Master the Art of Douyin Makeup: Bold, Ethereal Style

Understanding Douyin Makeup

First, let’s take a look at what Douyin is itself. Simply put, Douyin is the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, and it has been a game-changer in the Chinese beauty world. Since launching in 2016, Douyin has transformed beauty content creation as its short video format allows beauty influencers to reach millions in seconds. In 2022, beauty content on Douyin alone attracted over 100 billion views monthly—and Douyin’s integration of an e-commerce shop has further fueled this growth by allowing influencers to directly promote products to their followers. Douyin makeup is known for its doll-like aesthetic, marked by large, expressive eyes, soft contours, and a shimmery look, unlike Korean makeup, which leans toward soft, natural finishes. While glitter is a huge part of the style, it is balanced out with smoother finishes, like matte base makeup (an obvious difference to Korean makeup, which often prefers a luminous and hydrating base). This mix of matte and shimmer gives Douyin makeup an enchanting quality that creates a fairy-like appearance.

Products for Mastering Douyin Makeup

Foundation is at the Core

As mentioned, matte foundation is central to Douyin makeup for the blush or eye makeup to really stand out. Foundations like the Laneige Neo Cushion Matte or the Hince Second Skin Mesh Matte Cushion are popular choices for achieving full coverage to create a smooth, pore-less base. Douyin makeup often includes a brightening loose powder to set the foundation, which is key for all-day wear. Powders like the Laneige Neo Essential Blurring Finish Powder and the Amuse Ceramic Skin Sebum Powder (also a favorite of IVE’s Jang Won-young) are popular. Together, these products create the perfect Douyin base: matte, smooth, and even.

Douyin Eye Makeup

Now, onto the fun stuff! Douyin eye makeup is all about creating a soft, dreamy look that combines pastel tones and some shimmer for an eye-catching effect. The look often starts with light peach or pink shades as a base on both the upper and lower lids. Palettes like Peripera x Cardcaptor Sakura All Take Mood Palette’s “Clear Winter” or “Cool Blush” and Clio Pro Eye Palette Air’s “Shopping Cheese” or “Crystal Paw” offer these effects. “Siren eye” liner style is often recommended to enhance the eyelines, by using a precise, thin line that elongates and slightly lifts the outer corners. Products like the Rivecowe Flexible Liquid Brushpen Eyeliner or the Clio Sharp So Simple Waterproof Pencil Liner (loved by IVE’s Ahn Yujin) are ideal for getting this defined yet subtle flick right. And, of course, you can’t get enough glitter: glitter products like the Colorgram Milk Bling Glitter Liner and Colorgram Tintin Dory Eyeshadow Palette, complete the look with a radiant, fairy-like finish.

Douyin Cheek Makeup

Douyin cheek makeup is designed to create a soft, playful vibe that adds a youthful glow. Soft pink, peach, and coral blushes, like the Dear Dahlia Petal Drop Liquid Blush in the shades “Dreamy,” “Taffy,” “Purity,” and/or “Moody,” are ideal for this effect, adding a fresh pop of color. To enhance the overall radiance, highlighter is also unskippable for Douyin makeup. Applied to the cheekbones, brow bones, and nose tip, subtle, shimmery highlighters like the Clio Prism Highlighter or Muzigae Mansion Fitting Highlighter work beautifully to add that ethereal, soft glow without overpowering the makeup look. 

Douyin Gradient Lip Technique

Gradient lip technique blends a darker color in the center of the lips, fading into a lighter shade toward the edges, making the lips look naturally plush and soft. Cherry reds and earthy terracotta tones are popular choices, creating a warm look with products like the Peripera x Cardcaptor Sakura Water Bare Tint’s shades “Sealing Power,” “Cherry Blossom,” or “Softly Brown.” Meanwhile, peachy pinks go perfectly with cool tone looks—for example, Espoir Couture Lip Tint Glaze in the shades “Orchid” or “Hushed Cherry” (used by aespa’s Winter). Another popular lip style in Douyin makeup is the matte lip, matching the matte base. One product worth checking out is the Rom&nd Zero Velvet Tint in shades like “Deep Soul” or “Pecan Tarte.” If you love dramatic lips, then check out their tints in the shades “Fade Red” and “Villain Vest.” These tints provide a long-lasting, velvety finish that complements a variety of makeup looks, making them a versatile addition to your collection.