Your ultimate guide to nailing the Moo Deng hippo make-up trend

 

You're in for a treat if you haven’t heard about Moo Deng yet. This baby pygmy hippo has been going viral and taking over our Instagram feeds with its glossy, radiant skin. But it hasn’t stopped there—it's sparked a beauty trend that’s all about dewy, hydrated skin with a soft, natural glow. Inspired by the hippo’s smooth and shiny complexion, this trend is all about achieving a plump, healthy look. Think glossy lids, glass-like skin, and a heavy blush, paired with a nude lip for a soft, effortless finish. 

 

 

The trend took off when Sephora Thailand shared a post on Instagram about this adorable hippo, linking the hippo’s glossy skin and beauty together in a way that caught the attention of many beauty enthusiasts. 

Following the buzz, make-up artist Mei Pang from Toronto (@meicrosoft) took the trend up a notch by creating a look inspired by Moo Deng, using pink tones and dewy finishes to capture its glow and appeal. 

 

How to achieve the Moo Deng look

As complicated as it sounds, achieving the Moo Deng look is surprisingly easy to recreate. 

Step 1: Prep your skin

Start with a thorough skincare routine, focusing on hydration. Use a hydrating cleanser to wash your face, followed by a toner to balance your skin's pH. Opt for a lightweight serum packed with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to lock in moisture. Finish with a rich moisturiser that offers lasting hydration. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin and maintain its glow.

Step 2: Apply a primer

Once your skin is prepped, apply a luminous primer to enhance that coveted glass-like finish. Look for primers with light-reflecting properties or illuminating formulas. This will give your skin an extra glow.

Step 3: Choose a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturiser

For the base, go for a lightweight foundation or a tinted moisturiser that provides a natural finish. Avoid heavy formulas that can dull the skin's glow. Use a damp beauty sponge to apply the product for an airbrushed effect. If you have blemishes or areas needing extra coverage, spot conceal with a creamy concealer.

Step 4: Highlight key areas

Highlighting is key to achieving that Moo Deng glow. Use a cream or liquid highlighter on the high points of your face: cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. For an added touch, dab a bit of highlighter on your eyelids for that glossy lid effect.

Step 5: Apply blush

The Moo Deng look features a heavy, bold blush that gives a natural, healthy flush to the cheeks. For this, choose a cream blush in soft pink or peach tones, and apply it generously to the apples of your cheeks. Blend it upwards towards your temples for a youthful, vibrant look. Don't be afraid to layer for that extra pop of colour.

Step 6: Glossy lips

For your lips, stick to nude or soft pink lip colour. A glossy finish is essential here, so opt for a lip oil or a high-shine gloss that will keep your lips looking plump and hydrated. If you prefer a more pigmented look, try a lip tint and layer it with a gloss on top for that shiny finish.

Step 7: Set your look with a setting spray 

To lock in your look, use a setting spray that adds dewiness. Look for a formula that hydrates and gives your skin a radiant finish. This will help your make-up last all day while maintaining that glossy, Moo Deng look.

Lead image credit: Unsplash

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