Another day, another viral TikTok beauty trend, right? Let's dive into “demi makeup method." If you regularly scroll the platform, you know that all sorts of makeup application techniques — underpainting, using the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush on your dark circles or as lipstick, mascara cocktailing — regularly go viral and inspire other users to try their hand at said technique, for good or for bad.
The latest on the list is something called the “demi makeup method," which TikTokers are trying for color correction and concealing, and the results are super compelling — subtle, but when placed in a before-and-after side-by-side, completely mindblowing.
Below, learn more about the demi makeup method, how to do it, and who it's best for.
What is the demi makeup method?
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The demi makeup method, sometimes called micro-concealing, is a color correction method that makes it look like you're wearing absolutely no makeup at all. The demi makeup method is all about strategically placing color in certain spots to balance and conceal instead of layering concealer, foundation and powder, and all the rest. It uses the color wheel to help brighten certain areas and darken others, essentially balancing the color palette of your face, so it's not exactly the most beginner-friendly makeup application method of all time; it takes practice.
Think of it this way: your under eyes are typically darker, while the apples of your cheeks are typically lighter. You want to bring them into balance by lightening the under eyes and darkening the cheeks. It's a pretty basic makeup theory, but when you pair it with the color wheel and really hone in on your skin's unique undertones, you can make these corrections look so natural. If your under eyes are bluish, you'd use a peach or light orange tone to brighten them.
Who created the demi makeup method?
The demi makeup method has been used by makeup artists for years, but makeup artist Cara Brook is often credited with popularizing it for the social media generation and giving it the “demi” name.
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Who is the demi makeup method for?
The demi makeup method is for anyone and everyone who wants to make their skin look next-level flawless. It works well to brighten dark under eyes and to correct and cover imperfections.
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Does the demi makeup method work for acne?
It does! The demi makeup method techniques have long been used to cover up acne and post-acne scars; have you ever heard of makeup artists using green tones on zits before concealing to help reduce redness? That's the basis of this method.
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How do you do demi makeup?
You'll need a few key products to bring this look to life, including a few small makeup brushes to micro-conceal and carefully apply products. Most makeup artists and TikTokers recommend using cream skin products instead of liquid or powder because they are easier to blend, so if you have a cream face palette or cream foundation and contour sticks, grab 'em.
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Look at your face sans makeup and pinpoint where you have unwanted darkness or redness — like your under eyes or any blemishes — or where you'd like to add depth and dimension, like your cheekbones. Instead of using a lighter color to remove that darkness, you look to the color wheel and choose the opposite tone to help brighten and neutralize, and vice versa for anything you'd like to brighten. Then, you apply just the smallest amount of makeup to those areas with a small brush and a very light-handed touch to make it look as though you're wearing zero makeup. It may take some trial and error to figure out which shades work for you, so don't get frustrated if you can't whip up the perfect face right away — and give it a few trial runs before a big event.
What products are best for the demi makeup method?
Don't rush out to buy all new products if you're just giving the demi makeup method a trial run; work with what you have first and see if it's a good fit for you. However, if you love the look and want to do it on the regular, look for a cream-based face correction palette like Stila's Correct and Perfect All-in-One Color Correcting Palette, which includes green, orange, and lavender shades to neutralize. Make Up For Ever's HD Skin All-In-One Face Palette is another good place to start. Brooks' line Seint includes a plethora of demi-centric shades specifically for this purpose, so if you're really serious about the demi makeup method, start building your own personal palette.
As for brushes, small and strategic is what we're going for. Kylie Cosmetics' Concealer Brush and Sephora Collection's PRO Concealer Brush #45 would work well for that ultra-precise application.
