What is the Balletcore aesthetic? The ethereal TikTok trend

A pair of pink, satin ballet slippers hanging from their ribbon straps/ in a pink and pale blue checked template

(Image credit: Getty Images/ Natalia Ganelin)

published 27 February 2023

Do you have a thing for pastel pinks and slicked-back buns? Well, you're already well on your way to embracing the Balletcore aesthetic—TikTok's latest, ethereal trend.

For anyone who has ever fantasized about donning a tutu and leaping across a stage with effortless grace—the latest viral style trend taking over TikTok could be your dream come true. Much like that of the clean girl aesthetic, the emerging Balletcore movement has the app's makeup and style enthusiasts in a very *elegant* chokehold. And no, you don't have to be a professional ballerina to embrace the vibe.

No doubt you've spied endless videos of legwarmer outfits and soft, pastel pink and cloud skin-like makeup looks popping up on your FYP. The videos baring the hashtag itself have collectively, over 300 million views and growing—with the aesthetic incorporating everything from workouts to beauty and style.

So what does this obsession with all things ballet-themed really entail and how can you join in with the romantic attire and pink, frosted makeup looks?

What is the 'Balletcore' aesthetic?

Effectively, it's as it sounds—users are falling in love with the makeup, hair and style (and everything else really) that's synonymous with ballet. So, leggings and legwarmers, hairbows and buns and of course, soft pink makeup looks that you'd expect to see on a twirling prima ballerina.

If in doubt, think pastel pink and you're on the right track—and if you need any visuals, just take a scroll through the plethora of balletcore-related videos that now fill TikTok. Here are a few that really capture the essence...

@xoxannalee
♬ original sound - aestheticaddict🌻

@bohemianasoul
♬ girlfriend - Hemlocke Springs

@thealondraflores
♬ Flowers - Miley Cyrus

@fauxnicolerose
♬ original sound - Nicole Elliott

So, for anyone looking to inject a bit of elegance or romance into their capsule wardrobes—or to incorporate their passion for the performance art into their daily lives—here are a few POINTErs (get it?!) to achieving the trend...

How to do 'Balletcore' makeup

From our TikTok and Instagram scrolling, balletcore makeup seems to be all about soft-focus skin that looks smooth and flawless—as if under a bright stage spotlight—along with pink and pearly eyeshadow looks, velvety matte lipstick and cool-toned blush.

Take this look from influencer and model, Cindy Kimberly, for instance, which in itself, has been recreated a ton on TikTok...

A post shared by Cindy Kimberly (@wolfiecindy)
A photo posted by on

As Resident Makeup Artist at Face the Future, Rachael Divers, notes: “Balletcore is all about that pretty, light, romanticized makeup—the type you’d associate with a ballerina—mixed with a hint of coquette for a grown-up twist."

She adds: "Elegant, ethereal, and beautifully delicate, the balletcore look brings forward pretty pearlescents, pastel pinks, and muted lilacs—all wrapped up in delicate shimmer, lustre, and frosted textures."

As for creating the look yourself, Divers says that, "the main features of this look are perfected skin, frosted eyes, and pearlescent, flushed cheeks. Pair with either a muted matte pink lip or a glazed nude lip for ballerina-beauty perfection.

"To get the look at home, try using an iridescent highlighter like Illamasqua’s Beyond Liquid Highlighter in OMG which gives a beautiful strobe-like glow to your cheekbones."

Divers then says to, "team with a pink blush like Sigma Beauty’s Pinkin’ shade for that perfectly pink flush of color."

For the eyes, Divers advises to "opt for beautifully frosted and shimmer finish shadows in muted pastels—think white swans and snow queens."

Before tying the look together with a subtle lip, Divers says: "if you prefer a nude finish, take inspiration from the glazed donut nail trend with a slick, pearlescent gloss over bare lips. Or try a matte, muted pink for a beautiful contrast in texture.”

Speaking of the famous Hailey Bieber nails, we'd also recommend getting the OG glazed donut nail manicure done or lip gloss nails, as they definitely evoke those Ballerina vibes.

What is 'Balletcore' hair?

The look probably most associated with Ballet or 'Balletcore' is the tight bun, that would withstand even the swiftest twirl of lift. Think of the viral Bella Hadid bun, but minus the 90's hair-like, spikey pieces. Instead go for a smooth, chic bun, with either all of your hair swept back or a few flattering face-framing pieces out, for a more casual look.

You could also add a bow, claw clip, or scrunchie to soften the look further and bring that "I'm just off to ballet class" vibe to your look.

Where to shop 'Balletcore' fashion

Now, when it comes to Balletcore style, you can either go all out with bodysuits over tights and leggings, paired with a mini wrap skirt, or you can add some soft pastel pinks and neutral knits to your closet to wear with jeans or your best, comfy loungewear.

Legwarmers, ballet bumps and cropped wrap cardigans are always the way to go for this aesthetic if you love and are wanting to recreate that off-duty ballerina look—like you're heading to the dance studio for some stretching.

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team, where she covers everything from entertainment to fashion and beauty, as well as TikTok trends for Woman&Home, after previously writing for My Imperfect Life and GoodTo. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but lept into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing and earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ.

Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.