How Gen-Zers ward off unwanted attention: Young women boast about layering on thick makeup to make them ‘unapproachable’
Young women have found a new way to fend off unwanted attention from men – by choosing to transform their faces with ‘unapproachable makeup’.
The hashtag #UnapproachableMakeup has been viewed 91.3 million times on TikTok, with thousands of women flaunting their very bold makeup looks as a way to “scare off men.”
The unapproachable makeup look eschews the soft and natural approach in favor of full-on glam – with many opting for dark eyes, full lips and chiseled cheekbones.
British makeup artist Brooke Ellis, who uses the handle @brookeellismakeup on TikTok where she posts incredible, dramatic cosmetic transformations, created a remarkable example of the look in a clamp.
During the video, which is simply titled “Unapproachable Makeup Trend…Intimidating Girl Makeup,” the artist shows off strong smoky eyes alongside dramatic lashes, chiseled cheeks, defined lips and dramatic waves in her hair.
British makeup artist Brooke Ellis (pictured with the unapproachable makeup look) showcases her incredible talent on TikTok creating dramatic transformations
Another TikTok makeup creator, Gabrielle (pictured), showed off her version of the look, combining a bold, smokey eye with chiseled cheeks, plump lips and a dewy, glowy complexion
Another TikTok creator Gabrielle, using the handle @gabxxriellealso made a video showing off the look.
US-based TikTokker Megi Hebeja – known on the platform as @megihebeja – explained the phenomenon explicitly in a video.
When sharing the post, she wrote, “My ‘unapproachable’ makeup look. For when you don’t have pepper spray.’
She demonstrated how she creates her own stunning, unapproachable makeup look and described why she chooses this aesthetic.
According to Megi, “(There’s) nothing I love more than ripping men off, and nothing about ripping them off than the fact that you look so good they’re too scared to approach you.”
The TikTokker began creating what she describes as “my unapproachable makeup look,” explaining that she “learned a thing or two about not allowing men to approach me when I go out without my boyfriend.”
She continues: “I found out that this makeup look is honestly one of them…
“Now I’m not saying that every guy who goes out is just trying to persuade you to go home with him.
US-based TikTokker Megi Hebeja (pictured) gave an explicit explanation as to why she chooses to wear a makeup look that is unapproachable – and why it works to prevent men from approaching her when she doesn’t want them to
“Some guys just hit you because they think you’re pretty, and this isn’t about them.
“This is about the guys who, when you go out, naturally think that if they come up to you and hit you, they’re going to go home with you. For example, it doesn’t happen.’
She added that while many people believe they will be approached when they are free if they look attractive, this is often not the case as looking too attractive can be intimidating.
As she explained, “I think it’s really funny when guys get rejected in bars and then start questioning their own masculine energy.”
To complete her makeup, Megi created strong, defined brows, a smoky winged eyeliner look with extra liner and a heavy dose of mascara, and defined cheeks with blusher and highlighter.
Another TikToker @lottiestarrs shared a video clip showing off her “intimidating makeup look,” opting for heavy eyeliner and a thick lipliner.