5 Viral TikTok Beauty Trends Totally Worth Trying: A Millennial’s Guide

Lifestyle Collective, October 23, 2023

By Iolee Anagnostopoulou

Every beauty enthusiast knows that TikTok is an ever-spinning wheel of beauty trends. Trying to keep up with every single one can be dizzying, especially for millennials with busy schedules. With an abundance of tips and tricks constantly circulating, it can be challenging to discern which ones are truly worth your precious time and consideration. 

But fear not! We’ve sifted through an ocean of TikTok beauty hacks to bring you a curated list with our full stamp of approval. The best part? There’s something for everyone to dive into, from nails and make-up to hairstyles and skincare. 

So, without further ado, here are 5 popular TikTok beauty trends that deserve a spot in your beauty routine.

Glazed Donut Nails

Partly thanks to Hailey Bieber, glazed donut nails took the beauty world by storm last year, and the glossy look is still shining bright. There’s something very elegant and classy about this simple aesthetic that makes it super versatile and suitable for any time of the year. Even better, achieving that signature glow is as easy as pie. Just grab a base coat, a pearly white nail polish, a top coat, and a chrome effect lacquer to pull it all together. And voilà! You’re ready to dazzle.

If you’re into timeless French manicures, there’s a micro twist to try. Shorter nails and thinner tips are in, and they look absolutely chic. After applying the base coat, use a striping brush to create those pristine, delicate lines on your nail tips. Feel free to experiment with colours, like black or bold brights, for a fresh take on the classic French mani. Apply a top coat, rub with some shimmering powder for that glazed finish, and let your nails do the talking!

Barbiecore

Barbiecore is the new beauty buzzword you need to know. With all the excitement around the 2023 Barbie film, it’s no surprise that #coquetteaesthetic has gained a staggering 1.8 billion views on TikTok. The trick: soft, modern, hyper-feminine aesthetics in candyfloss shades with a pastel twist. It’s all about flushed cheeks, plump, glossy lips, sultry winged eyes, luscious lashes, and pearlescent highlights on key areas. 

Think playfulness meets sophistication right between sweet and sassy. For an everyday take on the look, focus on rosy blush, glossy lips, and defined lashes. Whether you refer to it as Barbiecore, coquette aesthetic or balletcore, dive into the world of soft pinks and let your inner doll shine!

70’s Hairstyles

If the ’90s shag trend that seems to be everywhere isn’t your cup of tea, why not take a groovy trip back to the ’70s? The era’s iconic curtain bangs and feathered curls are making a grand comeback on TikTok, where the hashtag #70shairstyle has garnered over 72 million views. 

This retro-inspired hairstyle trend is all about capturing a carefree elegance with layers and softly waved locks—the perfect excuse to dust off your curling tools and volume spray. What’s more, those trendy curtain bangs are universally flattering, working wonders for various face shapes and hair types alike. Instant volume and movement? Sign us up! 

Skin Cycling

Now, let’s talk about skincare. TikTok can be a jungle of bizarre hacks, but amidst the chaos, some old-school gems are reintroduced under a new buzzword. One such trend is skin cycling, coined by dermatologist Whitney Bowe. The concept revolves around cycling through active and inactive products over 4 nights, adjusting the routine to your skin’s needs.

By doing this, you maximise the effectiveness of active ingredients while minimising irritation. It’s a win-win! The basics are simple. Night 1: exfoliate. Night 2: apply a retinoid. Nights 3 and 4: recovery. This process can also help tackle various skin issues, from acne to eczema.

Skinflooding

Last but not least, let’s dive into skinflooding. This trend has been making waves on TikTok, and it’s a K-beauty staple that’s been around for ages. The secret sauce? Humectants, usually with hyaluronic acid, followed by an emollient, like a creamy moisturiser, to seal in all that precious moisture. 

It’s as simple as cleansing, misting with toner, applying a hydrating serum, and finishing off with a moisturiser. By amping up the moisture, your skin becomes a sponge, soaking up all the goodness from your products. Hello, radiant complexion!

There you have it, folks! Five TikTok beauty trends that are simply too good to skip. Whether you’re into glossy nails, girlie glam, retro hairstyles, or skincare classics, there’s a trend worth exploring. So, why not dip your toes (or your nails, hair, or skin) into something new? After all, beauty is all about having fun and expressing yourself. Go ahead, try one or try them all, and let your inner beauty guru shine!