The best thing about my job? Waxing lyrical about all my current beauty favourites, duh! And today (read: for the remainder of 2024), my praise is with Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippopotamus dominating our feeds. *Sighs in admiration*
Confused, much? Well, if you've not been on social media within the past week, you would have missed Thailand's hottest new star, Moo Deng – which, FYI, translates to 'bouncy pork'. I'm not squealing, you are...
Stay with me here, folks.
Moo (yeah, we're on a first-name basis, and what?), who we now know to be a female living in Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Thailand, has gone viral for simply being cute. Natch. Though, unlike many other celebrities, Moo isn't using this rise to fame to create her own skincare or makeup line – no tea, no shade, just facts – but instead, beauty content creators are using her as inspiration. Again, natch.
In other words, Instagram and TikTok users are flocking to share their love for Moo by recreating her iconic look. Enter: Moo Deng makeup... aka, the love child of my two favourite things. (Brilliant, I know.)
Makeup artist and social media content creator Mei Pang was one of the first to jump onto the 'Moo Deng makeup' hype and with over three million IG followers, it's no surprise that it is now a trend upon the masses.
"Makeup inspired by the legend herself, Moo Deng," Mei says introducing her video.
Continuing, she gives context to the look, saying: "Why do you ask? Because she has everything – she has dewy skin, a great halo eye and a zest for life! Is it pinpoint accurate? No, because there are no clear photos of her, it's all blurry. And I love it. I truly hope she knows the impact she has on the world."
We couldn't agree more, Mei. As ridiculous as a hippo-inspired makeup tutorial may seem, beauty is an art and all about experimentation and paired with Moo Deng, how can one complain?
A number of other creators have also shared their interpretations of Moo Deng makeup, with a common focus being on flushed cheeks, a cool-toned charcoal lip and of course, the dewiest of dewy skin.
Could you see yourself recreating these looks in honour of ar Queen, Moo Deng?
Your Moo Deng makeup kit
Made By Mitchell Blursh Liquid Blusher
BRB while I reel in the investigative Moo Deng beauty journalism that is my job. They pay me the big bucks for a reason, people...
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
