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The hype around the Pantone's annual color usually dies down a month or so after its announcement — but not this year. Peach Fuzz (2024's “favorite” color) is proving to be quite popular, at least in our makeup palettes. Though a soft pink-peach blush isn't groundbreaking (and we are big fans), this season, celebrities on the red carpet and models on the runway are going full-on monochromatic in the pastel shade.
The color had several award-worthy moments at the Oscars. Stars including Hailee Steinfeld, Greta Gerwig, and Eva Longoria wore the color on their cheeks, lips, and eyelids. On the fall winter 2024 runways, models at the Paul Costelloe and Susan Fang shows wore bright yet diffused peachy blush across their cheeks and glossy apricot-stained lips.
Ahead, makeup artists share why peach makeup is so damn flattering, and exactly how to wear it.
- Tommy Napoli is a New York City-based makeup artist.
- Joseph Carrillo is a New York City-based makeup artist
- Min Min Ma is a New York City-based makeup artist.
- Delina Medhi is a New York City-based makeup artist.
- Brielle Pollara is a New York City-based makeup artist.
- Lynsey Alexander is a U.K.-based makeup artist.
What makes peach makeup so wearable?
From a color theory standpoint, peach contains nearly every undertone. No matter how fair or deep your skin is, the color peach adds a warm, skin-brightening glow. "Because peach can be a brightener for under eyes or hyperpigmentation that appears blue or gray — on the color wheel, the opposite of blue is orange — the color can add a lot of light to the face," makeup artist Tommy Napoli explains to Allure. "This means one can neutralize [dark spots] versus covering with a thick layer of foundation or concealer."
"It's [a mix of] pink, orange, red, and yellow," makeup artist Joseph Carrillo tells Allure. “These are all colors we look for when trying to find the perfect foundation shade.” With all those tones combined, peach becomes as close to “universal” as possible. (If only foundation could be that way, right?) It's also the warmest of all the pastels, so it can help you look fresh and awake even when you're running on nothing but caffeine and a prayer.
How to find peach makeup for your skin tone
Peach and skin tones run on a parallel spectrum. "Generally speaking, the fairer your skin tone is, the softer color of peach you should go for," makeup artist Min Min Ma tells Allure. “The darker you are, the deeper you can go. Think deep corals, apricots, and even bright oranges."
Napoli recommends swatching them on the inside of your wrist to make sure they don't appear too orange or ruddy on your skin tone.
How to apply peach makeup
The color is versatile on lips, cheeks, and lids — in fact, both Napoli and makeup artist Delina Medhin say peach shines the most when used pretty much everywhere. "I usually will give my clients a monochromatic peach look," Medhin says — but this only works if you use a light hand.
It is possible to go overboard on the peach makeup trend. Makeup artists suggest sticking to subtle flushes of peach on the face if you opt for a monochromatic look — tap your brush into your blush pan just once, or go for a sheer peach-toned gloss. "If you apply full-blown Instagram peach makeup, you'll be serving up peach cobbler, mama," Carrillo warns. "And that's a mess in a dress." Noted.
“A pop of gold shimmer pairs perfectly with peach eyeshadow,” says New York City-based makeup artist Brielle Pollara. Tapping some gold on the center of the lid paired with a nude or white eyeliner in the waterline will “give you a bright and open eye," says Pollara. Huda Beauty Glowish Micro Mini Natural Eyeshadow Palette has four peach shades including matte and shimmer options to create this look.
At Prada's spring 2024, the orange-y hue was the focal point of the eyes (take a peek below). To elevate the look, makeup artist Lynsey Alexander patted serum onto a layer of peach shadow for “a futuristic and reflective element.”
For more depth, Pollara recommends blending a brown shadow or even your favorite bronzer into your crease before going in with your peach shade of choice. “It gives you the perfect transition color that adds warmth,” says Pollara. A small fluffy eyeshadow brush (like Sephora Collection Crease Eyeshadow Brush) is best for diffusing the color. Then, scribble on the shimmery Bobbi Brown Dual-Ended Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick in Cashew and blend it across your eyelids with your fingers, or try the MAC Matte Eyeshadow in Samoa Silk (the powder shadow is particularly easy to blend).
If you're not ready to go all out on the peach trend, Carrillo says he loves doing bare lids, lots of mascara, and flushed cheeks in peach. Using a fluffy brush — like the Real Techniques Ultra Plush Blush Brush — add a "wash" of peachy powder, he adds. Ma suggests targeting the round part of your cheeks. "Smile and you'll find the perfect 'round' spot," she adds. The Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Blush Duo in She's The Moment gives skin an instant just-went-for-a-jog brightening effect. Carrillo also suggests dusting the excess blush on your brush across your lids before putting on mascara — the Saie Glow Sculpt in Peach Glow leaves a shimmering touch of color on eyelids and cheeks.
Prefer a matte finish? Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder Blush in Bellini has a strong payoff without the glitz. Napoli recommends the Nars The Multiple in Puerto Vallarta, a multi-use stick in "a beautiful golden peach that works as a blush on lighter skin and a highlight on deeper skin."
Experts suggest complementing a peach lip color with eyeshadow in shades like gold, lavender, gray, or beige. As for specific lipsticks, try Medhin's favorite, Live Tinted Huestick in Perk (which can also be used on the cheeks and eyes). We love the Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss in Peach Pink for its glass-like finish and lasting pigment.
Looking for something glossy and luxurious? Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in Coral, "a hydrating sheer peach," as Napoli describes it, is calling your name.
Additional reporting by Nicola Dall'Asen and Devon Abelman
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