Just as parents shouldn’t have favorites, neither should beauty editors, but in many of the categories we cover in our jobs—from skincare to haircare—we all have our own specific preferences.
Mine is makeup. Minimalist or maximalist, I like to think I know a thing or two about trends and application techniques, but if TikTok has taught me anything, it’s that there’s still a lot to learn. Case in point: the viral 242 makeup rule.
Scrolling through countless videos (with a combined 21.3 million views and counting), it’s hard to tell exactly who created the 242 trend, but beauty fans like Olivia Allen, Mollie McMullon, and Maha are adamant that her look
has never been better. He looks better, and more perfect.
Contrary to hype, 242 Makeup Rules isn’t reinventing the wheel. In fact, it’s probably the simplest trend I’ve ever found on the app: two products for eyes, four as a base, and two for lips.
I know what you’re thinking: This isn’t groundbreaking. And you’re right. Yet, according to TikTok makeup artists and beauty fanatics, it’s the perfect formula for a radiant, natural look in 10 minutes or less.
‘Formula’ being the key word here. I welcome a quick, easy and effective application that I know will leave me feeling radiant and, more importantly, more alert when I go to bed when my alarm goes off.
While the exact products you choose come down to personal preference, the 242 Makeup Rule generally follows the same formula: a light foundation or skin tone, concealer, bronzer, blush for base; a neutral eyeshadow and
mascara on the eyes; and a lip liner and lip gloss on the lips.
All long-lasting makeup starts with a moisturiser or sunscreen, so I use The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturiser (£36) and Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Face Fluid SPF50+ (£12).
I’ve only dabbled with lighter skin tones this summer, but the recently launched MAC Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation (£39) is brilliant (even better than the new Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation (£34), in my opinion).
It’s so light I forget I’m even wearing it, but it provides enough coverage and a radiant finish – everything I want and need in a foundation.
How you apply it is up to you, but at a recent makeup masterclass I saw Kendall Jenner’s makeup artist Mary Phillips apply a few pumps of foundation to the inside of her arm and blend it out with a brush, letting the product melt into each bristle as it moves downwards.
She then applied it to her face. I suspect this gives a more believable, seamless effect than pumping product directly onto your face (the downside is that if you don’t blend, applying too much can look cakey, but it’s not satisfying).
Next up is concealer. I used Kosa’s Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer (£26) on areas where I wanted more coverage: acne and redness on the acne-induced skin mentioned above, and the inner corners of my eyes.
It’s common for some TikTok users to apply blush and a bit of highlighter to the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead, but my skin isn’t tan yet, so I applied it to the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead. Arriving at Jones Road
The bronzer, £32, plus the Charlotte Tilbury Peachgasm Beauty Stick, £30, are great value for money. That was my limit of four products. For my eyes, I used the Vieves Ninetease Eyeshadow Palette (£49) in the colour Phase, but you could also use the bronzer if you prefer. I don’t think an eyelash curler counts towards the two-product limit, so after a quick lash press, I reached for the Max Factor Masterpiece 2 In 1 Lash WOW Volume & Length Mascara 001 Black, £12.99.
Ask any makeup artist and they’ll tell you that one of the hottest lip combos right now is MAC’s Soar Lip Pencil, £20, with a clear lip gloss in the middle. To finish, I drew a line across my lips, applied the product to the centre of my lips with a brush, and then topped it off with Rodeptide Lip Treatment Strawberry Glaze (£16). The 242 rule is simple, but my look instantly looked better. I can’t say exactly; maybe it was the bronzer on my blush (the ultimate combo for a glowy complexion), or maybe my signature winged eyeliner was a little boring (maybe it even made my eyes look a little smaller).
The problem with the makeup rule 242, however, is that it doesn’t leave much room for creativity. Sure, you can swap a neutral eyeshadow for a shimmery one, or go for a bold lipstick instead of a sheer, shimmery one.
But overall, it’s pretty formulaic. This rule is great for makeup beginners and those who prefer a natural or no-makeup look, however. Rules are made to be broken, but this one combines clicks, views and likes
For good reason: it works.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
