TikTok's "Man-Eater" Makeup Trend Will Chew You Up

It's no secret that the way you wear your makeup influences how people interact with you, and vice versa. Many of the trends we've seen so far this year fall straight into the "soft girl" aesthetic, like "tomato girl" and "sugar plum fairy" makeup, but the latest look taking over TikTok is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. While summer had us embracing natural, subdued looks, winter is all about something much more authoritative: "man-eater" makeup.

The hashtag #maneatermakeup has 1.7 million views on TikTok and counting, and thousands of users have been trying it out and putting their own spin on the trend. People often call the look "fierce" and "unapproachable," but everyone agrees: it looks damn good. It's become the go-to for badass b*tches who want to put their best face forward, while at the same time look intimidating AF.

If you're interested in learning more about the trend, we chatted with two makeup experts who break down everything to know about man-eater makeup, including what it is and how you can achieve the look at home.

"One of the latest trends to take over TikTok, man-eater makeup is all about embracing your inner femme fatale," Sam Kyle, creative development, design, and makeup artist at Mirabella, tells POPSUGAR. "Equal parts mysterious, seductive, and powerful, this captivating makeup aesthetic combines dark moody eyes, strong contouring, and striking lips." With the holiday season upon us, Kyle says it's the perfect time to say goodbye to soft glam and fully embrace this dramatic, somewhat intimidating look.

"Man-eater makeup is a simple but powerful look perfect for date nights or a night out," Naseeha Khan, makeup artist and cofounder of CTZN Cosmetics, says. "The look can be defined by a sharp winged liner, smoky eye, long lashes, and overlined glossy lips."

The good news is that this look works for everyone. "The overwhelming popularity of this makeup look is due largely to its intent to evoke self-confidence and empowerment," Kyle says. "This look champions unique style and experimentation with makeup no matter your skin tone, eye color, or face shape."

Ready to take the trend for a spin? Here's how to get the look at home. First, start with your normal skin-care routine, taking extra care to moisturize and apply a primer that will help make your base makeup last. Our current favorite is the Refy Glow and Sculpt Face Primer ($34). Then, apply a full-coverage foundation like the Mirabella Invincible For All Anti-Aging HD Foundation ($45) all over the face. From there, apply concealer to brighten your under-eye and target any blemishes or discoloration. "Top [your] foundation with a translucent setting powder to blur and magnify where needed," Kyle says.

This look does require some contouring, so grab your favorite palette; ours is the Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Kit ($40). "Apply contour to the cheekbones, jawline, along the sides of the nose, and around the top of the forehead," Kyle says. As for the highlight, dust it onto the tip of your nose, cupid's bow, tops of cheekbones, and middle of the forehead.

The crux of this makeup look is the winged eyes, so you'll want to pay special attention to getting them just right. Khan recommends starting with an eye primer to ensure the look lasts. Then, "take a fluffy brush and a medium brown shadow like the CTZN Eye Elements ($30) and simply work the shadow into the crease and blend over toward the outer corner for the smoked-out look. Drag the eyeshadow out a little bit to make it more defined," Khan says.

Once you've got your buffed-out smoky eye, create a dramatic look using a black liquid liner pen. "Create a winged line on the top lash line, then extend the line into the inner corner of the eyes and create a smaller wing in the tear duct," Kyle says. If you want to go for an extra wow factor, Kyle suggests using a creamy liner pencil (we love the GXVE Beauty Line it Up Waterproof Eyeliner ($20)) in black to frame the top and bottom lash lines before smudging a dark pressed powder shadow across the lower lash line. Kyle says this will give you the ultimate blurred smoky effect — perfect for bringing the smolder.

To finish up the eyes, use a volumizing mascara. "To bring all the drama, consider cutting a pair of false lashes in half and applying the longer piece of the lashes to the outer half of the eyes to create a sultry fox eye effect," Kyle says. Then, use a clear brow gel to shape your brows before filling in any sparse areas with a brow pencil.

As for the lips, use a bold lip liner to define the lips, then fill them in with a lipstick to create the illusion of fuller, plump lips. Then, coat them in a glossy lip gloss like the Fenty Gloss Bomb ($26). The last step is to spritz a setting spray like the Mirabella Bulletproof Matte Setting Spray ($25), which will ensure your look will last for hours.