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What is Unrecognizable Makeup? The New Tiktok Trend, Explained
A throwback to a 2016 beauty craze.
With a potential farewell to TikTok in the United States, we’re soaking up the platform’s most exciting feature — the makeup tutorial. One particular trend taking over our “FYP” page is the “unrecognizable” challenge. The goal is a dramatic transformation that’ll make you look like a completely different person, with the help of cosmetics. It’s all about that over-the-top, yet surprisingly subtle glam — a vibe reminiscent of 2016’s dramatic liquid liner and eyeshadow combo, plus the “baking” powder technique. Here’s how to achieve this high-key glam, straight from creator Nicki Andrea.
@nicki_andrea I call this my “you’re not ugly, you just need to try unrecognizable makeup” tutorial 💗💋💄@Kylie Cosmetics @elfcosmetics @about-face beauty @milkmakeup @Lilly Lashes @Ulta Beauty @Lancôme #unrecognizable #unrecognizablemakeup #unrecognizablechallenge #glowup #makeup #snatched #makeuptutorial #baddiemakeup #baddieera ♬ original sound – 𝓝
Start by prepping your eyes with whitening drops to instantly brighten and make them pop. Next, apply a foundation with a satin finish, using either a brush or a beauty blender. For an added glow, grab a concealer a few shades lighter than your skin tone and dab it under your eyes, around your mouth and down the bridge of your nose to highlight those key areas. Once that’s done, sculpt with bronzer to define your temples, jawline and forehead while sucking in your cheeks to create a natural contour. Then, use the same concealer and beauty blender to carve out the area right under your cheekbones for a chiseling effect.
Next, take a cool-colored contour shade darker than your skin tone and trace a line down your nose, blending inward to shape. You can also utilize contouring above and below your mouth for a more defined look. For a flushed finish, apply liquid blush to your cheeks and then set everything with a powder blush. A subtle, barely-there highlighter on your cheekbones will bring the whole look together. Of course, don’t forget to define your brows.
Now, for the eyes, take a fluffy brush and dust a cool-toned gray-brown shade to the outer eyelids. With a smaller brush, repeat this on the bottom waterline. Then, take a flat brush and layer on a glittery, transparent eyeshadow or eye topper to the lid for extra sparkle. Soon after, use black liquid eyeliner to line your waterline, extending the wing all the way to meet the eyeshadow. Extend the wing into the inner corners of your eyes for a more exaggerated, cat-eye effect. Tightline your inner waterline with a black pencil eyeliner to deepen the look. Curl your lashes, coat them in mascara and then add shorter falsies to the outer corners. Finally, a spritz of setting spray should lock it all in.
For the lips, overline your cupid’s bow with a reddish-brown lip liner and draw a line down the center of them to accentuate. Top it all off with a clear, plumping gloss for a shiny pout.
Below, you can find more examples of creators experimenting with the look.
@brynnemarieeeeMight be my best makeup this year♬ luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
@rosiecoleman_ Do I look the same 🤪 #unrecognizable #glowup #blackgirlmakeup #makeupturorial #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ original sound – meanfx
@lizziekimMm ok♬ som original – gui
@reece.addisyn #unrecognizablemakeup #fyp #makeuptutorial #hairtok #fypシ #makeupinspo ♬ original sound – meanfx
@abbyjean.mp3 i don’t want to take it off i love #makeup #makeuptutorial #unrecognizable #unrecognizablemakeup #fullglam #fullglammakeup #grwm #MakeupRoutine #eyeshadow #viral #fypシ ♬ LOCKJAW – kat
@bellaanderrson♬ som original – gui
For more makeup coverage, check out our round-up of cherry-coded products.