TikTok users swear by the 4-2-4 method for naturally radiant makeup in record time. Photo: AFP
How would you like to get a few minutes' extra sleep, without having to neglect your makeup routine, and still achieve a naturally radiant complexion?
That's the promise of the 2-4-2 method, which is going viral on TikTok.
Accessible to novices, this technique can ensure impeccable makeup in less than 10 minutes, and without having to break the bank. What more could you ask for?
Contrary to what some might think, this magic formula has absolutely nothing to do with soccer team formations.
It's in a completely different field – that of makeup – that this mysterious 2-4-2 code applies.
The idea is simply to rely on a relatively small selection of beauty products to optimise your makeup routine, without compromising on the final look, and in record time.
According to users of the Chinese social network, this technique saves them so much time in the morning that they can even sleep longer.
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This beauty tip is undoubtedly one of the simplest out there on TikTok, requiring no experience, dexterity or technical skill.
While it's by no means creative, it does allow users to express themselves according to their tastes and desires, and above all, to choose the products they wish to use.
So what's so special about this method? Well, it's simple: it's all about limiting your makeup routine to a small number of products, eight in this case: two for eyes, four for face and two for lips.
This golden rule guarantees a more natural makeup look, without compromising on radiance and glow, or on the quality of makeup application – quite the contrary – and, as we've seen, it saves time.
Four products for face
Such is the success of the 2-4-2 rule that associated hashtags have already garnered over 15 million views.
A glance at the various videos shows that users can pick the products they prefer, without any restrictions, as long as they don't exceed the set number.
However, some content creators recommend a discreet eyeshadow and mascara for the eyes, a light foundation, tinted moisturiser or base, as well as a concealer, a sun-kissed bronzing powder and a blush for the face, and a pencil and gloss for the lips.
These products are perfect for daytime makeup, but can be replaced by more opaque textures and bolder shades for evening looks.
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That's not to say that this tip is revolutionary – it isn't – but it does have the merit of saving precious time without botching your beauty routine.
It also has the merit of being simple, effective and, of course, without any health risk.
It now remains to be seen whether this golden rule will herald a return to more natural beauty looks, which began to take hold during the pandemic, but which have been facing competition in recent months from trends such as vampire bimbo core, pumpkin spice makeup and martini makeup. – AFP Relaxnews
