First Impressions
I remember the first time I saw Rosalía’s Vogue Beauty Secrets video. It was a quiet Sunday morning, and I was scrolling through YouTube, half-heartedly sipping a lukewarm latte. Then, the thumbnail stopped me cold: a perfect, almost architectural slicked-back ponytail and a wash of soft pink across her lids. It was the kind of look that felt simultaneously effortless and impossibly polished. I’ve been a beauty editor for over a decade, and I’ve seen a thousand celebrity tutorials, but this one had something different—a raw, almost tactile quality. You could practically feel the tension of that hair and the silky glide of that eyeshadow.
I clicked immediately. And as I watched Rosalía, speaking in that quiet, deliberate cadence, I realized this wasn’t just another routine. It was a masterclass in restraint and precision. The pink eyeshadow wasn’t loud or childish; it was sophisticated, almost dusty, like the inside of a seashell. And the ponytail? It was so tight it looked like lacquer. I knew right then that this video would spark a trend—and it has. Over the past few months, I’ve seen countless creators try to recreate this look, and I’ve tested it myself on three different occasions, each time learning something new.
The Deep Dive
Let’s start with the pink eyeshadow, because that’s the star of the show here. Rosalía uses the MAC Eye Shadow X9 Palette, specifically the shades in the pink and rose family. The key isn’t just the color—it’s the application. She uses a very light hand, building the pigment slowly, almost like watercolor. The texture of these MAC shadows is famously silky, with a satin finish that catches light without shimmering. I’ve used this palette before, and I can confirm: it blends like a dream. But here’s the thing—what works for Rosalía might not work for everyone. Her skin is naturally warm-olive, which makes pink look vibrant and fresh. On my fair, cool-toned skin, the same shade can turn a little bruise-like if I’m not careful. That’s why I recommend a very light dusting of translucent powder before applying the shadow, and using a fluffy brush for the crease.
The slicked-back ponytail is another beast entirely. Rosalía uses the Giorgi Line Perfect Fix Fixative Gel Extra Strong Nº3, which is a professional-grade product from Italy. I’ve tried it, and let me tell you—this is not your drugstore gel. It dries down to a rock-hard finish that doesn’t budge, even in humidity. But it also requires patience. You have to work in small sections, brushing the hair back with a fine-tooth comb, and then smoothing everything down with a toothbrush (yes, a toothbrush) dipped in gel. The result is a glass-like shine that lasts all day. However, if you have fine or fragile hair, this can be damaging. I’d recommend a gentler alternative like the Got2b Ultra Glued gel, which gives similar hold without the stiffness.
Real Results
After three weeks of testing this look, I can share some honest results. First, the pink eyeshadow: it’s surprisingly versatile. I wore it to a daytime brunch and then to a dinner event, and both times I received compliments. The key is to keep the rest of your face minimal—just a touch of concealer, a nude lip, and a lot of mascara. I used the MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara, which is a tubing formula that doesn’t smudge. It gave my lashes that flared, doll-like effect without clumps. On my second attempt, I swapped the MAC palette for a more affordable dupe—the ColourPop Pink Yeah palette—and the result was nearly identical, though the ColourPop shades were slightly more powdery.
The ponytail was a different story. On my first try, I used too much gel and ended up with a helmet-like look. By the third attempt, I had it down: apply gel only to the roots and the hairline, then use a strong-hold hairspray on the lengths. The NAVY Pebble Beach Dry Texture Spray, which Rosalía uses, is excellent for adding grip without weight. I also found that wrapping a silk scarf around my head overnight helped maintain the slickness for a second day. But honestly, for most people, this is a one-day look—it’s too time-consuming to maintain.
The Honest Truth
Let’s talk about what didn’t work. The Biologique Recherche Lait U cleanser and Serum Extraits Tissulaires are fantastic, but they’re also wildly expensive. The cleanser is a milky lotion that smells like a spa, but it’s $70 for 200ml. I’ve been using it for two weeks, and while my skin feels softer, I’m not convinced it’s worth the splurge. A more affordable alternative is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, which does the same job for a fraction of the price. Similarly, the MAC Strobe Cream is a classic, but if you have oily skin, it can look greasy. I’d recommend the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops for a similar luminous effect without the heaviness.
Also, the Kylie Skin SPF 40 sunscreen that Rosalía uses is fine, but it’s not my favorite. It has a slightly thick texture that can pill under makeup. I prefer the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen for a weightless, invisible finish. And for the lips, the MAC Lip Conditioner and Lipglass are good, but they’re not life-changing. If you want a similar glossiness without the stickiness, try the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream in Sweet Mouth.
Pro Tips
Here are my top three tips for creators who want to replicate this look and make it their own. First, for the pink eyeshadow: don’t be afraid to mix textures. Use a matte pink in the crease and a satin or shimmer shade on the lid. Rosalía keeps it all matte, but a little shimmer can make the look more modern and evening-appropriate. Second, for the ponytail: invest in a good boar bristle brush. It distributes the natural oils from your scalp and helps smooth the hair without creating flyaways. I also recommend using a hair wax stick along the hairline for those stubborn baby hairs.
Third, and most importantly, this look is about confidence. It’s very editorial, almost severe, so you need to own it. If you’re creating a video tutorial, focus on the emotional transformation—show your audience how this look makes you feel. Rosalía does this beautifully; she’s calm and deliberate, but you can see the power in her eyes. Also, don’t forget to mention product dupes. Many of your viewers won’t have access to Biologique Recherche or MAC, so list affordable alternatives from drugstore brands like NYX, ELF, or Maybelline. That will make your content more inclusive and shareable.
Final Verdict
Would I buy this entire routine again? No. But I would definitely repurchase the MAC eyeshadow palette and the Giorgi gel. The pink eyeshadow is a timeless shade that works for any season, and the gel is unmatched for high-hold styles. This look is perfect for someone who wants to experiment with editorial beauty without going full drag. It’s also great for creators who want to tap into the “clean girl” aesthetic with a twist—this is clean girl meets flamenco queen.
If you’re a beauty content creator, this video is a goldmine for ideas. You can make a “Get Ready with Me” using the same products, a “Drugstore vs. High-End” dupe video, or a “How to Get Rosalía’s Ponytail in 5 Minutes” tutorial. The key is to focus on the technique, not just the products. And remember: the best beauty content is honest. If something doesn’t work for your hair type or skin tone, say so. Your audience will trust you more for it.
So, go ahead—grab your gel, your pink shadow, and your confidence. This is a look that demands attention, and with the right preparation, you can make it your own.
