Some beauty trends become an overnight sensation and fade away after a season passes. However, Douyin makeup has proven that it’s more than just a fleeting fad. Read on to explore the origins of this Chinese beauty trend and its characteristics, and discover a beginner-friendly routine using products available in Singapore.
Mesmerising makeup looks. (Photo from: @flowerknows_cn)
Douyin makeup creators and personalities to follow
C-drama actress Zhao Lusi’s makeup looks are popular among beauty creators who are looking for Douyin makeup inspo. If you’re on the lookout for creators who share detailed and easy-to-follow content, you can check out @j.uuuuudy or JUDY’s Douyin makeup routine and @jessyluxe AKA Jessica Vu’s tutorial on YouTube.
Douyin makeup origins
Now, let’s zoom into the trend. Originating from Douyin — the Chinese counterpart of TikTok —, this trend has steadily made waves across the globe. You might have seen this on your #FYP on TikTok with creators showcasing glowy, glass-like skin, glittery eye looks, and other soft and romantic hues.
If you’d like to go deeper into the trend, the aesthetic is actually called chunyu in China. The term combines chun meaning innocent and cute as well as yu meaning sexy and alluring. This became popular on Xiaohongshu which is an app similar to Instagram.
The trend has evolved and accommodates versatile styles, and many beauty enthusiasts create these dreamy looks using products from brands such as Florasis, Judydoll, and Flortte. Dive into its common characteristics so you can master the basics and confidently try it on your own.
How to do Douyin makeup for beginners
1. Flawless skin
The trend aims for that luminous, youthful glow. Before reaching for any makeup, make sure that you have done your skin prep with your favourite cleansing and hydration products. Then use a lightweight foundation and blend to avoid a cakey base.
Left - Make Up For Ever HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation. (Photo from: sephora.sg) Right - Laneige Neo Cushion Glow SPF46++. (Photo from: sephora.sg)
We recommend the Make Up For Ever HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation which is ideal for sensitive skin and has a radiant finish. If you’re more of a cushion foundation fan, you can use the Neo Cushion Glow SPF46++ from Laneige which promises to give you flawless coverage even from a close distance.
2. Ethereal eyes
Go for soft and diffused eyeshadows in neutral tones and add a touch of shimmer or glitter. Douyin makeup emphasises bright, big eyes so you can also opt for bold eyeliner and volumising mascara. If you’re ready to take it up a notch, use coloured contacts for a more captivating look.
Left - Flower Knows Butterfly Cloud Collar in Cloud Attire. (Photo from: flowerknows.co) Middle - Judydoll Precisely Depicted Slim Liquid Eyeliner. (Photo from: cutehart.com). Right - Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara. (Photo from: watsons.com.sg)
You can feel free to use your favourite eyeshadow shades, but if you need a place to start, check out the palettes from Flower Knows such as the Butterfly Cloud Collar in Cloud Attire which contains matte and shimmery soft pink and lilac shades or the Swan Ballet Six-Colour Eyeshadow Palette which is made for every coquette aesthetic lover.
For delicate and precise strokes, check out the Judydoll Precisely Depicted Slim Liquid Eyeliner. For mascara, we recommend the Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara which lengthens and curls Asian lashes.
3. Rosy cheeks
@immbunny Douyin makeup blush technique @mandylikes 🥰 using @Saie in Sweetie Dew Blush #douyin #makeuptip #makeuptutorial #greenscreenvideo ♬ original sound - BUNNY
Place your blush on the area under your eyes — higher than where you would normally place it — as well as the tip of your nose for that cute and youthful look. A technique you can try is to apply blush in a sideways V shape — or you can also think of it as little hearts — on the chin, nose, and temples.
Left - Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. (Photo from: sephora.sg) Right - A’pieu Juicy Pang Water Blusher. (Photo from: sg.iherb.com)
You can use the well-loved liquid blush Soft Pinch Liquid Blush from Rare Beauty for that long-lasting and healthy flush. For beginner-friendly and dewy blushes, check out the A’pieu Juicy Pang Water Blusher.
4. Plump lips
Gradient and juicy-looking lips are key for this trend. If you’re using a lip liner, blend it out well to ensure that no harsh lines will be seen. To create the blurred-out look, you can play around with two shades, using the darker one for the middle and inner part of your lips and the lighter one for the outer edges.
Left - Flortte Heartbeat Jelly Lipstick. (Photo from: florttebeauty.com) Right - Peripera Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint. (Photo from: watsons.com.sg)
We recommend the Flortte Heartbeat Jelly Lipstick which is a glossy lipstick that offers a dewy, jelly-like finish. You can also check out the moisturising and lightweight Peripera Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint.
Beyond being a viral trend, Douyin makeup celebrates playfulness and opens wonderful possibilities for beauty newbies and pros alike. So go ahead and try it out!
(Cover photos from: @flowerknows_cn)
On the lookout for more festive and gift-worthy beauty finds? Check out our roundup here.
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