This TikTok Hack Uses White Paint as Primer for a Beauty Filter Effect

Another day, another beauty TikTok hack. What would the platform be without them? Some hacks, like the science-backed contour technique, go viral for their impressive results, while others go viral simply because the method looks so outlandish that viewers are compelled to try it for themselves.

One such technique is using a white base — like the kind you'd use for Halloween — under your foundation to create a flawless canvas. You're basically painting your face completely white, Casper the Ghost-style, then applying your usual foundation, concealer, contour, and blush over it. The end result is supposed to make you look like you're wearing the most flattering, stunning Instagram filter of all time.

The technique has been popular for a while; it first went viral via makeup artist Mireya Rios, who saw another makeup artist demonstrating the technique and decided to give it a spin. To start, Rios applies a super pale white base color all over the face with a brush, then layers “the darkest shade of foundation you own” on top of the white paint. At first, Rios is skeptical, but after blending and setting, there's no denying the end look.

Despite the fact that this much layering might feel heavy or cakey, it does produce some pretty amazing results. Plenty of content creators have tried their hand at the technique, and pretty much all of them have been impressed by the flawless finish. It's also not exactly a new method; have you ever layered your eyeshadow over a super pale base primer to make the colors last longer and look brighter? Same idea!

If you want to test out the method for TikTok or a big event, plenty of brands make a white foundation base, including ONE/SIZE and MAC. (Your stark, chalky white Halloween makeup may not be the best prep step.) I guess we'll have to file this one under the “TikTok hacks that actually work” umbrella!

Check out more creators trying their hand at this beauty TikTok hack below: