There’s a general consensus across the beauty world of late: Black women in the UK have mastered the “perfect beat” — a specific brand of polished, aspirational makeup that now feels distinctly British — or, as one person enthusiastically described on Twitter, “The UK Black girls have the best makeup in the game hands down!!!!” Defined by a ‘like-skin’ foundation base, bright under eyes, lip-lined glossy lips and false eyelashes, the UK Black Girl makeup aesthetic is gaining traction, and praise, across all corners of the internet. On TikTok, videos tagged under UK Black Girl makeup have amassed more than 58 million views, and Youtube tutorials by Mela Child, Cee Loux and Beauty By Bemi offering a step-by-step guide to recreating the look have garnered international appeal. It’s not uncommon for US-based Black makeup lovers to try out UK Black Girl makeup on themselves (and look distinctly more “bRI-ISH” as a result).
