"Sandbagging" Is About to Become Your Go-To Makeup Technique
You'll swear by it this summer.

Sandbagging is the latest makeup/contouring trend taking over the internet, but here's the thing, it's not exactly new. It was actually back in August that Kim Kardashian's makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic initially posted a makeup how-to showcasing the game-changing setting trick. Regardless, we're just relieved to have this technique in our repertoire in time for summer.
Basically, sandbagging is about sopping up grease. All you have to do is use a sponge to cake on loose powder over foundation, focusing specifically on the areas underneath the eyes and around the bottom edges of the lips. After the powder is applied, you wait a few minutes for it to set—the idea being that it absorbs oils from the skin and ensures that those areas will stay ultra-smooth and matte throughout the day.
A post shared by MAKEUP BY MARIO (@makeupbymario)
A photo posted by on
In addition to putting a stop to excess oil, sandbagging also ensures that your eye makeup and lipstick won't melt outside the lines—which makes our feline-flicked, red-lipped dreams for summer that much more feasible. And if its face sweat-safeguarding properties aren't enough of a draw, it also provides a subtle highlight to the face. Because obviously there weren't enough ways to contour already.
As for the name of the technique (which some claim was actually created by Dedivanovic himself), it's an ode to sandbags (yes, the burlap sack kind) used to prevent flooding.
"What we're trying to do is a create a dam," explains beauty vlogger Wayne Goss, who created a step-by-step sandbagging tutorial. Makes sense, no? So grab a powder "with a bit of color," watch Goss' video, and give it a go below:
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
The Wacky Sunglasses Defining 2025
Love or hate them, the boldest styles are turning heads—for all the right reasons.
By Emma Childs Published
-
These Best-in-Class Brands Thrive by Staying Small
Forget dominating an entire fashion industry. These labels are satisfied with perfecting a single category.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
My New Favorite Laser Treatment May Cost $2,500 But the Resulting Mega-Watt Glow Is Priceless
Say hello to smooth, radiant skin.
By Aviel Kanter Published
-
I Scoured Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale for Five Hours—Here's What I'm Shopping
Add to cart, ASAP.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Jenna Ortega’s New Burgundy Hair Has Me Ready for Season 2 of 'Wednesday'
Wednesday Addams, is that you?
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Doechii’s Best Paris Fashion Week Beauty Looks Deserve a Standing Ovation
The Grammy winner cemented her place as a beauty and fashion icon.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Jenna Lyons Has Me Convinced the Viral Red Lipstick Theory Is Real
Bonus: it only costs $15.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 10 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2025, Tested by Editors
Expensive and healthy-looking hair on lock.
By Marisa Petrarca Published
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker Published