Sources: @daniellemarcan - @chicwithkels - @thisartperson
TikTok analysis allows us to take the pulse of the Beauty consumer, and track their current priorities and motivations, in real-time. This month, current affairs and key moments from trending TV series and just-released movies are rapidly repurposed and translated into makeup moments.
Epiphenomena and "fait divers" play a crucial role in shaping TikTok beauty trends. This is when unexpected and seemingly unrelated events capture public attention and inspire creative interpretations within the beauty community.
Even events that on the surface appear wholly unrelated to beauty become unique storytelling opportunities for makeup enthusiasts. In recent weeks, the Titan submarine tragedy sparked interest in #titanic makeup tutorials as the contemporary incident brushed up against historical tragedy and filmic icon.
TikTok's fast-paced and viral nature is the perfect conductor for amplifying the influence of epiphenomena, transforming news stories and pop culture events into catalysts for innovative and engaging beauty trends that capture the collective imagination.
1. Mermaidcore
Mermaidcore rises once again, resurfacing off the back of the release of the hit film Ariel, starring Halle Bailey. Mermaids are an enduring reference point for fantasy femininity - at New York Fashion Week, Bach Mai showed a siren-inspired collection, complete with fishtail silhouettes, shimmering fabrics and iridescent makeup. Megan Thee Stallion also made her triumphant return to the red carpet in a mermaidesque gown made by the designer.
TikTokkers are taking inspiration from the mythical sea creature to create luminous and enchanting makeup looks that are defined by the use of light chromatic palettes in shades of blue and off-white. Looks are strongly inspired by the #angelicmakeup trend (64.8M views), where the complexion is fresh and light, and amplified by highlighter and pink blush. Eyes are innocent and soft, with a preference for light shades such as white or sky blue in iridescent or chrome, and the ethereal look is finished off with cultured pearls to the face. Hair is either worn loose and wavy or slicked back with products for a just-out-of-the-water #wethairlook (104.3M views).
Rising Hashtags:
#mermaidaesthetic: 128.8M views / #mermaidcore: 318.1M views / #glittereyeshadow: 1.1B views / #chromemakeup: 82.5M views / #sirenmakeuplook: 4.1M views
Key Influencers:
@thisartperson / @evamillersha
2. Titanic Comeback
The recent tragedy of Titan, the submersible that imploded during its descent into the North Atlantic Ocean on an expedition to view the wreck of the Titanic, captured global attention. For over a week, the search and rescue mission dominated the news cycle.
TikTok’s unique algorithm and its role as Gen Z’s preferred search engine means that new stories often, organically, become trending topics on the platform. As users are flooded with associated hashtags that prompt discovery, a simple news story can become the genesis of myriad trends.
In this context, the all-pervading Titan story led consumers to rediscover the story of the original Titanic, pushing James Cameron’s 1997 movie back up the Netflix rankings. Makeup influencers have been recreating the makeup look of the film’s leading character, Rose (played by Kate Winslet), which is typified by a creamy complexion, soft pink blush, taupe eye shadow and matte red lips. Full brows and auburn ringlets complete the look.
Rising Hashtags:
#titanicmakeup: 1.4M views / #titaniccosplay: 1.1M views / #rosedawson: 4M views
Key Influencers:
@geenahunt / @msmaverickmuse / @yanabelyaeva_
3. The Idol Look
The HBO series The Idol proves that controversy is the perfect catalyst for creativity. Starring Lily-Rose Depp and The Weekend, the sexually-charged series follows the relationship between a failing pop singer and an enigmatic club owner/cult leader. While the show’s confrontational sex scenes have hit the headlines, it has also captured the imagination of Gen Z thanks to its sleazy-glam aesthetic that leans into Euphoria territory.
Influencers are recreating two key looks of Jocelyn (played by Depp) - her on-stage look (glitter, graphic-lined eyes inspired by Y2K Britney and Christina Aguilera) and her everyday look (sultry, matte lips, smokey eyes, natural skin).
Rising Hashtags:
#lilyrosedeppmakeup: 36.2M views / #theidolemakeup: 6.9M views / #lilyrosedeep: 3.6B views
Key Influencers:
@kristinaamcnabb / @daniellemarcan / @romaneinnc
The CIC Take
Gen Z, being avid consumers of entertainment media, eagerly embrace the beauty looks and styles portrayed by their favorite characters. Iconic on-screen aesthetics find their way onto TikTok, where users enthusiastically recreate and adapt them to their own personal style.
The influence of news, streaming series and cinema on beauty trends reflects the power of storytelling and visual media in shaping cultural norms and inspiring creativity among younger generations.