TikTok's 92i Makeup Is the New Way to Go Glam

TikTok is a hub for all things beauty. Like Pinterest, it gives you makeup inspiration at a glance while allowing for an in-depth tutorial, such as those from YouTube’s beauty vlogger era. Given that, the arrival of 92imakeup, the latest trend to hit the platform, should be no surprise. If you’ve spent time scrolling through the app, you probably noticed the hashtag and were confused by the name. Unlike butter skin or other clearly defined trends, 92i doesn’t exactly allude to anything. However, the trend is gaining steam for its nostalgic look.

Based on the full-coverage makeup looks that dominated the 2010s, 92i blends full-coverage techniques with modern aesthetics. The result is a pared-down version of the sharp looks we loved (then ditched) during the era’s best years, so why has it suddenly resurfaced? Celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno notes that the heavy influence of Y2K nostalgia is partly to blame. “This trend reignites the best of the 2000s with a twist, offering a deeper connection to identity and femininity,” he adds. Part Kim Kardashian circa 2016, and every glazed and glowy Hailey Bieber look, 92i makeup is the latest way to do full-coverage glam. Equally impressive is the trend’s origin story, which has roots in French and Latina makeup trends. Ahead, we chatted with celeberity makeup artist Christian Briceno for all the details on this unique makeup look.

What is 92i makeup?

The 92i makeup trend isn’t new. Like all things in beauty, the look is simply the latest version of an older trend. In this case, it’s the full coverage makeup popularized in the 2010s, more specifically in 2016. Full coverage foundation, heavy layers of concealer and blush are all part of the trend. However, what sets 92i apart from its predecessor is small details and modern touches, such as glowing skin and slimmer brows. In 2016, you’d be hard-pressed to find a makeup tutorial that didn’t begin with carving out the brows. It involved using concealer to outline the brows for a sharp shape, before filling them in with a dark pencil or powder. 921 also uses the carving method to create a slimmer shape. The result is a blend of the old and new looks — think shape from brow lamination and color you’d get from microblading.

Another big difference between 92i and 2016 makeup is the finish. With many modern makeup trends adhering to glowy or radiant finishes, it’s no surprise that 92i follows suit. Unlike the matte full-coverage looks of the 2010s, this style is uplifted by luminosity. The skin is glowy, but there’s no need for highlighters. 92i is all about a glow from within and uses a handful of luminous base products, such as glowy primers, tints and foundations, to achieve the desired look. Shaping the face is also a similar element of this trend. If you recall, makeup looks of the 2010s often used heavy contours to create a striking, chisled look. While 92i also gives adds structure and shape, it relies on shimmery bronzers in deep tones instead of cream or matte bronzers. This creates a sun-kissed glow while contouring the face and has a much softer finish.

Where did 92i makeup start?

The consensus on TikTok as to where 92i makeup originated from is split between two camps. Most of the videos refer to it as a mashup between 2016 styles and the Latina baddie makeup trend. It’s hard to deny the many similarities it has to these prominent styles. Both require full-coverage makeup with full lashes, defined lips and matte to soft matte finishes. The other camp suggests that the trend originated in France and is the antithesis of classic French girl makeup. In actuality both sides are right. According to Briceno, the 92i makeup trend first took off in France in the early 2000s, inspired by the fusion of French luxury and street culture aesthetic. But it also has similar characteristics to the soft glam looks seen with the Latina makeup trend. It trades lightweight skin tints and washes of blush for porcelain skin and a vivid flush of color on the cheeks. The result is a less effortless look that delivers main character energy upon finishing.

How to do 92i makeup

After prepping your skin with a hydrating skincare routine and priming it with oil-control products, reach for a full coverage foundation and begin applying it to your face. Briceno mentions that while 92i makeup can be personalized the base is usually created the same way. “The undereye highlight should be dramatic, with a concealer 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation,” he says. Moving on to bronzer, he recommends using a heavy hand to add warmth and depth to the skin. “You can be generous with the product in this step, especially around the forehead, jawline and the cheekbones. The goal is to be super-sculpted, so play up your features and accent their angles.” The same more-is-more ethos goes with your eye makeup. The brows should be sharp and intensely dark, while the eyes can have a light shimmer or metallic shadow. No full coverage look is complete without fluffy lashes. To finish off your 92i makeup, Briceno recommends using a volumizing mascara and falsies or individual lash inserts.

Beauty Products