I am usually the last person to jump on a makeup trend that takes over TikTok. Every time something new pops up on my feed, I assume it is just another two-week obsession the internet will drop the moment a different hack appears. 

That is exactly how I felt about this trend. I scrolled past it for days, convinced it would look heavy, messy, or way too dramatic for my everyday routine.

Then one quiet afternoon, curiosity finally won. I decided to try it just once, mostly to say I had done it. I did not expect anything special. Instead, I watched my entire makeup routine change right in front of me. 

The result was softer than I imagined, and it made my skin look alive with almost zero effort. It was the kind of fresh finish that tricks people into thinking you slept well and drank all your water.

What surprised me most was how fast it blended into my usual routine. It felt natural from the very first try and somehow matched every makeup look I wear, from clean, simple mornings to full glam nights. 

Without even planning it, this trend slipped into my daily makeup rhythm, and now I reach for it almost every day. Sometimes the internet really does get it right, and this trend is one of those moments.

So… What Was the Trend After All?

The trend that completely changed my routine was underpainting. It has been everywhere lately, and there is a good reason for that. Instead of applying foundation first, the steps flip around. 

You start with cream contour, layer cream blush on top, brighten with concealer, and only then apply a thin layer of foundation. It sounds chaotic when you first hear it, yet somehow everything blends together into a soft, quietly sculpted finish that looks surprisingly natural.

Underpainting creates definition without sharp lines. It adds color without looking like makeup sitting on top of the skin. It gives the kind of glow that makes you seem refreshed even on your tired mornings.

At first, I had every negative assumption you can imagine. I pictured muddy cheeks, streaky foundation, thick layers, and hours of blending. 

I imagined it melting off by lunchtime or looking too dramatic for real life. I told myself it was one of those trends that only looks good under perfect studio lighting.

And I was wrong about all of it.

What Happened When I Finally Tried It

The moment I applied the first layer of foundation over the contour and blush, I knew I had misjudged it. Everything melted together so effortlessly that it looked like my natural skin, just healthier. 

The colors peeked through softly instead of sitting harshly on the surface. The finish felt light and breathable, almost like a second skin.

What impressed me the most was how it wore throughout the day. Instead of fading unevenly like some makeup looks do, underpainting settled in gently and kept my skin looking fresh for hours. The blush softened beautifully, and the contour stayed flattering instead of turning patchy.

It was the kind of result that made me double-check myself in the mirror in the best way.

How to Try Underpainting the Easy Way

You do not have to follow a complicated tutorial to make underpainting work. Begin with your cream contour and blend it until it looks soft but still visible. 

Add your cream blush on the upper part of your cheeks to lift the face, then brighten the areas that need help with a small amount of concealer. 

When everything feels balanced, apply a thin layer of foundation on top. A damp sponge or fluffy brush helps keep the finish airy and natural. Finish by setting only the areas that tend to shine so your glow stays intact.

Once you try it, you will understand why it works so well.

The Real Pros and Cons

Underpainting has plenty of benefits. It looks natural even when you wear a full face of makeup, and it instantly makes your skin appear fresher and more awake. 

It works for both everyday looks and glam nights, and it fades beautifully throughout the day. Another unexpected perk is that it uses less foundation overall.

There are a few downsides to consider. It works best with cream products, so if you prefer powders, the learning curve might feel strange at first. 

If you use too much product, everything can blend into a mess. And if you are very used to traditional layering, the reversed steps may take a few tries to feel comfortable.

Still, the pros outweigh the cons for me by a mile.

Final Thoughts

Underpainting is the trend I never expected to love. I dismissed it before giving it a chance, then ended up wearing it almost every day. 

It is rare for a viral technique to feel this wearable in real life, but this one does. It makes me look fresh, sculpted, and awake with very little effort, and it somehow fits every look I create.

It proved me wrong in the best possible way, and now I completely understand why beauty creators everywhere keep using it. It is one of the few trends that truly earns its hype.