My Own Take On The Latina Makeup Look

I know the copy and paste Latina makeup look has been around for a while, but I’ve always been hesitant to talk about it. I think because it feels like I’m culturally appropriating from my own culture. On the other hand, this is exactly how I do my makeup 😂 I know it’s characterized as having long, dark, straight hair, winged eyeliner, false lashes, more bronzer than blush, and a matte brown lip. 

Still, I do have slightly different techniques. I don’t have straight hair, but I do straighten it sometimes. However, that’s not what I look like day to day. Also, I don’t do matte lipstick anymore. I did for a long time, but then I realized I was doing it because it was trendy, and not because I actually liked it. I always felt like an old lady because my lips are full of lines, and it makes them look so dry. Now I only wear moisturizing lip products. I occasionally use a matte lip here or there in the fall, but I mostly stick to glosses.

I’ll provide tips, tricks, and product recommendations for applying my version of the Latina makeup look. If you’re trying to enhance your natural features or channel your inner Selena Quintanilla, this will help you master the art of a Latina makeup look.

Full Coverage Foundation 

Let’s start with foundation. The key is to blend, blend, and blend. Pay extra attention to areas that need more coverage, like pimples or dark/sun spots. The goal is to show your natural beauty, so don’t overdo it with heavy foundation. Typically this is a matte makeup look, but even if you like full glam or minimalistic makeup-then any foundation will work. I like full coverage because of my rosacea. It has a high level of pigmentation that evens your skin tone out to create a smooth base for other makeup products.

Also, a lot of high coverage foundations are long-lasting. They’re perfect for staying put all day with a little help of some setting spray and translucent powder. Depending on the makeup brand (which is sad to say), you can find a full coverage foundation that matches your skin. Sometimes I have to mix foundation colors to get the right shade, but even If you prefer a liquid, cream, or powder foundation, using full coverage foundation is the first step to your Latina makeup look.

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Foundation	A medium coverage foundation for a natural finish	Purchase Now
	Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Liquid Foundation	Formulated for a no filter application for camera ready selfies	Purchase Now
	Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup	Semi-matte foundation that stays all day	Purchase Now

Well-Defined Eyebrows 

Now, let’s talk about one of the most important elements of this makeup-eyebrows. They can transform your face, and define your look. With the right techniques and tools, anyone can get their Latina makeup look by focusing on their eyebrows. Use a brow pomade or powder that matches your hair color to define and shape your brows. A well-defined arch can make all the difference. Shaping and filling in thin areas to creating a well-defined tail can change the shape of your face. Use the natural shape of your eyebrows to determine your arch and shape. You don’t want your brows to look drawn on, you want them to look more natural. With so many brow products available, experiment with products and find what works for you.

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Anastasia Beverly Hills – Brow Wiz	Smudge proof and mimics hair strokes	Purchase Now
	Maybelline New York Brow Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil	Smooth and natural formula for precise application	Purchase Now
	WUNDERBROW Waterproof Eyebrow Gel	Transfer-proof and oil free gel with 24 hours protection	Purchase Now

Winged Eyeliner 

If I’m wearing really dramatic eyelashes (which let’s face it, is most of time) I don’t bother with eyeliner. It blends in with my lashes. I use it if I’m putting on mascara instead, because it’s more noticeable. Winged eyeliner is a popular Latina makeup look because it adds a lot of drama and glamour. I have almond-shaped eyes, so I always preferred winged eyeliner. I actually just tried the Kaja Beauty eyeliner stamp, and it was a game-changer for me.

Start with a primed eyelid, so you can apply a neutral eyeshadow as a base to make the liner go on smooth. I like a matte jet black liner. I’ve never been crazy over shiny eyeliner, but you can choose any type, really. Begin by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and extending towards the outer corner of your eye, and keep it close to your lash line.

I personally prefer doing it the opposite way. I like to draw from the outside of my eye first and make my way inward. But there aren’t any rules, so create your winged eyeliner any way you want. Next, determine where you want your wing to end. Generally, it ends from the outer corner of your eye to meet the end of the tail of your brow. You want it to look symmetrical, so your eyebrows are a good end point to use.

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner, Satin Finish, Waterproof Formula	Glides on smoothly with a flex tip brush	Purchase Now
	stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner	Waterproof fine tip liquid liner	Purchase Now
	Kaja Wink Stamp Wing Eyeliner Pen	Double ended stamp eyeliner with liner pen	Purchase Now

More Bronzer, Less Blush

Personally, I’ve always focused more on bronzer because of how round my face is. This is where more bronzer and less blush comes in. After applying your foundation take a fluffy bronzer brush and lightly dust the bronzer by placing it to areas that are on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of your nose.

I like using a smaller bronzer brush because it gives my face more definition. This will create a natural-looking contour, because you don’t want it to look like a fake tan. Not everyone has a round face like me, but my Latina makeup look focuses on creating a sun-kissed glow and defined cheekbones. Bronzer adds warmth and depth, so it complements my facial features in a subtle way. Sometimes I’ll even add highlighter, but the majority of the time my face is matte. If you’re looking to embrace a more bronzed and effortless look, think about going for more bronzer and less blush.

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Maybelline New York City Bronzer	Micro milled powder with a matte finish	Purchase Now
	Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing Powder	Iconic face slimming matte bronzer	Purchase Now
	Urban Decay Stay Naked Threesome Palette	A satin finish bronzer, highlighter, and blush trio	Purchase Now

Bold Lips

I think gloss compliments my face more than a matte lipstick, but do what you prefer! Start with outlining your lips with a lip liner that matches the shade of your lipstick. This will help define the shape of your lips and prevent feathering. Choose a bold color that complements the rest of your makeup and style. I love anything bright, but popular colors for a Latina makeup look are deep reds, corals, and berry shades.

They’re actually similar in tone to my lip colors for fall blog post if you need more inspiration. If you like a matte lip, blot your lips with a tissue after you first apply it to remove extra product. This helps set the lipstick and keeps your lips matte. You can also add a light dab of translucent setting powder over your lips to absorb any shine, but I actually prefer putting makeup primer on my lips before applying matte lipstick. 

Image	Product	Features	Price
	NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Fat Oil Slick Click	A light and pigmented non-sticky lip balm	Purchase Now
	Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick	16 hour long lasting matte lipstick	Purchase Now
	Mac Retro Matte Lipstick Ruby Woo	A lot of color pigmentation with an all-matte finish	Purchase Now

False Lashes 

I love my dramatic false lashes. I think it changes the shape of my face more than bronzer, and I don’t feel complete without lashes on. That and earrings, but I digress. Thick and voluminous lashes instantly adds glam and intensity to your eyes. With their dramatic length and big volume, they can make your natural lashes be a show-stopper. If you want a dramatic cat-eye or a full and fluffy look, there are tons of options to choose from. Wearing false lashes adds the final touch to your Latina makeup routine, because it instantly makes your eyes the center of attention. Don’t be afraid to experiment with some dramatic false lashes. You never know what you might end up liking.

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Wispy Lashes 3D Faux Mink Lashes Pack	Fluffy false lashes	Purchase Now
	Losha False Lashes 14 Pairs	2 styles of fluffy eyelashes	Purchase Now
	Ardell False Eyelashes Demi Wispies	Faux mink feathery lashes	Purchase Now

Conclusion 

Start by applying your foundation evenly to create a smooth and even surface. Next, focus on your eyebrows. Fill them in with a brow pencil, or powder using light feathery strokes to copy the appearance of natural hair. To add warmth and dimension to your face, use a bronzer more than blush on your cheekbones. Finally, finish your look by applying a lip color that accentuates your features.

The Copy and Paste Latina makeup trend may offer a quick and easy way to achieve a certain look, but it’s important to remember that true beauty comes from our individual features and unique personalities. While full coverage foundation and dramatic false lashes may enhance your appearance, it’s important not to rely on specific techniques as your only option. We should celebrate our diversity and challenge certain beauty standards. You have your own definition of beauty, so be yourself and shine.

FAQ

Are there specific makeup products or techniques that are commonly used in Latina makeup looks?

Bold and bright colors are used more to accentuate our natural features and celebrate our heritage. One popular technique is using bronzer by enhancing your skin’s warmth and richness. Winged eyeliner and lashes add a touch of drama and emphasize our eyes. And don’t be afraid to experiment with bold lip colors, because they can complement your skin tone. Latina makeup is about embracing your unique beauty and embracing your cultural identity.

How can someone with fair skin achieve a Latina makeup look without it appearing too heavy or unnatural?

To apply a Latina makeup on fair skin, start by focusing on your natural features. Use a foundation or tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone to create a base. Go for natural, earthy tones for your eyeshadow and bronze your face to add a touch of warmth. Fill in your brows with a shade that matches your hair color for a defined look. For your lips, choose a nude or soft pink shade to keep the focus on your eyes and skin. The key is to keep it light and natural.

Are there any cultural influences or inspirations behind the Latina makeup look?

Yes! Colors are inspired by traditional Latin American textiles and artwork. From iconic red lips of flamenco dancers, the Latina makeup look is rooted in cultural heritage. The use of bold and dramatic eye makeup, such as winged eyeliner and smokey eyes is also inspiration from Latinx icons like Frida Kahlo and Selena Quintanilla. Overall, the Latina makeup look celebrates the rich cultural diversity and beauty of Latinx individuals.