Most makeup users would probably agree that a smooth foundation is a priority. however, between the skin texture issues you might be dealing with or environmental challenges, it's not always an easy task. as a result, tips and tricks from the base are constantly circulating, especially on tiktok. the app has become a haven for tutorials of all kinds, but users seem to have a particular passion for basic routine tricks, some of which are quite wacky. so is it worth trying any? To find out, tzr turned to celebrity makeup artist shadi malek to share his thoughts on five tiktok foundation hacks.
Some are quite simple (such as applying foundation with your fingers for a more natural, skin-like finish), while others are very difficult to understand. The latest bewildering trend involves soaking drops of your foundation in a glass of water before applying, which is said to give your skin a boost of radiance, without excess oil, while making your makeup last longer. you might remember one of the first foundation hacks on tiktok, which suggested changing the order of your foundation routine to get the smoothest and longest lasting foundation.
“everyone including me loves tiktok and viral makeup trends which are very entertaining to watch,” malek tells tzr, “but technique wise they are not always accurate and can be very misleading to the consumer. ”
from the obvious to the highly questionable, malek is here to share the truth about tiktok's most popular foundation hacks.
According to tiktok user @youngcouture, the answer to a perfect foundation is simple: just swap your makeup brush for your fingers. "Literally apply it like you would a moisturizer," she says in a video that has racked up more than 755,000 views. It might seem like a no-brainer to some, but as his caption says, many people dislike the idea of applying foundation with their fingers. as malek points out, there are some risks to the technique as well.
"Applying foundation with your fingers works, but it's not always the most hygienic," she says. “applying foundation with a good brush does a better job.” Of course, if this appeals to you, washing your hands thoroughly or using sanitizer before applying makeup will do the trick.
setting spray has long been used as a tool to help make-up stay on as well as to refresh skin at midday. however, according to tiktok user @roseandben, her spray could be doing more harm than good. In a viral video on his page, he explains that moisture from setting spray "could cause makeup to crease and even lift." instead, he suggests spraying a powder puff with setting spray and pressing it into foundation and concealer (before it sets) and then applying setting powder.
according to malek, this is actually a super effective technique. “Lately, I've been setting my face with urban decay all nighter longwear setting spray in between each cream product and I'm thrilled with the results,” she says. “It lasts all day and the way the powder sits perfectly on top is flawless. I kept getting compliments like 'your skin looks touched up' and I realized it was only when I used this technique."
this basic trick basically broke the internet when it first appeared, and users are still putting it to the test. In a tiktok video, creator @leilanigreen tries out the viral method of upending the traditional order of staples. After moisturizing, she brushes a translucent powder all over her skin. then she sprays on some setting spray, followed by a foundation. now it's finally time for the base; and based on this trick, it will look as smooth as ever.
"It looks good, but I don't see how it would work because of the way the products are formulated," says Malek. "I don't suggest users try this at home because once they have powder on their face, we don't suggest going over it with a liquid product."
the latest hack from the tiktok foundation is perhaps the most outrageous yet. users like @stxph.h have been soaking their foundation in water, a technique said to achieve a radiant, hydrated finish without excess oil, not to mention help makeup last longer without transferring. In her video, the creator applies a few drops of foundation into a full glass of water before retrieving it and applying it to her face. "It's okay, I love how this foundation feels on my skin right now," she says after applying. "looks filtered but super skin-like and wet."
Although Malek admits he tried this technique and liked the results, he doesn't recommend it. "To be honest, it's messy and kind of gross, and I think you can achieve that same look by using a foundation that has a glassy sheen to it, like forever hd skin makeup."
If you love a full coverage look, consider this trick that involves mixing setting powder and foundation for a flawless base. this will probably have to be tailored to your skin type (for example, those with dry skin may want to use only a small amount of powder), but in theory, it would probably be a simple way to increase coverage simply by thickening the texture. of your foundation.
“‘this video] didn't convince me that it would actually work,” says malek. “I tried it myself and found that the product separated and didn't sit well on the skin. I'd pass on this one.”