red eyeliner or a brown eyeliner with a red undertone would be gorgeous and really make the eyes stand out. For blue eyes, copper and browns look fantastic.

What occasions are best for Soft glam makeup?

The beauty of Soft glam makeup is that it can be worn for any occasion as it is a classic, timeless makeup look. It focuses on enhancing natural beauty, using neutral colours to suit the individuals colouring. The colour palette is usually monochromatic meaning it will compliment any outfit choice.

If you’re getting married I think soft glam looks best in real life whilst also complimenting professional photography. If you wear very heavy makeup on your wedding day it won’t look natural when your guests look at you up-close in daylight.

Let’s take a look a some real-life examples…

Soft Glam Makeup with a Glossy Red lip.

This bride has a soft glam red carpet look with the stand out colour being the glossy red lipstick. The eyes are soft but enhanced with plenty of cluster lashes and mascara.

Classic Soft Glam Makeup.

This client asked for my signature glowing skin, nude lip and neutral eyeshadow. A timeless look that is flattering on nearly everybody.

Soft glam bridal look.

With this client we went with a softer eyeshadow to compliment her eye colour. It enhances her eyes without distracting from her natural beauty or looking heavy. The skin is glowing, fresh and bright. The lipstick and blush compliment the eye makeup.

Classic smokey eye and red lipstick.

With this beautiful bride we decided on a soft, sultry smokey eye with a pop of shimmering gold on the lid to enhance contrast, focus on the lashes with added individual cluster lashes applied.

Did you notice that the definition of Soft glam can look different?

This is usually down to what suits the individual and/or personal taste. Sometimes a client will want the overall soft glam but want to adjust some element of it to make it feel more suited to them. For example, a slightly heavier lash, or a thinner eyeliner, a heavier lip or more natural on the eyes. The job of a makeup artist is to communicate with you and together come up with a finished makeup look that you’re both happy with. Soft glam is my absolute favourite style of makeup- I think it’s flattering, stylish and timeless. I love that there can be so many different versions of it and that it’s flexible enough to fit everyones tastes!

If you’d like to re-create a soft glam makeup look you can check out my Soft Glam Makeup Course. This is for beginners that want help to create an achievable makeup look that’s flattering for every occasion!

If you’ve enjoyed this blog and found it useful please follow me on Instagram for more tips and share!
Thoughts from a makeup artist,

Lauren X