TikTok's latest 'beauty' craze: using lube as a makeup primer TikTok's latest 'beauty' craze: using lube as a makeup primer

Over the past few years, there have been a number of skincare trends popularized by TikTok that have thrown the general public a bit off-kilter. Sunscreen face contouring, natural blush by pinching cheeks, or home microneedling to name a few. However, the latest viral trend might be the strangest yet: using lube as a makeup primer.

Primer or primer is used to help make-up apply more smoothly and precisely, achieving a smooth-looking base and keeping it in place until it's time to remove make-up. It also helps to correct certain aspects of the skin that make makeup not look as it should, providing hydration or correcting color, among others. Thanks to all its virtues, it is a basic element in any makeup kit.

There are currently several cult primers, such as The Porefessional by Benefit, Hydro Gilp Primer by Milk, Hangover Spray by Too Faced or Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer by Fenty Beauty. Although each of these primers treat different things, they have something in common: a high price.

Finding a cheap alternative has become a very important mission for makeup lovers and TikTok users, experts in creating crazy trends, think they have found the perfect solution: lube.

Makeup influencer Luke Ketuhok has posted several viral videos using Durex lubricant as a primer. Since then, the weird trend has taken off, with popular beauty content creator Sean Anthony recommending mixing base lube after saying it "works better than my regular primer" in another viral video.

@WilliamAPittman @Staya_Stray Thank you. I'll check it out. I don't want normal. That's the point. I don't want h… https://t.co/YTrpICjdUW

— Happy Buddha Sun Oct 25 22:26:54 +0000 2020

Natural makeup TikTok influencer Zak Heath also tested this odd trend, describing the lube as sticky enough to make foundation stick while leaving skin feeling hydrated.

However, dermatologists have come up in arms over all the ingredients in lubes that are best not put on the skin, like castor oil.

"There are many great primer options designed specifically for your face," cosmetic dermatologist Robert Finney explains to Nylon. "Durex Play 2-in-1 contains castor oil, which can clog pores and cause acne breakouts," explains the doctor. "While not everyone is acne prone and may tolerate this ingredient well, I still wouldn't recommend it," she adds.

Finney also commented that any lubricant that includes fragrances can cause allergic and irritating reactions, so it is best to keep it away from such delicate facial skin and opt for good low-cost primers.