As one of the busiest internet hubs with over one billion users, it’s no surprise that TikTok has spawned some of the most popular beauty trends. The beauty topic alone has 67 billion videos under it, showcasing the beauty community’s stunning prominence on the app. From hair to makeup, here are five looks that went absolutely viral on the platform.
Curtain Bangs
Inspired by the classic 60s style cut, curtain bangs are booming back into fashion. It’s a long, face framing fringe parted down the center of the face, usually ending around the cheeks to jaw. The hair swoops backwards to emphasize the cheekbones and accentuate the eyes. This wispy style leaves a soft, cascading look that can be worn either very sleek or tousled and effortless.
Since it can be grown out quickly, curtain bangs are relatively a lower commitment than traditional shorter fringes. As a result, many on the platform have shared tutorials and videos of them trying out the cut for themselves, with over 900 million views under #curtainbangs. However, if you’re not comfortable with tackling the hairstyle alone, a hairdresser is of course always a safe option.
Once you do achieve the cut, either by yourself or with some professional help, there are also many videos that teach how to style the bangs. Generally, the idea is to heat and curl the hair away from the face to achieve that sweeping effect. This can be done with a flat iron, blow drying the hair backwards with a round brush, or using curlers.
Soap Brows
The thin, high brows of the 90s have long since given way to the trend of thicker brows ever since stars like Cara Delevigne and Emilia Clarke rose to popularity. However, those whose brows still haven’t recovered from their overplucked phase can look towards their bathroom sink for help. Just as the name suggests, soap brows is a method of slicking up your brows using soap. Simply wet a spoolie, rub it against soap, and comb it through your brows for a feathered, fluffy effect. What results is an untamed, natural look that lasts all day.
Soap is a cheaper, often more effective alternative to brow gels. It contains glycerin, a fat which coats the hair for longer lasting power. However, be wary of not using too much, as it can sometimes harden and turn white.
Reverse Cat Eye
A twist on the regular cat eye, this inverted version offers an even fiercer look that emphasizes the under eye. Kohl or gel liner is applied to the lower lash line, instead of on the top lid, but still winged upwards. Dark shadow is then blended over the liner for a smoky effect.
As with most online beauty trends, the reverse cat eye has been around for a long time. Donned by celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Rhianna, it has been seen on the red carpet often throughout the years. However, the look resurged after makeup artist paintedbyspencer showcased it in a video, garnering over 2.5 million views. He followed up with a more in depth tutorial, emphasizing the importance of bringing the liner into the inner corner.
Wolf Cut
Gen Z is bringing back the shag and the mullet in a unique blend known as the “wolf cut”. Likely originating from South Korea, the style emulates the untamed essence of its eponymous animal with heavy, choppy layers. Although similar to the mullet, it’s more defined by lots of volume on the top that tapers at the ends. Blunt bangs and shorter layers are also often added to accentuate the shape and frame the face. The hair is also heavily textured or sometimes curled for an especially tousled finish.
Garnering over 700 million views under the hashtag #wolfcut, the hairstyle has reached stars like Billie Eilish, who has also been rocking the trend. Many videos detail disastrous intros with teens chopping chunks of ponytails flipped over their heads only to reveal a stylish cut at the end. However, as always, there are professional hairdressers available to guide the way.
Lip Contour
Luscious lips have always been sought out for, especially in the past decade with celebrities like Kylie Jenner rising in popularity. The craze has spawned a plethora of tricks and tips to try and fake a bigger pout. From overlining to lip plumpers, TikTok is introducing the newest way to contour your mouth. Essentially, take your contour, preferably cream or in a stick, and just rub it all over the lips. Blend it out, add foundation and concealer around it, apply your lip colour and you’re finished! Supposedly, the darker colour gives the illusion that the lips are more plump and forward.
However, many people have shown to be skeptical of this hack, claiming that it doesn’t change anything. Not to worry, there are hundreds of other techniques that TikTok beauty gurus are also claiming to give a pouty effect. In another video, a creator that goes by @amanddajustyne shows another way to apply contour, this time in lines extending outwards from the mouth. No matter what your lip size or concern, there’s likely a tutorial out there that will work for you.
