Conceal the Deal: Is Too Much Foundation Enough?

After TikTok sensation Meredith Duxbury went viral for the amount of foundation and her technique she uses, it left me wondering if less is more or if more is more. TikTok star @Meredithduxbury started a unique cosmetic trend. Where the application of the products is excessive but looks flawless on video. Her technique is to blend the makeup with her hands. While the entertainment factor that keeps viewers interested is while Meredith Duxbury applies her makeup, she lip-sings along to iconic well-known songs. Some artists she’s sings too are by Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion. Giving her videos more than nine million views. Now, countless beauty deals.

Meredith Duxbury was born in England, on January 21, 1999. She made her TikTok debut in March of 2020. She was noticed and associated with her cosplay as Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn. But then quickly became an iconic makeup trendsetter.

Meredith has appeared on the majority of TikTok user’s "For You Page" (FYP). TikTok users often hashtag their videos with #FYP in hopes their content will make it onto other users’ FYP, thereby getting more views. This was/is a strategic method Meredith and other TikTok users, used to share their content and it went viral.

As a result of Meredith utilizing this TikTok-FYP-strategy, she has caught the attention of beauty lovers and professional makeup artists globally. But most viewers are experiencing mixed opinions on Meredith’s makeup techniques. Here's the routine; First, she applies primer or moisturizer, then pours an excessive amount of foundation on the back of her hand, and then applies it to her face with the back of a makeup brush. She then applies another excessive amount of foundation then rubs it in with her hands. Lastly, she finishes the makeup look off with bronzer, blush, lip-gloss, or lipstick, and an amazing eye catching-eye look.

Many sources say the best blending tool is your hand. But, professional makeup artists have a different opinion. One such makeup artist is Scott Barnes; considered a makeup legend because he has worked with Jennifer Lopez for over 20 years. Many critics say he is more experienced and more reliable than Meredith because he has been practicing makeup longer than she has been alive. Barnes has indicated that too much foundation only looks good under certain lightings—like an LED ring light for a video. He has given alternative beauty tips to give a full coverage look, but without excessive use of makeup. Meredith disagrees; she has said that her makeup looks flawless on and off-camera.

Meredith's makeup techniques are long-lasting for her, but is her career on TikTok? After receiving six million followers she went on to celebrate. Shortly after, her TikTok account was hacked. Luckily, she recovered and re-gained seven million followers. This goes to show, her fan base grows by the day. Despite the parody videos mimicking her makeup skills, many people follower her and interact with her videos. Whether people follower her for makeup tips or entertainment, she continues to post videos dripping foundation on her face to Nicki Minaj bops.

Many of Meredith’s fans and supporters wonder what her career journey will look like in the future. There is no doubt Meredith has kept us all wondering. As we’ve seen she has signed with Evolve Modeling Agency and is becoming a social notable TikTok influencer. Meredith has continued to surprise us with her countless makeup looks. Can we say the excessive foundation and concealer are worth the hype? Yes, because she concealed the deal.