'Moo Deng blush' is the makeup trend we didn't see coming

On July 10th 2024, a baby Pygmy hippopotamus was born at Thailand's Phuket Zoo. She was named Moo Deng (or 'bouncy pork' in Thai) by zoo keepers who'd documented her every move since her birth. 

It wasn't long before Moo Deng's adorable antics caught the attention of the Internet and the tiny hippo went viral, with her account @khamoo.andthegang racking up millions of views.

Whether she's basking in the sun, enjoying a massage from one of her minders, or terrorising zoo keepers — all while her unbothered mother chows down on an all you can eat buffet of fruit and veg — Moo Deng's a cute little ball of feminine rage and people can't get enough.

The Moo Deng makeup trend

Now, fans of Moo Deng are feeling so inspired by the pygmy hippo calf that they've created makeup looks that emulate her moisturised, glass skin and baby pink cheeks.

Some, like influencer and makeup artist @meicrosoft, have even transformed themselves into the rambunctious zoo animal using their talents.

TikToker @m.e.g.en used makeup to conceal her brows, popped in a set of large brown contact lenses, and buffed a combination of hippo grey eyeshadow and bubblegum pink blush into her lids, brow bone and temples.

Personally, our favourite take on the Moo Deng makeup trend is without a doubt all the cutesy blush looks that have come out of the hippo's fame. 

Lovers of Moo Deng have been piling on pastel-hued blush in hydrating cream formulas or layering face gloss over the top to achieve the baby hippo's 24/7 moisturised sheen.

How to do Moo Deng makeup

Want to get Moo Deng's flushed, forever-wet look? We're not surprised, she is after all, an icon. Here's everything you'll need to look as legendary as Moo Deng...

1/ A baby pink blush

Blush is a must-have if you want to emulate Moo Deng's natural, baby-faced look — we recommend searching for a baby pink shade for best results.

Try: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in 'Happy' ($45 from Sephora), Pixi On-The-Glow Blush Tinted Moisturiser Stick in 'Cheektone' ($33 from Sephora) or Dior Rosy Glow Blush in '001 Pink' ($72 from Dior).

2/ A wet-look face gloss

One of Moo Deng's defining features is her glossy, moisturised, glass-like skin. However, if you don't have the privilege of an on-site zookeeper to hose you down every five minutes like Moo Deng, you can always try a face gloss for the same wet-look effect.

Try: Gucci Beauty Éclat De Beauté Effet Lumière Face Gloss ($55 from Sephora), Espressoh Glassy Blush By The Glass ($44 from Sephora) or Morphe 2 Gloss Pop Face & Eye Gloss ($18 from Morphe).

3/ A matte grey eyeshadow

It wouldn't be Moo Deng makeup without a little touch of hippo grey eyeshadow. Buff a single grey shadow all over your lid for an edgy take on a neutral eye look, diffuse it through your crease to create an eye-opening contour or line your lash line with it for a bit of soft definition.

Try: M.A.C Cosmetics Eyeshadow in 'Scene' ($35 from M.A.C Cosmetics), Chanel Ombre Essentielle Top Coat Powder Eyeshadow in '230 Gris Paris' ($58 from David Jones) or About Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint in 'Hidden Garden' ($37.50 from Beauty Bay).

Main image credit: @khamoo.andthegang

The real key to nailing the Moo Deng look is a moisturised base. Here are 10 moisturisers that you can wear under makeup for a flawless finish.