ÉTAT HER

From Neon Orange to Hazy Blue: Karol G's New Album Cover Tells the Story of a Shifting State of Mind

From the tropical neon of "Tropicoqueta" to the hazy blue tones of her new album "No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto," Karol G's go-to makeup artist Duván Foronda breaks down this transformation—from makeup to mindset.

Yu-Ting Lin, Managing Editor
From Neon Orange to Hazy Blue: Karol G's New Album Cover Tells the Story of a Shifting State of Mind

Earlier this month, while Karol G was still in the middle of her "Tropicoqueta" tour, she dropped a surprise new album, "No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto"—which translates to "I Don't Regret Feeling So Much." On the album cover, she's almost bare-faced, the entire image bathed in cool blue light, with a nostalgic mood that recalls Britney Spears' 2003 "In The Zone."

It's practically a different visual world from "Tropicoqueta." Duván Foronda, who has worked with Karol for nearly a decade, says color has always been how she tells a story: "She gives everything a color—a song has its color, a feeling has its color." For "Tropicoqueta," that color was orange. "She said she wanted an album that felt tropical, happy—and for her, orange was the color that captured that feeling." That translated into makeup with bold red lips, brown lip liner, and orange-toned blush.

The turning point came during a trip to Hawaii. Foronda noticed Karol had started wearing a lot of blue—blue shirts, blue bags, even a blue phone case. When he asked her about it, she told him: "This new chapter belongs more to myself—it's more vulnerable, more personal, and it feels blue." But it wasn't the kind of neon cobalt blue that belonged to the "Tropicoqueta" universe. "You'll notice it's not a really vivid blue—it's more like sky blue," Foronda says. "Very calm."

That sense of calm has started seeping into her stage performances too. Karol's "Viajando Por El Mundo" tour recently sold out three consecutive shows in Los Angeles, with Becky G and Bruno Mars both making guest appearances. Foronda says the shows still hold onto tropical elements from "Tropicoqueta," but now incorporate Swarovski crystals, shimmer, and darker makeup looks. The real shift is in the eye makeup: "In this new chapter, you'll see her makeup get darker, more daring." The key is intentionally smudged eyeliner—"it has to look a little messy, not like one perfect line."

Foronda says his recent inspiration comes from Sophia Sinot, the makeup artist behind Zara Larsson's look. "I really love the shimmer she uses, and those little crystals placed around the eyes." His technique is simple: buy an eyeshadow palette from New Zealand brand Question Beauty and mix it into body lotion. His own brand, MIM, is also launching a body lotion inspired by lyrics from Karol's song "Ivonny Bonita," set for a global release.

Before any makeup goes on, skincare takes center stage. Foronda does a 15-minute session with the Medicube Booster Pro, combining LED, microcurrent, sonic, and EMS massage, paired with an MIM hydrating gel containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. After shows, when it's time to remove her makeup, Karol always turns to the gentle MIM makeup remover—a product that's become a staple after past experiences of makeup removers pulling out her lashes along with her makeup. "She tells me nothing else compares to this one," Foronda says.

The crystals can be peeled off, the shimmer can be washed away—but at the heart of this blue transformation may be the very self Karol has been trying to get closer to all along.

Karol G Is Feeling Blue…In a Good Way
Karol G Is Feeling Blue…In a Good Way
Karol G Is Feeling Blue…In a Good Way
Karol G Is Feeling Blue…In a Good Way

Related

22 Years After Supreme, Erin Magee Named SKIMS' First-Ever Chief Design Officer
Fashion

22 Years After Supreme, Erin Magee Named SKIMS' First-Ever Chief Design Officer

Just last week Erin Magee announced her departure from Supreme on Instagram, and this week she's landed at SKIMS as its first-ever Chief Design Officer, with Kim Schraub simultaneously promoted to Chief Brand Officer.

From Front Row to Front and Center: Lil Yachty Now Stars in LOEWE's FW26 Ad Campaign
Fashion

From Front Row to Front and Center: Lil Yachty Now Stars in LOEWE's FW26 Ad Campaign

From that yellow jacket at the Paris show to the candid clip that went viral, Lil Yachty's connection with LOEWE has leveled up into an official campaign — this time spotted with Julia Garner up in the Alps.

NEEDLES x Brooks Brothers Collab: How Keizo Shimizu Reinterprets American Ivy Style Through Suit Logic
Fashion

NEEDLES x Brooks Brothers Collab: How Keizo Shimizu Reinterprets American Ivy Style Through Suit Logic

NEPENTHES founder Keizo Shimizu helms the NEEDLES x Brooks Brothers collaboration, with blazers and trousers sold as matched sets. Pre-orders open September 2, followed by wider release at Japan stores on September 9.

size? Teams Up with New Balance on the 204L, Bringing Picnic Gingham to Your Feet
Fashion

size? Teams Up with New Balance on the 204L, Bringing Picnic Gingham to Your Feet

size? has joined forces with New Balance on a 204L collab, swapping the original mesh upper for green gingham checks, paired with mud-brown suede overlays and two lacing options for switching up the look.

GDC and Malbon Golf Team Up for Denim Golf Wear, Bringing Chambray to the Course
Fashion

GDC and Malbon Golf Team Up for Denim Golf Wear, Bringing Chambray to the Course

Takashi Kumagai's Tokyo brand GDC has joined forces with LA golf label Malbon Golf on a four-piece all-denim capsule collection, rolling out in phases starting August 27.

SAN SAN GEAR FW26 "CABLE": Wearing the Invisible Threads Between Strangers
Fashion

SAN SAN GEAR FW26 "CABLE": Wearing the Invisible Threads Between Strangers

South Korean techwear streetwear label SAN SAN GEAR drops its FW26 collection "CABLE," weaving cable-like imagery through layered outerwear, structured knits, and modular bags, releasing in three waves starting August 24.