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What Is Barbiecore? A Quick Guide to the Best Barbie-Pink Makeup and Fashion

Embracing your inner Margot Robbie just got a whole lot easier.

Headshot of Nicole SaundersBy Nicole Saunders
pink fashion and beauty accessories
Best Products; Courtesy

Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are the stars of the upcoming Greta Gerwig-helmed Barbie live-action movie set to be released July 21, 2023, and I'm already obsessed with Robbie's girly hot pink outfits and stylish makeup. As Best Products' beauty editor and a former fashion and entertainment writer, I can safely say that Barbiecore is the look of the moment.

So, what exactly is Barbiecore? It's a now-classic hot pink hue that can be spotted in various Barbie doll outfits over the last several decades. In addition, the now iconic color has been a prominent fixture in the wardrobe of fashion-forward films, including Legally Blonde and Miss Congeniality.

Most recently, Barbiecore has been spotted on the Valentino and Jacquemus runways and on celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and even Pam and Tommy star (and OG Gossip Girl alum) Sebastian Stan. Of course, the color isn't brand new to beauty — hot pink lipstick was a major trend in 2014 — but it's seen a reemergence thanks to Robbie.

After covering beauty and fashion for 6-plus years, I predict we'll see more Barbiecore fashion and beauty looks on the runways and on Hollywood red carpet events that inevitably trickle down for mass market consumption. I also expect Barbiecore to dominate spring/summer 2023 beauty collections, including lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows, to name a few.

Although Barbiecore pink is a boundary-pushing color, it's pretty effortless to translate into makeup with our editor-approved recommendations. Some of our selections are new beauty products I personally incorporate into my daily look, while others are fashion items that we consider stylish must-haves to elevate your fashion game. The best part? The majority of these picks cost $100 or less!

1
Best Barbiecore Lipstick

PAT McGRATH LABS MatteTrance Lipstick

Editor’s Choice
MatteTrance Lipstick
1
Best Barbiecore Lipstick

PAT McGRATH LABS MatteTrance Lipstick

$39 at Sephora$37 at Walmart

There's nothing more luxe than swiping on a new lipstick bullet, and this stunning shade of pink is bringing next-level Barbiecore glam.

And don't let the name MatteTrance fool you into thinking this is a super-drying, chalky formula. Legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath modernized the lipstick game by creating a hydrating and creamy texture with a gorgeous matte finish. Her lipsticks are extremely pigmented, and you can easily achieve the perfect Barbiecore pink pout in a single swipe.

More: The ‘Barbie the Movie’ Amazon Shop Is Full of Pink, Plastic, Fantastic Merch

2
Best Barbiecore Accessory

No.6 JCZJANA Sparkly Rhinestone Evening Bag

Editor’s Choice
Sparkly Rhinestone Evening Bag
2
Best Barbiecore Accessory

No.6 JCZJANA Sparkly Rhinestone Evening Bag

I love Cult Gaia just as much as the next girl, but I don't have $430 to spend on the OG bag. Thankfully, this $40 Amazon dupe is legit indistinguishable from the pricier option.

Need further proof? During NYFW, countless fashion editors, influencers, and kind strangers stopped me on the street to inquire where they could also purchase the always-out-of-stock Cult Gaia bag!

Thanks to its attention-grabbing hot pink crystal design, this Barbiecore evening bag is my most complimented accessory. I wear it everywhere I go — dinners, bars, grocery stores, you name it, I'm there sporting this must-have purse.

It's a conversation starter that fits all of my essentials, including my iPhone 13 Pro Plus, RFID card holder, keys, lipstick, Touchland hand sanitizer, waterline eyeliner, oil blotting papers, and face masks.

3
$5 Steal

NYX Professional Makeup Mechanical Lip Pencil

Mechanical Lip Pencil
3
$5 Steal

NYX Professional Makeup Mechanical Lip Pencil

I love a good deal, and I'm sure you do, too! NYX created a stunning lipliner that will help prolong the wear of your Pat McGrath lipstick for hours, costing just $11. Of course, you can also rock NYX's Barbiecore lipliner on its own if you prefer.

My favorite part about this richly pigmented lip liner is that it has an easy twist-up tube with a fine-point pencil tip that makes lining your pout effortless. It's also smudgeproof, meaning you can wear it under your face mask without worrying about it transferring.

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4
Best 2-in-1

Stila Double Dip Liquid Eye Shadows

Editor’s Choice
Double Dip Liquid Eye Shadows
4
Best 2-in-1

Stila Double Dip Liquid Eye Shadows

Now 16% Off

I've been using the dual-ended matte and sparkle liquid eyeshadows from Stila for years, and can safely say that Pink Martini is your ideal beauty product for a Barbiecore eye moment.

Both shadows are creamy and dry quickly for all-day wear without using an eyeshadow primer. One end of the duo is a hot pink with a demi-matte finish, and the other has flecks of pink and silver glitter for the perfect evening look.

And don't worry if you're a bit intimidated by these vibrant party-ready colors: Grab an angled eyeliner brush, dip it into your eyeshadow of choice, and create a cat eye for a subtle flash of pink.

5
For Barbie-Pink Tips

China Glaze Nail Polish in Hang-Ten Toes

Nail Polish in Hang-Ten Toes
5
For Barbie-Pink Tips

China Glaze Nail Polish in Hang-Ten Toes

Now 11% Off

One of the easiest ways to experiment with Barbiecore beauty products is by painting your nails this flamingo-pink shade with a gorgeous shimmer. This bright hue hails from the brand's summer collection, but TBH it's the type of color I wear year-round, and you can totally pull it off, too!

Plus, this fast-drying nail polish provides a glossy manicure with a chip-free finish that lasts for at least a week, no matter how many dirty dishes you hand-wash.

6
For That Fenty Flush

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush

Editor’s Choice
Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
6
For That Fenty Flush

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush

Rihanna is a fashion and beauty innovator, so it shouldn't come as any surprise that she created the perfect Barbiecore cream blush of my dreams.

The formula instantly melts into the skin, mixing with my natural oils to create a subtle pop of color that can be layered for a high-intensity look. When I'm in a pinch, I can use my fingers or a dual-fiber brush to apply the blusher.

And my favorite feature is that all skin types can sport this cream blush — I promise! My tip for anyone with very oily skin like myself: Lightly dust on a translucent setting powder to lock everything in place.

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7
Size-Inclusive Style

SKIMS Soft Lounge Mini Dress

Soft Lounge Mini Dress
7
Size-Inclusive Style

SKIMS Soft Lounge Mini Dress

In case you needed a quick reminder: Kim Kardashian co-created SKIMS, a line of size-inclusive basics (this dress goes up to size 4X), with fashion vets Jens Grede of Frame denim fame and his wife Emma Grede. Now with a casual billion-dollar valuation, a Fendi collaboration in the books, and Barbiecore-inspired workout sets that sold out almost instantly, now is the perfect time to purchase this surprisingly comfy scoop neck dress before it sells out.

It's ideal for going out with your girlfriends or lounging around your house with fluffy slippers on days you want to be a little extra. You can't get trendier than Kim K's statement-making mini dress.

8
Buttery-Soft Leggings

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28-Inch Leggings

Align High-Rise Pant 28-Inch Leggings
8
Buttery-Soft Leggings

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28-Inch Leggings

Raise your hand if you feel more motivated to work out harder when your outfit is on point. I know it's true for me, so be sure you grab the matching Barbiecore Align tank top to pair with these bottoms.

Lululemon leggings are a must-have for Erica Murphy, our senior director of SEO and content (and resident soccer ace). She prefers the cropped 25-inch version, but I'm partial to a longer 28-inch inseam.

Aesthetics aside, these sweat-wicking and breathable leggings are made with the brand's proprietary Nulu fabric and Lycra for a four-way stretchy feel during your yoga flow.

9
Best Retro Barbie Sunnies

Przene Fashion Candy Sunglasses

Fashion Candy Sunglasses
9
Best Retro Barbie Sunnies

Przene Fashion Candy Sunglasses

I'm loyal to my black polarized RayBan Wayfarers, but TBH, these retro cat-eye Barbiecore shades are calling my name. And costing just under $11, the price tag won't make me weep when I check my monthly card statement.

They're ideal for a pool party, music festival, or just on days you want to level up your Barbiecore fit pic.

And although they're non-polarized, the glasses are coated with UV protection. And for what it's worth: Polarized RayBans are $210, so you can't really complain about these cheap Amazon sunnies.

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10
Best Barbiecore Earrings

Elizabeth Cole Starla Earrings

Starla Earrings
10
Best Barbiecore Earrings

Elizabeth Cole Starla Earrings

I adore the balance between a delicate, linear-shaped silhouette and the different-shaped and -sized Barbiecore Swarovski crystals on Elizabeth Cole's earrings.

These baubles are undoubtedly attention-grabbing, but I love that the 24-karat gold-plated brass earrings have a relatively lightweight feel — they won't weigh down your ears and cause a droopy look.

A bonus: The Starla Earrings are made in the USA.

11
Boots That Were Made for Walkin’

GUESS Dayton Knee-High Boot

Dayton Knee-High Boot
11
Boots That Were Made for Walkin’

GUESS Dayton Knee-High Boot

Now 56% Off

If you need me, I’ll be dreaming of these stunning shoes from GUESS. You get the crocodile look without the guilt and thousand-dollar-plus price tag. And let’s be honest: Is there a shoe shape sexier than pointed-toe, knee-high stiletto boots? No, no there is not.

Plus, don't they look like something Elle Woods would totally wear? They'll add the perfect pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit, or you can go full-on Barbiecore and pair them with the abovementioned SKIMS mini, wide-leg trousers, or even a chic slip skirt or dress.

Headshot of Nicole Saunders
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor

Nicole Saunders is the Beauty Editor at BestProducts.com, where she oversees coverage on all things beauty. When she's not creating shopping guides, interviewing experts, and testing beauty treatments, you can probably find her walking around Lower Manhattan or overanalyzing the latest episode of "Succession." You can send all lipstick and calamari recommendations to her inbox and DM her memes on Instagram.

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