I have nothing against TikTok aesthetics. Whether we're talking about the coquette aesthetic, the cottagecore aesthetic, or the old-money aesthetic, I think they're a fun way to expand your style and lean into a character of sorts. However, it seems that a new one goes viral almost every week, and it's become hard to keep up without experiencing fatigue. That's where I've been for the past few weeks until I discovered the tomato girl aesthetic.
To me, the tomato girl aesthetic is similar to cottagecore but with a Mediterranean twist, meaning there's an emphasis on slow and simple living with flowy clothing and natural-looking makeup. As the name implies, the tomato girl aesthetic is about embracing the style of European coastal countries known for tomato-based cuisine—mainly Italy. Think windswept hair, flushed cheeks, bronze skin, and perhaps most importantly, tomato-centric scents. This aesthetic speaks to me, and since it's so effortless and inclusive, it's easy to replicate. Ahead, check out the 25 beauty items I'm buying to live my best tomato girl summer.
Fragrance
The tomato girl aesthetic is all about encapsulating an effortless summertime vibe, which is why I think this perfume is perfect. With notes of sun-drenched bergamot, orange flower, and something called solar musk, it smells warm and citrusy.
Tomato-scented candles are having a moment, and I love it. Let's start with this one. The three words that describe this candle best are fresh, green, and sweet. It smells summery and sophisticated, just like a tomato girl should.
Although you won't find notes of tomato in this perfume, it's warm and summery. Plus, it matches the tomato girl aesthetic perfectly. With pear, white gardenia, and brown sugar, it's a sweet and delicate scent.
You know the humble tomato is having a moment when Loewe comes out with a tomato-scented candle. Yes, it smells incredible, but can we talk about how chic the glazed terracotta holder is?
This perfume is so underrated. The bottle may look edgy and not very tomato girl at all, but don't let that fool you. It features notes of blackcurrant, jasmine grandiflorum, and bourbon vanilla, so it makes the skin smell slightly sweet, almost like it's been warmed by the sun.
Malin + Goetz's version of a tomato candle combines fresh herbs like basil, lavender, and mint with ivy, cedar, and green pepper. It's an ode to tomatoes without being too on the nose.
If earthy and woody scents are your vibe, this is a must-have. Notes of lemon leaves, jasmine tea, and meadow greens make this perfume smell like summertime verdancy.
While tomato is the star scent in this candle, tarragon, orange zest, and gardenia make it smell herby, bright, and sweet.
What's better than a perfume created to mimic the effect of Italian sunshine? Notes of citrus, basil, and cypress make this perfume smell light, fresh, and herby—like you're sitting seaside at an Italian café.
If straight-up tomato scents aren't your thing, you might like this candle. With notes of orange tree bark, honeysuckle nectar, petitgrain, white tea, and tomato, it's fresh and unexpected.
Skincare
The tomato girl aesthetic is all about a summer vacation vibe, so I'm stocking up on skincare staples like sunscreen (duh). This one has a 100% mineral formula yet blends easily into the skin, doesn't leave a white cast, and dials up the glow. I'm obsessed.
Sun protection doesn't get any easier than this. Swipe it across your skin for moisturizing, non-sticky SPF 50. Plus, it gives the skin the best shimmer-free glow. It's essentially a sunscreen and highlighter in one.
Speaking of sunscreen oils, this one is a must-have for a tomato girl summer. Not only does it smell incredible (like summer in a bottle), but it also offers moisture along with SPF 30.
Another facet of the tomato girl aesthetic is a bright, dewy complexion. I'm getting that (and fighting sun damage) with a potent vitamin C serum. This one is an all-time favorite. With a whopping 20% L-ascorbic acid formula, it visibly brightens my skin fast.
Meet another vitamin C product I love. These pads are soaked with four different forms of the antioxidant ingredient, which means they visibly brighten the skin, even skin tone, and protect against free-radical damage.
Makeup
True to form, the makeup products that a tomato girl would keep in her bag are easy to use on the go without a lot of brushes, sponges, or other application tools. I'm starting with this creamy blush that's easy to apply with just my fingers. I love the orangey undertone of this Nearly Apricot shade.
This lightweight gel-cream blush creates a pretty flushed effect. Use it on your cheeks and nose for the most natural-looking effect.
A soft, ethereal glow is the key to nailing a tomato girl makeup look. I plan to use this lightweight liquid highlighter on the high points of my face to replicate the kissed-by-the-Italian-sun look.
Tomato girls are sun-kissed, so I'm stocking up on this beauty editor-favorite bronzing cream from Chanel. The velvet-matte finish is the best at mimicking an "I just left the beach" glow.
Nothing gets more tomato girl than a tinted lip balm. This one is just as hydrating as it is flattering. My favorite shade is Drink, a juicy berry hue.
This is a serum, SPF, and skin tint all in one, and if that's not the definition of summertime effortlessness, I don't know what is.
Hair
Wavy, windswept hair is the name of the game. If your hair is naturally wavy, you can use a wave spray to define its texture and mimic the effect of saltwater.
If your hair is naturally curly, bring out the bounce and shine with this defining silicone- and fragrance-free cream.
If your hair is naturally straight, reach for a curling iron for loose, undone waves.
Regardless of hair type, use a leave-in conditioner to get that soft, windswept look while hydrating your hair. This one uses Tsubaki seed oil to hydrate hair and add shine without weighing it down.
Up next: 14 Hydrating Foundations That Won't Make Dry Skin Look Worse (You're Welcome)
