NEW YORK, April 12 ― Somewhat incredibly, the hot glue gun ― most often used for small DIY jobs or creative hobbies ― has become a beauty must-have in recent weeks as a go-to tool for making three-dimensional shapes to craft creative ― and fun ― makeup looks.
Have you ever heard of 'hot glue gun makeup,' the beauty trend that's currently sweeping social networks? If you haven't, then you're about to. Now all the rage, this new makeup inspiration is gathering fans on Instagram and TikTok, with no less than 460,000 views for the #hotgluegunmakeup hashtag on the Chinese social network. So forget traditional eyeliner ― now far too dull for TikTokers ― and get ready to embrace more creative looks worthy of the most glamorous red carpets. In fact, this trend is characterised by its playfulness, since it involves creating three-dimensional shapes of all kinds, and then sticking them onto your face, but ― and this is the important bit ― not just in any way.
The hot glue gun as the latest makeup must-have
Surprising as it may seem, this new beauty trend doesn't require brushes, mascara wands or sponges, but simply a hot glue gun. More often associated with do-it-yourself jobs and creative crafts, this tool had never before made the grade as a beauty staple ― except perhaps among professional makeup artists. Still, that was without counting on the endless imagination and boundless creativity of TikTok users when it comes to experimenting with new techniques. For several weeks, they've been using the hot glue gun as a go-to accessory for their makeup looks. The #hotgluegun hashtag has already exceeded 27 million views on the Chinese social network, and this is just the beginning.
@emblawigum trying the hot glue gun makeup trend again ib: @dom.skii @cutcreaser @Elaine Corredor ???? #makeuptrend #makeuptransformation original sound - Embla Wigum
So what purpose can a hot glue gun serve in a makeup session? The answer is simple: it's all about standing out, and embracing a more creative makeup look than ever. That's because the DIY tool is being used to create eyeliner shapes and other three-dimensional elements to craft beauty looks as sophisticated as those worn by Doja Cat, Charli XCX or even Beyoncé. That's it! And it's easy to achieve, so long as you follow a few rules and ― especially ― take a few precautions.
Don't use the glue gun directly on skin
While this trend might not be to everyone's taste, if only because of the equipment it requires, it's nevertheless within everyone's reach. It is, of course, necessary to get a hot glue gun, but these widely available and affordable. In addition, you'll need a metal plate, plus eye shadow or nail powder, as well as false eyelash glue. Once you've got all the tools and products, it's time to get to work ― or almost. Because before doing anything, it's important to understand that a hot glue gun must never ― ever ― be used in direct contact with the skin ― i.e. don't put the hot glue directly onto your face. Now that's totally clear, you can get started with this fun and creative technique.
Just grab your hot glue gun and the metal plate ― essentially a palette that makeup artists use to mix colours ― and then start making 3D shapes with the glue. Unless you handle the tool like a pro, it will probably take several tries before you get the shapes you want, but it's just a matter of practice, and patience. Then let the glue dry for several minutes, cover the shape with nail powder or eyeshadow, and then fix it to the face, usually the eyelids, with false eyelash glue. Et voilà!
Having gone viral, this trend has given rise to another trick on the Chinese social network. Called chrome makeup, its hashtag already has no less than 22 million views. This is a playful inspiration that seems to come straight from the 2000s and could shape up to be one of the makeup trends of the year. ― ETX Studio
@pinkmonadeee I hope the algorithm brought the people that wanted a tutorial back #makeuptutorial #makeupartist #makeup #makeuptransformation #viralmakeup #viralpost #chrome #chromenails #chromemakeup #mua #muacolombia #maquillaje #maquiadora #latina #latinmuas #makeuptrends #makeuptrend #viralvideo original sound - Kylie Jenner
