There's a new makeup trend taking over TikTok, and it puts something we normally try to avoid in a starring role: sunburn.
While walking around with a pale patch where your sunglasses were sitting and outlines of your jewelry isn't the look we usually strive for, instead seeking an even sun kissed glow as a reminder of our time outside, beauty lovers are going full burn this summer.
Another trend that users can't help but feel is "super 2000s coded," fake sunburn is taking over our FYPs following Isabel Rose's initial viral video, which has gained over 1.5 million views since first shared to her account on June 4.
The video began by showing an outline of bikini top and cross-shaped pendant as she removed her sunglasses, revealing a light mark underneath contrasting her overly warm makeup to give the impression of a sunburn mark. Since, creators and makeup lovers have been recreating the look at home as they hopped on the trend.
Newsweek spoke to the 22-year-old content creator to find out where she got the inspiration for the look, and how to recreate it.
She said: "I wanted to do a campy summer look that would connect with anyone who saw it. Sunburns and tan lines are such a universal experience and something we can all relate to in the summertime so I thought it was perfect!"
Rose wasn't expecting the look to blow up as much as it did, remembering: "I didn't even film a tutorial for the first look because I expected it wouldn't reach any further than my audience!
"The recreations feel so validating to me as a beginner in makeup artistry. To create a look that people not only enjoy but want to try for themselves is, to me, the ultimate compliment as a makeup artist."
While the look appears intricate, Rose assured us that "the process is super simple. I start with the silhouette that I want to create. For my look I wore big sunglasses, a string bikini top and a cross necklace.
"I started with blending my perfect sunburn/suntan color and started applying it onto my skin along the line of the bikini and necklace. I then went in with a light concealer on the part of the necklace pendant that touched my skin to aid me with the tracing I do with a fine tip brush and concealer."
As we don't normally plan for sunburn when selecting makeup shades, Rose used products she already had to create a custom color. She explained: "It's all down to the look you want! If you want a more tanned look go for bronzer/contours. If you want a more sunburned look, go for red blushes.
"I personally prefer a mixture of bronzers and blushes to create a half sunburned half sun-tanned look!"
Finishing touches make all the difference in looks like this, with Rose adding: "I also added some glowy setting spray to give that sweaty, dewy look that you generally have at the beach. I then take my "stencils" off and you have the perfect sunburned look!"
How To Protect Skin From Sun Damage
While many recognize the trend as a way of having fun with makeup, it could be seen as glamorizing excess sun exposure—something skin care expert and celebrity facialist Sharon Hilditch warns against.
Speaking to Newsweek, she said: "Even for those with darker skin tones, too much UV exposure can cause sunburn as the rays hit the deeper layers of the skin, the dermis, and can damage the cells."
The trend mimics the skin's immediate reactions to sunburn, avoiding risk of long term effects from the real thing, as Hilditch continued, "If you have immediate damage to the skin it will look red and could get sore, the skin can look blistered and feel itchy. Continuous exposure over time can lead to the skin becoming leathery, wrinkled or thinner. It can also lead to dark spots."
To avoid burning, Hilditch encourages daily use of SPF—even if you're not heading out. She said: "I try to encourage people to see wearing sunscreen as a part of their daily routine."
"Making it as routine as brushing your teeth or having your breakfast makes it seem less of a chore and more like a necessity. It is going to protect your skin from signs of aging, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and cancer."
Sometimes the sun can be unavoidable, so if you're stuck outside Hilditch recommended: "The best thing to do is apply to the whole body every few hours. Taking time to ensure areas like the forehead, ears, hands, knees, feet and shoulders are protected as these areas are often missed and therefore burn.
"If you are sat outside, avoiding direct sunlight in the middle of the day is going to reduce your chance of burning. During this time the sun is at its most powerful and can cause the most damage."
What Do the Comments Say?
Despite the look raising some eyebrows, some users couldn't get enough of the sunburn trend—likening it to nostalgic looks from the 00s.
"I feel like it's just old 2000s makeup coming back tbh," wrote one.
Another added, "Ooooh this is a fun trend i like this."
About the writer
Lollie is Newsweek's Beauty and Self Care Reporter based in London, U.K. In her role, she covers a range of ... Read more
