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Image / Style / Beauty

The viral TikTok beauty hacks that actually do work wonders


By Erin Lindsay
03rd Sep 2020
The viral TikTok beauty hacks that actually do work wonders

Beauty tips from the online experts


Not only has it provided us hours of entertainment during lockdown, but TikTok has provided the creatives of the world a new platform to sink their teeth into. Everything from interiors to cleaning to cooking to fashion can be found in some corner of TikTok, with hobbyists flying their flag and inspiring others to do the same.

Beauty TikTok is no different, and for an admittedly-subpar make-up lover like myself, seeing their hacks in action has been a dream. Since I’m at home a lot more, I’ve had plenty of time to practice and try out the viral beauty trends that appear on my fyp, which means I’ve had plenty of time to weed out the duds (and there are a lot of duds).

If you’re having trouble spotting the hacks that will actually work for you, here are five of my favourites that have really done wonders for my routine.

Fox Eye contouring

@hayleybuix

Bronzy Model Look ? #makeuptutorial #bronzymakeup #modellook #cateye #foxeye #powerofmakeup #fyp

? Originalton – Hayley

If you’re after that Kendall Jenner, eye-lift look without the surgery or super-tight ponytail, this is how to imitate it with make-up. It’s actually quite easy once you know what you’re doing – it’s all about angling your concealer and eyeliner up and outwards to create the illusion of elevated cheekbones and brow bones. Check out how MUA Hayley does it above, and live your best Californian bronzed life.

Backwards Foundation routine

https://www.tiktok.com/@jaridamat/video/6798644392237255942?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzzfeed.com%2Fkristatorres%2Ftiktok-beauty-hacks&referer_video_id=6798644392237255942

If you suffer with your foundation caking and creasing throughout the day, this one is a gamechanger. I don’t wear foundation much for this reason, as I find it can look really flaky and tired by the end of the day, but this hack has really made a difference. You’re basically taking your foundation routine and applying it in reverse – start out by applying translucent powder over moisturised skin, then apply setting spray, and then your foundation.

Robe heat-free curls

@mxchellewx

The robe hair hack!!! ? #robehair #hair #hairstyles #robehaircurl #fyp #xyzbca

? Powfu. Death Bed – 1 Minute Sounds

Admittedly, the longer and thicker your hair is, the better this hack works, but that’s pretty much true of every hair styling method. If you’re trying to cut down on how much heat you’re putting your hair through, this is a great, foolproof way to achieve beachy curls. Take the tie belt out from your dressing gown, and simply wrap your hair around it across the crown of your head, securing at both ends. Sleep with it in, and then take it out in the morning. For best results, make sure your hair is slightly damp when you begin the process.

Eyeliner for hooded eyes

@moody.e_

Finally was able to do my hooded eyeliner 🙂 #hoodedeyeliner #wingliner #makeup #fyp?

? I Like Him – Princess Nokia

Full credit for my one true make-up queen Katie Jane Hughes for this one, as I did see it on her Instagram first, but it has migrated over to TikTok and I feel the need to spread it around some more.

Oil plugging

@melaniekleinxo

bye clogged pores ? #skincare #skincaretips #skincareroutine #clearskin #glassskin #glowingskin #skincarebyhyram

? original sound – memoriesyoulove

If you’re sick of blackheads and oily build-up, using more oil in your skincare routine sounds counter-intuitive. But I promise, I’ve given this extended massage technique a go, and it really works wonders on shifting that stubborn build up. Make sure your hands are washed and take your favourite oil cleanser and begin massaging it onto makeup-free skin. Keep it up for about ten minutes – as the above clip says, it will feel like a lifetime, but try and experience it as part of a luxurious self-care routine, and really focus on being kind to your skin. Don’t scrub – be gentle here, especially around your eyes. The massaging will draw sebum to the surface, and you’ve also got the added benefits of massage to encourage circulation and lymph drainage too.

Photography by Jason Lloyd Evans.