This Flawless Drugstore Makeup Routine Is Taking Over TikTok
Forget filters and ring lights.
Jessica Fields
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Photo by Branislav Rodman on Unsplash
TikTok is a hub for makeup hacks and application tips. Whether it’s learning how to load your brushes with products from celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes or figuring out how to blonze from your favorite creator, there’s always something new to discover. If your TikTok’s For You Page is anything like mine, you’ve likely come across Shelby Ann’s (@shelbyannbell) drugstore makeup routine or some variation of it. Composed of all drugstore products meticulously layered together, it’s gone viral for its poreless and filter-like finish.
TikTok is a hotbed for makeup trends, but Shelby’s has become something bigger. Across the platform, users are recreating her routine in a trend known as the Shelby Ann Effect. Each video features a routine, building a flawless base similar to Shelby’s. Still, her original post continues to dominate. To date, it has received over 500,000 views and more than 8,000 comments from all ages praising her routine. “It really is that good, and I’m almost 40!” raves one user. “I need to tweak it for my 53-year-old skin, but I love the framework,” says another.
To be clear, this isn’t a light or medium coverage makeup routine. Throughout the video, she transparently notes that the key to creating a flawlessly blurred appearance is a full-coverage routine with proper skin prep. Hydrating the skin is essential to avoid caking while layering your makeup products and finishing with a setting spray will give you a long-lasting filter-like look without a room full of ring lights. Below, see the key products in her viral drugstore routine.
Skin prep is essential with a full-coverage makeup look. While there are a few products shared in the routine, this milky toner is one of the stars. It’s packed with hydrating botanicals, including snow mushroom, hyaluronic acid and elderflower water to deliver long-lasting hydration and keep the skin moisturized throughout the day.
E.l.f’s Whoa Glow Sunscreen is actually a three-in-one that covers a few bases in one application. A few swipes deliver broad-spectrum sun protection, and a healthy glow while smoothing and priming your skin for makeup. The formula is also lightweight enough to layer under your foundation and won’t pill.
Shelby’s routine includes several L’Oreal products with long-wearing formulations. The first of the bunch is the True Match foundation which has reached icon status for many celebrity MUAs for the same reasons. Plus, with 47 shades, finding your perfect match at any drugstore won’t be hard.
Your concealer should provide ample coverage while being creamy enough to blend into your foundation. This option checks both boxes and has a soft, radiant finish, making it ideal for all ages. Pro tip: Be sure to grab a shade or two lighter than your foundation to create the brightening effect.
Not only is this drugstore bronzer highly pigmented, but it also has a buttery consistency for easy application. Even better? The soft matte finish has a natural appearance whether you’re using it to bronze or contour.
This cute bottle takes the guesswork out of using liquid blush thanks to its convenient applicator. Don’t be fooled by its size. It may be tiny, but it’s packed with intense pigments. As Shelby notes, it’s best to apply small dots and blend out first, especially if you like to layer your blushes.
Setting powder may not be your cup of tea, but it is essential for flawless makeup. This loose option comes in four shades, but opting for one of the brightening colors will ensure your makeup looks like you’re sitting under the best lighting.
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