How to Try the Unrecognizable Makeup Trend

At its core, makeup is all about transformation—whether subtle or bold, it allows you to present an enhanced version of yourself to the world. Recently, this premise has been taken to a whole new level with the unrecognizable makeup trend on TikTok. This trend is based on the thrill of experimenting with daring makeup looks and the confidence that comes with trying something new. It’s akin to temporarily changing your hair color or wearing an outfit that’s totally outside your everyday style.

If you’re ready to experiment and feeling curious about unrecognizable makeup, you’re in the right place. Ahead, we’ll share more about transformative makeup and explain how to create your own trending makeup look.

What Is the Unrecognizable Makeup Trend?

The unrecognizable makeup trend originated on TikTok, with #unrecognizablemakeup already used on more than 26,000 videos. The key elements of this makeup trend are exaggerated contours, bold color contrasts, and the use of illusion techniques. At its core, it's about taking the traditional aspects of makeup, such as enhancing features, and pushing them into the realm of a full transformation. Think of it as the difference between using makeup to highlight your best features and using makeup to give yourself a whole new look.

Why Do People Love Unrecognizable Makeup?

The unrecognizable makeup trend is a celebration of self-expression and creativity. It gives beauty enthusiasts the exciting opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and experiment with their makeup look. But it's not about trying to deceive others about your appearance. Rather, it's about the confidence boost that comes with trying something new and daring.

How To Do Unrecognizable Makeup

1. Prep your base

The first step to achieving this look is preparing a flawless canvas. This involves a thorough skincare routine to ensure your skin is clean, hydrated, and primed for the makeup. The use of a full-coverage foundation and concealer is also essential to create a blank slate for your transformation.

Start by going through your normal skincare routine. Then, apply a luminous primer like the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. Follow up with the buildable L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation (there are 40 shades to choose from, as seen above) and pigmented L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up to 24H Full Coverage. This combo is perfect for getting an even-looking base that will last all day.

2. Create dramatic features

Next, it's time to shape and define your facial features. This can include contouring and highlighting to add dimension, overlining lips for a fuller appearance, lifting brows to create a more alert look, and redefining eyes to add depth. Try these tips:

Contour and highlight: Use a cool-toned contour shade to sculpt your cheekbones, jawline, and nose for a more defined structure. (Try using the Infallible Full Wear Concealer in a color two to three shades deeper than your skin tone.)

Then, apply a brightening highlighter to the high points of your face—like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the brow bone—to enhance contrast and create a more lifted appearance. If you’re partial to powders, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Highlighter Longwear Powder, while the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Sticks are great as a cream option.

Lips: Overline your lips slightly with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner, using a shade that matches your natural lip color, focusing on the cupid’s bow and center of the bottom lip. Then, top your pout off with a plumping gloss or oil for an extra full finish. We love the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil, which instantly makes lips appear plumper and offers lasting hydration.

Brows: Lift and reshape your brows by filling in sparse areas with a fine-tip brow pencil or pen, like the L’Oréal Paris Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil or L’Oréal Paris Faux Brow Hair-Like Brow Filling Pen. Use either one to create an elongated, lifted tail for a more sculpted look. The

For extra lift, follow with a brow gel to brush hairs upward and lock them in place, giving a fresh and youthful-looking effect. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Brow Lamination, which lifts and holds brows for a salon-inspired brow lamination look.

Eyes: Define your eyes by tightlining your upper lash line with a dark shade of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner. This will help make your lashes appear thicker and your gaze more intense.

Experiment with visibly reshaping your eyes using strategic eyeshadow placement—such as elongating the outer corners or using a light shade in the inner corners to widen the eyes. The L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Sticks are perfect for this step as they’re easy to build and blend to get the exact makeup look you want.

3. Experiment with color and texture

This is where the real fun begins. Play around with bold eyeshadows, blushes, and lip shades that you wouldn't normally consider. For a pop of color on your cheeks, sweep the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Confident Pink onto your cheekbones. Or, if you’re partial to cream and liquid blushes, try the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Dewy Bright Pink.

You can also use special effects like faux freckles (try using your brow pencil to create small dots across the bridge of your nose), and experiment with different finishes, from glossy to matte. The aforementioned Lumi highlighters are great for adding a glossy touch to your visage, or you can easily mattify any look with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder.

4. Seal everything in with setting spray

Once you're happy with your transformation, lock it in with a setting spray. This will ensure your trending makeup lasts and you remain “unrecognizable” throughout the day. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist With Microfine, Up to 36H Wear is the perfect finishing touch for your look. It has a professional-inspired aerosol format that dries instantly and makes face, eye, and lip makeup resist transfer all day.

Next Up: How To Build a Natural Makeup Routine, Plus 15 Fresh-Faced Looks

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris