Colombian‑American singer‑songwriter Kali Uchis has never shied away from colour—and TikTok has decided her vibe is the blueprint for summer. Scroll the #KaliUchisMakeup tag (25 million‑plus views) and you’ll meet “Kali Uchis,” a fan‑coined look that riffs on the singer’s Orquídeas album visuals, think soft, bronzed skin, a wash of pastel liner, and ultra‑glossy, over‑lined lips.
The routine starts with what creators call “orchid skin”—sheer, dewy foundation mixed with liquid highlighter, tapped on with fingers for a lived‑in glow. Cheeks get a sunset drape: peach or orchid‑pink cream blush swept from apples to temples and dusted lightly over the bridge of the nose. Brows stay brushed up and soft, letting the eyes take over. And if you’re on the edgier side, you can play along with floral details around the eyes in shades of pink and blue.
Inspired by Uchis’s 2000‑style music‑video aesthetic, users trace a pastel wing in baby blue or lilac—often using water‑activated cake liners for that velvety payoff—then stack wispy lashes on the outer corners for a flirty, almond‑shaped finish. A dot of pearly highlight lands on the inner corner; some add stick‑on rhinestones to echo the singer’s stage looks.
Lips are pure late‑’90s nostalgia: chestnut liner slightly outside the natural lip line, filled with a rose‑nude gloss for what TikTok calls “miel‑milk lips.” The finishing touch? Plenty of setting spray so the shine lasts through rooftop nights and festival heat. Tutorials clock in under five minutes, making the look as low‑effort as it is high impact.
Beyond the playful colour, the trend feeds the “soft‑yet‑statement” mood dominating beauty this year—a counterpoint to stark latte makeup. And because pastel liners and creamy blushes already live in most makeup bags, #KaliUchis feels accessible: no pro‑level graphic skills required. Pop Mart toy charms on bags, Kali‑inspired wings on faces—2025’s summer aesthetic is shaping up to be equal parts cute and confident, just like the singer who may have sparked it.
Create the Look
Charlotte Tilbury | LIP CHEAT BERRY NAUGHTY
