Ah, 2020. The year that brought us total chaos, and... cottagecore? If you’re wondering what, exactly, cottagecore is, then you’re probably not alone. According to Wikipedia, the trend is defined as “an internet aesthetic that celebrates a return to traditional skills and crafts such as foraging, baking, and pottery, and is related to similar nostalgic aesthetic movements such as grandmacore, farmcore, goblincore, and faeriecore.” In other words, all those friends you have who can’t stop fantasizing about moving to a farm and only wearing flowy dresses with poofy sleeves (guilty) and raising goats? They might be a fan of cottage cottagecore (whether they admit it or not).
Even if you don’t plan on leaving your home for a life of foraging and farming anytime soon, though, you might have been building a cottagecore wardrobe over these past few months without even realizing it. Prairie dresses and peasant blouses are everywhere; if you’re into fashion or fall prey to the occasional Instagram trend, then you’ve probably bought some, too. Some of these pieces have a vintage feel, others are fairly modern, but all of them make you want to run through a field of wildflowers with a leather bound notebook in one hand as a Bon Iver song plays quietly in the background. It’s all a bit dramatic, and it’s also entirely possible that the cottagecore trend will come and go like every other trend, but I for one hope it sticks around a while. There’s something magical about the escapism that dressing like a character in Pride & Prejudice brings. Plus, it’s hard to find a downside to imagining life to be a little more simple than it currently is.
If you do have a closet full of floral prints, flowing cotton dresses, and tops with empire waists, then perhaps you’re looking to incorporate a similar feeling into your makeup routine. Maybe you’re switching to simple, glowy, natural-looking makeup that feels effortless (even if it’s not) and leaves you more time to tend to your imaginary chickens. Alternatively, maybe you’ve spent the last seven months not putting on makeup at all and are just looking for easier, simpler products to build an easier, simpler look. If that sounds like you, here are some products to get you started.
Kosas
The Big Clean Mascara
$26
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If you’re in search of full, fluffy, natural-looking lashes that still make an impact, look no further than the Big Clean Mascara. It’s the perfect complement to any makeup look, but especially minimal looks.
Nudestix
Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze In Bare Back
$32
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There’s nothing that gives you bright, radiant skin quite like cream blush. Nudestix Nudies add just the right amount of color and make it easy to add hints of pigment to not only your cheeks, but your lips and eyelids as well.
Flesh
Ripe Flesh Glisten Drops
$28
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I’ve been singing the praises of Flesh's Glisten Drops as an everyday highlighter for a while now. The drops blend effortlessly into the skin (whether you’re wearing full-coverage foundation, a tinted moisturizer, or nothing at all) and create a natural-looking glow that can’t be beat.
Uoma Beauty
Brow-Fro Blow Out Gel
$22
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If your cottagecore beauty look includes anything, it should be an amazing brow gel. Defined, full brows frame the face and require almost zero effort or skill to master (especially if you choose the right brow gel). This one has dozens of five-star reviews and comes in six versatile shades.
Iris & Romeo
Power Peptide Lip Balm In Peony
$26
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This lip balm hydrates and nourishes lips while adding the prettiest, glowiest hint of color. Plus, it even boosts collagen, so it works for you in more ways than one.
Ilia
Super Serum Skin Tint
$46
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Glowy coverage. SPF. Good-for-you skin care ingredients. A dewy finish. This skin tint will make all your low-effort, high-impact everyday makeup dreams come true.
Coloured Raine
Lavender Dreams Highlighter
$20
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This lilac-colored highlighter is a beautiful, glowy alternative to a more gold-toned highlighter.
Thrive Causemetics
Brilliant Eye Brightener
$24
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If there’s one thing anyone needs to master an effortless, natural glow, it’s bright, wide-awake eyes. Thrive’s Brilliant Eye Brightener is a one-stop-shop for an instantly refreshed face, whether you pair it with other makeup or note.
Fenty Beauty
Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer
$32
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Looking to supercharge your makeup and your overall skin texture? Try Fenty Beauty’s highly-rated hydrating primer. It adds moisture into your skin and makes sure your cottagecore-inspired products stay on all day long (whether you’re milking cows or just wearing a prairie dress on your couch at home).
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