Remember when makeup was like a secret handshake only certain people got to learn? That whole vibe is dead. We’re living in the era where blush isn’t just for “cheeks” and lip gloss doesn’t care about your pronouns. Gender-free dressing already gave us the freedom to wear baggy cargos or slip dresses without a second thought, and now makeup and grooming are catching up. It’s not about looking like a “man” or “woman” – it’s about looking like you, but with a dewy finish and maybe a little shimmer.

Let’s talk about the soft boy aesthetic, because that’s genuinely the gateway drug for anyone wanting to play with beauty outside the binary. Think Timothée Chalamet on a Brooklyn stoop at golden hour, or that one artist you follow who turns every sidewalk into a runway. It’s giving “I woke up like this” but actually I spent forty minutes layering skincare and tapping concealer under my eyes. The goal isn’t transformation; it’s elevation. You’re not hiding anything, you’re just adding a little magic to the raw material you already have.

So where do you start if you’re new to this? First, ditch the idea that foundation is a thing you have to do. For that bare-faced glow, grab a tinted moisturizer or a hydrating serum with a touch of pigment. Drugstore options from e.l.f. or NYX are genuinely elite, and if you’re feeling bougie, save up for a high-end sample from Sephora – that’s the RealReal move, testing luxury before committing. Work it into your skin with your fingers, because brushes are for the illusion of control and we’re all about messy, lived-in texture.

Now, the star of the show: blush. Blush is not gendered. Blush is just a way to tell the world you’re alive and possibly a little in love with the idea of spring in Greenpoint. Place it high on your cheekbones, sweep it across the bridge of your nose, or drag it up toward your temples – the whole “draping” thing is chef’s kiss. For that soft boy look, use a cream formula in a shade that looks like you just ran to catch the L train. Even a cool-toned pink works if you’re pale; for deeper skin, a bronze or berry nude gives that sun-kissed, no-fuss vibe. And honestly, you can use the same stick on your lips and eyelids. That’s what we call a one-product wonder.

Speaking of lips, forget heavy lipsticks that transfer onto every coffee cup. A lip stain or a tinted balm is the move. It gives “I just ate a fruit” rather than “I’m wearing makeup.” And if you want to add a glossy layer, go for a clear gloss with a minty tingle. It’s lowkey addictive. For brows and lashes, think effortless. A tinted brow gel is your best friend – it grooms the strays and gives a fluffy, undone look. On the lash front, skip the falsies and do a few swipes of a brown mascara. Brown over black reads softer, more approachable, like you might write poetry on a rooftop. If you want that “crying but make it ethereal” waterline, a white or nude liner on your lower lash line opens up your eyes – major hack.

Grooming unbound is another whole energy. Facial hair? Grow it, shave it, or keep a neat little stubble that says “I have a skincare routine but also I own a drill.” Eyebrows aren’t meant to be twins, just siblings. Don’t over-pluck unless you want that permanent surprise face. And for body hair, do whatever sparks joy – it’s 2026, we’re not policing armpits anymore. The real secret sauce is confidence. Wear a full beat with flannel and pearls, or go bare-faced in a tailored suit. The item girls and boys and enbies know that beauty products are just tools, like paintbrushes or a really good thrift store. You can score a $50 Gucci lipstick at a discount site or use a $3 dupe – either way, the look is yours. And that’s the whole point – beauty isn’t a cage, it’s a playground.

So next time you’re getting ready, ask yourself: what would my inner soft boy or bohemian baddie wear? Maybe it’s a swipe of glitter under the eye, a touch of lavender highlighter, or nothing but sunscreen and attitude. Then just do that. No rules, no boxes, just your face, your terms. That’s the ultimate glow-up.