TIKTOK TREND INSPIRATION: MARCH 2025

Sources: @iamdoechii_ / @janelthebear / @mimiermakeup

Every month the Cosmetics IC social media team takes the pulse of TikTok to unearth the biggest beauty trends, viral hacks and buzzing products. In February, The Grammys red carpet encouraged fans to experiment with a bold new look, while others were inspired by the classic allure of feline energy. Discover the top three trends from March 2025:

1/ Proud Face Tape

Facelift tapes are having a moment and are turning from hidden accessories to proud ornaments. At The Grammys, rapper Doechii wore her signature face tape above her hairline, turning the face-lifting tool into a statement accessory. Rhinestones were also added to further draw attention to the tapes. We also saw apparent face tapes at Valentino Fall/Winter 2025 during Paris Fashion Week, elevating this TikTok trend as a luxury statement. With cosmetic procedures losing their taboo amongst Gen Z beauty fans, the choice to expose face tapes takes transparency one step further, with the embellishments adding an extra editorial spin.

Influencers: @charlottelooks, @natashajanewood, @pinknews, @itsurgrlaisha, @itsurgrlaisha 

Hashtags: #facetape - 186.2M views

2/ Pink Undereye

Aiming for a bright and flawless look, TikTokkers are blending pink products (blush or lip oils) with their regular concealer, or directly appplying pink-toned concealers to the undereye. Instead of simply covering dark circles, the pink hue has an illuminating effect, delivering a subtle glow and natural flush. Key products include Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser in pink, the Kosas Revealer Extra Bright Serum-Powered Color Corrector in pink and the NYX Pro Fix Stick Corecting Concealer.

Influencers: @beautyybylucyy, @huda_gash, @mimiermakeup, @lizziebowker

Hashtags: #pinkundereye - 74.3M views, #pinkundereyetrend - 86.2M views, #pinkblush - 401.1M views, #kosasconcealer - 151M views

3/ Black Cat Energy

This sub trend of the #DarkFeminine aesthetic embodies the independent, detached and self-assured nature of black cats. Inspired by the personification of dark feline energy represented in characters like Morticia Adams or Cat Woman, beauty fans are creating bold and enigmatic looks that focus on the eyes with tight, elongated wings lined in black, with a soft and smokey lid.

Influencers: @janelthebear, @sarahnewsfx, @s.ophiegracee

Hashtags: #blackcatenergy - 220.4M views, #darkfemininemakeup - 58.3M views

The CIC Take

Our social media team brings you an indispensable guide to all things viral, listening in to the trending beauty conversations on TikTok and Instagram. A monthly edit filled with data from our social media data partners, Spate and Tribe Dynamics. 

Includes: Monthly Top 10 brands in EMV, Top 10 brands by followers, the latest trending looks and viral products on TikTok. Also available as a monthly service.

For more information on our Social Books, Inspiration Reports and consultancy services, contact us.

Sources: Cosmetics IC – March 2025 

Spate NYC - TikTok US until Week of March 2, 2025

SOCIAL MEDIA SNAPSHOT: THE SLEEPMAXXING MOMENT

In the past few months, trends like #MorningShed and #SleepyGirlMocktail have blown up online. With the rise of the "Sleep Economy," sleep has become a focal point for both beauty and wellness, prompting brands to develop innovative products aimed at enhancing sleep quality. This movement goes beyond a fleeting trend—it's evolving into a lifestyle, as new narratives and rituals surrounding sleep gain momentum.

Sources : @maytemyers / @misspeytonsmith / @joatgains

The Sleep Surge

In this new phase, sleep optimization is about a lot more than clocking eight hours. It is about improving sleep hygiene, sleep quality, and the entire sleep experience. Brands are tapping into this by developing products designed to optimize bedtime routines, leading to huge growth in sleep-related searches across social media. 

• ‘Sleep’-related searches grew +124% (YoY - U.S. TikTok - Oct 29)

• Searches for ‘sleep hygiene’ skyrocketed by +222% (YoY - U.S. TikTok - Oct 29) 

The Daily Shed

#TheDailyShed is a relatively recent trend that emerged in early summer. It involves revealing one’s wake-up beauty routine, focusing on the removal of nighttime products. Common elements include skincare treatments, like overnight peeling masks, anti-wrinkle patches, and undereye masks. It also extends to haircare, like silk bonnets or heatless curlers to maintain hairstyle and reduce frizz. Beauty enthusiasts also showcase the removal of mouth tapes, chin straps, and nasal dilators, used to regulate breathing. 

• ‘Daily Shed’ searches grew +253.5% (quarter-over-quarter - U.S. TikTok - Oct 29)

The Sleepy Girl Mocktail

The #SleepyGirlMocktail is a beverage that gained popularity on TikTok in 2023 and has continued to trend into 2024. It's touted as a natural sleep aid, typically made with tart cherry juice, magnesium powder (+95.3% YoY TikTok views - Oct 29), and a splash of seltzer or lemon-lime soda. Proponents claim that the melatonin in tart cherry juice and the calming effects of magnesium can promote better sleep.

Brands like Moon Juice (+41.2% YoY TikTok views - Oct 29) have taken the opportunity to surf on the TikTok trend and deliver "Sleepy Girl™ Mocktail" supplements and recipes. Moon Juice’s signature sleep supplement is Magnesi-Om®, which contains three bioavailable forms of Magnesium and L-Theanine to enhance calmness. In October 2024, it also released the Cherry Sleepy Magnesi-Om, which more closely reflects the taste of the original Sleepy Girl Mocktail recipe, popularized by @gracie_norton.  The brand even boldly claims to be the  “Home of the Sleepy Girl Mocktail 🍒💤”.

• ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail’ has over 118.6M views on U.S. TikTok ( +711.7% YoY U.S. TikTok views - Oct 29)

Credit: Moon Juice

Nasal Dilators & Mouth Tapes

The most viral sleepmaxxing items on TikTok are mouth tapes and nasal dilators, which are often used in tandem to encourage breathing through the nose. Users claim they improve sleep quality, resulting in better overall health. Intake Breathing is one of the most popular nose strip brands on TikTok, however, some are taking a DIY approach, making their own breath-enhancing devices: @raizashow’s tutorial involving using two magnets and a strip of tape has garnered more than 28M views in less than 2 months. 

With the increasing popularity of nasal dilators and mouth tapes, experts are raising safety concerns and skepticism over the lack of scientific evidence to support their beneficial claims. Instead, sleep experts recommend focusing on basic sleep hygiene practices like maintaining a constant sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment, as well as limiting screen time before bed. James Wilson, known as The Sleep Geek, says consumers need to exercise caution when it comes to the whole sleepmaxxing movement. He believes that overemphasizing sleep optimization can lead to ‘orthosomnia’: the unhealthy obsession with achieving perfect sleep, which ultimately increases stress and anxiety and thus worsens sleep quality.

THE CIC TAKE

The sleep economy is expanding, as consumers demand products that are increasingly personalized, high-performing, and nuanced - 37% of U.S. consumers are looking for enhanced sleep products that also address cognitive functioning, stress, and anxiety management. This is a dynamic and thriving market, where engaged consumers are open to experimenting with new tools, treatments, and rituals. Our latest Inspiration Report, Higher Perspectives - The Future of Skincare and Wellness,  explores the emerging opportunities arising in sleep performance as consumers align their beauty and health goals. Contact us for more information.

“Moving beyond sleeping better, new products are focusing on helping consumers maximize every moment,
including their downtime. The Nighttime Performer is prominent amongst the one-third of Americans who are interested in sleep monitoring devices and sleep-optimizing products and will invest in high-performance nighttime treatments and services. For them, sleep is intrinsic to wellness, and they will invest in rest to unlock peak daytime performance. With almost 9-in-10 Americans recognizing that quality of sleep matters more than quantity, there remains a huge opportunity for recovery-focused products.”

— The Nighttime Performer, Higher Perspectives - The Future of Skincare & Wellness, Cosmetics IC

(U.S. TikTok data source: Spate)

HOT SKINCARE TRENDS ON TIKTOK: BUZZING BRANDS AND LATEST TRENDS - MARCH 2024

Sources: @paularmzz: Bubble - Solar Matte / @dermarkologist: COSRX - The 6 Peptide Skin Booster / @theshealyfam: Sknbody - Hair Identifier Spray

Derma-influences continue to dominate the SkinTok conversation, with trending products linked to routines that promise to optimize skin health, from #skinflooding to #skinstreaming. Working with data analysis supplied by our partners Tribe Dynamics and Spate, the Cosmetics IC team has analyzed the latest skincare trends and products going viral on TikTok. Read on for our cut of the most interesting innovations and inspirations to emerge during early spring, 2024.

TOP TRENDS

1 - Skin Streaming

Fewer products, serving multiple purposes: this is the pillar of the #skinstreaming trend which involves adopting a routine that gives your skin exactly what it needs, at the right time, without overwhelming it with products. This considered approach ticks the boxes on functionality, cost-saving, skin sensitivity and sustainability, meeting the prevalent needs of young consumers. 

#Skinstreaming - 51.3M views/ +34460% MoM/ +16660% YoY

2 - Skin Microbiome

Ongoing conversations around skin health propels interest in the microbiome. Both customers and brands acknowledge the importance of maintaining a healthy biome as part of a holistic beauty routine, which drives interest in new products and routines adapted to reinforce the skin barrier. This conversation is fuelled by TikTok derma-influencers who are effectively communicating the importance of healthy bacteria in enhancing skin appearance.

#Skinmicrobiome - 36.3M views/ +9077% MoM/ +454% YoY

3 - Matte Sunscreen

As the warmer months approach in the West, the conversation turns to suncare. Sophisticated new formulations address the demand for a non-greasy, shine-free finish, as consumers embrace sun protection as part of their daily routine. K-beauty favorite, Beauty of Joseon’s Matte Sun Stick is gaining traction thanks to its smooth, non-sticky finish, developed with cosmetic chemist and influencer, @glowbyramon. 

#Softmattesunscreen - 13.1M views/ +2533% MoM / +507% YoY 

BUZZING BRANDS

1 - COSRX 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum 

This multi-peptide skin booster was originally launched in August 2023 but is gaining traction due to its alignment with the #skinflooding (265.9M views) trend. Formulated with 6 different Peptides, it targets fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, all while smoothing and firming the skin. The product has become a favorite among fans of the skinflooding technique - where products with diverse ingredients and delivery methods are layered to create a moisture sandwich. 

Skin Flooding - +2292% YoY

2 - I’m From - Rice Toner

The Rice Toner from I’m From has been instrumental in shaping the rice toner trend, which is seen as a key step to achieving #GlassSkin. Infused with skin-soothing rice extracts, the toner exfoliates, hydrates, brightens and refines the complexion, while forming a protective barrier to prevent water loss and improve radiance. 

#ricetoner - 93M views/ +2955% YoY

3 - Sknbody - Hair Identifier Spray

This novel product demonstrates the growing appetite for new innovations linked to cosmetic treatments. The spray simplifies dermaplaning by coloring the hairs on the face white, making them more visible for shaving. The product’s high visual appeal and strong before/after potential helped it create a buzz on the platform when influencers began testing the product in March. 

#sknbodysprayfcialhairshavekit - 159M views

The Cosmetics IC Take

We will be publishing a deep dive into the latest viral TikTok trends and weak signals in our upcoming Social Book 2024, dedicated to skincare and wellness. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear when our new report drops. 

(Sources: Cosmetics IC - March 2024 / Spate NYC - US TikTok searches - MoM (March 2024 vs February 2024) & YoY (April 2023 to March 2024 vs from April 2022 to March 2023)

TikTok: 2023 End of Year Inspiration

To wrap up a year of inspiration, the CIC team has analysed the TikTok trends that dominated in the last months of 2023 - from superhero-inspired effects and sugar-glazed wintery hues to intentionally unsettling makeup. 

1. RAINBOW MASK

With its links to the LGBTQIA+ pride flag, Rainbow Mask makeup involves creating a spectrum of colours across the eye area, in the shape of a superhero mask. To begin, two strips of tape are placed on the face, above and below the eyes, to create a defined area for applying makeup.

White eyeshadow powder is then applied as a base, with different colours layered on top to create a rainbow effect. The tape is removed to reveal the mask effect. For finishing touches, the look is enhanced with hand-drawn artistry, gems and 3D embellishments.

There are alternative approaches, such as James Charles' preference for a mask in shades of pink with clouds, but the fundamental concept remains the same.

Key hashtags: #rainbowmask: 3.5M views / #rainbowmakeup: 349.5M views

Key influencers: @lucasrodgerss/ @mimiermakeup/ @beatsbydeb/ @nikkietutorials/ @jamescharles  

2. Sugar Plum Fairy

Once again, Hailey Bieber triggered another viral makeup trend, this time fusing food-inspired narratives with her signature, Clean Girl coquettishness to declare winter 23/24, Sugar Plum Fairy season. Inspired by her childhood role in The Nutcracker, Bieber posted a festive look that riffs on the ballet’s iconic Land of Sweets segment, using sugary, shimmery pink hues with plum undertones.

To create the look, bright pink blush is extended from the cheeks to the temple and draped across the bridge of the nose and the eyes to create a frost-bitten glow.  Plum, berry, warm pink, and mauve colours are also used by TikTokkers, reflecting the look on different skin tones. Defining her brows and adding a subtle glow with highlighter, Bieber then adds faux freckles. The look is completed by the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in the limited-edition shade Jelly Bean (a shimmery sheer pink).

Sugar Plum Fairy makeup builds on several key trends that surfaced last year (most of which were perpetuated by Bieber herself), blending the glow of #CleanGirl with the pink hues of #Balletcore.

Rising hashtags: #sugarplumfairy: 129M views/ #ballet: 19.8B views/ #balletcore: 1.4B views

Key influencers: @haileybieber/ @alissajanay1/ @victorialyn

3. Uncanny Valley Makeup

The Uncanny Valley trend, popularised by creator Emilia Barth, gained widespread attention at the end of 2023, thanks to her unsettling transformation into a humanoid robot. Using pale foundation and concealer, liquid eyeliner, and contour powder, Barth mimics the plasticky appearance of a robot’s skin, creating an eerily captivating effect.

The look is inspired by the slightly awkward imagery often generated by AI, which has flooded the public consciousness in recent months. TikTokkers have been quick to capture this uneasy aesthetic by recreating the almost otherworldly looks. Part robotic and part doll-like, the finished result is purposefully unnerving, with TikTokkers adding exaggerated facial expressions and haunting choral music to double-down on the uncanny effect. The trend now extends beyond mere makeup application, to include an Uncanny Valley-inspired filter. With its esoteric and unconventional themes, #UncannyValley occupies the same universe as #weirdcore and #dreamcore, as Gen Z continues to explore increasingly extreme and subversive narratives as a form of self-expression.

Rising hashtags: #uncannyvalleymakeup: 233.5M views

Key influencers: @blonde.girlyy/ @mimiermakeup/ @yodelinghaley 

The Cosmetics IC Take

TikTok continues to prove to be a vital indicator of the motivations of Gen Z, and our latest Trend Book, Beauty Protopia: Makeup Inspiration from the US is enriched with the latest TikTok data (provided by our partner, Spate), which feeds our prospective research and trend analysis. In it, we explore the latest consumer shifts and how these are impacting makeup - including the evolution of subversive messaging, as consumers embrace increasingly unconventional - and unhinged - aesthetics.

Contact us today for more information on Beauty Protopia: Makeup Inspiration from the US.

TIKTOK: September Trend Inspiration

Every month the agency listens in to the beauty conversation on social media to uncover the emerging trends to inspire your next innovation. Read on to discover the next food-inspired beauty trend and the controversial music video that is inspiring TikTokkers to experiment with provocative beauty looks. 

1. STRAWBERRY MAKEUP by Hailey Bieber 🍓💋

Naming skin trends after food has become a trend in itself, and despite some backlash, TikTokkers continue to latch on to these buzzy terms. From latte makeup to potato makeup, food-related shades are capturing the imagination. 

In August, strawberry makeup went viral, thanks to Hailey Bieber uploading a photo of herself with a dewy, fresh look, signed off with the emojis: 🍓💋. In doing so, she inadvertently created this summer’s signature beauty trend, #strawberrymakeup. Perhaps not coincidentally, Bieber timed her strawberry post with the launch of a new lip treatment flavour by her brand Rhode; Strawberry Glaze. 

The strawberry makeup look is defined by a quick, fresh summer makeup that continues Bieber’s signature style of a glowy, rosy, light complexion created using creamy products. The T-zone is illuminated, while the contour is accentuated by a darker bronzer. The key element is "false freckles", which have been a constant feature over the summer. Finally, the lip contour is worked with a lip pencil and then a gloss to finish.

Key Influencers: @andrea_subotic/ @jamescharles / @glowwithnorhane

Rising Hashtags: #strawberrymakeup – 308.6M views / #strawberrygirl – 60.4M views (September 14, 2023)

Spate Data: TikTok searches for Strawberry Makeup +4386,5% YoY (September 11, 2023)

2. CONTROVERSY by Doja Cat🩸🥀

Doja Cat has never been shy of courting controversy and her latest song, “Paint the Town Red”, is her most provocative creation yet. The TikTok-famous dance anthem flirts with themes of satanic worship, feeding the cultural appetite for transgressive content. In the music video, she is seen embracing the grim reaper, throwing raw meat, wearing pentagrams and devil horns. 

Doja Cat’s creative subversions have a loyal following on social media, triggering copycat makeup looks inspired by the themes explored in her controversial content. Adjacent looks play with the aesthetic codes of Paint the Town Red: new romantic, vampiric and gothic gestures,  blood red lips outlined with a darker pencil, black and red graphic eyes, fake blood artistry and mis-applied mascara. 

Key Influencers: @tyra.mua/@makeup.lois/ @k.figaszewska/ @jeamyblessed/ @anemariemua/ @sophiasinot

Rising Hashtags:  #dojacat – 28.3B views/  #demonsdojacat – 3.4M views/ #painttownred – 6.9M views/ I paint the town red makeup – 18M views (September 14, 2023)

3. WRINKLE ART - taking it back to 2018 -🌪️

The latest creative beauty hack doing the rounds on TikTok was spurred by @nettart (27.7K followers on Tiktok), who created the look that she calls, "metallic chic". To achieve a wrinkle-effect, the model is asked to squeeze their eyes shut tightly, and then metallic pigment is worked over the folds of the inner and outer corners of the eyes. Once the eyes are open a stencil-like effect is created from the negative space of the folds.

Key Influencers: @catquinn / @josiezhou1028/ @meicrosoft/ @f.bermann/ @arsonblue/ @julias_makeup_palette

Rising Hashtag: #wrinklemakeup – 97.8K views (September 14, 2023

The CIC Take

The popularity of Doja Cat’s often shocking social media content confirms the shift towards transgressive beauty influences. Brands should take confidence in the consumer appetite for edgy, alternative looks and develop products that fuel the desire for subversive experiences: such as sticky, visceral textures, gore embellishments, and prosthetics that dramatically alter the features.

TIKTOK: SUMMER Trend Inspiration

Sources: @makeupbysamathaharvey - @millieleer - @luvyurselfboo

Every month the CIC team takes the pulse of social media to unearth the strongest beauty signals. This Summer, it was impossible to avoid the impact of Barbie and the dominance of one colour - pink, but as ever, TikTokers made the trend their own with interesting subversions. Brown was another key colour, as #LatteMakeup went viral and users recreated the effects of summery, bronzed skin in monochrome caramel tones.

The state of the economy is never far from consumers’ minds, and frugal themes are being reflected in beauty in increasingly interesting ways. Last month, users creatively demonstrated the multifunctionality of a single product, prompting followers to strip back their makeup kits to the bare essentials.

Overall, summer was defined by ingenuity and creativity, as TikTokkers demonstrated makeup’s transformative power. Read on to discover the top three trends for Summer 2023:

1. ANTI-BARBIE

With the release of the movie Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, makeup looks inspired by the iconic doll have multiplied (#barbiemakeup: +183K Instagram posts/ 833.6M TikTok views). Pink (specifically Pantone 212) and blue dominate, while eye looks are a focus, inspired by the "double cut crease" or "siren eyes" trend. In the most commercial expression of the trend, influencers are recreating classic Barbie eyes to a soundtrack of Aqua’s infamous Barbie Girl (1997) tune.

Key Influencers: @makeupbysamanthaharvey / @franduartmakeup / @isabelleikpeme 

Inevitably there has been a creative backlash as people denounce the race to perfection (and the proximity to plastic surgery). Influences from drag queen culture (such as tyra.mua's @trixiemattel-inspired look) to the world of Tim Burton result in more pronounced and exaggerated looks that distort the ultra-perfect aesthetic. Influencers are also juxtaposing the saccharine pink of Barbie with the darker themes of the movie Oppenheimer  (#barbenheimer 501.5M TikTok views) to create contrasting pink-black looks. 

However, where this trend becomes really interesting is when TikTokers confront the pressure to be perfect by using makeup to depict the cosmetic procedures it takes to be Barbie beautiful. And finally, the trend comes back to a strong message of self-acceptance, as users reverse the heavily contoured, pink-hued look to reveal their natural beauty. Ultimately, the Anti-Barbie trend is a message of hope and acceptance. By rejecting the pressure to be perfect, people are encouraged to embrace and celebrate their authentic appearance.

2. LATTE MAKEUP 

Propelled by Hailey Bieber’s transition from Clean Girl to bronzed goddess, this trend is growing by the day. Latte makeup consists mainly of warm, brown hues (the predominant tones are caramel and coffee) for the eyes and face, while lips are nude or glossy. Cheeks are further sculpted with bronzer to create a radiant glow.  The surge is confirmed by Spate which shows that TikTok searches for Latte Makeup are at 33.7M, while views of the hashtag  #lattemakeup are at 129.9M. One of the main appeals of this trend, and pivitol to its virility on social media, is its inclusive nature - the warm, brown palette suits a range of skin tones and types, unlike Vanilla Girl or Clean Girl which skews towards Eurocentric ideals. 

Diverting from the wholesome glow of Latte Makeup, #EspressoMakeup (7.5M views) is being dubbed as the trend’s “grungier sister” on social media. This take involves deeper and darker tones to create a more intense and sultry look that focuses on the eyes. A demi-matte complexion is blushed with bronzing pearls, while the eyes are outlined in dark brown pencil and coloured with chocolate-hued shadow which is smudged to create an intense smoky effect. 

Key Influencers: @millieleer / @alissajanay / @daniellestrada / @chiaraadelgrosso / @stellafragkoulaki / @jacinta_spencer

Rising Hashtags: #lattemakeuplook 22.7M views / #bronzymakeup 50.9M views / #glowymakeup 1.1B views / #smokeyeye 967M views

3. “I ONLY WEAR…”

This recurring trend peaks at a time when cost-consciousness is at the forefront of consumers’ minds. It involves the frequent and multifunctional use of one favoured product, but can be applied to any product in the makeup kit, from concealer to lipstick.

Concealer: Applied in quantity, it ultimately replaces a foundation. It is applied to targeted areas of the face and blended, or used as contour.

Key Influencers: @teaspahiu / @froartistry / @luvyurselfboo

Rising Hashtags: #ionlywearconcealer 20.7M views / #fullcoverageconcealer 105.1M views / #onlyconcealermakeup 3.5M views

Lipstick: Here the idea is to demonstrate the possibility of the multifunctionality of a lipstick; it can be used as blush, eyeshadow or contouring stick, depending on its colour.

Key Influencers: @mimiermakeupusa/ @lenkalul/ @runscay

Lip Stain: Lip ink is applied generously to the lips, cheeks, eye area, left to dry and gently removed. The stain of colour lasts for several hours (or even days). TikTokkers are demonstrating the multifunctionality of the product, and showing how routines can be reduced down to one core product. 

Key Influencers: @suzi_sina / @cicihaskill / @gillianxgrace

THE CIC TAKE

With the release of Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster, we have finally reached peak #Barbiecore. While pink has proliferated, it has been interesting to see how a large quota of TikTokkers have used the moment to reassert messages of self-acceptance and individuality. The backlash again reaffirms how Gen Z likes to cast a critical creative eye on mainstream trends and subvert expectations. Success awaits brands that can leverage this desire for disruption.

Our latest Makeup Inspiration from the USA trend book explores the transformative power of makeup and takes a deep dive into the social shifts shaping the next phase of beauty. Contact us today for more information on how to get hold of your copy.

The figures and data in this article are dated July 2023.

TIKTOK: How Current Affairs, TV & CINEMA Shape Beauty Trends

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.