It pretty much goes without saying that TikTok is how many of us discover new trends. In 2021, a slew of TikTok makeup products, as well as skin care, hair care, and all other things beauty, took the platform by storm and effectively challenged the way many of us tackled our routines.
Honesty and transparency are key values pulsing through the Gen Z–dominated app, so when something goes viral you know it has to be legit. If a product isn’t truly worth your bucks, it certainly won’t get the TikTok seal of approval. Young people have spoken, we have listened, and we’ve rounded up all the beauty goodies that took the platform by storm this year.
Below, the TikTok makeup products, skin care, and hair tools that went viral in 2021.
Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil
The perfect pout can make or break any makeup look, and this year TikTok was obsessed with the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil—for the shine and kissable flush of color on the lips.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand
Between Gen Z stars and Madison Beer, we certainly haven’t stopped hearing about Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Contour Wand, or the Beauty Light Wand for that matter. The wands are loved for their pigmented, blendable colors that look impeccably natural post-application.
Innisfree Dewy Glow Jelly Cream With Jeju Cherry Blossom
Korean beauty- and skin-care practices are lauded for how clear, supple, and nourished they leave the skin. One such K-beauty product that went viral on the platform this year was the Innisfree Dewy Glow Jelly Cream With Jeju Cherry Blossom that’s infused with cherry blossom leaf extract and niacinamide to leave skin bouncier and dewier.
Chanel Mirror Duo
TikTok made us buy many things this year, but one of our favorites was this under $50 Chanel compact mirror that features both a standard mirror on one end and a magnifying mirror on the other. The perfect affordable designer addition to your beauty bag.
One/Size Turn Up the Base Versatile Powder Foundation
Patrick Starr’s One/Size line has many products that Gen Z loves, but its powder foundation is surely a standout. The buildable medium-to-full coverage powder leaves a buttery-smooth finish that blurs the skin and lasts for up to 12 hours.
Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Another K-beauty favorite on TikTok this year has been this Cosrx Essence, which contains 96% snail mucin to hydrate, repair, and soothe the skin. If you’re looking to incorporate a healing treatment into your routine, consider applying this before moisturizer.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
A smudge-proof drugstore mascara that delivers both volume and length to lashes? Yes, please. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara was acclaimed on the platform for working just as well as its more expensive counterparts.
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
Skin care that has a visual component is sure to create buzz on TikTok’s video platform. With Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask, formulated with clay and antioxidants, you can seemingly see your pores as it works to remove impurities and illuminate the skin in just 10 minutes.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
We’ve been seeing increased interest in lash, brow, and overall hair growth this year, and on the hair front—Olaplex leads the charge, notably with the No. 3 Hair Perfector. Suitable for all hair types, this treatment works to strengthen and protect the hair from within, which then reduces damage and makes hair ultrasoft. Just remember to apply before shampooing.
Clinique Almost Lipstick
While Clinique’s Almost Lipstick has been around for years now, it went viral this year for a natural lip color swash that’s like your natural lip color but improved. While there are two shades available, TikTokers have especially loved the classic Black Honey variant for a sheer, berry-hued pigment that complements any skin tone.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe’s Dew Drops highlighting serum is formulated to give you a reflective glow that TikTokers can’t get enough of. Users love applying it under foundation for added hydration, or using it as a lightweight highlighter. Even more, the drops contain niacinamide to reduce the look of hyperpigmentation.
Revlon Oil-Absorbing Volcanic Stone Roller
If you notice your face getting annoyingly oily throughout the day, consider grabbing the Revlon Oil-Absorbing Volcanic Stone Roller—a tool praised on the platform for absorbing oil and mattifying the skin after just one swipe, without removing makeup in the process.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
In lieu of the “your skin but better” trend, liquid and cream blushes have been having a serious moment this year with the Rare Beauty blush leading the charge. TikTokers love that the formula is ultra-pigmented with only one drop.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
“The First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub has both lactic and glycolic acid to break down keratin plugs,” explains Muneeb Shah, D.O., in his viral TikTok. When keratin plugs up the hair follicles, the result is keratosis pilaris, otherwise known as chicken or strawberry skin. Users with the skin condition rave about its ability to smooth and exfoliate after just one use.
Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler
While the Dyson Airwrap is certainly not a new hair tool, in 2021, it has been shown time and time again as a quick and effective method to style various hair types from wet to dry for a bouncy, voluminous blowout effect.
Leandro Limited Assorted Self-Grip Rollers
Take the volume up a notch with rollers after using the Dyson Airwrap, or other hot tools—especially if you struggle with maintaining bounciness or curls. Those integrated into beauty TikTok likely can’t go a day without seeing a GRWM that doesn’t feature someone sporting rollers while applying makeup.
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye Tightener
Users watched in awe as this then 54-year-old TikToker applied the Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Tightener to her undereye bags—a formula that visibly tightened her skin in minutes. Consider trying this if you’re looking to temporarily tighten and firm the undereye area.
KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Hydrating Foundation Balm
The KVD Beauty Good Apple Foundation Balm provided jaw-dropping coverage with just one swatch and TikTok users couldn’t get enough, so much so that the creamy formula sold out almost instantly. Many loved how easily it covered acne or dark spots, without feeling cakey.
Curly-Q Heatless Curl Set
Scrolling through TikTok, it seems like everyone is sporting curtain bangs nowadays. But how should you style them every day? The answer is heatless curls using a curling tube like this one by Curly-Q. Just wrap your hair around the tube, then secure it with scrunchies before bed to wake up with voluminous curls sans heat.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder
Powder foundation is the secret to on-the-go application, quick mattifying touch-ups, and silky coverage for those with oily skin. So it’s completely understandable why L’Oréal’s Infallible 24H powder, a drugstore option that rings in at just over $10, became a quick platform favorite.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
If there’s one thing Gen Z loves, it’s a reliable, everyday cleanser that works to soothe skin conditions and easily remove makeup, dirt, and oils. Enter the dermatologist-approved CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser that’s formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to nourish and protect the skin without clogging pores.
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