How To Wear the 'Unrecognizable' Makeup Trend (2025)

E! Illustration/ Getty Images

The products featured in this article are from brands available inNBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases.

If you've been on social media in the last month, you've likely heard talk of the “unrecognizable” makeup trend in many viral videos.

The overall goal of this trend is to transform your face with makeup so beautifully that you become an unrecognizable version of yourself compared to the bare face you started with.

Fans of the clean girl aesthetic, it's time to move on. This trend is all about a dramatic transformation that maximizes your natural features and requires more than just a few makeup products.

You might be wondering how to wear the unrecognizable makeup trend. First of all, you don't have to be a makeup artist to nail the look—you just need the right tools. Lucky for you, our shopping experts have rounded up the beauty essentials you'll need below.

It's winter, so your skin might be a few shades lighter than when you feel your hottest. That means you'll need to start by crafting the look of warm, glowing skin.

Ditch the skin tint—you’ll need a full-coverage foundation for an even base, contour for a snatched nose and chiseled cheekbones, a sunny bronzer, and a popping highlighter.

The focal point of this glam look is black eyeliner, preferably worn on your waterline. Add mascara and lashes for the flirtiest possible eye look.

Finish off the look with a bold lip or a glossy nude, and don’t forget to set everything in place with a long-lasting setting spray.

The best part? This trend is all about transformation, so have fun experimenting and creating your own version of the unrecognizable makeup look below.

The perfect "unrecognizable makeup" starts with a glowy base.

This everyday invisible SPF 30 primer will not only give skin a healthy glow, it will help prevent sun spots, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and make skin look bouncy and youthful thanks to ingredients such as niacinamide, spirulina maxima extract, and sodium hyaluronate.

Looking for a budget-friendly alternative?

Check out the Moira Cosmetics Illuminating Glow primer. This $14 weightless gel primer is enriched with micro-pearls and light-reflecting minerals for instant radiance.

You'll need to chisel your face with light and shadow to look truly unrecognizable.

This palette from Moira Cosmetics has everything you need to sculpt the cheekbones, nose, and jawline of your dreams.

The Face Sculpt Liquid contour provides long-lasting buildable coverage, plus transfer resistance without feeling sticky or oily.

Plus, it's small enough that this liquid contour can easily be stashed in your cosmetics bag, work bag, or even your pocket.

This viral bronzer-contour tool keep your face looking bronzed and snatched, even on days when you don't wear makeup!

Just apply and blend like you would your normal bronzer, and the product will develop into a healthy golden glow.

Instantly transform your face with a gorgeous wash of color.

This bronzer compact was inspired by founder KimChi's favorite cartoon series.

The easiest way to extend your makeup down your neck and to your collar bone? With products specifically formulated for your face and body.

This creamy powder with an ultra-fine pearl formula is made with natural oils, including sweet almond, coconut, sunflower, and vitamin E, so it's ultra hydrating.

Transform your face by taming your brows.

This brow gel helps your brows to look fuller and more defined. This product is water resistant and it's on sale now!

The key to the "unrecognizable" makeup trend is a good eyeliner. "I have never come across one as black and juicy as this one," commerce writer Alexa Vazquez says.

"The tip is ultra thin and perfect for crafting sharp, precise winged liner. Plus, it won't dry out like so many competitors."