What You Need to Know About TikTok’s Viral Demi Makeup Method

From clean aesthetic makeup to no-makeup, makeup, natural beauty looks are anything but makeup free. TikTok’s latest demi makeup method provides a new outlook on achieving a (sort of) makeup-free look. while you’re still wearing makeup, the result looks like you aren’t. 

Demi method makeup uses techniques that are likely very different from how you typically apply your makeup, but the results speak for themselves, and this technique is seriously magical. Keep reading to learn more about the demi makeup method, plus tips for mastering the technique at home. 

What Is the Demi Makeup Method?

The demi makeup method involves using concealer, pigments and color corrector to create an even complexion with your natural skin tone, rather than lightening and brightening the face with foundation. Instead of creating a flawless complexion with an all over layer of foundation, the goal is to even out the skin tone and add depth with makeup to appear like you have an even skin tone and pristine, natural skin. 

While applying darker foundation or concealer to the under-eyes rather than a brightening concealer seems counterintuitive, it actually blends your under-eyes with the rest of your face for a natural-looking result. 

How to Do the Demi Makeup Method 

Look at your bare complexion and make note of the dark and light areas you can see on your face. The under-eyes are typically darker while the cheeks are lighter so the goal is to create  evenness between the two. Also note where you have more freckles or sun damage. With demi makeup, you’re not going to conceal them, but rather fill the area in with similar color to make it look like they blend with the rest of your skin tone. This is not going to make you look tired, but rather natural and fresh-faced because your complexion will appear seamless.

Keep in mind that the goal with demi makeup is to play around with the products you already have and discover what works best for your complexion. When carrying out the demi makeup method, the start to finish process will look different for everyone because your natural skin tone, sun damage, freckles and such will dictate how you proceed. 

1. Add Darkness to the Light Areas

If you have a summer shade of concealer or foundation that’s a bit darker than your skin tone, go ahead and use that to add some depth to the areas where you have lightness like on the cheeks right under the eyes, around the chin, forehead and nose. 

Generally, complexion products with lighter coverage, like L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum or L’Oréal Paris True Match Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer in Deep, are perfect for this. Cream bronzer can also work. Blend it out with a damp makeup sponge or your fingers for a natural look. 

2. Lightly Conceal Blemishes

After evening out your complexion, if you have any blemishes, use a small dot of concealer, like L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid, Caffeine, to minimize the redness and discoloration. 

3. Add the Finishing Touches

After you’ve created an even base, then you can go ahead and embellish your look with blush and bronzer or contour. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush is great for this type of makeup look because it has a soft matte finish that looks like natural skin. 

Finish with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara and L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract to round out the natural look. Using sheer, glowy products will help maintain the natural element of the demi method. 

Next: How to Create a Holiday Makeup Look in 5 Steps

Photographer: Nelson Huang, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Producer: Becca Solovay, Beauty Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Visual Designer: Sarah Duvivier, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Digi Tech: Jacky Jiang, Photo Assistant: Tyler Andrews, Models: Mecca Allah and Erin Williams