Lockdown life led to the flourishing of one of my favorite apps, TikTok. In 2021, the upstart social platform exploded, drawing celebrities, chefs, pets, and a plethora of skincare and makeup lovers into its orb.
New video shorts documenting quarantine, dance and makeup tutorials, funny moments, and so much more were being uploaded by the thousands every second. Social media, in my opinion, hasn’t seen such a broad reckoning since the beginning of Facebook.
TikTok is a place where I’ve learned how to properly cut a bell pepper and how to precisely wing an eyeliner that can stand the test of time and a random downpour. It’s an app that has genuinely changed the world, and as dramatic as it may sound: my life.
My FYP (For You Page) is always swamped with innovative beauty tips, trends, and makeup looks. There’s never a shortage or a dull moment when I fall into Alice’s rabbit hole of beauty TikToks. This week, instead of gatekeeping my favorite TikToks, I’m going to share them with The HBM community.
Here are a few of my favorite beauty TikToks that appeared on my FYP this week:
Mikayla Nogueira’s Blue Heart Eyeshadow Challenge
You’ve probably heard or come across Mikayla Nogueria on TikTok. She’s a 22-year-old makeup artist who found her fame during quarantine when she was working at Ulta and posting TikToks in her spare time. Fast forward to the end of 2020 and Mikayla is now one of the biggest, most influential beauty content creators on the app.
Mikayla exudes a genuinely rough, humorous, self-effacing personality that just makes you smile and adore her. She always knocks makeup looks out of the park, and this one is no different, even though she thinks otherwise. Her natural ability to clearly explain makeup steps as she goes along has inspired me to experiment with makeup, and that inspiration she provides is what fully embodies the magic of TikTok.
NikkieTutorials Tests Fenty’s New Lipstick Line, Fenty Icon
Nikkie de Jager, better known by her Youtube channel name, NikkieTutorials, is a Dutch makeup artist and beauty vlogger. She gained popularity on her YouTube channel in 2015 after her video, “The Power of Makeup” became popular and inspired others to show their faces with and without makeup. Recently, she’s branched out and created a TikTok account, which has also gained a ton of traction.
This TikTok has a mix of two things I love: Nikkie and Fenty. Fenty’s new lipstick line, Fenty Icon, recently dropped and has brought a few interesting things to the table, as Nikkie shows us in the video. The shades are all curated by Rihanna, Fenty’s owner, they’re refillable, and the lipstick bullet shape is inspired by Rihanna’s cupid’s bow. How cool is that?
Beijing Opera Makeup Removal
Some of my favorite TikToks are the ones that push me to research topics that are new to me, which is why I added this one to the list. Some quick Googling informed me that the Chinese opera is one of the oldest dramatic art forms on Earth and evolved from folk songs, dances, talking, antimasque, and especially distinctive dialectical music. In the Chinese opera, actors often don extravagant and exaggerated makeup and jewelry.
Throughout this TikTok, we see a Chinese opera actor taking off the makeup and jewelry that was worn during her performance. ASMR makeup removals are relatively popular on TikTok, but this one interested me because of how vibrant, beautiful, and full of culture her entire look is. I also shared a laugh with her as she almost dropped her crown.
Which Vitamin C Serum Is Right For You?
I’m a huge skincare lover, so when I came across this TikTok of Roger, the creator, comparing Vitamin C serums that are at different price points, I was immediately interested. If you’re not familiar, Vitamin C may help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.
Saving money is vitally important to me. With skincare, though, I won’t compromise my skin if the cheaper product doesn’t do what it’s supposed to, so I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Roger test the products. I was surprised to see which one he recommended. Tell me if you feel the same!
The Magic of Makeup Transformations
I still haven’t caught my breath nor recovered from the chills I experienced when the creator, Ayza, transitioned to her absolutely jaw-dropping makeup look. I barely have words to even type or describe how I feel. It’s truly one of the most beautiful makeup looks I’ve ever seen on TikTok. Not to mention the fact that Ayza is only 18!
Ayza’s channel is dedicated to makeup looks that nod an ode to her Pakistani heritage. She always uses sultry colors that mix exceptionally well with the jewelry that she wears. It’s obvious that she’s ready to shake up the beauty world with her astonishing, culturally pride-filled makeup looks.
A Euphoria Makeup Routine
If you’re on TikTok, chances are you’ve come across one or possibly twelve Euphoria videos in a span of five minutes; the show has taken over TikTok completely. The makeup, nails, and even skincare routines of the characters in Euphoria have become the “it” trend of 2022. You can’t escape the videos on Rue’s clothing choices, Jules’ dazzling eyeshadow looks, and as of a few weeks ago, Cassie’s extensive skincare routine (even Buzzfeed has an article on it).
In Euphoria, Cassie gets up at 4 AM to complete a skincare routine that takes her hours, and it’s all to impress a boy. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that you should take care of yourself for yourself; no one else. This routine, though, garnered a lot of attention due to the gadgets and crazy amount of products that Cassie used.
The TikTok user in this video put her skincare routine, with a lot of the similar gadgets, to the audio from Euphoria, which isn’t something I’ve seen before. So I knew I had to include it for you guys.
Vintage Eyelash Beading
Erin Parsons, a vintage makeup collector and Gigi Hadid’s makeup artist, has one of my favorite TikTok channels. She explores her vintage makeup and skincare collection, while sometimes trying out makeup methods used in past decades. I’ve found myself deep diving into her account for hours more than once.
Eyelash beading was a new topic for me, and like I said, I adore a good TikTok video that causes me to research. I learned that in the later part of the nineteenth century many actresses and dancers beaded their eyelashes to make them appear darker and longer, giving them that doe-eyed look. This look was commonly achieved by leaving a large clump of mascara on the end of the lashes. In this TikTok, Erin shows you exactly how to achieve the dramatic eyelash beading look.
Zodiac Makeup Looks
I love seeing new and unique takes on makeup, but I’ve rarely seen ideas based on zodiac signs. Rabe, the creator, showcases beautiful Valentine’s looks for each zodiac sign, and all are adorned with glitter, gems, and whimsical colors. Needless to say, the eye looks are insanely fun, which inspired me to try out bold looks that I’d normally be nervous about.
Which look was your favorite? Mine was the capricorn eyeshadow. The brown was such a unique color, and the rhinestones she had surrounding her eye complimented the eyeshadow color beautifully. Cue me buying new gems to play with!
Makeup Looks of the Past
All things vintage have been popping up on my FYP lately, and I’m not mad about it. Ester Jiron, the creator of this TikTok, is an actress, animal activist, and makeup enthusiast who loves playing with different looks. She’s racked up a large following due to her self-care videos and makeup tutorials.
This TikTok immediately captivated me. I love seeing how makeup has changed and advanced over the years. Makeup has always been a way to express yourself, and I find it interesting that these expressions change as the decades march on. Ester did these makeup looks on each half of her face so we can see the difference side by side.
Couple Skincare Goals
Skincare has nothing to do with gender, so I love when men embrace skincare products and are actually conscious about the health of their skin. This TikTok stood out to me, though, because Jasmine, the creator, and her partner are doing their skincare routine together. What better way to bond and spend time with your significant other?
The topic of men, skincare, and makeup has become pretty hot as of recent, but the idea of men embracing grooming has been around for a very long time. As far back as the 18th century, you can find examples of men’s skincare products that have paved the way for our modern products. In 2020, there was a 300% growth in the men’s skincare market, proving that times and stigmas are changing for the better.
Final Thoughts
TikTok has paved the way for creators of all ages, genders, and cultures to bring their humanness, uniqueness, and talents to the forefront. While putting oneself on the platform can seem daunting, TikTok and its users are changing the game when it comes to uplifting energy.
I’m seeing more and more positivity sweep through the app and, while negative comments do still exist, the more jovial, optimistic ones are shining front and center. It seems that we are finally supporting each other and showing more love; and that is exactly what the world and social media have been needing.
TikTok changes by the second with more and more videos flooding our FYPs, and I’m always excited to open the app and see what positivity is being brought into the beauty world today.
Tell us…
What were your favorite TikToks this week?
Who are your favorite TikTok creators?
Do you think TikTok is changing the social media game? Why or why not?