Douyin makeup, decoded

Named after the Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin makeup, is an umbrella term for a makeup aesthetic characterised by soft, peachy lips, pigmented pink blush, and a touch of shimmery eyeshadow. The overall effect is very dreamy, almost fairy-like and ethereal in appearance.

Not to be mistaken for the K-beauty look that typically “uses matte, nude hues to create a natural contour, Douyin makeup “enhances your natural features with rose tones and glitter,” says makeup artist Airin Lee.

Makeup artist Lasalle Lee attributes the popularity of this makeup style to its subtlety, “the eyeshadow colours used are typically light and natural. Then there’s the accentuation of the pocket of fat found under the eye that gives off a very innocent and sweet vibe.” Airin agrees, Douyin makeup “creates a more youthful and fresh appearance thanks to the use of shimmers and pink blush.”

This of the moment makeup style also captures mass appeal because it flatters and enhances Asian features that tend to be “softer”. It’s also preferred among those looking to accentuate their facial features with minor tweaks such as using double eyelid tape to create a deeper crease instead of something dramatic and heavy.

If you're fairly certain it's the look for you now, ahead are a few nifty tips from Lasalle and Airin on how to make Douyin makeup work for you.

Step 1

To accentuate your eyes and make them more doll-like, Lasalle recommends manga lashes for both top and bottom lashes. However do avoid using too much shimmer on the eyes, as this will result in a messy eye makeup. Instead, Airin suggests adding them only on the tip of the inner corners of your eyes to create a fresh look.

Step 2

Next, the blush. Airin prefers a liquid or cream blush so it's easier to blend out, instead of a powder one that can cause a patchy effect.

Step 3

Of course, picking the right foundation shade is always crucial. Lasalle says using the wrong one will result in “your face and neck showing two different shades.”

Step 4

Finally, when it comes to blurred lips, go for a matte and blendable lippy. Lasalle suggests using two matching lip tints in lighter and darker shades. 

“Apply the dark one on the inner part of your lips and blend it out without reaching the edges. Follow up with the lighter lip tint on the edges of your lips and blend it out. Then, apply a layer of clear gloss over the centre of your lips," he says.

Cle de Peau Beaute Cream Rouge Shine in 204, $80 at TANGS at Tang Plaza

Credit: Cle de Peau Beaute

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To achieve that juicy and luxurious-looking pout, scientists at Cle de Peau Beaute combined the brand’s Rich Cream Formula with Ultra Enrichment Powder and created the new Cream Rouge collection. The 24 head-turning shades, available in matte, creamy and glossy finishes, boast long-wearing and moisturising properties that will keep your lips feeling comfortable, and looking stunning for hours.

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow in Cherry, $69 at ION Orchard

Credit: Dior Beauty

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Exuding that coveted goddess-like glow without looking sunburnt with the help of this powder blush. Dab it on your cheeks to enliven your makeup look in one easy step. Trust us, the healthy glow will invite compliments for you throughout the day.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, $77 at Sephora

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With full coverage, pore-blurring and all-day staying power, it’s no wonder this bottle is named Flawless Foundation. On top of that, there are age-defying, hydrating and anti-pollution properties that put skincare and makeup benefits into one formula. This makes it the perfect choice for whenever you don’t have much time for pre-makeup skin prep.

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Color-Adaptive Cheek + Lip Stick (Limited Edition) in Strawberry Pop, $49 at Sephora

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Made with color-shift technology, this gel-stick delivers a personalised rosy shade for your cheeks and lips that flatters your skin tone. That means no more buying and dumping of lippies and blushes that don’t look good on you. A bonus? Its nourishing formula makes application smooth and comforting, leaving a soft glazed finish that looks irresistible.

Gucci Beauty Palette De Beauté Quatuor in Rosa Nitida, $120 at ION Orchard

Credit: Gucci Beauty

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Gucci’s latest quad palette is a must-have for minimalists who prefer to have as little products lying around as possible. Built for multi-use, each compact has three powder formulas that can be used on the eyes and cheeks as eyeshadow and blush. Blend them with the fourth cream formula and you’ll have a mesmerising hue for your pout.

Tom Ford Beauty Soleil Lip Blush, $85 at Sephora

Credit: Tom Ford Beauty

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From the gold tone casing to the 24K gold flecks that you’ll see upon opening the case, lavish is how we’d describe this lipstick. Glide it onto your lips and watch it transform from transparent into a natural-looking sultry pink tint.