2010s 'Instagram' / YouTube Guru

Cut crease, heavy full-coverage foundation, baking, dip-brow (blocky brows), matte liquid lipstick, blinding highlighter.

2010s 'Instagram' / YouTube Guru is a full-glam, highly structured makeup style that dominated social media during the mid-to-late 2010s. Characterized by its flawlessly matte complexion, dramatically carved pomade eyebrows, precise cut creases, and blindingly metallic highlighter, this look prioritizes maximum coverage and sharp definition. Originating from online beauty influencers, it remains a nostalgic yet powerful choice for photography and formal events where bold, flawless artistry is desired.

To create 2010s 'Instagram' / YouTube Guru, start by sculpting blocky, carved-out brows using pomade and concealer. Blend a sharp cut crease paired with dramatic false lashes and thick winged eyeliner. Stipple on full-coverage matte foundation and bright concealer, generously bake the under-eyes, heavily contour the cheekbones, and finish with a metallic highlight and over-lined matte liquid lips.

Full Look Face/Base Eyes Brows Lips Glamorous Matte Bold Sharp Party Photography Formal Event

~18 min 6 steps 23 products

The Kit

Brow Pomade
Stiff Angled Brush
Full-Coverage Concealer
Flat Concealer Brush
Warm Matte Eyeshadows
Fluffy Blending Brush
Shimmer Eyeshadow
Black Liquid Eyeliner
Dramatic False Lashes
Lash Glue
Pore-Filling Primer
Full-Coverage Matte Foundation
Damp Makeup Sponge
Translucent Loose Powder
Matte Contour Powder
Angled Contour Brush
Matte Bronzer
Fluffy Powder Brush
Setting Spray
Metallic Powder Highlighter
Fan Brush
Dark Nude Lip Liner
Matte Liquid Lipstick

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How to Create 2010s 'Instagram' / YouTube Guru

Sculpt Bold Brows

Outline and fill the brows with a dark brow pomade using a stiff angled brush, creating a highly structured, blocky shape. Carve out the underside with full-coverage concealer and a flat concealer brush to starkly highlight the brow bone.
Create Cut Crease

Sweep warm matte eyeshadows into the crease with a fluffy blending brush, then use a flat concealer brush and concealer to carve a sharp half-moon on the lid. Pack shimmer eyeshadow onto the wet concealer, finishing with thick black liquid eyeliner and dramatic false lashes.
Apply Heavy Base

Prime the skin with a pore-filling primer, then stipple a thick layer of full-coverage matte foundation all over the face using a damp makeup sponge. Apply bright full-coverage concealer in large triangles under the eyes, down the bridge of the nose, and on the center of the forehead.
Bake and Contour

Press a generous amount of translucent loose powder under the eyes and below the cheekbones with a damp makeup sponge to bake the face. Use an angled contour brush to apply cool-toned matte contour powder to the cheek hollows, then warm the perimeter with matte bronzer.
Apply Blinding Highlight

Dust away the bake with a fluffy powder brush and drench the face in setting spray. While the skin is still slightly damp, intensely apply a metallic powder highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones, tip of the nose, and cupid's bow using a fan brush.
Paint Matte Lips

Overline the lips slightly with a dark nude lip liner to create a fuller, highly defined pout. Fill in the entire lip area with a long-wearing, ultra-matte liquid lipstick in a complementary mauve or nude shade.

Pro Tips

When carving out your cut crease or the underside of your eyebrows, use a very dense, flat synthetic brush and a small amount of high-coverage concealer for the sharpest possible lines.
To prevent your ultra-matte liquid lipstick from cracking or severely drying out your lips, gently exfoliate and apply a hydrating lip mask at the very beginning of your makeup routine, wiping it off just before applying your lip liner.
Baking with translucent powder works best when the powder is pressed firmly into damp, creaseless concealer with a sponge; ensure you look upward while applying the powder to the under-eyes to lock the skin in a smooth position.

Common Questions

What is 2010s Instagram makeup?

It is a highly stylized, full-glam makeup aesthetic popularized by early beauty influencers, featuring heavy contouring, baking, cut-crease eyeshadow, and matte liquid lipstick. The look is entirely focused on achieving a flawless, intensely sculpted face that looks perfect on camera.

What products do I need for a 2010s YouTube Guru makeup look?

You will need high-coverage staples including brow pomade, full-coverage matte foundation, bright concealer, and translucent baking powder. For color cosmetics, grab a metallic powder highlighter, warm matte eyeshadows, dramatic false lashes, and an ultra-matte liquid lipstick.

Is the 2010s Instagram makeup style good for beginners?

Because this style involves advanced techniques like cut creases, heavy baking, and severe contouring, it is generally considered difficult for absolute beginners. However, practicing the individual steps can dramatically improve your overall makeup blending and shaping skills.

How long does a 2010s Instagram full glam look take to complete?

Due to the sheer number of steps, layering, and precision required, this full-glam routine typically takes anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour. It requires dedicated time for blending out heavy base products and meticulously carving out the brows and eyeshadow.

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