We tried 8 of TikTok’s most famous beauty products – here’s how it went

Even if you’re not a fan of the social media platform TikTok, you can’t deny that it is a powerful force to be reckoned with, especially when it comes to creating viral beauty trends.

Many products have sold out within a short period after being featured on a viral TikTok video, showing how trends come and go like the wind.

We’re always up for testing out strange viral TikTok beauty hacks, such as the easy French manicure hack and the face roller foundation hack.

This is why we decided to review some of TikTok’s most famous beauty products to see whether they really live up to the hype.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Why it’s popular:
Some products go far beyond their time on TikTok, with this being one of them as celebrities like Cardi B are using it, along with other CeraVe products.

Our review:
“We all remember how skincare specialist Hyram singlehandedly caused CeraVe products to sell like hotcakes, and I was one of those people who bought into the hype.

This is my first purchase from the brand and I had really high expectations, but after using it daily for a week, my skin started to feel incredibly dry.

Red patches started to appear and my blemishes weren’t going away. Unfortunately, this didn’t work for my skin.

If you’re looking for a gentler cleanser that’s also from CeraVe, try the Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser instead.” – Jade, associate editor.

The CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser retails for S$22 on Shopee.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

Why it’s popular:
This product is supposed to make your lips super plump without the need for a lip liner or lipstick, while giving you the perfect shade of pink.

Our review:
“This really helps make my lips look plumper and with a lustrous, glistening look. It makes dry, dull lips look more supple, thanks to the glossy finish and subtle touch of colour.

While it’s very comfortable to wear, I find myself reaching out to it a little less often than I thought I would because it transfers very easily, making it a little bit of a hassle to wear behind a mask.” – Kristen, editorial director.

The Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil retails for S$54 on Sephora.

Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler

Why it’s popular:
This product is a hair drying, smoothing, curling, waving, do-it-all device; what’s not to love about it?

Our review:
“This is hands-down one of my favourite hairstyling tools ever because it does so many things with one device. I use it to create different types of curls, smooth out my hair, and get more volume on my crown and bangs.

The curling function using the unique barrels may need a little getting used to; I find it a little tough at first because I have been so used to using conventional straighteners or curling irons for styling, but once I got the hang of it, I use it all the time.

The Airwrap has just undergone an upgrade recently and the new version is even more amazing than before.

I know that some people say they use this for drying as well, but actually the drying attachment it comes with isn’t exactly meant for heavy-duty drying, so I still prefer to use a regular hairdryer (or the Dyson Supersonic!) for hair-drying purposes instead.” – Kristen, editorial director.

The Dyson Airwrap Complete Styler retails for S$728 on Shopee.

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA

Why it’s popular:
Has helped many TikTok users with skin issues like keratosis pilaris, “strawberry skin”, bumpy skin, and ingrown hairs to achieve smooth skin.

Our review:
“This body scrub offers both chemical (lactic and glycolic acid) and physical exfoliation (pumice) to slough off dead skin cells.

Although it contains a number of exfoliants, the fragrance-free formula goes easy on my sensitive skin.

I use it once or twice a week and it has helped keep the keratosis pilaris (a.k.a. chicken skin) on my arms at bay. I apply it on my heels to get rid of rough, flaky skin too.” – Jade, associate editor.

The First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA retails for S$41 on Sephora.

Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara Super Waterproof

Why it’s popular:
Some say that Asian mascaras are better for Asian eyelashes, and this Japanese mascara is supposedly a great contender for instantly lengthening and volumising the lashes from root to tip.

Our review:
“I don’t really use mascara often, but this applies quite well. It doesn’t really clump up my lashes as opposed to the previous one that I used.

I think it’s good that the bristles help to spread the mascara more evenly on my lashes.

Unfortunately, maybe it’s because I have monolids and short eyelashes, the effect isn’t as obvious as the ones shown in the TikTok videos. I can kinda see that it’s darker at the end of my eyes, but it doesn’t really open my eyes bigger or anything.

Perhaps this would work better for those with double eyelids and non-hooded eyelids!” – Sabrina, writer.

The Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara Super Waterproof retails for S$23.39 on Shopee.

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Why it’s popular:
Considered more gentle than most glycolic-packed AHA toners; one woman who used it regularly was mistaken as wearing makeup when she was bare-faced!

Our review:
“This has been my go-to exfoliant for the longest time. It’s gentle on my sensitive skin and works to reduce blemishes effectively, especially around my jawline as I’m prone to getting hormonal acne and maskne.

I still remember the moment I first tried it – it had an almost tightening effect and made my forehead look poreless. Now, I use it once a week on problem areas as maintenance.” – Jade, associate editor.

The Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant retails from S$48 on Shopee.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Why it’s popular:
This liquid blush blends beautifully onto your skin, comes in a wide array of colours, and is supposed to be well worth the price as a little of this goes a long way.

Our review:
“A little goes a long way – a single stamp on each cheek will most definitely suffice! I love how easily it blends, whether you’re applying with a brush or your fingertips.

In terms of its longevity, I can’t say that it stays fresh throughout the day, but the pigment does last till the end of the day. Although it faded a little and didn’t pass the mask-transfer test, your cheeks will definitely stay popping for hours on end.” – Alyaa, content executive.

The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush retails for S$33 on Sephora.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Why it’s popular:
This ever-popular peeling solution is high on TikTok’s list of viral beauty items as they continue to be obsessed with pore-unclogging and acne-scar clearing.

Our review:
“Although this product contains both AHA and BHA, it totally doesn’t sting my skin at all – then again, this could be due to my tolerance built up from regular use of exfoliating toners.

The texture is actually quite watery and glides on smoothly onto the skin. After waiting for the recommended 10 minutes and washing it off, I feel that my skin is super cleansed, and the texture is smooth.

I think I’m going to swap out my exfoliating toners for this powerhouse product from now on.” – Natalie, writer.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution retails for S$19.80 on Shopee.

Featured image credit: The Beauty Look Book