TikTok creators walking us through trends from foundation frothing to the red-nail theory.
Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: by The Cut; Photos: @helinndosk, @lovetrenna, @the.olivia.sage, @michellekhxn/TikTok
How many times have you asked yourself this year, “What the hell is happening on TikTok?” If doom-scrolling all of the beauty trends swirling around social media have made you even more skeptical, then same. Popular internet fads, like turning your vaginal fluid into fragrance and foundation frothing, quickly rose to virality this year. The truth is TikTok has become a platform that determines trends, whether they’re good, bad, or simply bizarre.
To be clear, not all trends born from TikTok are terrible. In fact, some hacks are actually dermatologist-approved, like skin cycling, a TikTok of which has over 3.5 billion views on the platform and was created by New York City–based dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe. The issue with certain TikTok trends is when misinformation spreads like wildfire, like how to do at-home surgery procedures and using menstrual blood in ways that could potentially cause harm. And oftentimes, the root of the trend is coming from a popular creator who doesn’t have the credentials to be discussing these topics. Following every beauty trend you see on social media can result in extreme irritation, a damaged skin barrier, health complications, and more. Trying new things is cool, but doing proper research and relying on professional experts is equally as important — especially when it comes to caring for the skin, the body’s largest organ. Here, our year in review of TikTok beauty trends: some we love and some we could’ve gone the rest of our lives without.
Seeing a lot more red nails lately? Well, it isn’t by coincidence. TikTok resurfaced the “red-nail theory,” a philosophy that claims women with red nails attract more men. A 2008 study by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that the bold crimson color actually does enhance men’s attraction to women. It doesn’t have to be about men, though. Red is simply a stunning color that will make you feel like a boss, whether you wear it on your nails or lips.</…….