With so much of our time spent on social media, it only makes sense that in 2024, TikTok makeup has become a genre in its own right. Indeed, as a beauty editor, when I’m looking for inspiration or information on the next big trend, TikTok is my go-to first port of call. Love it or loathe it, the trends born out of TikTok swiftly filter into the mainstream, impacting everything from the lipstick colors we gravitate towards to the new product development we see arriving in stores.
Whereas Instagram-led makeup trends of the past seemed to be all about bold, full glam (think: ultra-sharp contour, blocked-out eyebrows, and cut-crease eyeshadow looks), TikTok makeup trends lean towards a more natural and minimal look. With that said, even the most natural-appearing makeup looks still often require a multi-step application process to achieve. You’ll want to stock your makeup bag with products like skin tints, brow gels, freckle pens, and liquid blushers—all of which are having a moment thanks to TikTok.
If there’s anything to note about TikTok, it’s that trends move fast—many don’t last more than a few weeks. So with that in mind, I asked TikTok content creators Quetta Lawson, Dominique Allison, and Lily Bayliss to lay out exactly what TikTok makeup trends they expect to see dominate through summer 2024 and beyond.
It’s also worth noting that TikTok makeup looks tend to be much easier to follow than their old-school Instagram counterparts. “The most successful and enduring makeup trends on TikTok do well because they’re simple and easy for everybody to try,” says Allison. “If it doesn’t take a lot of effort to do, then people will replicate it.” Likewise, she cites hacks that save you time, make use of everyday products, or that help you get multiple uses from one product are always more likely to go viral. Lawson agrees, adding, “Makeup looks that people feel are achievable and easy to recreate at home will always do well.” Indeed, far from being intimidating, a huge proportion of the makeup content on TikTok is created to simplify the process and hack your way to a more complex makeup look. “I love that I’m constantly learning new techniques even though I’ve been doing makeup for a while,” says Allison. “The TikTok community is constantly giving me new tips and techniques.”
From blended blusher looks to clever application techniques, these makeup trends will help you to stay ahead of the curve, without having to spend hours scrolling your FYP.
1. Sunkissed Summer Skin
Style Notes: “Freckly, bronzey, summer skin with peachy blush is something I’m seeing a lot of at the moment,” says Lawson. In its most extreme iterations, some TikTokers have embraced this trend by creating the appearance of intensely sunburned skin, but if you’re after a more wearable look, Lawson recommends utilizing peach blush, freckle pens, face tans, and skin tints. To recreate this look, Bayliss explains that it’s all about the placement of the blush. “Instead of just your cheeks, the blush goes on your nose, under your eyes, and right up your cheekbones,” she explains.
Shop the Look:
Rhode Pocket Blush Toasted Teddy
“I love Rhode Pocket Blush in the shade Toasted Teddy for a sunkissed or sunburned look,” says Bayliss. “It looks just like you’ve been in the sun.”
This easy-to-use tool effortlessly adds a spattering of freckles to your cheeks and nose—minus the sun damage.
2. Clean Girl
Style Notes: The clean girl makeup trend has been around for some time now, but Lawson, Allison, and Bayliss are all in agreement that it’s here to stay for quite some time. “It’s a less is more approach to makeup, very skincare-focused with no foundation, dewy skin, and slicked-back hair,” explains Allison. “I think clean girl makeup will always stand the test of time as it’s so accessible,” adds Lawson. “It’s minimal, quick and easy to do, and feels light on the skin.”
“I think especially after lockdown, clean girl makeup really is here to stay—it’s so timeless,” adds Bayliss. “I remember watching Sofia Richie’s wedding makeup tutorials and it really stuck in my mind that she said ‘I will like this makeup look forever.'”
Shop the Look:
Made By Mitchell Truth Tint
Skip foundation and opt for a skin tint instead. With a fresh dewy finish, hydrating formula, and extensive shade range, this Made by Mitchell one is a popular choice on TikTok.
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick
Charlotte Tilbury’s new foundation stick was practically made for a clean girl makeup look. Its swipe-on format makes it effortless to use, and although it’s by no means high coverage, it keeps skin looking natural and fresh.
3. Sunset Blush
Style Notes: Allison has several videos on her TikTok feed detailing exactly how to create this trend. Essentially, it calls for a gradient blush effect that mimics the colors of a sunset. This involves blending multiple shades of blush from the apples of the cheeks up towards the temples, creating a seamless transition from one color to the next. The result is a warm, glowing look that adds dimension and a touch of drama to the face.
Shop the Look:
Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
This cream blush is perfect for creating a sunset effect. Its blendable formula allows for easy layering and mixing of colors.
NARS Liquid Blush
NARS’ liquid blushes are known for their intense pigmentation and blendability, making them ideal for achieving a gradient blush look.
4. Graphic Eyeliner
Style Notes: Graphic eyeliner is making a comeback, but with a modern twist. Instead of the classic cat-eye, TikTokers are experimenting with bold shapes, colors, and placements. “People are getting really creative with their eyeliner looks,” says Bayliss. “It’s all about making a statement with your eyes.”
Shop the Look:
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick
These liners come in a variety of bold colors and have a long-lasting formula, perfect for creating intricate designs.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
This liquid liner is known for its precision and staying power, making it a favorite for graphic eyeliner looks.
5. Glossy Lips
Style Notes: Glossy lips are back in a big way, with TikTokers favoring high-shine finishes over matte. “Glossy lips are so versatile and can be worn with any makeup look,” says Lawson. “They’re also great for making your lips look fuller.”
Shop the Look:
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
This gloss is a cult favorite for a reason. Its non-sticky formula and high-shine finish make it a must-have for glossy lip looks.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
This lip gloss not only provides a glossy finish but also has a plumping effect, making your lips look fuller and more luscious.
As we move through 2024, these TikTok makeup trends are set to dominate our feeds and our makeup bags. Whether you’re a fan of the sunkissed summer skin, the clean girl aesthetic, or the bold graphic eyeliner, there’s something for everyone to try. So go ahead, experiment with these trends, and see which ones work best for you.
Source: Allure, TikTok
