TikTok is loving 'Red Wine' makeup for the ultimate dinner-date look—here's how to channel the merlot vibe

Is there anything quite as chic as ordering a glass of red wine at dinner? Well actually yes, it's called 'Red Wine' makeup—TikTok's latest beauty trend, inspired by that very glass of merlot and the whole vibe that comes with it.

Now first things first, we're not inviting you to splash some red vino on your face and call it a day. No, this new beauty trend, while being similar to the 'French Girl' makeup look, incorporates the iconic elements of the drink—from that burgundy stain it gives your lips to the overall, sophisticated aesthetic red wine drinkers have.

So, for anyone wanting a new sultry, evening makeup look to pair alongside your best date-night perfumes, allow us to break down every chic note of this beauty movement...

What is 'Red Wine' makeup?

This look is all about having a 'red wine vibe,' so elegant, sophisticated and as TikToker @zoekimkenealy adds: "like you smell good."

The makeup is supposed to give that red wine energy, so picture a mood-lit restaurant, you're wearing a cute outfit, accessorized with your gold huggie hoops, smelling of your best perfume and wearing the perfect, sexy but lived-in makeup look. 

Sharing her own interpretation of the look, (which now has over 600k views!) @zoekimkenealy explains that the base was the most important part, adding that you want a natural-looking glow and flush, before applying a smokey eye—minus the eyeliner. She applied just a soft brown shade to the entire lid before adding a shimmer. 

@zoekimkenealy

♬ Inside And Out - Feist

The lip seems to be the most crucial part of the routine, mirroring that classic, burgundy lip stain that sipping on red wine often leaves behind. She applied a red lip liner, followed by a glossy red lippie, she said: "When you drink your wine and you eat your Ricotta, and you just have the line leftover...it's a vibe.".

Other users have opted for more of a smudged-out, diffused red lip for that 'I had a glass of merlot' look and both are gorge.

@jessmarak

♬ Pretty Girl - Clairo

@alirosegray

♬ More Than A Woman - SG's Paradise Edit - Bee Gees & SG Lewis

Breaking down the date-night trend further, Saffron Hughes, makeup artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk says: "Red wine-inspired makeup should give off elegance and sophistication whilst still appearing sexy. The key to achieving this look lies in striking the perfect balance between full glam and a natural, dewy finish."

MIL's edit of Red Wine Makeup essentials

So, before we break down how go about achieving 'red wine energy', here's our pick of red wine makeup staples, as well as some of Hughes' recommendations...

How to do Red Wine Makeup

1. Create a flawless base: Hughes says to opt for a dewy foundation, or a highlighting primer before setting with a power—but not something too mattifying
2. Soft bronzer: avoid harsh contouring, instead opt for a powder bronzer to give your forehead and cheeks a 'sun-kissed' look
3. Natural Blush: Go for a good flush shade and apply to the apples of your cheeks, followed by a glowy highlighter to the high points of your face
4. The 'uncomplicated' eye: Hughes says to opt for a brown shade and a shimmer. Blend the brown shade across your lid, before tapping on the shimmer with your finger and finish with mascara
5. The red wine lip: select a plum or burgundy and then apply your lip liner, "to define the lips, then follow with lipstick in your chosen red shade. For a lightweight and summery finish, conclude with a lip oil or gloss."

To pull off this look, Hughes first says to, "create a luminous base by opting for a cream-based foundation or concealer, catering to your desired coverage. Alternatively, start with a dewy highlighting primer and add a light layer of powder-based foundation." For a skin-friendly look, be sure to choose a non-comedogenic foundation.

Hughes then reminds us to use setting power, "apply enough to prevent creasing and set the base, ensuring not to go overboard and mattify your face completely. 

"For a subtle touch of warmth and a sun-kissed glow, gently brush a soft bronzer around your hairline, forehead, and beneath your cheekbones. Aim for a natural bronze effect, rather than a heavily contoured look."

Choose a shade of blush that mimics a natural flush, so don't be tempted by a cool-toned pink. Go for something warm—you could even use the French gal method and apply your red lippie as blush, for a super cohesive and low-maintenance look.

Placement-wise. Hughes says to: "apply a soft amount to the apples of your cheeks, extending slightly up toward your cheekbones. Add a natural shimmer to your face by adding a touch of highlighter on the high points of your cheekbones, just above where the blush is placed, and beneath your brow bone."

For the 'refreshing uncomplicated' eye look, Hughes says to: "Choose a shimmery brown shade slightly darker than your bronzer for your lids. Apply this color generously all over your eyelids using a dense eyeshadow brush or your fingertip. Then, blend the edges softly with an eyeshadow brush, extending the color underneath the lower lash line as well.

"For an added touch of glamour, dab a metallic bronze eyeshadow onto the center of the eyelid, ensuring not to go heavy-handed. This will create a subtle shimmer, elevating the eye makeup. Finish off the look by applying mascara to your lashes. Skip the eyeliner for this particular look, however, you could reach for natural false lashes." Alternatively, you could also forgo mascara and opt for the Vaseline eyelash hack.

Hughes also recommends a false lash, for a natural but fluttery look: "Two great options to achieve this effect are Ardell's Naked Lashes - 420 or Eylure's Fluttery Light Lashes in 117. These lashes provide a subtle enhancement to your natural lashes, creating a fluttery and soft effect that complements the sophisticated vibe of the red wine-inspired makeup look."

Now, to nail the red, French-makeup-esque lip, Hughes says to opt for a color 'between a dark rose, plum, and red' as this will create, "the perfect red wine-inspired lip color—begin by applying lip liner to define the lips, then follow with lipstick in your chosen red shade. For a lightweight and summery finish, conclude with a lip oil or gloss."