The TikTok Concealer Hack That Keeps Makeup From Creasing And Caking With Aquaphor
Marketed as a healing ointment, Aquaphor can have several uses in your skincare routine, from slugging your lips to removing your makeup. Even Beyoncé herself revealed that she lathers Aquaphor on her face before bed for a dewy glow. Now, according to TikTok's latest Aquaphor hack, the petrolatum-based occlusive product — frequently used to lock in hydration — may even have a place in your makeup bag as a substitute for under-eye primer.
Celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes seemed to popularize this trend via a YouTube video published this June in which he used Aquaphor lip balm under the eyes of his model before applying concealer. "This makes your concealer stay 10 times longer, it doesn't get all creased up and crazy, believe it or not, and it doesn't break down the makeup," Barnes explained in the video. TikTok beauty gurus have since stitched and responded to Barnes, with makeup artist Ivelina Stefanova showing off the hack using the Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick rather than the Lip Repair Stick.
@ivistefanovaa The Aquaphor balm creates a shield and doesn't allow the product to settle into the fine lines. You now can use heavy duty concealer without looking cakey or dry. Thank you @Scott Barnes 💕💕 All Products: @AquaphorUS Balm @Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Concealer "Silk" @makeupbymario Stick Contour "Medium" @Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Concealer @Givenchy Beauty Prisme Libre Powder "Shade 3" @Gucci Glow Bronzer "3" @Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Foundation "175" Blush "Hibiscus Haze" @Fenty Beauty Demi Glow Highlighter "01 Pretty Purlz" #celebritymakeuphack #scottbarnesmakeup #celebritymakeuptutorial #makeuptips
In both cases, this drug-store ointment seems to create a smooth base that prevents those all-too-common under-eye fine lines and wrinkles. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp shared with Elle, "[Aquaphor] is also an emollient, meaning that it makes skin feel smooth by filling in gaps and cracks in the skin." While some experts have come forward to question the validity of this hack, the general consensus is that Aquaphor is safe to use on the face, so it might just be worth giving this trick a try.
How do the experts feel about Aquaphor?
The concept of using Aquaphor as a primer in a makeup routine is relatively new, at least on social media. But people have been using petrolatum as part of their skincare for years, and many dermatologists approve. "Aquaphor prevents water from evaporating from your face, helping to improve your skin barrier function and keep your skin moisturized and healthy," Dr. Rachel Nazarian told Cosmopolitan. The basic Aquaphor healing balm is 30% petrolatum but also contains other ingredients, including avocado oil, beeswax, shea butter, and glycerin. If you wanted to stick to a product with fewer additions, you could achieve similar smoothing effects by incorporating Vaseline into your beauty routine, as it's pure petrolatum.
Since Scott Barnes specifically uses Aquaphor as an under-eye primer rather than a general primer, it's also worth noting that this product is safe for the eyes. In fact, board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein revealed to Allure that she uses Aquaphor on her eyelids, as it can "help prevent eczema or dry skin" in this area. While Aquaphor is non-comedogenic (or doesn't inherently clog pores), it can still cause issues in those with acne-prone or sensitive skin. "If too thick a layer is used, if it is left on for too long, or if you already have oily skin, sebum and sweat can accumulate in pores and cause an acne-like rash," Dr. Brendan Camp explained to Elle. For the best chances of success with this hack, opt for a light layer of Aquaphor and watch out for any skin reactions.
Other ways to fend off under-eye creases
Despite Aquaphor being non-comedogenic, not every expert out there is convinced of this hack. Few dermatologists have responded to the Aquaphor-as-a-primer trick specifically, but Dr. Raj Arora wasn't thrilled with a video of Vaseline being used as face primer. "Honestly, this is one of the worst things you can do because it will clog pores, cause breakouts, cause irritation, and there are just easier ways to get a glow," the skin-health specialist said in a TikTok video.
If your skin does react to petrolatum products, there are other ways to minimize creasing in your under-eye area. One helpful trick is to blot your concealer with a tissue or blotting paper after application, removing excess that would otherwise settle into the creases. Topping your concealer with a dusting of setting powder can also help to prevent your concealer from sliding around or cracking. While no concealer is guaranteed not to crease, you'll have more luck by applying less product, regardless of its consistency.
There are dedicated under-eye primers on the market which can help to create that smooth base, but you could also try using eye cream. Just ensure that it's light and fast-absorbing so it doesn't exacerbate the problem of your makeup slipping around. Finding the perfect makeup routine that will solve your under-eye creasing is a process of trial and error, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find the right products and regime for your skin.