Glossed shower skin, plump lips, and luscious hair—mermaid–core is certainly making waves in the beauty scene
The stories about mermaids have always sparked the world’s curiosity throughout the centuries. In literary tales, these beloved mythical creatures are characterized as half-human with long and magical fishtails. A glance unveils the ethereal beauty of glossed shower skin, plump lips, and luscious hair, which contrasts the dark feminine depiction of a siren. Moreover, mermaids are more spirited, enchanting, and light-hearted—a true good-natured character that cannot be defined by skin tone.
RELATED: “Siren Beauty” is the Seductive Beauty Aesthetic You Need to Know
Perhaps it’s The Little Mermaid effect or the longstanding fascination with the underwater world. But mermaid-core found a new life outside of fiction and into the realm of fashion. Take Blumarine’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection as an example. Creative Director Nicola Brognano took inspiration from the popular tale with a vampy interpretation of waterfall hemlines, floaty flares, and scale-like sparkly embellishments. Elsewhere, Proenza Schouler’s Spring/Summer 2023 showcase detailed a play on sensual tactile textures and net dressing.
Of course, the beauty sphere has made its notable nod to the genre. Most obvious is the case of fresh, hydrated, glossed-like complexion as seen on the runways of Victoria Beckham, Thom Browne, and Prada. Meanwhile, iridescent shimmers and glistening lids took over Jil Sander and Chloé’s shows. The rise of mermaid-core may be easy to oversimplify as a trend that will come and go. But like siren beauty, it is a reflection of the shift to embracing fantasy, stories, and creativity rather than empty perfection.
On the notion of mermaid-core beauty
The concept between mermaids and sirens might be distinct, but both aesthetics usher in the collective energy it radiates. Mermaid-core beauty is all about embracing ethereal and enchanting energy. It is quite comparable to the clean-girl subculture, and while both usher in a minimalistic and effortless look, the fantasy-inspired archetype puts more emphasis on a more relaxed, carefree, and laid-back approach. The aesthetic is not defined by any rules. After all, the makeup category offers a range of formats from editorial-approved looks to a less is more segue.
On the glistening beauty of mermaid glow
In beautytok, fans decoded the secret to achieving the coveted mermaid-core glow. “It’s like she just emerged underwater,” Zoe Kim Kenealy described the look in her video. “The goal of mermaid skin is to make it look like it’s glimmering and shining on its own.” In her tutorial, the content creator swished a shimmer-loaded mousse eyeshadow onto key points and lids to achieve the smooth yet glistening shower skin finish. It’s important that you don’t have any gritty, sparkly texture with what you’re using,” she explained. Her beauty tip? Melt the product in with your fingertips before applying.
On the allure of mermaid hair
Mermaid hair has long been associated with vibrant hues and textured waves, but it’s not limited to that. It can be a lacquered wet look à la Bella Hadid at the Victoria Beckham runway or the damp salty strands seen at Nensi Dojaka and Dries Van Noten’s presentation. Long hair is also one entry that encapsulates a fantasy feel. Take a cue from Blumarine’s Spring/Summer 2023 wherein Nicola Brognano accompanied his pieces with a parade of braided and straight mermaid-length hairstyles.
Featured Image: HALLE BAILEY (via Instagram)
