What is micropop makeup—and why it's perfect for Pride

We’re halfway through the year, and right in the heart of Pride Month, a time to honour joy, identity, and unapologetic self-expression. But showing up for Pride doesn’t have to mean a full-face of glitter, bold cut creases, or technicolour lids. You can be an ally in spirit and still keep things minimalist, because Pride is less about how loud you look and more about what you stand for. So, here's your guide to micropop makeup for when you want a curated burst of colour, not the whole rainbow.

What is micropop makeup?

If you’re just experimenting or starting off with makeup, glitter and complicated styles that require precision may be difficult to nail. To keep it simple, micropop makeup is the lovechild of minimalism and maximalism, a hybrid approach that favours pops of playful colour or shimmer in small, intentional doses. It's really a beautiful way to celebrate the vibrancy of Pride with a nod to your more refined, pared-down sensibilities. Think small bursts of colour, controlled sparkle and minimalistic accents that allow your personality to shine through without stealing the spotlight from your features.

All about those eyes

One of the easiest and most effective ways to nail micropop makeup is by experimenting with your eyes. It doesn't require much expertise, and minimal accents draw a lot of attention towards this area of the face. A floating lilac liner, a single star-shaped face sticker under one eye, or even a fine line of glitter tracing the crease can speak volumes. You can also use sticker embellishments, glittery bindis, or rhinestones for the perfect sparkle. Coloured mascara could be an easy way to tap into this trend too. Graphic liners with varied shapes like a heart or star towards the edge may be a little difficult to get right but could be the pop of detail to ensure your usual makeup routine stands apart. 

Say hello to sparkle

Skip heavy contouring and instead focus on skin that looks lived-in and luminous. Dewy, skincare-forward complexions are the base of the micropop aesthetic. Once you’ve nailed your luminous base, be sure to add sparkle to either your lids or your cheeks. Swap your regular champagne highlighter for one with a lavender, rose gold, or even the multi-chrome ones for that touch of shine, without overwhelming the face. Especially paired with a clean base and a brushed-up brow. You can also choose to take the simple route and dust a little bit of glitter eyeshadow on your eyelids. Remember, less is more when it comes to acing micropop makeup. 

Go beyond the face

Not all colour has to stay on your face. For those who love the idea of sparkle but not the feeling of glitter fallout, use accessories and surrounding details to build your Pride-ready look. Try chrome or pastel nail polish, glittery extensions or hairgems to add flair to your mane, or even tap into ear makeup by adding a swipe of highlighter around the ear lobes or helix, pairing it with a slicked-back up-do. These small yet unconventional steps will help you stand out from the crowd even as you keep rocking the sparkle within your comfort zone.

At its heart, micropop makeup is about celebrating identity and playfulness, not about adhering to beauty standards. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally showing support, Pride is about authenticity. Makeup is an art, it's a form of expression, and this June, it becomes a form of joy. So, don't think about perfection or symmetry—Pride is all about embracing who you are and cultivating a sense of belonging, regardless of whether you feel perfect or not. 

Micropop makeup is an invitation to play with colour and texture without the pressure of perfection or performance. It’s a nod to the maximalist spirit of Pride and the minimalist core of modern beauty, proof that you don’t need a rainbow across your face to make a statement. So grab that pastel liner, swipe on some sparkle, and let your light shine your way.

 

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