‘Why does this save you time?’: Anne Hathaway baffled by the viral plastic wrap makeup hack

From unusual skincare routines to time-saving makeup tricks, TikTok beauty trends rarely run out of surprises. But one viral technique has left even Hollywood stars Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson wondering whether social media beauty hacks have gone too far.

During an appearance on Allure's YouTube channel, the actors watched and reacted to trending beauty and lifestyle videos. One clip featured a bizarre makeup technique involving plastic cling wrap, prompting some rather candid reactions from the two stars.

Dakota's response was immediate. “What is wrong with people?” she asked, clearly questioning the need for such an elaborate beauty routine. Anne, too, seemed unable to make sense of what she was watching, admitting, “I don't understand.”

What Is The Viral Plastic Wrap Makeup Trend?

Dubbed the “makeup meal prep” hack, the technique involves preparing an entire base makeup look on a sheet of plastic wrap the night before wearing it. Instead of applying products directly to the skin, users map out their foundation, concealer, blush and bronzer on the plastic sheet, hoping to make getting ready the following morning quicker.

The trend was popularised on TikTok by UK-based beauty creator Sam Begum. The process involves using a clean sheet of cling wrap to outline the placement of different makeup products before leaving the prepared sheet aside overnight.

The next morning, the makeup-covered plastic is pressed against the face and carefully removed, transferring the products onto the skin. The resulting patches are then blended using a makeup brush or sponge, followed by setting powder to complete the base.

The idea is to get a head start on the morning routine by doing some of the work in advance. However, watching the process unfold left Hathaway questioning whether the effort actually paid off.

Anne Hathaway Wants To Know How It Saves Time

As the demonstration continued, Anne appeared particularly confused by the idea of doing an entire round of makeup preparation the night before.

Once she understood that the creator was essentially transferring pre-applied products from plastic wrap onto her face the next day, the actor raised a question that seemed to sum up her scepticism: “Why does this save you time?”

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Her confusion is understandable. While the hack moves the initial application process to the previous evening, it does not necessarily spare users from the usual steps involved in creating a seamless makeup look. The transferred products can still require considerable blending to achieve an even finish.

Dakota, meanwhile, seemed ready to abandon the entire experiment. Reacting to the trend, she jokingly suggested that people could put their phones away, head outdoors, take a walk, sit beneath a tree or spend some time reading a book instead.

Is The Plastic Wrap Makeup Hack Worth Trying?

The appeal of the trend lies in its promise of a quicker morning routine, particularly for those who spend considerable time applying their base makeup. However, transferring products from a plastic sheet does not guarantee an even application.

Foundation, concealer, blush and bronzer may land unevenly on the skin, requiring users to spend additional time blending and correcting the placement. When the previous night's preparation is factored in, the technique may not offer the time-saving advantage it promises.

There are also hygiene concerns to consider. Leaving makeup products on a sheet of plastic overnight may expose them to dust or contamination, while the method itself is not a substitute for using clean makeup tools and following product instructions.

Ultimately, the hack may appeal to curious beauty enthusiasts willing to experiment, but it is hardly a guaranteed shortcut. And judging by Hathaway and Johnson's reactions, this particular TikTok trend has some explaining to do before it wins over sceptics.