Natural vs Soft Glam vs Full Glam: What’s the Difference (and Which One’s for You?)
So, You’re Booking a Makeup Artist… But What Do You Ask For?
Let’s be real. Sliding into my DMs or filling out my booking form can feel a bit like a pop quiz you didn’t study for. You see terms like “soft glam” and “natural glam” thrown around on Instagram, and while the pictures look great, you’re not totally sure what the difference is. The last thing you want is to ask for one thing and leave looking like a completely different person (or worse, feeling like you don’t have enough makeup on).
It’s one of the most common things I hear from clients, and honestly, I get it. The lines can feel blurry. So, I’m here to break it down. Let’s talk about the big three: natural, soft glam, and full glam. We’ll go through what each really means, what to expect, and how to choose the one that will make you feel like the best, most confident version of yourself.
The “Your Face But Better” Vibe: Natural Makeup
A natural makeup look is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the ultimate barely-there, I-woke-up-like-this flex. The goal isn’t to change your features but to gently enhance them, evening out your skin tone and adding a touch of healthy colour.
What to Expect:
- Base: Super light. We’re talking a skin tint or a sheer tinted moisturiser to even things out without masking your skin’s texture.
- Eyes: A simple, light wash of a neutral colour across the lid to create a little dimension. No eyeliner, no false lashes. We might give your natural lashes a good curl and a coat of mascara, but that’s it.
- Cheeks: A soft, creamy blush to give you that “just been for a brisk walk” or “pinched my own cheeks” flush. It’s all about looking fresh and sun-kissed.
- Brows & Lips: Your brows will be lightly filled and brushed into place, and your lips will get a slick of tinted balm or a sheer gloss.
This look is perfect for those who rarely wear makeup or want something incredibly fresh and understated for professional branding photos. It’s a great option for some of my headshots clients who need to look polished but still completely themselves.
My Specialty: The Art of Soft Glam Makeup
Ah, soft glam. This is my absolute favourite, and honestly, what I believe suits about 95% of my clients. It’s the perfect sweet spot. It gives you that elevated, polished finish without feeling heavy or overdone. It gives me the creative freedom to play up your best features while making sure you still look like you.
What to Expect:
This is a definite step up from a natural look. It’s more defined, more durable, and has that little extra something.
- Base: We’ll use a light to medium coverage foundation, building it only where needed to perfect the skin while keeping it looking like skin.
- Eyes: This is where the magic happens. We’ll use multiple shadows to create more dimension and shape. Often, I’ll create a soft wing using a dark eyeshadow instead of a harsh liquid liner. And the finishing touch? A few fluffy, individual lashes on the outer corners to lift and open up the eye. They add just the right amount of flutter without the weight of a full strip lash.
- Cheeks: We’ll bring in more dimension with both blush and bronzer, and maybe a little soft contouring to gently sculpt your features.
- Lips: The options are endless! A soft glam look can be paired with anything from a simple nude lip to a bold, classic red.
Soft glam is my go-to for bridal makeup and for any special event where you want to feel incredible. It photographs beautifully and lasts all night long. It’s the ultimate confidence boost.
Levelling Up: When to Go Full Glam
Full glam is the final boss of makeup. It’s bold, it’s dramatic, and it makes a statement. While I think there’s a time and a place for it, and it definitely suits a particular type of event and client, it’s also a look that can be unflattering if it’s not right for your face shape or personal style.
What to Expect:
- Base: Often a medium to full coverage foundation paired with a more defined contour and highlight.
- Eyes: Think drama. We’re talking a full strip lash, sharp liquid liner, and often a smoky eye with deeper, richer tones.
- Cheeks: Sculpted and defined with contour, bronzer, and blush.
- Lips: A fully lined and opaque lipstick is the classic choice here to balance the strong eye makeup.
This is a look for a big night out, a themed event, or a major photoshoot where you want a transformative effect.
The Big Misunderstanding: Neutral Tones vs. Natural Makeup
Here’s the secret sauce, the piece of information that causes the most confusion: what defines the level of your makeup application isn’t the colour choice, it’s the fullness, depth, and coverage.
You can have a full glam look using only neutral tones like nudes, soft browns, and champagnes. But just because the colours are “natural” doesn’t make the makeup style natural. A smoky eye is a smoky eye, whether it’s done with black or with brown. The amount of product, the full coverage foundation, and the heavy strip lash are what push it into the full glam category.
Conversely, a soft glam look can incorporate a pop of colour without becoming “full glam”. The difference between soft glam and full glam is all about that balance and intensity. It’s about enhancing versus transforming.
How to Choose the Makeup Style That’s Right for You
Still not sure? That’s what I’m here for. But to help you get clear before you book, ask yourself these questions:
- What’s my everyday comfort level? If you wear little to no makeup daily, jumping straight to full glam might feel like a shock. Soft glam is often the perfect way to feel special without feeling overwhelmed.
- What’s the event and dress code? A daytime garden wedding calls for something different than an evening cocktail party. Your makeup should feel appropriate for the setting.
- How do I want to feel? Do you want to feel fresh and dewy? Polished and sophisticated? Bold and dramatic? The feeling is just as important as the look.
And remember, the best canvas is a happy canvas. A treatment like dermaplaning a few days before your event can make a world of difference, helping your makeup apply flawlessly no matter which style you choose.
Ready to Find Your Look?
At the end of the day, my job is to listen to you and create a look that makes you feel amazing in your own skin. The labels are just a starting point for our conversation. We’ll work together to create the perfect makeup for you.
So, next time you're thinking of treating yourself, don't sweat the terminology. Just book it in, and we’ll figure out the rest together. You'll thank yourself later.
