I’ll be the first to admit that I’m late to the TikTok party and all of its riches; namely, its treasure trove of makeup hacks that are as innovative as they are time-saving. So while it’s been the Gen Z platform’s obsession for months, it’s only recently that I learned of the viral “face-lifting” concealer hack, which was largely popularized by Texas-based TikToker Megha Singh earlier this year and since has been shaking up traditional applications.
Unlike the tried-and-true upside down triangle concealer technique with its heavy-handed focus on the entire under-eye area, the face-lifting approach targets smaller points—namely the inner and outer corners of the eye, and the corners of the nose and lips—to create a natural “face lift” effect. No baking necessary! While I was immediately hooked on the brightening and sculpting results, both for doing the bare minimum to look alive on Zoom and creating a smooth, sculpted base for a full face of makeup, I was curious to get a professional opinion on the viral, status quo-defying technique.
“Any hack that can lift the appearance of the skin is worth investigating,” makeup artist Erin Parsons tells me of the TikTok method. “Its greatest benefit is that it is easy to do with one product and can work on everybody, no matter their skin tone or face shape!” That being said, its success hinges on having the right concealer, choice tools, and, of course, some deft blending. For a smooth, crease-free finish, Parsons recommends reaching for a lightweight, hydrating concealer, like Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment, to “avoid emphasizing fine lines like crow’s feet” and choosing a shade that’s only one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. For optimal application, particularly around the outer corners, she recommends using a precise concealer brush to help create even, upward strokes, adding that a Beautyblender can help “seamlessly melt” the concealer into the skin as you’re blending. As for setting powder? “Skip it!” says Parsons. “Powder takes away the natural sheen, which helps to further lift and highlight the face. It can also accentuate texture so I would avoid in areas like the outer part of the eye and corners of the mouth.” In term of how best to complement face lift concealer, Parsons suggests contouring under the cheekbones and jawline. “It emphasizes the sculpting effect from the concealer,” she says.
I’ve come to find that when executed nimbly, the face lift concealer hack is one that’s not only ultra-flattering in giving the face a more lifted and defined look, but is also a sneaky trick for more of a no-makeup makeup effect. It’s no wonder the face lift concealer method has been making the rounds as part of TikTok’s #2016vs2021 challenge, which highlights the contrast between the makeup maximalism of five years ago and the minimalism of today’s with a side-by-side comparison. The difference speaks for itself. Consider the pro-approved TikTok concealer strategy an easy, high-reward approach for a perfected visage—the 2021 way.
