Instagram Users Are Employing Wax to Administer DIY Nose Jobs

Fake Nose Job
STOCKSY

These videos are awe-inspiring.

Been on Instagram for even a second during the past few months? Then you’ve definitely experienced viral videos of women removing their makeup with astonishing before-and-after results via the Discovery page. But these women aren’t just wiping away a little foundation and mascara—they’re literally deconstructing their faces by removing their colored contacts, pulling off their false lashes, un-taping their jaws (face-slimming tape is in vogue), and, brace yourself, removing their fake, sculpted noses.

The latest trend to go viral on social media (or, at least, new to the American masses): using wax to give yourself a temporary Nose Job.

This innovative sleight of hand, with origins in Asia (mainly China), where makeup-obsessed women have been sculpting their faces with wax in conjunction with their beauty routines. Thanks to the magic of social media, the rest of the world is finally just now seeing it in action.

If you read the vast array of comments that accompany the videos—which can be downright addictive—you’ll see one question echoed over and over again: “HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?” along with serious speculation about what these women are using to shape their noses.

In spite of numerous theories, it’s not, in fact, clay, or putty, or a prosthetic nose—it’s just some special effects face wax—mystery solved, thanks to some intensive Internet research.

“You can change the shape of anything on your face, like the nose, brow bone, chin, etc., using a wax like Ben Nye Nose & Scar Wax,” says professional makeup artist Lottie. “It will take practice, but it’s not super difficult—you just use a tiny amount of wax at a time, roll it into a ball or a skinny, snake-like strip—depending on where you’re placing it—and then press it onto your skin to form the shape you want.”

Lottie also advises that you’ll want to first apply some adhesive to your skin, such as spirit gum or Pros Aide, to keep the wax from melting or becoming gummy throughout the day. “Once the shape is right, you can smoothly blend the edges into your skin using your finger and some water or Vaseline.”

Ben-Nye Nose Wax
Courtesy of Image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently stipple your concealer and/or foundation over the wax, as if it’s part of your face (because it sort of is now) and do your makeup as usual. Finally, scrape it off at the end of the day! Boom—that simple. With a bit of practice, you can get an at-home Nose Job, Chin Job, Cheek Job, whatever tickles your fancy.

And listen—sculpting your face with a hunk of wax every day may or may not be your thing, but just as your mother always said, to each their own. Whether you want to copy the trend at home, or you’re just satisfied knowing this is WTF you’ve been seeing on Instagram, you have to agree that the videos are at the very least incredibly fun to watch.