When I’m doing my makeup, I act like I’m filming a Get Ready With Me-style TikTok. I introduce my products to the nonexistent camera and explain my application process to an imaginary audience. My views are always skyrocketing. My subscribers always begging for more. Just ask my fans: I’m the next big influencer
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been watching makeup tutorials since the YouTube days. Yes, when Jeffree Star’s honest beauty reviews were all the rage and people still used the James Charles x Morphe palette. NikkieTutorials and Jaclyn Hill were go-to makeup artists filming “easy” eyeshadow looks that never quite looked the same on me.
Now, the format has been replicated on TikTok. We doom-scroll through TikTok to consume 1-10 minute videos of everyone plugging new products and delving into makeup secrets. This content format is an even bigger marketing tool than we could have ever imagined— one used by celebrities, brand owners, and musicians flock to connect with new fan bases and become the Next Big Trend.
Times may change, but the goal stays the same: achieving celebrity-level makeup. How can I get the cheekbones of Kim Kardashian and the Kylie Jenner ombre blush? How do I make it look like I got my makeup airbrushed on my face?
Enter Patrick Ta: the longtime celebrity makeup artist for the likes of Bella and Gigi Hadid, the entire Kar-Jenner clan, Chrissy Teigen, Emily Ratajkowski, Shay Mitchell, and more. In 2019, after about six years as a MUA in Los Angeles, Ta launched PATRICK TA BEAUTY.
What is PATRICK TA BEAUTY?
Using formulas that are both good for your skin and perfect for the red carpet in inclusive shade ranges, Patrick Ta has created the beauty brand of your dreams. His makeup is the most viral brand of 2023, with his cream-over-powder blush method taking the world by storm.
I love a good celeb makeup artist’s brand: Mario Dedivanovic’s Makeup By Mario, Patrick Starrr’s ONE/SIZE, Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury, the list goes on. So I don’t know why it took so long for me to do a full haul of Patrick Ta, especially since it feels like everyone has already tried it.
And unlike many celeb brands, it’s not just snake oil in luxury packaging. You actually get your money’s worth with his products — which often come with a powder and cream in one tin. Every influencer out there has raved about Patrick Ta, and for good reason. He even has his own TikTok to show the best ways to use his products. But is it all too good to be true? It was time I tried it for myself.
Not enough is said about this foundation and setting powder duo. It’s a full-coverage foundation in a pan, which already minimizes my waste — and there’s a protective cover over the creme foundation so it’s mess-free. Good enough to cover my imperfections while giving my skin this diffused, airbrushed look…and no primer is needed.
@patrickta @Patrick Ta Beauty Looks So Good On @Derek Chadwick ✌🏼 Foundation: Major Skin “Light Med 3” Contour: “Shes Sculpted” Blush: “Shes Flushed” Brows: Brow lamination Gel #mensmakeup♬ LALA – Myke Towers
Nothing excites me more than contour and bronzer in one product. Contour for sculpting, bronzer for warming the face-up. Easy for beginners, this duo is all you need for a facelift.
We entered 2023 fully under the grip of influencers. Names like Alix Earle and Monet McMichael sit in front of their ring lights and we eat up every product they use in their makeup routine. In fact, not only are people in love with these influencers, but every product they mention typically leads to nationwide sellouts.
The power of the influencer is not by accident. While social media apps like the ever-powerful titan TikTok are known for their algorithm that show you specific posts based on your interests, this also means a lot of advertising goes on behind the scenes. You may be watching a full minute long video that is essentially a paid-for ad by a brand.
And brands will spare no expense to convince you their product does the impossible. Whether that be longer lashes (more on that later) or a golden bronze sunless tan, there’s a constant stream of videos with an overjoyed, overpaid influencer who “has stumbled across the product to change your life.” And we all believe it.
But as time goes on and TikTok influences us to the extreme, people have begun to find flaws in influencer marketing.
The glass has shattered on the influencer mirage. Consumers have seen them using hair extensions when promoting hairspray, false lashes to accompany a miracle mascara, or using a completely different product and acting like it was another.
Let’s just say there’s been some drama within the beauty industry – so much so that Jeffree Star has risen from YouTube’s ashes and come back to honestly review makeup. Again, not on my 2023 bingo card.
So, if you’ve missed the drama, or want to know who you can trust, trust me – a random girl on the internet who has too much time on her hands and no beauty endorsements to date!
The Tarte Dubai Trip
In January, Tarte organized a trip for 29 influencers and their plus ones to travel to Dubai and use/post about their products. And I mean, who would say no to this? You and your favorite person get to go to DUBAI and mess around for free? Sign me up.
But the cracks eventually started to show which was all displayed in a TikTok by Barstool’s Jack McGuire. For one, Tarte sent every influencer to Dubai first class on Emirates Airline, where one ticket alone costs around $22,000 (multiply that by two for their plus ones). So $255,000 alone on plane tickets.
And then there’s the stay in villas at the Ritz Carlton Dubai. Which are so expensive you can’t even find pricing online. Not to mention the money they had to pay each influencer to post their products and show up – Alix Earle charges $70,000 per post alone.
So how can a brand built “on credit cards and a dream” afford such a luxury marketing ploy? It’s suspicious and tone deaf in a world where people can barely afford the rising cost of $7 eggs. When the influencers were barely posting about Tarte products themselves, the jokes began to write themselves.
The whole event showed how out of touch Tarte may be with their consumers. While the company refutes all allegations and “conspiracy theories,” I’m not sold. And besides the viral Juicy Lip Balm, I rarely see any of their products in anyone’s daily routine anymore.
The Mikayla-L’Oréal Drama
So things were touchy with the influencer world in the wake of the Tarte Dubai trip. But beauty guru Mikayla Nogueria, known for her bubbly makeup reviews and selling out products, reviewed L’Oreal’s new Telescopic mascara. She was seemingly baffled by the amazing results, and so were viewers…for different reasons.
Quicker than you can say “Dubai,” fans took notice of how it appears Mikayla put extensions on midway through the video to make her lashes look fuller.
There have been witch hunts accusing brands like Makeup By Mario of using the beauty filter when debuting his foundation. No one knows who to trust anymore.
As previously mentioned, Jeffree Star has come back out of beauty review retirement to restore the public’s faith in beauty guru humanity. Times have gotten so dark that we’re actually unaware of what works and what’s a paid advertisement.
Which Brands Aren’t Scams?
While things may look bleak, luckily I’ve tried just about every brand of makeup under the influencer sun. Give these influencers their Oscar because I truly believe that they love these products every time. But things aren’t always as they seem.
I’ve gotten patchy foundations, terrible formulas, and cute packaging over quality products. I know a thing or two about being scorned. However, there are a few brands that I will trust every single time, with or without the influencer stamp of approval.
Right now, the trend is “de-influencing” products that garnered hype on TikTok for no reason. To save you the blood, sweat, and tears, here are some makeup brands that influencers actually got right:
The landscape of beauty is ever-changing, as new products launch and industry icons receive packaging touchups or formula tweaks. In 2022, we saw innovations in texture, formulation and ingredient blends — and experts seem to agree: It was a blockbuster year in beauty.
Beauty editors spend their days testing all of the latest hair, makeup, skin-care and fragrance drops, usually before they even hit the market. And while they may try hundreds (if not thousands!) of new products each year, there are only a select few that make the cut as newfound favorites.
We asked 13 beauty editors — experts in all things dabbing, blending, smoothing and judging — to share their picks for the very best product launches of 2022. Ahead, see the 33 they chose.
“You couldn’t head out for your morning cup of coffee without running into a celebrity skin-care line this year, but the one that surprised me in the best way was Hailey Bieber’sRhode Beauty. The Barrier Restore Cream, in particular, stood out for a few reasons: Not only did she consult veteran cosmetic chemists and trusted dermatologists to fine-tune the formula, she also kept the ingredients simple yet effective. My sensitive skin is a big baby… but it drank up every last drop of this stuff — no irritation or breakouts in sight.” —Kelsey Castañon, content director, Popsugar Beauty
“Coming from someone who spent half of every middle school P.E. class trying to unstick my hair from my lips, I thought my lip gloss days were in the rearview. Then, I tried this launch from Tarte’s Maracuja line, which is technically more of a ‘bloss’ — a hybrid between a balm and a gloss — than the sticky alternative you might have worn in the early aughts. Still, it gives my lips that Juicy Tube-level shine without the sticky feel. It doesn’t hurt that I also love every single color (I have all nine of them stashed in a different purse, travel bag and makeup drawer) and that the hydrating formula is perfect year-round.” —Castañon
“The name speaks for itself: This Merit serum does exactly what it says. It gives you great skin. For the clean beauty brand’s first foray into skin care, it tried its hand at something so simple, but so efficacious. The niacinamide and hyaluronic acid simultaneously brighten and hydrate. On days when I’m rushing or just want to have a nice morning glow for the gym, I apply this and feel like a new woman.” —Asia Millia Ware, fashion and beauty writer, The Cut
Dior La Mousse Off/On Foaming Face Cleanser, $47, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“This cleanser hasn’t made its way off my shelf since it launched in the spring. I knew I loved it when I was traveling and forgot my skin-care bag, and when I went to Sephora, it was the first thing I reached for. Dior got everything right, from the creamy foaming texture to the way it leaves skin hydrated and deeply cleansed. It’s the one cleanser that I recommend to every person I know. There are so many cleansers on the market, but for me, this one changed the game forever, which says a lot. And it’s luxury beauty at an affordable price. Definitely a top-tier launch.” —Ware
Cay Skin Deepwater Nourishing Lip Mask, $22, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I know the girls love Laneige (myself included), but Winnie Harlow absolutely did something with her brand’s lip mask. Whether I’m going to bed, the gym or just re-hydrating my lips midday, it effortlessly glides across my lips for the ultimate nourishment. I honestly haven’t touched another lip mask since I discovered this, and I have everyone from my boyfriend to my best friends obsessed with it.” —Ware
Jori Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask, $52, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“As someone who grew up with cystic acne, I’m pretty skeptical about most over-the-counter treatments, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s labeled as a leave-on mask, but I use it as a spot treatment whenever I see or feel a breakout coming on. It has 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide that allows it to get deep into the pores, as opposed to just sitting on the surface of your skin (which reduces the usual irritation I’d get from using anything with benzoyl peroxide in it). I apply the tiniest amount to an incoming spot one to two times a day, and it stops it right in its tracks.” —Jenny Jin, beauty director, PureWow
Supergoop Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50, $34, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I’m always on the search for a sunscreen that outperforms the last, and this one from Supergoop is a standout this year. The brand calls it a ‘watery lotion,’ and I can confirm that it has a thin, watery consistency that spreads easily and absorbs without much effort. I’ve worn it during sweaty summer days in LA and in crisp fall weather while visiting family in Korea recently, and it never feels too heavy on my skin. On that note, the lightweight texture is comparable to some K-beauty formulas I’ve loved throughout the years like Innisfree and Make P:rem.” —Jin
“Char was first described to me as ‘a comforting scent that’s basically a crisp, cozy fall day in a bottle,’ which is pretty accurate. Featuring tonka bean and ginger top notes, it gives a whiff of warmth and spice that lingers long after you spray it. Depending on my mood, I’ve been alternating between this and ‘Windows Down,’ a lighter, brighter citrus fragrance from the brand. Either way, I’ve gotten compliments from friends and family members whenever I wear these scents — including my mom, who stopped me mid-hug the other day and insisted I spray some perfume on her, too.” —Jin
Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50, $22, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“The struggle to find brown girl-friendly sunscreens is still real, even in the year 2022. So I was extremely delighted to discover that not only does this SPF not leave behind a chalky white residue on my skin, but it’s extremely moisturizing. I love wearing this daily because I feel protected, whether it’s sunny outside or extremely cloudy, and it makes for an incredible base when I do wear makeup.” —Dana Oliver, founder and editor, Beauty for Breakfast
Milk Makeup Future Fluid Cream Concealer, $29, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I live for a multi-purpose beauty product, and Future Fluid wears many hats, from concealer and highlighter to foundation. I don’t have to overdo it with blending, as it melts right into my skin. And I still look like myself, which is a huge plus!” —Oliver
Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum Foundation, $34, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“When Danessa Myricks’ Yummy Skin Serum Foundation launched in March, I knew I needed to get my hands on it immediately. Once I tried it, I fell in love with the formula. Honestly, it’s the only foundation I’ve used consistently this year. It feels hydrating (thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil) and gives my skin a beautiful glow.” —Olivia Hancock, beauty editor, Byrdie
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“Futurewise’s Slugging System has been a game-changer for my dry skin, especially the Slug Balm. I love slathering this jelly-like formula on my skin before bed. The moisture-locking occlusive helps prevent water loss, ensuring my skin remains plump and hydrated. And unlike other occlusives, this one doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on my skin.” —Hancock
Ami Colé On Point Precision Brow Pencil, $20, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I’m an Ami Colé devotee, so I always get excited when the brand launches something new. The On Point Precision Brow Pencil debuted in September and has quickly become my favorite brow product. The ultra-fine tip makes it easy to create precise, hair-like strokes. Plus, I love that all the shades are named after braiding hair colors.” — Hancock
“Sunscreen doesn’t need to be fun (after all, preventing cancer is fun enough on its own, IMO), but this fluffy sunscreen makes applying it on yourself or a friend a total delight. It comes straight out of the can just like whipped cream and smells like a hazy piña colada-doused afternoon in Miami. P.S. Any record collector will find this product charming, too, because it reminds me of the Herb Alpert ’65 cover.” —Margaux Anbouba, beauty editor, Elle
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I never thought about how every liquid liner had a cone-shaped brush until I tried this brilliant redesign from Euphoria’s lead makeup artist Donni Davy. The brush is flat and paddle-shaped, so it makes tight lining your eyes or building even, inky cat eyes a breeze.” —Anbouba
Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder, $36, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“You only need a dab of this genius blurring balm-meets-foundation to cover skin in an ultra-flattering filter. Buff it into skin and everything looks miraculously smoother and luminous all day long.” —Anbouba
“As someone with curly hair who’s been searching for years, I can attest to the fact that finding a good gel isn’t easy — thankfully, the beauty customization experts at Prose created this one. This styling gel (which is tailored to my unique hair needs) has been one of my favorites this year for sleek buns and ponytails, half-up looks and more — without the flakes.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor, Harper’s Bazaar
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Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum, $68, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“The primary ingredients (niacinamide, hylaronic acid, retinal, squalene) were ones I already used individually, so this serum allowed me to simplify my skin-care routine by combining them all. It’s a bit steep in price, but you only need a pea-sized amount to see a dramatic difference, so you get your money’s worth.” — Treasure Brooks, co-founder, The Meteor
“This product was great at evening out stubborn discoloration on my back and chest. Retinols and chemical exfoliants can be tricky on melanated skin, so it’s great when a brand like Topicals is formulated with us in mind. It has a nice consistency, no pungent smell and I think the packaging is so cute.” — Brooks
Initio Parfums Prives Paragon Extrait de Parfum, $370, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“This under-the-radar fragrance brand won’t be so for much longer: Its latest launch — a unisex blend of palo santo and white sage — is hands-down my favorite fragrance launch of the year. It’s intoxicating and will literally stop people in their tracks. (True story: A complete stranger practically fell over herself at a Brooklyn hotel to tell me how much she liked this scent on me). The brand claims that the note blend has powerful emotional properties and was used for centuries by Inca shamans. I know nothing of this, but I can tell that you’ll use this sparingly to make it last as long as possible. It’s that good.” —Brian Underwood, beauty director, Women’s Health
Kate Somerville EradiKate Clarifying Acne Gel Cleanser, $44, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“Acne products have undergone a major makeover this year, and in the words of Lizzo, ‘It’s about damn time.’ This is stuff people who have breakouts will actually want to use, and I consider Kate Somerville’s EradiKate line as part of this shift. This lovely gel cleanser with 2% salicylic acid — a trusted acne-fighting ingredient — foams beautifully, has a pleasant slightly herbal aroma, and looks snazzy on your bathroom counter. It’s a win-win for your skin.” —Underwood
Fresh Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum, $55 (from $110), available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“It’s said that ‘good things come to those who wait,’ and we’ve been waiting a long time for this serum — Fresh scientists have been at it for 15 years, in fact. The results are a revelation: This blend of a proprietary tea compound, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramide III boosts skin’s resilience against pro-aging stressors. And, like most Fresh products, it’s a joy to use — lightweight, soothing, just…wonderful.” —Underwood
“I can’t help but scream out its name everywhere I go. Dieux Skin’s Instant Angel is formulated with fatty acids, ceramides and glycerin to deeply moisturize skin. It comes at an amazing price point and is created by a brand that genuinely cares about its consumers. That, and it makes my skin look and feel happier and healthier each time I apply the buttery formula.” —Hallie Gould, senior editorial director, Byrdie
Chanel Éclat Lunaire Oversize Illuminating Face Powder, $88, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I love the size of this product; it’s absolutely massive. The finish is satin-y without sparkle and lights up my skin in all the best ways. Use it on your eyes, cheekbones and wherever else you’d like to sprinkle a subtle, golden rose highlight on.” —Gould
Iconic London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint, $32, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“The perfect skin tint does exist, thanks to Iconic London. The formula is lightweight, but offers enough coverage for my full-beat babes and still looks great after a long day of work and events.” —Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor, Elle
Eadem Dew Dream Hydrating Cleansing Balm, $30, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“Whether I’m drunk, tired or lazy, I always remember to remove every ounce of my makeup. Eadem‘s cleansing balm melts off even the most stubborn matte formulas with ease — without leaving my skin feeling stripped bare.” —Penrose
Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork Vol. IV Transcendence Palette, $125, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I haven’t been this excited about an eye shadow palette in a long time. I typically reserve pops of color for the inner corners of my eyes or the waterline, but the shades in this palette deserve primetime lid space. One swatch deposits the most insane amount of pigment and blends without any hiccups. And don’t stop at the eyes: Dust on your favorite shade along your cheekbones for extra oomph.” —Penrose
“For the first time, I started experiencing a flaky scalp this year and decided to try this new serum to see if it could help with the dryness. I was pleasantly surprised when this formula gave instant results. Just two to three drops, and my scalp felt and looked more hydrated after one use. ‘Instant,’ ‘after one use’ — I felt like a walking infomercial using this product. It’s been my go-to when I’ve washed gel out of my hair or after heavy heat application.” —Thatiana Diaz, editor-in-chief, Remezcla
Body by TPH Good Daze Vegan Hydrating Body Wash Gel, $9, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I’ve been longtime loyal to my Dove body wash, but this gel did have me choosing sides this year as I reached over for it most of — if not all of — the time. This gel has softened my skin and gives me a sensorial experience that blends well with the steam of my warm showers. My bathroom instantly turns into a spa, without the expensive tab. It’s perfect for the morning, with orange and ginger essential oils that make getting up much more pleasant for a not-so-morning person.” —Diaz
Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer, $30, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I added this product to my makeup routine as a bronzer, and I can confirm that it lives up to the ‘transforming’ of it all. I dust this onto my cheekbones and around the corners of my face, giving off a foolproof warm glow that’s lightweight. Two bonus takeaways: If you tan on vacation and your foundation shade is now a little off, this powder helps level out the tone, so you don’t have to buy a new one; and it could also serve as a soft eyeshadow. Truly transformational.” —Diaz
“It’s not easy to create a high-performance ‘clean’ mascara — but somehow, Ami Colé did it. With a formula that has 87% naturally-derived ingredients, including shea butter and jojoba oil, not only am I left with voluminous, long, fluttery lashes, but the formula also never flakes or dries out my lashes. This mascara has made me quit some of my high-end faves.” —Kayla Greaves, executive beauty editor, InStyle
Rose Ingleton MD SuperFruit Gentle Brightening Cleanser, $38, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I feel like I’ve been going on and on and on and on about this cleanser all year — and with an almost perfect five-star rating on Sephora.com and a few awards under its belt, it looks like I’m not the only one who’s obsessed. It’s made with Dr. Ingleton’s signature Jamaican SuperFruit Blend, sugarcane extract, hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5. Expect your skin to feel nourished and supple — never dry! — after cleansing. Plus, it’s made with coconut surfactants, so it will still give you that satisfying lather, but without stripping your pores. No other cleanser can compete — sorry!” —Greaves
Relevant Skincare One and Done Everyday Cream, $38, available here
Photo: Courtesy of brand
“I have been traveling like a madwoman as of late, and my God, this one-and-done cream really saves my ass (and space in my luggage) every time. The impressive formula offers a blend of moisturizing plum oil, niacinamide, kigelia extract, buriti oil and more — plus SPF 40. After I wash my face, I simply slather this on and go about my business.” —Greaves
Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. This in no way affects our editorial decision-making. Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.
2022 brought so many product recommendations my bank account wishes I hadn’t seen. My entire TikTok FYP is filled with makeup routines and the next hottest product. Everyone tells me I need to have this product, so I tell my bank I need to have that product.
I want to feel as confident as a supermodel even if I don’t have the throngs of makeup artists and hair stylists they do. If they’re plugging a product, I’m probably going to try it. But, in the age of the everyday influencer, it’s getting harder to tell what’s a paid advertisement and what’s not.
That’s right – some videos don’t tell you if it’s a paid promotion when it’s really an ad. Brands are sending free products to TikTok’s finest in exchange for rave reviews – even if the product doesn’t deserve it.
Take Bobbi Brown’s clean beauty line, Jones Road, for example. It was hyped up to be the “no-makeup makeup” holy grail until products started rolling out. The foundation ended up leaking oil and separating from the foundation which is a pretty bad sign even if it can be mixed. Several users reported that it separated even while on their faces. It was an overall disaster.
Since the year’s almost over, I’m rounding up all of the viral products I purchased and giving you the low down. The good, the bad, and the downright ugly. We are leaving no stone unturned.
Here are 10 things to keep this 2023, and 10 to leave in 2022:
The Viral Products That Work…
Paula’s Choice Liquid Exfoliant – This BHA/AHA treatment does literally everything. It clears stubborn blackheads and exfoliates all the dead skin cells that clog pores, crack makeup, and give you acne. It’s glass skin in a bottle and if I could take one thing to a deserted island it would be this.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Surface Patches – You know about pimple patches, but these surface patches cover way more ground so you can tackle problem areas, not just pimples. I wear these a few nights a week when breaking out and I’m clear by the weekend.
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm – If there’s anything I hate, it’s dry skin. I tried a retinol that caused my face to shed, and this miracle balm moisturizer healed my skin overnight while locking in my skincare perfectly.
Makeup By Mario Skin Enhancer – I’m a Makeup by Mario stan. High quality products that don’t break the bank? Yes please. This is a bronzer used often on Kim K (and me). It blends easier than a normal contour while snatching my cheekbones.
Oribe Supershine Cream – Oribe can be a bit pricey, but for 10 ounces of incredible product, this is a steal. My hair looks glossy and fresh out of the salon when I use this.
Dior Backstage Foundation – It’s your skin, but better. Dior created a lightweight, glowy foundation that covers redness without caking. At $40, it’s high end without hurting the wallet.
ONE/SIZE On Til Dawn Setting Spray – If you’re tired of your makeup sliding off by the end of the night, this setting spray will do the trick. It mattifies your makeup and makes it completely waterproof.
Olaplex Set – I heavily damaged my hair when I bleached it, but consistent usage of the Olaplex line saved my life. It restores the protein in your dry, damaged hair to fully heal it to the cuticle. Keep up with the products and you’ll see results after a few months.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Liner and Lipstick – Charlotte Tilbury took off during the pandemic, but the Pillow Talk line will forever remain my fave. Charlotte herself always says the Pillow Talks are everyone’s perfect lip shade, and she’s not wrong.
Rhode Lip Treatment – I didn’t want to love another celebrity product, but this one is worth all the money in my account. It hydrates your lips with peptides and cupuacu while also functioning as a gloss.
…And The Viral Products That Don’t
Haus Labs – Every. single. review. told me that Lady Gaga’s brand would change the way I viewed makeup. So when I ordered the foundation and it dried out on my face and cracked immediately, I was heartbroken. When my roommate got the lip oil and was even underwhelmed, I knew that was enough to leave it.
The Good Patch – Any wellness patch in general, really. The hangover cures never work, and I never feel any calmer when I wear the relaxation ones. It’s a placebo effect waiting in the impulse-buy section – avoid!
Glamnetics Press On Nails – The at home manicure is trending, but these popped off after 12 hours of being on my nails. I don’t want to continuously glue my nails on, so these are a pass.
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Magic Cream – I’ve already voiced my opinions on CT’s mini products being highway robbery. The mini Magic Cream is the size of my pinky, for far, far too much money.
Self Tan Water – I’m sorry, but this is just not for me. I can’t see where the tanner is going on my body, so I end up half-tanned and look ridiculous. I’m sticking with a tinted tanner.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze – The laminated brow trend is fun, but expensive eyebrow products just aren’t it. I’ve been disappointed by every eyebrow product over $12.
Mario Badescu – I loved the Drying Lotion back in the day when I had a pimple, but it flakes off so quickly and just doesn’t do what a pimple patch can. Most of Mario Badescu’s products are underwhelming for me, so I’m leaving them behind.
Expensive Mascaras – Much like eyebrow products, expensive mascaras have never been worth it to me. I’ll take L’Oreal Telescopic and Maybelline Sky High over a $30 tube.
Benefit Benetint – Not nearly pigmented enough for my blush preferences. I understand wanting the natural look, but this won’t give me much of anything.
Drunk Elephant – While I’m sure their products are great, at this price range there are more reputable skincare brands. I like to keep my skincare affordable, so this is staying in 2022.
All products featured are independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
One thing the internet isn’t short of during the holiday season is gift guides. Gifts for your boyfriend, your dad, your sister, your best friend, your cat…there’s a list out there just waiting to be read.
However, there is one fatal flaw in ultimate gift-giving lists on the internet: you become basic. Somehow, every website catches on to the trendiest gift of the year and everyone buys it for everyone.
Scrolling through social media can be equally as taxing because you may get the same recommendation four times in a row. Plus, who even knows what influencer is being paid to say they love a product when in reality it sucks?
I’m recently feeling a bit scorned by TikTokers who convinced me to buy a few products from Haus Labs that lacked in all areas. But I can’t just blame the TikTokers–the five star rating on Sephora also fooled me. So, I’m feeling a bit wary about what to buy and who to trust.
Luckily, because I buy into so many trends, I’m no stranger to disappointment from social media recs. Some call me silly, I call it a necessary experiment. Why wouldn’t I try products that make others feel beautiful? I want a share of their elation.
If you’re looking to get someone in your life a gift that is social media approved, you’ve come to the right place. I am an unashamed consumer who has bought into many TikTok trending products. And now look, you’ll have a great gift as a result. Dare I say you’re welcome?
Without further ado, here are my favorite social media-inspired gifts for the TikToker in all of us:
Makeup
Essentially anything from Sephora has gone viral at this rate. Makeup brands are actively competing to release the newest product that will be featured on any influencer’s TikTok.
There are quite a few brands that truly live up to the hype from TikTok. Look for these brands and viral products when you go to the store next:
Charlotte Tilbury
Kosas
Makeup By Mario
Hourglass
Hair
I love haircare products for gifts because no one talks about how expensive healthy hair can be. For the HairTok lover, try out these brands that make a serious difference.
Color Wow
Kerastase
amika
OUAI
Fragrance
PerfumeTok has blown up recently. I’m constantly seeing dupes and reviews on my FYP which has made me put more of an emphasis on what perfume I’m wearing. A scent is a great gift for everyone, so why not one of these viral ones?
You can never go wrong with a trendy gift inspired by TikTok That is, if you know where to look. Don’t waste your time sifting through influencer advertisements and just come straight to me–the self-proclaimed professional. go straight to me…the self-proclaimed professional.
All products featured are independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
