TikTok’s Newest Foundation Hack—Does It Actually Work?

The Hype: Water-Mix & Glaze-Fluid Trends
If you scroll through beauty TikToks lately, two trends dominate: mixing your foundation with water to create an ultra-light, glowy finish, and blending in a “glazing fluid” to give your base a luminous sheen. The water-mix hack claims to thin out the foundation for more “breathable” wear, while the glazing fluid method (popularized by celebs like Hailey Bieber) adds glow and glow alone. Byrdie+2Teen Vogue+2

What the Experts Say (and What I Tested)
Makeup artists warn that mixing water only works if your foundation is water-based—silicone or oil-based formulas won’t mesh well and may cause separation. Byrdie In real-life tests, the water-mix hack can yield a dewier finish and lower transfer, but it also tends to be messy, wasteful, and inconsistent. Byrdie+1 As for the glazing fluid trick, when you add a liquid luminous serum to your base, it transforms the look—giving a softer, skin-like glow without heavy layering. Byrdie+1

In my own test, I tried both approaches. The water-mix version felt light but felt hard to control—too much water and the finish blurred unevenly. The glazing fluid mix gave a more controlled radiance, but it also limited how much coverage I could achieve.

When (and When Not) to Use These Hacks
Use the water-mix hack when you’re going for a sheer, glowing look and already have a water-based foundation. Skip it when you want coverage, long wear, or consistency. The glazing fluid method is better suited when you want dewy skin but still maintain control over texture—especially for photos or events.

Avoid both hacks if your skin is oily or tends to separate makeup over time. They can compromise wearability under humidity or activity. And always patch test first—diluting or introducing new liquids may irritate sensitive skin.

Velvo's Takeaway
TikTok beauty hacks shine brightest as inspiration—not prescriptions. The water-mix trick and glazing fluid method can deliver glow, but they’re not universal solutions. Use them purposefully, with the right base formulas, and always put skin (and comfort) first. Because glowing doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to feel like you.