In the world of beauty, the runways of New York, Paris, Milan, and London were once the go-to source for the latest trends. However, with the rise of TikTok, it seems that the social media platform has become the new runway, shaping the face of beauty both figuratively and literally. While many may be overwhelmed by the platform, there’s no denying its impact on the world of beauty.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular beauty trends on TikTok, complete with our Beauty Benders ratings. Whether you’re looking for a new makeup technique or simply want to stay on top of the latest trends, these TikTok-inspired beauty looks are sure to inspire.
Cold girl beauty
For those who love the bronzy, beachy look, TikTok has flipped the script with the cold girl beauty trend. This trend involves achieving a flushed, snow-kissed look by applying a matte base, layering blush across the apples of the cheeks, nose, and upper lip in autumnal hues, and diffusing the edges with your finger. While this look is perfect for a winter wonderland vibe, it may not be for everyone. Our rating? A 6/10 – cute, but a bit on the boring side.
Vampire skin
It seems that the TikTok generation has just discovered the Twilight franchise, with the glittery, iridescent, and immortal skin of the Cullen family being a major inspiration for this trend. By mixing foundation with liquid glitters and layering on glittery eyeshadow, TikTokers are achieving a full face of layered glittery highlights. While this look is fun for a night out, it may not be ideal for everyday wear. Our rating? A 5/10 – it’s cool, but can be unflattering to texture or lines.
Sad girl/crying makeup
TikTok is known for its special effects makeup looks, and the sad girl/crying makeup trend is no exception. TikToker @zoekimkenealy is at the forefront of this trend, creating puffy, soft lips with a matte liquid lip in a pinker shade, blurring the edges with a brush, and adding cream blush on the lids, under the eyes, on the cheeks, and nose. This look is finished off with a liquid glitter under the eyes to mimic wet eyes and a layer of gloss on the lids and cupids bow. Our rating? An 8/10 – it’s cute and wearable.
Glazed doughnut nails
Hailey Bieber has launched a thousand nails with her pinkish-nude pearlescent glazed doughnut nails, created by LA-based manicurist Zola Ganzorigt. This trend involves applying a nude base coat and a sheer iridescent top coat with a holographic shift, reminiscent of the 90s frosted trend. Our rating? A 4/10 – it’s a bit basic.
Slugging
This TikTok trend involves applying a layer of an occlusive such as petrolatum (such as Vaseline) to the face before bed to trap in moisture and other serums – being careful not to apply over actives such as AHAs/BHAs or retinoids as it can increase their potency. While it may sound strange, a face with a slug-like shiny film of Vaseline slathered on is very selfie/TikTok worthy, hence its popularity. Our rating? A 9/10 – it’s great for the skin, but not so much for the pillow.
Skin cycling
Skin cycling is a skincare regimen that involves spacing out the use of products with actives, such as retinols and AHAs/BHAs, to allow for rest time between applications and safeguard against any inflammation that can come from overuse or negative interactions. This is simply common sense, but TikTok loves a trend. Our rating? A 10/10 – why not take care of your skin?
Face lifting concealer
This technique involves using a concealer one or two shades lighter than your skin to swipe product on the outer edge of the eye upwards towards the temple, brightening the inner eye and outer edge of the mouth, and gently patting the product in upward motions to diffuse into the skin. While this technique can be effective, it can also be tricky to get right. Our rating? A 4/10 – it may be more productive to shape the eyes with liner and shadow instead.
Clean girl makeup
This TikTok trend involves minimalist makeup or “no-makeup-makeup”, with a sheer tinted moisturizer, mascara, a swipe of brow product, and a lip gloss. While it may seem generic, it’s practical and easy to achieve. Our rating? A 10/10 – you do you.
Soft goth
Soft goth is a beauty trend that has more in common with clean girl than goth, with a light perfected base, a black eyeliner smoked out with dark brown to light warm brown taking the brown under the eye too, and a burgundy/plum matte lip tapped with a finger to blend out. Our rating? A 9/10 – the under-eye shadow in warm brown is surprisingly wearable.
Red nail theory
TikToker Robyn Delmonte, aka @GirlBossTown, became a viral sensation with her coined term “red nail theory”, which suggests that red nails will make you irresistible to potential suitors. While there’s no denying the connection between the color red and sex, love, and passion, this theory may be a bit of a stretch. Our rating? A 2/10 – just do what makes you feel confident.
In conclusion, while TikTok may seem overwhelming, it’s full of inspiration for the latest beauty trends. Whether you’re into cold girl beauty, soft goth, or skin cycling, there’s something for everyone on this platform. So, get ready to elevate your beauty game and try out some new trends inspired by TikTok.
