I Tested TikTok’s “Unapproachable Makeup” Trend, and It Actually Worked! After Deactivating My Instagram, I’ve Fully Embraced TikTok for Over Three Months.

After deactivating my Instagram account late last year, I’ve completely immersed myself in TikTok for over three months. It’s become my go-to platform for discovering new hair hacks, celebrity gossip, and trending makeup styles. Earlier this year, I experimented with contrast makeup, which embraced elements tailored to personal preference, but my new fascination is “unapproachable makeup,” a bold and striking aesthetic. But what does it entail? Typically, it’s characterized by vivid, heavy eye makeup featuring deep, dark shades, stark contouring, and rich lip colors, all meant to project a sense of mystery and allure — perhaps even a hint of intimidation, thus the name “unapproachable.”

As I navigate this phase of my life, my goal is the complete opposite of what unapproachable makeup embodies. Honestly, I *want* men to come up to me. Not just casual conversation — I’m talking proposals and plans for family! (I’m being transparently candid here.) Yet, during my outings, I’ve found that this isn’t happening, so it was clear it was time for a makeup transformation.

I’m a minimalist when it comes to makeup. I prefer light coverage foundations and dislike the feeling of a heavy face of makeup. My standard routine includes a hydrating skincare regimen topped off with a lightweight tinted SPF, just a touch of eye makeup, bronzer, and blush.

This time, however, I opted for something completely new. To achieve a nourished base, I used the Refy Face Sculpt Moisturizer ($50) combined with the Refy Glow and Sculpt Primer ($34).

Refy Face Sculpt Moisturizer

From

$50

$50 at Sephora

Refy Glow and Sculpt Primer

From

$34

$34 at Sephora

Next, I went bold with my eye makeup, employing several of my favorite palettes including the Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette ($70) and the Charlotte Tilbury Beautifying Eye Trends Palette ($60). For an extra touch, I even applied false lashes – something I rarely do – with the help of Ardell Naked Press On Pre-Glued Lashes ($9), which simplified the process.

Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette

From

$70

$70 at Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Beautifying Eye Trends Palette

From

$60

$60 at Sephora

Ardell Naked Press On Pre-Glued Lashes

From

$9

$9 at Ulta

Instead of skipping foundation, I applied the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Foundation ($69) along with an intense contour. I added eyeliner to my waterline, layered on blush generously, and finished with a brown lip liner paired with lipstick.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Foundation

From

$69

$69 at Sephora

Ultimately, I didn’t look drastically different — I still resembled my usual self, in my view — but others had varying opinions. I shared a TikTok of my unapproachable makeup look before heading out that night, and one comment really stood out: “You look so different with makeup.” Intended as an insult, it coincidentally aligned perfectly with my goals. Boosted by that remark, I felt ready to present my transformed self to the world.

I stepped out feeling empowered, attractive, and just a tad intimidating. My friends and I dined at one of our local favorites, which also serves as a popular spot for singles, and… the reactions? To say they were mild would be generous. No men approached me, although three women complimented my striking makeup. In conclusion? The unapproachable makeup certainly had an impact, but not in the expected way. It didn’t keep anyone from talking to me (my natural resting face probably handled that part), but it significantly boosted my confidence and made me feel fabulous. While it might be too much for everyday wear, I’d encourage anyone curious to give this intense look a try — a little excitement can be refreshing!

Renee Rodriguez (she/her) is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, specializing in fashion and beauty content, particularly reviews and editor experiments. She also curates social content for PS’s TikTok and Instagram.