Sofia Richie Grainge: The Beauty of Quiet Luxury.
There was a moment after Sofia Richie Grainge’s 2023 wedding when beauty seemed to change direction. Suddenly, more wasn’t more. Heavy contouring, statement lashes and elaborate bridal hair gave way to luminous skin, softly defined eyes and the kind of polished hair that looked almost effortless.
Sofia’s wedding beauty was the perfect expression of what became known as quiet luxury: beautiful skin, impeccable grooming and makeup that enhances rather than announces itself.
For her wedding to Elliot Grainge at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France, Sofia wore custom Chanel and asked celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff for something simple, clean and timeless. Dubroff’s approach was equally restrained: rather than masking Sofia’s complexion, she concentrated on making her naturally glowing skin look beautifully polished.
THE SKIN
This look begins long before foundation.
Skin should appear hydrated, fresh and almost translucent rather than heavily perfected. Think Rhode Glazing Milkfollowed by Peptide Glazing Fluid to create that plump, dewy base before makeup. Rhode specifically recommends Glazing Milk for preparing skin for makeup, while Peptide Glazing Fluid can be tapped over the high points of the face for a lit-from-within finish.
Then comes the important part: don't cover it all up.
Dubroff used Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint for Sofia's wedding complexion, keeping the finish natural and allowing the skin itself to remain the focus.
The result isn't shiny or overly highlighted. It simply looks like exceptionally healthy skin.
THE MAKEUP
Sofia's eyes were softly defined in warm, neutral tones rather than traditional bridal smoky eyes. Dubroff used Chanel Stylo Ombre et Contour in 12 to add chocolate-brown definition, with a sheer golden gloss across the lids. The original Chanel glossy eye product used for the wedding has since been discontinued.
For a modern interpretation, Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in a soft brown gives the same beautifully diffused definition. Keep it close to the lash line and smudge it with a finger or small brush, there should be no obvious hard eyeliner.
Cheeks are warm rather than sculpted. Dubroff mixed Nudestix Sunkissed with the brighter coral Picante, creating the subtle sun-kissed flush that became one of the signatures of the look.
For an updated version, Rhode Pocket Blush gives that same creamy, skin-like effect. The formula is designed to melt into the complexion with a diffused, glowing finish rather than sitting visibly on top of the skin.
And then there are the lips: softly defined, hydrated and decidedly not overdrawn. Sofia wore Chanel Rouge Coco Baume in 928 Pink Delight, paired with Dibs Beauty No Pressure Lip Definer in Medium.
THE HAIR
The hair is almost as important as the makeup.
Hairstylist Kathleen Riley created a clean centre part and classic low bridal bun, sleek but not severe, without loose tendrils or unnecessary embellishment. Riley used Got2b hairspray to control flyaways and a Shae Hair clip-in to help create the perfectly smooth bun.
It's an important part of the quiet-luxury formula: when the makeup is this pared back, the hair needs to look immaculate.
GET THE LOOK
Prep: Rhode Glazing Milk + Peptide Glazing Fluid
Base: Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint
Eyes: Chanel Stylo Ombre et Contour No. 12
Alternative eye definition: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in a soft brown
Lids: a sheer champagne/gold shadow or eye gloss
Cheeks: Nudestix Sunkissed + Picante — the combination actually used by Dubroff
Alternative cheeks: Rhode Pocket Blush for a soft, creamy flush
Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof — the surprisingly affordable mascara Dubroff used on Sofia
Lips: Dibs Beauty No Pressure Lip Definer in Medium + Chanel Rouge Coco Baume 928 Pink Delight
Finish: the smallest amount of Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid pressed onto the high points of the cheeks — not everywhere
The secret isn't really any one product. It's restraint.
Perfect the skin without hiding it. Define the eyes without creating an obvious eye look. Add warmth without visible contour. Keep lips soft and hydrated. And make the hair impeccably simple.
Sofia Richie Grainge's bridal beauty still feels modern because it never relied on a trend in the first place. It was polished, expensive-looking and beautifully understated, quiet luxury, right down to the last detail.
