Preppy makeup is essential for nailing the preppy aesthetic. But achieving that classic, elegant look can be harder than it seems. From picking the right colors to finding the right balance between natural and glamorous, there are a lot of details to get right for a flawless preppy look. This blog covers all the bases so you can master the preppy makeup routine for a polished and sophisticated look.

WhatColors' AI personal color analysis app can take your preppy makeup game to the next level. By analyzing your unique tones, the app offers personalized color recommendations to help you choose the shades that will look best on you. These customizations will help you achieve your goals, whether creating your first preppy makeup look or perfecting the routine for an upcoming event.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Preppy Makeup Routine?

• 17 Preppy Makeup Essentials for the Modern Woman

• 12 Tips For The Perfect Preppy Makeup Routine

• What Are the Key Differences Between Preppy and Other Makeup Styles?

• How Can I Incorporate Preppy Makeup Into My Daily Routine?

• Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today

What Is a Preppy Makeup Routine?

A preppy makeup routine enhances your natural beauty and focuses on subtlety. This aesthetic is:

• Polished

• Timeless

• Elegant
  
  

Think classic college, like what students wore at Harvard in the 1950s. Preppy makeup looks are understated and fresh, clean. Color palettes are neutral and soft, like those in a vintage photograph.

Soft Tones

The preppy makeup routine embodies sophistication and class so you won’t find any bright or garish colors here. Instead, you can expect to see:

• Rosy cheeks

• Minimalistic eyeshadow

• Neutral lip colors

• Dewy skin
  
  

What Is Preppy Skincare?

The term preppy goes beyond fashion and has come to define a skincare style. Preppy skincare is a beauty regimen that embodies the

• Classic

• Timeless qualities of the preppy aesthetic
  
  

Ivy League Vibes

Product packaging is clean, bright, and youthful—think an Ivy League campus. The preppy look stems from East Coast American universities like:

• Princeton

• Harvard

• Yale
  
  

It takes on a timeless style that expresses sophistication, class, and vintage flair. 

Minimalist Skincare

In skincare, this translates to a simple yet effective regimen focusing on natural, long-lasting beauty where less is more, but quality is everything. It embodies a refined approach emphasizing:

• Simplicity

• Efficacy

• Trusting in the process (your routine) for healthy

• Radiant skin
  
  

What Are The Steps Of A Preppy Skincare Routine?

Preppy skincare is more than just a routine for maintaining a:

• Clean

• Polished

• Natural complexion
  
  

It’s about celebrating individuality, embracing one’s quirks, and turning daily routines into moments of happiness and self-care.

Preppy skincare products are high-end and usually made with ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts to:

• Nourish

• Hydrate

• Protect the skin from environmental stressors. 
  
  

A consistent routine will help achieve a:

• Fresh

• Youthful

• Well-groomed appearance
  
  

Part of this regimen entails applying the proper product in the appropriate amount, as opposed to slathering on layers of:

• Skincare products

• Makeup
  
  

This routine consists of cleaning your skin with a gentle cleanser, toner to balance the skin pH, applying serum like Vitamin C to brighten and tighten, moisturizer for hydration, and sunscreen with SPF 50 for protection. There is no need for a 10-step routine. The goal is minimalism meets efficacy for a sustainable, lifelong practice.

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17 Preppy Makeup Essentials for the Modern Woman

When you think of the preppy aesthetic, you probably envision timeless staples like:

• Blazers

• Polo shirts

• Pleated skirts
  
  

These items create a classic, polished look that always stays in style. But don’t forget about makeup! Customize your makeup to achieve a fresh-faced, clean look that complements your preppy outfit. 

Instead of going for bold colors and dramatic eyeliner, aim for a natural look that enhances your features. If you want to kick it up a notch for an event, you can add a bit of glam, but remember to keep it elegant and classic. A basic makeup kit will have everything you need to create your preppy look. Here’s what to include.

1. Face Products for a Preppy Makeup Look

When creating your preppy makeup kit, start with face products. These items will give you a flawless complexion for your fresh-faced look.

2. Primer

Applying makeup primer to your skin before foundation or concealer is always a good idea. A good primer can help makeup go on smoother and stay on longer. It can also help absorb oil for a flawless all-day look.

Apply primer to a clean and moisturized face. Some face primers serve a double purpose: moisturizing and prepping the skin for makeup. Remember to apply sunscreen to protect your face from harmful UV rays.

3. Concealer

Concealer is one of those basic makeup necessities to keep on you at all times (just in case). Choose a creamy full-coverage formula that can hide:

• Undereye circles

• Uninvited blemishes
  
  

As for the shade, it depends on your goals and skin tone. While a darker concealer will help with contouring, you should also have a lighter concealer than your foundation. This way, you can alternate depending on:

• Sun exposure

• Makeup needs
  
  

4. Foundation

Foundation is the foundation of any makeup routine—basic or elaborate—but you don't need to slather it all over your face. Just apply in places where you see uneven skin tone or discoloration. 

If you don't need as much coverage as a liquid foundation provides or prefer something a little lighter, consider a tinted moisturizer instead.

5. Blush

When choosing a blush, look for a warm tone that adds a splash of color to the apples of your cheeks (and a little life to your whole complexion). You can choose a shade of blush based on your skin tone or lip color, but how you apply blush can alter your makeup look. 

Once you find a blush color you like, play with its placement. For variety, you can also try powder or cream blush.

6.  Setting Powder

A quick, light dusting of translucent setting powder at the end sets makeup and controls shine. If you have an oily T-zone or sweat easily, you'll love having a shine-busting setting powder on hand. 

It's also great for covering up blemishes or discoloration you'd instead not share with the world.

• Apply foundation to the problem spot

• Set with powder

• Apply a dab of concealer

• Set with powder again
  
  

7.  Eye Products for a Preppy Makeup Look

Now that your face is taken care of, it's time to add some eye products to your makeup bag. Only some people use these daily, but having them as part of your makeup kit is ideal so you're not without them in need.

9.  Mascara

There's no better way to wake up and define those eyes than by enhancing your lashes—and a good mascara is all you need. Stick with basic black mascara (or dark brown if you have light hair and lashes). 

It's up to you whether or not you use waterproof mascara. Just make sure you protect those lashes by removing mascara with care.

10.  Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow helps brighten and add definition to your eyes. While many eyeshadow colors exist, you can start with these palettes when assembling your makeup bag essentials.

• Neutral Eyeshadow: When swiped across the upper lid, a neutral beige or taupe eyeshadow is an instant brightener.

• Defining Eyeshadow: For a slightly more defined shadow, choose a medium neutral shade like warm brown or charcoal gray. 
  
  

To add depth, brush the shadow in the crease of the eye, just under the brow bone.
Before applying eyeshadow, cover your lids with a quality eye primer. It can boost the shadow's color and prevent smudging throughout the day.

11.  Eyeliner

You can use your darker shade of eyeshadow as a liner along the lashes—or use a dark brown or black pencil to create a thin line that defines and enhances your eyes. Follow one of these beginner eye makeup tutorials to help apply liner based on your eye shape. 

Of course, you can work up to fancier liner techniques like a cat eyeliner or winged eyeliner look.

12.  Lip Products for a Preppy Makeup Look

With your face makeup applied and a defined eye look, it's time to work on your lips. Luckily, there aren't many essential lip items for your makeup kit.

13.  Lipstick

Lipstick (tint, gloss, or stain if you want a less saturated look) is the perfect antidote to the midweek blahs. You'll be stunned by what a swipe of color can do for your:

• Lips

• Face

• Mood
  
  

If you're not feeling bold and bright, opt for a natural pink or nude lipstick instead

14. Lip Liner

While not an everyday item, adding lip liner to your makeup kit can help when you want a more defined lip. Lip liner can outline your lips before filling them in with color, or you can even play with the look, creating fuller lips or other shapes. 

Adding lip liner to your makeup routine can help lipstick stay on longer and prevent color bleeding.

15.  Essential Makeup Tools

Beyond the necessary makeup products, you'll also need a few tools in your makeup bag. Here are a few of the most common makeup tools you should have on hand—from makeup brushes to tweezers.

16. Powder Brush

Keep one big, fluffy, rounded makeup brush to dust on your setting powder once I've applied my base makeup. If I have a brush for foundation or concealer, I use a different brush for the powder. This way, I don't accidentally apply more product to my face; instead, I can give it that final touch.

17.  Blush Brush

This brush is smaller than your big powder brush and is the right size for dabbing the cheeks with color and blending along the cheekbones. 

Again, use a different brush for blush than for other makeup products. Your blush will be more prominent if not mixed with powder or foundation.

Eyeshadow Brush

A basic beginner's makeup kit should include an all-over eyeshadow brush that covers your entire lid in one swipe. You don't have to worry about this brush defining your crease or being angled. Starting with a general eyeshadow brush helps you easily apply shadow before fine-tuning your eye look.

Clean makeup brushes periodically to protect your skin from bacteria and prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Crease Brush

A smaller, rounded eyeshadow brush will get into the crease when I add a darker shade for definition. While it's possible to use one brush for both the base eyeshadow and the crease, it's best to have separate brushes. A crease brush will help me apply the shadow with more detail.

Eyeliner Brush

A small, flat, angled brush can line the eyes or add a bit of brow powder to lackluster eyebrows. The angling of this brush helps me define the edges of my eyelashes with a bit of dark eyeshadow when not using a pencil liner.

Blending Sponge

I add a few blending makeup sponges to my bag in addition to brushes. A blending sponge helps me flawlessly blend my concealer and foundation and prevents streaks often caused by brushes.

Tweezers

Though not a makeup tool, tweezers come in handy when applying makeup. I keep a pair of tweezers in my makeup bag to clean up any stray hairs around my brows that show up in between brow appointments. I can also use tweezers to add decorative makeup, like rhinestones or gems.

12 Tips For The Perfect Preppy Makeup Routine

1. Choose the Right Colors

Before applying your preppy makeup, select the right colors for the aesthetic and skin tone. Let's start with the aesthetic. A preppy look favors pastels over neons and neutrals over bold colors; your makeup choices should reflect that. Preppy looks are also defined by cohesion, so before you begin applying, ensure your choices of products, like eyeshadow, blush, lip gloss, etc., fit the preppy aesthetic in color choice and how the colors fit together.

Color Harmony

If you start with pale pinks, stick to pale pinks. If you favor peachy pinks, keep to peachy pinks. A preppy look is highly curated. Ensure your colors complement your skin tone, and use your undertones! Your undertones matter, and there are ways to figure them out. 

If you need help, visit a makeup store like Sephora or Ulta for a color match. Or, if your foundation is the correct color, read its label or check online to see if it includes the undertones in its shade description.

Undertones Matter

Undertones are categorized as cool, warm, neutral, and olive, and different portions of the color wheel will look better according to those categories. Cool-toned people should opt for pinks for their preppy looks, and warm-toned beauties will look fabulous in peaches. 

Those with neutral tones can pull off anything; olive tones should find something from a cool-toned palette.

2. Start with a Light Base

There are many similarities and differences between preppy and natural makeup. One of the main similarities between the two is the choice of a base and both favor a light base. Here, light refers to the weight of your base, not the shade.

Lightweight Base

For a preppy look, avoid a base that's too heavy to make sure your healthy skin is the star of the show. There are many options for a light base, like:

• A tinted moisturizer

• A BB or CC cream

• Light-coverage foundation
  
  

What are the differences between these options? A BB cream is similar to a foundation but much lighter in weight and coverage. It evens out your skin tone and covers imperfections, maintaining a natural finish.

Base Options

A CC cream is slightly heavier than a BB cream but lighter than a foundation. CC stands for color correction, so if your goal is to combat redness while keeping a skin-like look, CC cream is a great option. A tinted moisturizer is a moisturizer with a bit of pigment. 

It's less full coverage than a foundation but tends to be less buildable. The foundation is the heaviest and most full-coverage of all the base options, but there are hundreds of options for light-coverage foundations that blur the skin while looking natural. Any option works for a preppy look, as long as it's not too heavy.

3. Go for a Simple Eyeliner Look

A preppy makeup look doesn't require eyeliner — there are tons of perfectly preppy faces smiling sans liner. But if you prefer to wear eyeliner, keep it simple when you're after a preppy look. Preppy makeup is light on the eyes, so avoid graphic or bold liner looks and opt for something a little simpler, like:

• A fine line

• A little wing

• A tightline
  
  

Simple Liner

Any of these liners will accentuate your eyes without weighing them down. And when we say simple, we're referring to how it looks, not the ease of achieving the look. Those simple liner looks can be challenging to master, but there are some tricks to the trade. 

If you want a fine line (a thin line that runs right along your upper lash line), use a super-thin liquid liner or gel liner with an angled brush for ultimate precision. Make sure you're getting as close to the lashes as possible.

Liner Hacks

It might help to keep your eyes open during this process. To tighten the line, apply pigment to your waterline. A liner formulated for tight lining will help the pigment last all day, though it isn't necessary. 

Avoid using a liquid liner for this step, as it won't dry. For a wing, use the same products you would for a fine line to ensure a sharp, precise wing, and try a winged liner hack or two to make the process a little easier.

4. Swipe on Some Neutral Eyeshadow

For the perfect preppy eye, stick to neutral shadows. Preppy makeup is about enhancing your features rather than masking them. Use your undertones again to select neutral shades that:

• Complement your skin tone

• Start experimenting with looks
  
  

And don't conflate neutral with dull! There are myriad ways to apply neutral shadows that are still:

• Creative 

• Exciting
  
  

Subtle Shadow

Use a darker shade to carve out your crease and define the outer corner. Tap on a shimmer to make your eyes pop. Avoid anything too heavy, like a smokey eye, but don't feel limited. You've got lots of options. 

You can also skip eyeshadow. If neutrals aren't speaking to you or you simply can't be bothered to deal with your lids, skip the shadow altogether and let your liner and lashes do the talking. There are dozens of ways to achieve the preppy look—use techniques that work best for you.

5. Rock Wispy Lashes

While full lashes have their place, they're not in a preppy makeup look. Your lashes should remain wispy and light. The best way to achieve this look is to use mascaras that lightly cover the lashes and give them some extra length.

Lash Enhancement

If you want your lashes to have more oomph, use your lash curler or combine mascaras for a bit of extra volume. But if you employ the latter technique, do so sparingly to avoid clumping. Opt for black or brown mascaras, and leave the fun colors for another time. 

Sometimes, a set of falsies is a must. If you're boycotting your natural lashes, many ways exist to achieve a preppy look. The key is selecting the right pair. False lashes range in styles from natural to full glam.

Natural Lashes

For a preppy look, choose a natural-looking lash. It shouldn't be too voluminous or full but instead have a wispy, subtle look that adds length without being too dramatic. 

If you can't find a strip lash that suits the style, gluing on individual lashes is a great option. These allow controlled placement and highlight your eyes while preserving the preppy look.

6. Keep Your Contour Subtle

Painting a defined contour on your face is a skill worth honing, but it should be reserved for full-glam looks. For preppy makeup, a subtle contour is best; you can use plenty of techniques to attain the look.

Subtle Contour

One tip for a subtle contour is to use a product that isn't much darker than your natural shade. Instead of using a product made explicitly for contouring, use a concealer that's only a few shades darker than my natural shade. 

This will give my face the structure I'm after without being too dramatic. Another technique is TikTok's viral underpainting trend. This technique calls for contouring and highlighting before applying my foundation.

Contour Options

Reversing the order of application gives you a more natural look, perfect for a preppy face. And, of course, you don't have to contour at all. If you'd rather, you can bronze instead — just be careful not to overdo it and opt for something matte over a shimmery bronzer. 

You can also try nontouring, a technique in which you highlight only and skip contouring altogether. Just be sure to distinguish this technique from applying a highlighter where you would contour, as sculpting the face is best with matte products.

7. Flush Out Your Cheeks

We noted earlier that preppy makeup resembles natural makeup, particularly in the colors used. For your cheeks, a preppy look overlaps with a natural look. You want your cheeks to look rosy and flushed, so be generous with the blush and choose a color close to your natural flush. 

Gently squeeze your cheeks a bit to find that color, or use the inside of your lips as a guide. Either will point you to a natural shade, perfecting your preppy face. It can be easy to be heavy-handed when applying blush, but you want to avoid that when aiming for a preppy look. If you're using a powder blush, use a fluffy blush to apply.

Apply Blush

Swipe the product, tap the excess, and lightly apply it to your cheeks. It's much easier to build a product than remove it, so apply cautiously. To properly apply cream or liquid blush, use a brush to pick up the product instead of applying it directly to your face. 

This will dilute the pigment and allow you to blend it into a wider space, resulting in a more natural look. If the product is heavily pigmented, dab some on the back of your hand and use a brush to pick it up before applying it to the face. All of these techniques will make for a stunning blush look.

8. Carve Out Some Killer Brows

One aspect of the face where preppy makeup differs from natural makeup is the brows. For a natural look, brows should remain natural. For preppy makeup, though, brows must look more put together. 

Instead of swiping a minimal amount of brow gel or simply plucking a few unruly hairs before leaving the house, break out your pomades and pencils and steady your hand for some major definition. 

You don't need to redefine your brow shape completely, but you want to carve out the most meticulous brows you can master. For a killer brow look, assemble an arsenal of products that match your natural brow shade and are meant for precision. 

You don't need to use a pomade, pencil, laminate, pen, powder, and gel all at once — instead, choose a combination of products that works for you. This could be:

• A laminate-to-shape

• A pencil to define

• A gel for a base

• And powder to fill in bald spots
  
  

If you're new to shaping and filling your brows, use your natural brow as a stencil and start with a product that has a spoolie end, as that will help correct any mistakes.

9. Try the Fake Freckle Trend

If makeup is your creative outlet, a preppy look might feel stale. To add some flair to your routine, try the faux freckle trend. The fake freckle trend is precisely what it sounds like a technique for giving yourself fake freckles. 

Utilizing this trend will allow you to be creative while still fitting the aesthetic, and the results will be adorable. There is a makeup trick to give you faux freckles, and it's pretty simple to achieve and no, it doesn't require you to draw hundreds of dots onto your face.

Fake Freckles in Many Shades

To get the look, use either a pencil or liquid eyeliner. Freckles come in many shades, but choose one that would naturally occur on your face or body. Flick a few dots onto your cheeks, nose, or both, then blend with your fingers using a stippling technique. 

Picking up the product will blur the freckles and spread them across your face. If you want to define a few freckles, flick again with your product. This technique will give you darling freckles that everyone will think are natural.

10. Opt for a Near-Natural Lip

By now, you've caught the drift: Preppy makeup favors an effortless look over full glam. The secret is that you're putting in lots of effort. When you're rocking a preppy look, it might look like your makeup routine took five minutes, but in reality, you carefully chose each shade and technique to enhance your features perfectly, including your lips. 

The perfect preppy lip is a my-lips-but-better lip. In other words, you're choosing a shade that resembles your natural shade, adding a little life to your lips. The beauty of a my-lips-but-better lip is that it can be achieved in several ways.

Lip Options

You can use a lightweight gloss that's ever-so-slightly pigmented, opt for matte lipstick if that's your preference, line your lips in a shade nearly indistinguishable from your given hue for more definition, and blend the edges for a natural pout. 

Some people favor lip oil, while those who can't be bothered to reapply their product throughout the day go in with a lip stain. Finding your perfect color may take some trial and error, but once you do, you can create endless preppy looks.

11. Make it Matte

While a dewy look is good, it's different from a preppy look. Preppy makeup favors a flawless, pore-free finish, so break out your setting powders and prepare to bake. If you're looking for preppy products, choose ones with a matte finish. 

Liquid products are typically marked by their finish, and powder products can be differentiated according to how they look in the pan. Avoid products with words like luminous or glow, as those will give you unwanted shine.

Matte Base

The matte instructions are simply about your base, though. There's plenty of room for shimmer and highlighter, just as long as they're placed in the proper spots. When applying highlighter, use a subtle amount of product on your cheekbones. 

This will give you a slight shimmer and shape without overdoing it. A bit more on your brow bones and the inner corners of your eyes will add to the look, too. Feel free to add shimmer to your eyelids and finish the look with lip gloss. Both are great ways to attain a glowy look while remaining preppy.

12. Keep It Simple

An essential factor in a preppy makeup look is simplicity in application. While all these tips lend to a beautiful look, there's no need to utilize them when applying preppy makeup. Keep your routine manageable. If you don't want to contour, don't. 

If you'd prefer to keep your face bare, skip the foundation. Your look should reflect you and make you feel beautiful. If you need more time, create your routine by prioritizing which features you want to stand out.

Focus on Features

Perfect your pout and lash application if you love pronounced lips and pretty eyes. If your skin is your focus, direct your attention to applying base makeup that gives your ideal finish. Preppy makeup is not full of glam, so don't spend hours blending your life away. 

With a couple of focus areas on the face and products that work for you rather than against you, a simple preppy makeup look is achievable.

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Top 12 Preppy Skincare Brands and Products

1. Glow Recipe: A Skincare Brand That Knows How to Have Fun

Glow Recipe’s fruit-forward products not only pack a seriously colorful punch, but their clinically effective formulas deliver impressive results. 

This new serum uses pomegranate seed oil, HA, and polypeptides to boost hydration and firmness, target fine lines and wrinkles, and help the skin appear lifted.

2. Byoma: The Gentle Cleanser That Won’t Disrupt Your Skin

Wash away the day without compromising your skin’s barrier with BYOMA’s gentle (but potent) jelly cleanser. 

Infused with the brand’s unique barrier-boosting tri-ceramide complex, it also boasts antioxidant-rich licorice root and green tea extract to leave skin squeaky clean and soft but perfectly pH-balanced and nourished.

3. Drunk Elephant: The Eye Cream That Does It All

Free from the suspicious six (aka ingredients the brand believes cause major skin issues), this peeper-perfecting eye cream contains not one, not two, but five forms of vitamin C to brighten and firm the skin around the eye area (which shows signs of aging faster than anywhere else, FYI). 

Not to mention the addition of antioxidants, ceramides, actives, and plant oils to:

• Restore radiance

• Refresh 

• Protect peepers
  
  

4. Pixi Beauty: The Retinol Toner That’s All the Rage

Pixi’s tonics have earned cult status over the years, and this purple retinol toner is no exception. Helping resurface the skin and give it back its glow, it contains:

• Time-released retinol to smooth and reduce signs of aging

• Peptides to firm and boost collagen 

• Jasmine extracts to heal and balance
  
  

5. Bubble: The Affordable Skincare Brand for Teens

Dermatologist-developed, plant-based and science-backed skincare at its best, Bubble is on a mission to make effective, fuss-free products simple and affordable. 

Its Slam Dunk moisturizer is packed with Mother Nature’s finest (aloe leaf juice, hoya lacosuna flower and evening primrose oil included) to:

• Deeply hydrate

• Calm

• Protect
  
  

6. Sol de Janeiro: The Tropical Body Care Brand

Buff your body Brazilian style with:

• Sol de Janeiro’s bright 

• Beautiful Bom Dia Body Scrub
  
  

Using 10% AHAs and BHAs alongside crushed passionfruit seeds, it rids the skin of bumps, blemishes and roughness to increase:

• Smoothness

• Clarity

• Softness, all with a delicious, warm, sultry scent
  
  

7. Milk Makeup: The Cooling Stick for Tired Skin

Thanks to Milk Makeup’s clever skin-loving stick, you can instantly:

• De-puff

• Refresh

• Hydrate

• Soothe skin
  
  

Simply slide it over skin and under your eyes to let its caffeine—and seaweed-infused formula work its energizing, restorative powers.

8. Laneige: The Hydration Experts

Since the ’90s, Laneige has been a pioneer in skincare, researching, testing, and innovating in Korean labs. Their philosophy revolves around creating multi-tasking products that make skincare easy. Dedicated to hydration, Laneige formulates with the latest ingredients and innovative technology, delivering visible results for dewy, bouncy skin. 

The brand’s clinically proven, barrier-boosting skincare includes iconic products like the Lip Sleeping Mask, making them the #1 Lip Treatment Brand in the US.

9. Glossier: The Preppy Aesthetic’s Favorite Brand

At Glossier, beauty is about you. Originating from the beauty website Into The Gloss, Glossier aims to make beauty:

• Accessible 

• Uncomplicated
  
  

Thoughtful design, conversations, and celebrating freedom of expression are at the core of Glossier’s approach. From playful shades to seriously great skincare, Glossier invites you to:

• Look good 

• Embrace your individuality
  
  

10. Tree Hut: The Body Care Brand That Puts You First

For Tree Hut, self-care is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. This family-owned brand believes everyone deserves to feel good, even during daily hygiene. 

Transforming showers into self-care rituals, Tree Hut offers exceptional-quality, USA-made skin and body care. Crafted with high concentrations of skin-loving, plant-based ingredients, their products aim to provide a feel-good glow from head to toe.

11. CeraVe: The Dermatologist-Recommended Skincare Brand

The CeraVe story began in 2005, focusing on restoring the skin’s natural protective barrier. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe offers a complete line of skin care products containing three essential ceramides. 

The unique MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology (MVE) ensures gradual release and long-lasting hydration. Dermatologist-recommended, CeraVe caters to various skin concerns, making it the #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand.

12. Sephora: The Preppy Makeup Selection You Need

Get ready to channel your inner preppy style with our collection of makeup essentials. Whether you're a fan of classic, polished looks or love to experiment with vibrant pops of color, our Preppy Makeup selection has everything you need to create a fresh and youthful aesthetic.

Focus on Features

From flawless foundations and natural blushes to perfectly defined brows and subtle lip shades, this curated collection will help you achieve that effortlessly chic and put-together look. Discover the key products and techniques to enhance your features and give you that preppy glow you've always wanted.

If you're looking for bright makeup palettes, we have a range of options that will add a pop of color to your preppy style.

What Are the Key Differences Between Preppy and Other Makeup Styles?

Glam makeup is all about the drama. This bold style creates a high-impact look perfect for a night out or a special occasion. Preppy makeup, on the other hand, is way more understated. Instead of aiming for flashy and attention-grabbing, this aesthetic enhances natural beauty for a polished yet effortless appearance.

Glam makeup is characterized by its intense colors, shimmery finishes, and bold contrasts. In contrast, preppy makeup sticks to classic color palettes that won’t distract from your features.

Natural Glow

Instead of a full-coverage foundation that masks your skin, preppy makeup starts with a light, dewy base. While glam makeup looks for any excuse to pile on layers of contouring and highlighting, preppy makeup uses these techniques sparingly to create a natural glow. 

The eye may include neutral tones and softly defined eyeliner instead of glam's dramatic, colorful, smoky eyes. You’ll also find a natural flush of blush instead of bright pops of color, and preppy makeup finishes with a tinted lip balm rather than a bold lipstick.

Preppy Makeup vs. Minimalist Makeup: The Two Looks Share a Similar Goal

Minimalist and preppy-inspired makeup share a similar goal: to enhance natural beauty and create an effortless appearance. Minimalist makeup takes this concept to an extreme. This look is incredibly pared down and uses very few products for an almost bare-faced look. Many of the products used in minimalist makeup are skincare rather than color cosmetics.

Preppy makeup offers a fresh-faced vibe but is much more detailed than minimalist makeup. There’s a focus on achieving a polished appearance appropriate for various settings, from school to work to social events. While it may be understated, minimalist makeup can often look overly casual or unfinished.

Preppy Makeup vs. Edgy Makeup: The Preppy Look is All About Softness

Edgy makeup is all about experimentation and breaking beauty rules, so there’s virtually no comparison between it and preppy makeup. Edgy looks often include:

• Bold colors

• Graphic elements

• Unexpected shapes that aim to make a statement and express individuality.
  
  

Subtle Elegance

In stark contrast, preppy makeup embraces soft colors, understated elegance, and a natural approach. While edgy makeup can be fun and playful for a night out, it’s inappropriate for more formal settings like work or school. Preppy makeup is versatile enough to work for any occasion without appearing too casual or formal.

Key Elements That Set Preppy Makeup Apart

Preppy makeup embraces a natural beauty approach that aims to enhance your features instead of dramatically altering them. The look is polished but not overdone or flashy. 

Preppy makeup sticks to classic color palettes that complement natural skin tones. Instead of a matte finish, the goal is to achieve a glowing complexion. And while there is some contouring and eye definition, it’s done with a light hand for a soft, blended look.

How Can I Incorporate Preppy Makeup Into My Daily Routine?

Before applying makeup, it's key to prep the canvas, aka your skin, with a solid skincare routine. A good routine will boost your skin’s health and appearance. Preppy styles lean toward a fresh-faced, natural appearance, and you won’t achieve that look with dull, dry skin. 

Start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a hydrating serum and moisturizer. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen during the day to protect your skin. At this point, you can also apply a makeup primer if desired.  After skincare, allow your products to absorb before moving on to your preppy makeup routine.

Choose A Light Foundation For Your Preppy Makeup Look

We all have unique preferences regarding what we want in a foundation. Of course, you can go for whatever type of coverage you prefer. But preppy makeup leans a little more toward light coverage. 

Think of covering your freckles a bit but letting them peek through. Most importantly, it’s the right shade for your skin to have a flawless finish.

Lightweight Base

A light, breathable formula will give your skin a natural, effervescent glow without the heaviness of fuller coverage products. Opt for a BB cream or tinted moisturizer if you're seeking a barely-there feel while still evening out your skin tone. The goal is to enhance, not mask, your natural beauty. 

Apply with a damp beauty sponge for a seamless blend that looks like a second skin. Match the foundation to your jawline in natural light to ensure a perfect match that melts away into your complexion.

Go for a Peachy Natural Blush

You want your cheeks to have a natural flush. Choose a shade that closely mirrors the color your cheeks naturally turn when you blush. Colors between a pink and a peach generally look the most natural.

Universal Blush

They’re also usually the most universally flattering, too. If you’re having trouble, ask for help from someone you know who’s talented with makeup.


When trying to achieve that perfect preppy look, remember less is more. After selecting your ideal peachy shade, apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks with a light hand for that gentle, sun-kissed glow.

Subtle Lift

Blend softly upwards towards your temples for a subtle lifting effect. This technique accentuates your natural features and complements a polished yet understated aesthetic. Smiling while applying can reveal the natural contour of your cheeks, making it easier to pinpoint the perfect placement for your pop of color. 

If you need more clarification on your skin tone compatibility, swatch different hues at your nearest makeup counter.

Keep Your Brows on Point

Unruly brows don’t go with preppy makeup. You want to keep your brows well manicured to keep with the look you’re going for. 

Waxing or threading are both excellent options for keeping them in check. It’s best to keep them up in between appointments, too. And unless you’re just blessed with perfectly shaped brows, you may also need to fill them in some.

Choose Neutral Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow is an integral part of every makeup style. Stick with neutral tones for a preppy look. 

Creams, tans, browns, grays, and all those gorgeous greige shades are perfect for your look. Shimmer and matte are both excellent choices. Go for whichever option you feel most comfortable with.

Avoid Extreme Looks with Your Eyeliner

Eyeliner can make or break eye makeup. You can put your spin on this, but you also want to remember that preppy styles don’t go too far into the extreme. You can wear winged eyeliner, but keep it under control. 

It’s your face and makeup, so you can wear it however you wish. But to be classified as preppy, your makeup will have to be more conservative than adventurous.

Wear Mascara with a Touchable, Soft Finish

When you’re going for a preppy makeup style, you want your lashes to look natural but better. You want to accentuate your lashes without going over the top. In other words, save the look of falsies when wearing another makeup style. 

Choose a mascara that leaves your lashes soft. Mascaras that lengthen rather than volumize are best for this.

Natural Mascara

Opt for formulas with natural ingredients that are gentle on the eyelashes while providing a defined yet understated appearance. A simple, clump-free application technique is to wiggle the brush at the base of your lashes and sweep upward, creating a feathered effect. 

More is needed to achieve this look; a single coat often suffices. To avoid stiff lashes, steer clear of waterproof mascaras for everyday wear, as they can sometimes be too harsh. By following these tips, you’ll ensure your lashes embody that effortlessly polished vibe synonymous with preppy chic.

Choose a Lipstick Close to Your Natural Lip Color

The preppy makeup look does not include flamingo pink or fire engine red lipstick. Instead, go for a more neutral shade. 

Muddy pinks are usually a good choice, meaning pinks with some brown in them. Nude and berry can also work. Choosing a tone close to your natural lip color is always flattering.

Related Reading

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• Preppy Skin Care
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• Aesthetic Preppy
• Preppy Definition
• Preppy Nail Colors
• Preppy Braces Colors
• Preppy Hair Colors
• What Colors Are Preppy
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• Pink Preppy Wallpaper
• Preppy Meaning
• Preppy Wallpaper Laptop
• Hailey Bieber Hair
• Cute Nail Inspo

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