There are a lot of useful TikTok beauty trends out there — from powder foundation tricks to self-tanning tips. Some, however, raise our collective (and well-groomed) eyebrows, like a certain blush hack that involves applying blush all over the face and layering foundation on top for a dewy, radiant, and flushed finish. To get to the bottom of whether this blush trick works, we tapped makeup artist Kasey Spickard for his thoughts.
“Here’s the thing, it does work,” says Spickard “Should you do it? No.” Although it’s an eye-catching and entertaining video, he doesn’t recommend incorporating it into your everyday makeup routine. “This trend is using the concept of adding deep contours and bright highlights under the makeup for definition, however, you’re going to end up going through a lot more productive than if you did a standard base and buffed in cream blush later,” he explains.
Spickard also notes that some formulas are simply not meant to be applied all over the face. “I see folks packing liquid lipsticks all over their face and layering foundation on top, which is a total recipe for a breakout,” he says. “These products are not designed to be used that way, and can risk causing skin irritation and breakouts.”
The Right Way to Apply Cream Blush for a Flushed Finish
Spickard much prefers to keep it simple when applying cream blush — and guess what? The same, flushed, and radiant finish is possible his way, too. “My favorite method is to start by warming up the cream blush on the back of my hand and using my middle and ring fingers to buff it out onto the cheeks, cheekbones, temples, and nose bridge,” he says. We love the NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Luminous Cheek Serum for this. Complete the look by setting the cream formula with a powder blush using a fluffy brush (his favorite is the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush).
When we’re scrolling through our fave beauty accounts on social media, we’re often so focused on the stunning makeup looks that we forget about the actual artists creating them and what they mean to their followers and subscribers. This can be especially true for LGBTQ+ beauty influencers on TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube, who inspire and uplift so many by sharing their personal stories and, of course, through their work. Below, meet 9+ of our favorite LGBTQ+ content creators you’re going to want to follow, ASAP.
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Hyram
For unsolicited (yet totally welcome) skin-care advice, subscribe to Hyram’s TikTok account like, now. He’s always sharing what products to buy (he’s a huge CeraVe fan!) and has dedicated his account to helping followers get their skin-care routines in check. If you’re lucky, he may even duet your skin-care routine.
Bretman Rock
For a mix of skin, makeup, lifestyle and getting ready content, follow Bretman Rock on Instagram and Youtube. He’s an extremely talented makeup artist, has a great sense of humor and fabulous hair.
Bretman has 12 million followers on Instagram but he still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves on a worldwide scale. I’ve followed him from the beginning and he’s one of the few influencers whose personality hasn’t changed with fame. He’s humble, hilarious, super proud of his Filipino heritage, and is unproblematic. Honestly, he’s been doing this for years and has managed to stay out of the drama. He is who he is, which is why his followers love him.
Glamazontay’s YouTube channel is a beauty, fashion and lifestyle destination. She does everything from hair tutorials to outfit hauls and has enough GRWMs to help you slay for months on end. Watching her videos is basically like hanging out with one of your friends.
James Charles
Oh, James Charles. He’s known for his whimsical glam makeup tutorials, iconic YouTuber collabs and huge community of sisters. Plus, he’s wildly entertaining. Definitely worth a follow, but don’t blame us if you get a little bit addicted.
If you’re not already following Patrick Starr, who’s an amazing content creator and founder of the new beauty brand One Size, now is definitely the time to subscribe. Not only does he have a bright and bubbly personality, he also produces movie-quality videos that are mesmerizing to watch. He’s also known for creating over-the-top drag makeup.
With over 4.6 million followers on Instagram, Starr is undoubtedly a, well, star. He’s all about the long lashes, head wraps, wigs, and long gowns, and his makeup tutorial videos are full of uplifting vibes and humor. Starr oozes confidence and self-love—it’s part of what makes him so inspirational. He’s teamed up with big-name beauty brands like MAC and Benefit Cosmetics, and he’s worked with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba to create fun beauty content. Trust us, you want to give him a follow.
Gigi Gorgeous
An OG YouTuber, Gigi has been delivering makeup videos and challenges for years. She’s documented everything from her favorite beauty products to her transition with the support of her followers all the way.
Julie Vu
Not only is Julie Vu talented at slaying a smoky eye, she also gets real on her channel about everything she’s going through. As a trans woman, Julie has shared her transition from the beginning and continues to inspire people with her honesty. Go for the beauty tutorials (her perfect wand curls tutorial comes to mind) and stay for the funny challenges and informative videos about transitioning.
Jazmina Daniel
The queen of lip art, you’ve likely seen her lip looks floating around your Instagram feed. She’s recreated everything from iconic works of art to album cover artwork. She’s also incredibly fashionable.
Mei Pang
Pang came on my radar a few months ago when one of her videos popped up on my Twitter feed. From the moment the video started, I was in awe. Her looks seem intricate but they’re actually super easy to emulate, kind of like a lazy way to fake a flawless look. Plus, her down-to-earth attitude is something that many can vibe with.
Pang isn’t the girl-next-door—she’s your badass friend who gives it to you straight. She constantly features her head-to-toe tattoos on her Instagram and serves fierce makeup looks, too. They’re not your typical beauty looks; she often does full-face makeup with bold colors and shapes that are embellished with pearls, rhinestones, and more. On her feed, Pang is also incredibly open about her sobriety and what that journey has looked like for her.
The blend honey, the blend! I thought my blending game was on point, but Deon makes me look like an amateur. He only has 18,000 followers and I don’t understand why he doesn’t have more. Colorful eyeshadows can be scary to use but I love that Deon uses them at every chance he gets. He shows that with practice, bright colors can be tamed.
Clark describes his aesthetic as “special occasion,” and his looks are the intersection of glam and fierce. He says that wearing makeup gives him a confidence boost and makes him feel snatched, but what he loves most are the comments he gets from his followers saying that he’s inspired them.
f you love makeup tutorials, odds are de Jagger has popped up as a suggested video or account on your feed. With over 15 million followers, she’s earned the title of a beauty mogul and expert, and her makeup looks prove it. They’re colorful, bright, and bold, and de Jagger always breaks them down in easy-to-follow steps. In January, she posted a now-viral video in which she came out as transgender after someone threatened to out her. Since that moment, she’s been more open about her journey as a trans woman and how makeup plays into it.
Myla
If you’re looking for beauty influencers who post mood-boosting looks, search no further. Myla’s fun makeup looks are straight out of an Instagram filter, featuring everything from smiley faces to daises to butterfly wings. For her, makeup is about creativity, playfulness, and self-expression, just as it should be.
Did I miss any of your favorite LGBTQ+ influencers? Of course, there are thousands of talented LGBTQ+ influencers out there, but check this talented bunch out when you’re looking for someone new. And remember, we choose who we follow, even if the talent is there, let’s try not to make problematic, negative people famous.
It took me years to learn that I don’t need to be thinner to be happyand that healthy can also look thicc AF. Wellness isn’t a destination, issa journey and after making a major lifestyle change to level up her diet and elevate her fitness, Lizzo knows this well.
In a series of posts on TikTok, the 32-year-old 3X Grammy-award singer revealed her recent transition to veganism and said that although it hasn’t been easy, her physical well-being is totally worth it. She captioned one video:
“As a new vegan, I’m enjoying exploring flavors from plants & plant-based proteins! Every journey is personal & deserves to be celebrated.”
In her latest collection of Tik Tok videos, which has more than 9 million followers, Lizzo has been diligently spilling the tea on all of the plant-based products that keep her feeling good as hell and we are taking notes. With small lifestyle changes like switching out her hot cheetos for hummus and veggie puffs, Lizzo says that her increased amount of time at home has allowed her to put her culinary skills to the test to curb her cravings.
Along with vegan bacon with maple syrup, mushroom meatballs, and plant-based scrambled eggs, here are a few more of Lizzo’s go-to recipes:
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Breakfast
Ingredients:
Coconut water
Kale or spinach
Frozen fruit
Lunch
Ingredients:
Kale
Red cabbage
Broccoli
Avocado
White onions
Carrots
Snack
“I used to eat a lot of hot Cheetos, but that wasn’t good for my acid-reflux. These are Cheeto-alternative I love that’s vegan and I dip them in hummus. Badda-boom badda-snack!”
Ingredients:
Hummus
Lesser Evil Paleo Puffs
Dinner
Ingredients:
Mushroom balls mixed with truffles and chickpeas
Quinoa
Leftover lunch salad
Dessert
Ingredients:
peanut butter
frozen strawberries
oats, oat milk
vanilla protein powder
and “love from Jesus.”
Lizzo concluded the TikTok explaining that she feels “very lit and full” while reminding her followers that “we still need justice for Breonna Taylor.”
Fortunately, Lizzo has found a plant-based recipe for a vegan scramble that satisfies the craving, made with Just Egg alternative, vegan cheese, spinach, and a carne asada, bean, and corn mixture.
The “Hustlers” actress paired the breakfast hangover meal with vegan bacon, which she recommends cooking in maple syrup “so it gets nice and crunchy and candied.”
Lizzo’s new vegan lifestyle has been met with support from her followers, who have applauded her for promoting veganism.
“This is awesome! I wanna eat every one of these things! Good on you for being a new vegan!” one person wrote, while another said: “Didn’t know you are vegan! I love you even more now, influential queen!”
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This is not the first time Lizzo has given fans an insight into her healthy lifestyle choices.
“I’m working out to have my ideal body type. And you know what type that is? None of your f—ing business,” she said.
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I for one appreciate Lizzo talents, honesty, and many people are happy that she decided to share her recipes with us. There aren’t many vegan restaurants around me. I am halfway vegan so seeing someone who has similar food taste as me, makes me very excited to start chefting it up vegan style.
COMMENT BELOW VEGAN RESTAURANTS AROUND BROWARD/MIAMI AND LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENT SECTION SOME GOOD VEGAN RECIPES! ( don’t be stingy, we are all family here )