Fake Tan Lines Are TikTok’s Latest Makeup Obsession

Anyone who has gotten a sunburn knows they aren’t fun, but the conversation around sunscreen and wearing it this summer has been nothing short of contentious. Nara Smith, the TikTok creator famous for making food like bubble gum and cereal from scratch, made headlines after creating her own SPF at home. Other creators have garnered buzz for continuing to question the safety of using sunscreen (any derm will debunk these concerns in seconds), and most of us are just trying to find a formula that doesn’t leave behind a white cast. In short, sun protection (or the lack thereof) is on everyone’s mind, which likely led to the latest social media makeup trend that re-creates the look of a fresh sunburn. “Tan lines” makeup, started by creator Isa, features a Y2K-inspired faux-sunburnt look with the help of blush and lots of concealer.

Just when you thought that soft-girl and minimalist trends were going to take over beauty for the rest of the year, Y2K tan lines and “skunk” hair are back with a vengeance. The early 2000s aesthetics are not the most practica, but they are fun to look at. Ahead, everything you need to know about the TikTok viral tan line makeup trend.

The Inspiration

Despite the recent skepticism around sunscreen, Gen Z generally is way more diligent about sun protection than generations before them—in the early 2000s tanning beds were extremely popular, as were stickers that left behind a heart- or Playboy bunny-shaped icon. Because of this, pronounced tan lines have a nostalgic feeling and are strongly associated with the era. The trend calls on this early 2000s energy by not only re-creating a sunburn, but also the tan line of the accessories left on the body like pendant necklaces, chunky sunglasses, and tiny triangle bikini tops.

The video that kicked off the trend is credited to beauty TikToker Isa, whose original tutorial now has 1.4 million views with a bevy of creators making their own videos re-creating the look. On her Instagram post capturing the look, commenters made note of the hyperrealistic sunburnt paired with skinny brows and winged eyeliner. “A lil beach bunny serve” said one commenter, another added, “Me when I spend a few seconds at the beach.”

The Trend

Your first response to the trend might be negative, but it’s not really about promoting sun damage. It’s just another way to play with makeup and puts a summery twist on the Y2K beauty trend. It’s also been heavily featured in editorials like GQ China’s recent “Heat Stroke” photoshoot, as well as Slayyyter and Kim Petras’ 2000s-inspired album covers.

If you want to get in on the trend yourself, there are plenty of tutorials floating around TikTok—we particularly like one from creator @whosbeth_. She starts by prepping the skin with moisturizer mixed with bronzing drops for a sun-kissed effect. After that’s blended in, she applies a heavy amount of pink blush across her cheeks and nose—a key part of the look is the stark contrast between the bright pink blush and the pale concealer details.

Next, she sculpts her cheeks with cream bronzer as though she’s just got home from vacation. Then, she traces the outline of sunglasses around her eyes using a light concealer shade. She does the same thing to craft the outline of her bathing suit and Y2K star-pendant necklace.

While the sun-kissed complexion and pale outlines are standard across each creator’s video, they all add their own flair to the trend. Some opt to finish the look with lip gloss, eyeliner, and mascara.

We wouldn’t recommend wearing a concealer tan line to the office, but the trend is telling of Y2K’s influence, and our desire for fun, maximalist makeup looks that allow for a burst of creativity. And as long as creators are actually using SPF, we’re all for it.