Beauty trends come and go—and in today’s TikTok world, they cycle even faster! But there’s a fine line between embracing a fun and harmless viral trend and knowing when you ought to heed those famous words, “Don’t try this at home!” From slimy slugging—yep, it’s a thing—to artful blush draping, we’re taking a closer look at six beauty and skincare trends that are making the circuits as we speak. To make matters a little more simple, we’re weighing in on whether you should “green light” your way to glam or pump the brakes on a trending beauty technique.
Slugging
If you’ve conjured up a visual of a sizable slug making its way across a smooth surface—you’re not too far off. That slimy trail it leaves behind is the inspiration for this viral TikTok skincare trend in which you slather a petroleum-based product all over your face before going to bed. The idea is that you’re “sealing in” moisture from the skincare products you applied.
Our Verdict: So does slugging actually work? Kind of, but that doesn’t mean it’s suitable for all skin types. Petroleum jelly-based products are heavy, making them less than ideal for those with oily or blemish-prone skin. Also, they’re kind of messy. Your best bet is to find a hydrating and moisturizing skincare regimen that works for your skin type and stick with it.
High Frequency Facials
Skincare gadgets are all the rage in the beauty world right now, and high frequency facial devices, in particular, are having a moment. These handheld devices typically use microcurrent and/or radiofrequency technologies, which are often more accessible versions of what’s available in professional, in-office settings. They tend to make a lot of bold claims, including reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin discoloration, tightening your skin, and addressing acne.
Our Verdict: The reality is that these gadgets likely aren’t going to completely transform your skin since they’re using less intense versions of these technologies, but people have reported some improvements. Ultimately, it’s important to set realistic expectations before splurging on one of these devices. And in the end, you might also find more success meeting with a professional to determine the best path forward to address your skincare concerns.
Blush Draping
If you’ve been applying blush the same way since you first started wearing makeup, let this ubiquitous TikTok beauty trend help lure you outside of your comfort zone. Blush draping is a makeup technique—inspired by dramatic '70s and ‘80s makeup—where you use blush to contour your face.
Our Verdict: Go for it! To pull it off, all you need to do is apply your favorite blush to areas where you’d typically contour with bronzer or traditional matte contour. Start at the low point on the apple of your cheek, then pull your brush up across the high point of your cheek and up toward your temples.
For even more drama, use a heavier hand and/or add more color at the temple itself. IT Cosmetics’ Heavenly Luxe French Boutique Blush Brush #4 and Bye Bye Pores Blush will help you nail the look.
Sunscreen Contour
While makeup contouring a la blush draping is totally fair game, sunscreen contouring is a major no-no. This is one of those unfortunate TikTok trends that picked up a lot of steam and has had skincare professionals gasping in horror ever since! Essentially, the “hack” is to apply sunscreen on areas of your face you want to stay lighter, and skip it on areas where you want to create contour.
Our Verdict: Just say no to this one, and make sure to apply your SPF 30 or higher every day. For the cherry on top, follow up with best-selling* CC+ Cream with SPF 50+. It delivers a full-coverage finish while hydrating your skin at the same time. And if you do want to add some chiseled contour goodness, try the blush draping trick above or go with a traditional highlight and contour.
DIY Freckles
If you were blessed with a gorgeous array of freckles across your face, consider yourself very lucky! One of beauty’s latest trends is adding faux freckles to your face.
Our Verdict: It’s a green light from us! We recommend using a product with a pin-point end to draw on your freckles, such as Superhero No-Tug Sharpenable Gel Eyeliner. It's available in eight shades, including Espresso (rich dark brown) and Brilliant Brown (soft natural brown). Just dot on the color across your nose and cheeks using varying amounts of pressure for each to create more natural variation. When you’re ready to wash the day away, try Bye Bye Makeup Cleansing Balm for a good solid cleansing session.
At-Home Microneedling
Microneedling at a professional salon with a reputable aesthetician or board-certified dermatologist? You’re free to reap those benefits! However, we’ll get straight to the point and tell you that bringing DIY microneedling into your home is generally not a wise idea.
Our Verdict: Let’s pass. These at-home tools are often difficult to keep clean, which is a recipe for infection since they’re introducing tiny punctures into the skin. Schedule an appointment with a professional for peace of mind and better results.
The beauty and skincare trends you see on social media are often well-intended, but it’s always a good idea to double check with a pro before moving forward. As a general rule of thumb, fun new makeup techniques are fair game, but do practice caution when it comes to your skin!
Craving some makeup inspiration? Check out our guide on creating a natural eye makeup look in under five minutes.
