Woman's 'Underrated' Hack for Smooth Makeup Goes Viral—Not Everyone Agrees

If there's one thing we all want out of our makeup application, it's a smooth, flawless skin finish. Everyone has their own methods, whether it's concentrating on skin prep, carefully selecting your brushes and applicators, or religiously applying primer, but one new hack is dividing beauty enthusiasts.

In a viral video shared to TikTok, user @rachelmadisoncarlisle shared, in what she called a "trust the process" tutorial, the "biggest trick to your makeup looking absolutely flawless," using a mixture of face oil and liquid blush in place of a primer.

Viewers were shocked to see her apply the bright pink blush across her cheeks, nose, and forehead, mixing the product with Bio Oil and applying with a foundation brush.

Carlisle said the hack is one "I absolutely swear by," reassuring viewers that, "it looks like a lot, but it's really thin layers."

After applying her "primer," she went on to use a concealer under her eyes, which she says, "starts mixing in the blush and creating this perfect little, pink, brightening tone."

She then goes in with an oil-based foundation, blending this with a large brush before adding a cream bronzer with the same brush she applied the oil and blush mixture, explaining that the product is "blending out like a dream with that oil underneath."

She also used a loose powder to bake her nose, under her eyes, and her forehead, securing the makeup with two sprays—a hydrating face spray and a setting spray. To finish, she adds highlight and more blush—this time as the top layer, adding color to her cheeks.

Speaking about why she started using the makeup hack, Carlisle said that, "I really just feel like most primers are such a rip-off and a good skin prep does make all the difference."

For those worried about how the makeup lasts through the day, Carlisle reassured them that, "I used to be a nurse, and so if I did do my makeup, I would have to have it last 12+ hours, so I feel like I know what I'm talking about."

Makeup designer and educator Astrid Kearney was impressed by Carlisle's interesting method, telling Newsweek that, "From oil as a primer to layering products like a pro, it's a spectacle of creativity. But let's not forget, just like mastering the Kim Kardashian shade and highlight technique, this requires some serious skill and precision.

"While 'light layers' sound dreamy, let's face it, without the right blend, you might just end up looking like you've got a side hustle in the circus."

While using oil in place of a primer is a bit unconventional, it's not an idea Kearney is against, as she explains, "It's like adding a slick foundation for your makeup masterpiece. Sure, it gives you that luminous glow, but for my oily-skin friends or those in humid climates, it can be risky.

"So, while oil can be a star in your routine, remember to factor in your skin type, climate, and maybe a few makeup magic tricks to ensure your look lasts all day."

Tips for Using Oil as a Makeup Primer

Kearney shared her five top tips for those wanting to try the trend for themselves:

• Start with a squeaky-clean face.
• Use a mattifying primer where needed—let's keep the shine in check.
• Seal the deal with translucent powder—it's like a safety net for your makeup.
• Opt for long-wearing formulas—because who has time for touch-ups every hour?
• And always keep blotting papers handy—because in the makeup world, excess shine is the ultimate uninvited guest!

What Do the Comments Say?

The hack received mixed reviews in the comments, with some loving the tip and ready to make it a permanent step in their routines.

One user said: "I just used oil today for the first time under my makeup because I just felt so dry with my regular primer and let me just say, I'm never going back to regular primer."

Another added: "Face oil before makeup is literally why my simple makeup always looks good."

A third fan commented: "Recently tried using face oil first. Like omg. Game changer."

However, the hack hasn't proved successful for everyone, as one user shared: "It always looks good in the beginning for me, but throughout the day I look a mes.s"

Another added: "Every time I put oil on my face then my makeup, it clumps or [looks] blotchy."