If there’s one social media app we would hastily scroll through to find out the best beauty buys at the moment, it’s TikTok.
TikTok has put ultra-brightening concealers, true-to-skin-finish foundations, and lip glosses that lend the dewiest glow right, smack, on our radars in the past year. And we’ve carted out more beauty products in 2022 than our guilty conscience would typically allow.
Even amongst our stash of trending TikTok products, we’ve found ones that we’d reach for again and again – the ones that have gained status as “holy grails”. Read on, because we’re giving you the scoop on 15 viral TikTok beauty products we’re still using in 2023!
Cheeks
NARS Liquid Blush in Orgasm
When Madison Beer revealed her favourite liquid blush on Instagram Live, it quickly took TikTok by storm. The blush in question? The NARS Liquid Blush. The exact shade that Madison Beer uses? Orgasm, a warm pink shade with a hint of golden shimmer.
“It offers a very natural-looking flush and the shade is super flattering. It’s lightweight and has a buildable colour payoff, so you can easily adjust the intensity of the blush according to your preference without worrying about caking,” said Daily Vanity’s editor, Kristen.
@sarah_wolak CAN SOMEONE PLS TELL ME WHAT IM DOING WRONG!! #narsorgasm #creamblush @ALISSIA
Often liquid blushes last much longer than powder pigments, and the same goes for the NARS Liquid Blush in Orgasm. “It lasts throughout the day without the need for touch-ups,” Kristen underlined.
“This is one of the OG holy grails before the time of TikTok that I’ve loved for years.”
NARS Liquid Blush in Orgasm retails for S$52 on Sephora or NARS.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
A little bit of TikTok’s highly-praised Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush goes a long way to give a radiant, rosy glow.
“The product is very pigmented and, by far, the only blush that lasts on my oily skin after a long day. I dab just a little on the apples of my cheeks in a circular motion before spreading it to the areas that I want for different blush styles,” said social media designer, Swee Qi.
@atosaaghakhani Apparently…. this is how the rare beauty blushes are meant to be worn 😳❤️ It’s supposed to give that “blush from within” look. credit: @glamzilla ❤️ Products ❤️ @rarebeauty soft pinch liquid blush (grateful) @kosas revealer skin improving foundation (light + neutral olive 160) #rarebeauty #rarebeautyblush #rarebeautymakeup #rarebeautybyselena #softpinchliquidblush
Pro tip from TikTok creator @atosaaghakhani? Sweep the liquid blush across your cheeks, and then go over it with a liquid foundation. The result will be a lit-from-within flush and, this way, you can’t go wrong with too much blush pigment too!
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush retails for S$38 on Sephora.
Kaja Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush
This one-of-a-kind blush makes our hearts skip a beat even before we sweep it onto our cheeks – just because it looks this cute. Designed with a heart-shaped applicator, the Kaja Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush lets you create the most adorable imprints on your cheekbones.
“I love the Kaja Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush because its heart-shaped stamp applicator makes my makeup routine extra fun,” said editorial intern Shervon.
@minazibayi Shes a cutie 🥹🍬💕 @@Kaja Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush ,COLOR: 04 Feisty – cool raspberry #musthavemakeup#musthaveblushes#kajabeauty#blushtrend#viralblush
When you blend out those hearts, you’ll realise that the blush also gives an effortlessly radiant flush. “The formula itself is buildable and blendable so I always get a sheer and natural finish,” Shervon emphasised.
Kaja Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush retails at S$21.38 instead of S$35.64 on Shopee.
Face
Kosas Revealer Concealer
If you’re looking for a concealer that keeps your skin looking like skin and stays crease-free, the TikTok-viral Kosas Revealer Concealer is it.
“Creamy and brightening with medium-buildable coverage – this concealer checks all of my boxes. It blends like a dream and leaves a second-skin finish that I adore,” said associate editor, Jade.
The concealer also works great on skin that’s dry or uneven. “The nourishing formula smooths over dry patches and never emphasises texture, which is something I’m constantly on the lookout for,” highlighted Jade.
@anniedayoon if youve been hesitating buying this (as was i) do itt omg its so good!!!! prob the best concealer ive tried for the undereye. #kosasconcealer #beauty #makeup #bestconcealer
“It’s also the first concealer I’ve tried that caters to my olive undertones and eczema-prone skin. It doesn’t contain fragrances or essential oils too, making it perfect for sensitive complexions like mine.”
Kosas Revealer Concealer retails at S$47.54 on Amazon.
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation
In the years that we’ve had to wear a mask wherever we go, we’ve discovered that TikTok’s viral Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation really sets the gold standard for a foundation that’s long-lasting and transfer-proof, even for oily skin.
“It’s definitely one of my best buys in 2022 because it works for my combination-oily skin,” said marketing executive, Riziana. “My other foundations tend to break up at the oily parts of my face like my forehead and sides of my nose, but this one holds up even after 12 long hours.”
@jitwei18 Back with a natural & seamless look ✨☺️☁️ #fyp #natural #beauty #FOCUSONME #MAKEUPFOREVERSG
“It doesn’t emphasise my skin’s texture and feels so lightweight on my skin. I also like that it hardly transfers, even when I’m wearing my mask during the day.”
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation retails at S$72 on Sephora.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer
You don’t have to wish for your dark under-eye circles to disappear like magic when you’ve got the Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer. TikTok has got it right: we’d choose this concealer’s wand over a magic wand any day.
https://www.tiktok.com/@byjeannine/video/7004882621633187078
“As someone with really dark under-eye circles, I need a concealer with good coverage but won’t cake under my eyes. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer does exactly that,” exclaimed senior creative designer, Iffah.
And, if you need ideas for how to make the best use of the Magic Touch Concealer, we’ve got you covered too. “I apply it to my eyelids as an eyeshadow base. I find that it holds eyeshadow pigments well and does not crease even though I have oily eyelids,” Iffah remarked.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer retails at S$51 on Sephora.
Lips
Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm
The Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm isn’t just everywhere on TikTok, it’s also viral on the Chinese social media platform, Xiao Hong Shu, too. It’s no wonder, because this lip balm slash lip gloss gives a sheer, syrupy finish that’s trending especially hard this season.
@j.uuuuudy forgot to mention it does a very subtle plumping effect, nothing too minty! #xiaohongshumakeup #douyinmakeup
“This lip gloss gives a stunning high-shine finish and volumises my lips too. I love how hydrating it is on my lips, never failing to leave them dewy and plump. Since it lasts for hours, I don’t have to keep reapplying it either,” said marketing intern, Stephanie.
Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm retails for S$60 on Sephora.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Turn your dry, chapped lips into a soft, hydrated pout with this not-so-secret lip treatment: the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
Brimming with antioxidant-rich Berry Fruit Complex and a nourishing blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and murumuru seed butter, the lip mask gives anyone who uses it baby-soft lips by morning.
@anna..paull Lipgloss hack🤍
“This lip sleeping mask is very nourishing for my dry lips, especially when it comes to removing the dead skin from my lips overnight,” said Stephanie. “Even one night of using the lip sleeping mask makes a big difference.”
TikTok users are even replacing their lip glosses with this lip mask to flaunt a juicy, glazed pout – sans the stickiness that often comes with a gloss. Otherwise, take it from Stephanie and use the Lip Sleeping Mask as a base, under your lipstick, for more moisturised lips throughout the day.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask retails for S$16.38 on Amazon.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss
The drugstore lip gloss of TikTok dreams is none other than the Maybelline Lifter Gloss. This budget-friendly lip gloss has been named a “dupe” for other higher-end options such as the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer.
Pssst! If you’re searching for a shade match, the Maybelline Lifter Gloss in Moon is similar to the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in FU$$Y.
@xogabriellle the prettiest lipglosses 🤍 not sticky at all and smell incredible 👼🏼 #maybelline #maybellineliftergloss #lipglosses #makeup #lipgloss #gatekeeping #thatgirl #thatgirlaesthetic #beauty #targetfinds #target #liftergloss #fyp #foryoupage #trending #haileybieber
“This lip gloss visibly smooths my lips’ flakey surface and gives them a gorgeous shine. They instantly look fuller and feel hydrated,” said Swee Qi. “When I want to give my lips an extra lift, I apply the Maybelline Lifter Gloss over my lipstick. However, it looks just stunning on its own.”
Maybelline Lifter Gloss retails at S$15 on Lookfantastic or S$15.90 on Shopee.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
We (and TikTok) can’t talk about lip glosses without mentioning the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, which can’t be beat thanks to its ultra-smooth and syrupy finish.
TikTok creators are often showing off their entire collections of Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizers and sweeping the sheer glosses in a plethora of iridescent shades over the back of their hands as well as onto their lips.
@ericagvalerio you need these 💅🏼✨ #fentybeauty #glossbomb #lipgloss #makeup #foryou
My personal favourites? The limited-edition Fenty Glow Fantasy, which is a warm orange with party pink shimmers, and Champ Stamp Fantasy, which is a shimmery nude pink.
The Fenty Beauty glosses glide so effortlessly over my lips to give a smooth, juicy, high-shine finish that I don’t get with other products. Since they’re translucent shimmer glosses, I can wear them over lipstick for an extra twinkle, or on their own to flaunt subtler but just-as-plump lips.
These glosses don’t just look good enough to eat; they actually smell so delicious that I can almost taste them when I wear them.
Sometimes, I tap them onto the highest points of my cheekbones to change my matte base into a dewy skin glow.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer retails for S$35 on Sephora.
rom&nd Glasting Water Gloss
A lip gloss that dominated our TikTok For You Page in 2022 was the rom&nd Glasting Water Gloss, which was heralded as the perfect gloss for giving a soft Korean-style pout.
The gloss comes in three shades: Meteor Track, which is clear with blue sparkles, Sanho Crush, which is a warm blend of pink and gold, and Night Marine, which boasts three glitter colours.
@thestacychen this @롬앤 glasting water gloss is one of the best glosses I’ve ever tried @romandyou #romandglastingwatergloss #kbeauty #lipswatch #lipgloss
“I love the shine the lip gloss gives, as the glitters within the gloss make my lips look extra reflective and dewy,” said Riziana.
To plump up your pout slightly, the gloss has menthol in its formula. “I feel a slightly minty and tingling sensation whenever I first apply it to my lips, thanks to the menthol infused in the formula, but I don’t mind,” Riziana shrugged.
“What’s best is that this lip gloss doesn’t feel sticky at all!”
rom&nd Glasting Water Gloss retails for S$9.49 on Amazon and Shopee.
Skincare
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
The skincare potion praised by almost every beauty junkie on TikTok is the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops. It’s the skincare product that promises to fade blemishes and brighten dull skin for a reflective glow – and we know it.
“Every time I use the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, I wake up to glowy and dewy skin,” said Shervon.
@darceyangel AD the perfect glowy makeup base using @glowrecipe watermelon dew drops 😍 available at @cultbeauty 🤍🫶🏻 #GlowRecipeDewHacks #skincare #skincareroutine #asmr
Besides their skincare rituals, TikTok creators are also using the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops in other creative ways. One popular hack is to mix it in with your favourite liquid foundation before applying it to your face for a seriously dewy, glassy glow.
“Aside from including it in my nighttime skincare routine, it’s also a part of my makeup routine. I often use it as a primer to achieve “jello skin“,” Shervon revealed.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops retails for S$54 on Sephora.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Since we’re not leaving the house without our sunscreens, we’re always keeping our eyes peeled for formulas that are most comfy on the skin. Well, TikTok put the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, a Korean sunscreen, on our radar, and we haven’t looked back since.
@shreyashrestha26 Creamy texture, moisturizing yet very lightweight & leaves no whitecast. What else you need!!? 🥰 Amazing for dry skin ☺️ Got mine from @Korean_beautypoint #fypシ #beautyofjoseonsunscreen #isntreewaterysungel #sunscreenviral #makeuptok #makeup #skincare #love #drykskin
“The lightweight texture of this sunscreen makes it ideal for layering and going under my makeup. I also like how calming it feels on my skin and that it doesn’t leave a sticky residue,” said Swee Qi.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics retails for S$5.85 at Fairprice or S$14 on Shopee.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Laced with snail secretion filtrate, the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence was a hit on TikTok for clearing acne, soothing redness, and fading blemishes.
@beautybay We are here for this routine using @cosrx_official Snail 96 Mucin Essence Power Serum. @caressmd #snailmucin #snailmucinessence
If you’re worried about the essence’s uniquely gooey, sticky texture (hello, snail mucin), don’t be.
“Although it’s sticky at first, the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence absorbs easily into my skin. It helps calm my skin’s irritation, which is why I keep reaching for it again and again!” quipped campaign executive Supraja.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence retails at S$24.78 on Watsons or S$18.50 on Amazon.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is another skincare product that’s a must-have for those with acne-prone skin.
@leilanikeaa You need this!!! @paulaschoice #paulaschoice #paulaschoicebha #paulaschoicebhaliquidexfoliant #acne #acnescars #acnetips #acneskincare
“It shrunk my pores, unclogged my stubborn blackheads, and significantly improve my skin’s texture. Now, my skin has an overall glow!” said campaign executive, Sheyenne.
“I use two to three drops on a cotton pad, concentrating it on areas of my face that are more blemish-prone about two to three times a week.”
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant retails for S$38 on Amazon.
Featured image credit: thestacychen, lauraxbui/TikTok
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