Why TikTokers are whipping foundation with electric milk frothers

Whip it good: Your electric milk frother can now be part of both your morning coffee routine and skincare ritual.

As part of a new beauty fad, TikTok users are diluting their foundations using water and combining it using frothers, the kitchen appliance usually reserved for lattes.

Dubbed “makeup frothing,” devotees say it results in a lighter, whipped texture and creates a dewier look on the skin rather than matte.

Some TikTok users also claim it’s less likely to stain clothing and makes a bottle of foundation last a lot longer — a savvy move given inflation.

Another viral makeup hack for “frothing” encourages people to get the most out of their products by combining them with water to aerate them. The other technique involves putting their foundation in water before applying it with a brush to their face for a similar dewy effect.


TikTok users have been frothing their foundation and loving the results.
TikTok users have been frothing their foundation and loving the results.
TikTok/avonnasunshine

They say frothing liquid foundation with water gives it a mousse like texture.
They say frothing liquid foundation with water gives it a mousse-like texture.
TikTok/christineabrahamm

They swear it gives them a dewier look.
They swear it gives them a dewier look.
TikTok/avonnasunshine

In one video that has been viewed over 131,500 times, content creator Avonna Sunshine combines her liquid foundation with some water using a small electric frother and says she swears by the results.

“CALL ME CRAZY but this is GENIUS,” she captioned the clip, posting several follow-up clips showing the process.

Most of the users online don’t specify the ratio of water to foundation they use, but report it feeling “mousse-like” when applied.

Yet another technique includes mixing with makeup setting spray, which some say helps them avoid having to reapply products later in the day.

Experts are unsure if the trick actually elevates your makeup look or is clinically sound. Board-certified dermatologist Ryan Karmouta told Yahoo Life that, in some cases, adding water may unbalance any active ingredients found in the product.

Karmouta also said there can be some concerns from a health perspective, especially if the instrument isn’t sanitized properly.

“Using non-sterile or dirty instruments along with water may increase the risk of bacterial contamination,” he explained. “For instance, if you normally keep your electric frother in the kitchen and fail to sanitize it before trying this makeup hack, it could cause skin problems.”

He also advises using the product immediately if you do froth it to avoid it growing mold, fungi or bacteria.

The latest hack for dewy makeup follows another TikTok trend called “marinated makeup,” which can achieve a similar finish. However, since it requires beauty buffs to put on makeup before bedtime, experts warn of similar consequences due to bacteria.

“Makeup can trap dirt and environmental pollutants inside the skin,” NYC dermatologist Dr. Sue Ann Wee told Byrdie, noting it can ultimately cause “DNA mutations, collagen degradation, and, over time, can result in premature aging.”

“Sleeping with makeup on is not a good idea.”