2024 year in review

The Year in Viral TikTok Beauty Products

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers

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What a year in beauty trends it’s been. From Nara Smith making her own beef-tallow moisturizer (don’t do that) to the great blush explosion of 2024 (thank you, Hailey Bieber), beauty has been bigger than ever. And with that comes, you guessed it … products. Since 2024 felt like such a long year, here’s every viral beauty trend and the products that defined this year.

Morning-Shed Routines

This year, simply tucking into bed a little earlier and getting beauty rest was not enough. In 2024, the extreme “morning-shed” routine took over. For those of you who might’ve missed the trend, here’s the rundown: It’s basically your nightly routine on steroids — overnight face and eye masks, heatless curlers, and, taking it another step further, mouth tape. The extensive extra work promises glassy, smooth skin, bouncy curls, and less morning prep.

@kristidmytrenko

The morning shed, 10/10 recommend ✨ #mouthtape

♬ Intergalactic Janet - Ley Soul

A staple of the routine, this collagen sheet mask seals in moisture overnight so you wake up with glassy skin. The mask is meant to be worn for over six hours and turns clear when it’s ready to remove.

$16

If you’re not skilled enough to try your hand at sock curls, this set does pretty much the same thing. The curlers are made of foam and covered in satin to prevent damage and help you sleep while it works overnight.

You only have to leave this on for 20 minutes to get 12 hours of transfer-proof color, but if you don’t have the patience for that, plenty of fans of the morning-shed routine have incorporated this peel-off liner into their eight hours a night.

Yes, people are also taping their mouths shut to get their best sleep; it’s said to help prevent a double chin and smile lines, but there’s not much evidence to back that up. However, our resident beauty columnist has broken down the benefits. Here’s the CliffsNotes: It’s said to help with snoring and improve sleep overall.

Blush Is Back, Baby!

It’s safe to say blush is officially back, and it’s had quite a year. From controversies to blush blindness (when you wear too much blush), everyone was talking about and trying out blushes. There were a few blushes, however, that went viral, and for good reason.

Fans braved long lines and early wake-up times to get their hands on the viral cream blush. The buildable formula is ideal for a natural flush on the lips and cheeks, and when the brand was called out for not offering inclusive hues, it worked with creator Golloria to incorporate new shades.

Somewhere between all the dewy and glassy formulas, there were a few mattes — case in point, this blush from Haus Labs. The powder formula goes on light, blends easily, and adds just the right amount of buildable color.

@bloves.beauty

This is the most interesting blush ive ever tried! @milkmakeup 🧊 these really feel like jello and have a cooling sensation when applied to the skin. I think the best way to apply these is on a brush first because they dry down super fast! #milkmakeup #jellyblush #viralblush #milkmakeupblush

♬ 3 strikes - lyriq

I’m not sure if this went viral because everyone wanted to wear it or eat it. Either way, this jelly tint was a must-have. Imparting a wash of sheer color, hydration, and a light cooling effect, the multipurpose tint easily became a favorite.

“What’s the Lip Combo?”

Surely one question that was unavoidable this year. The “Cherry Cola” lip trend, a brown liner with reddish gloss, held firm. As did Hailey Bieber’s cinnamon-girl makeup, which is a brown liner and pink lip (instead of lipstick, just use your blush on your lips).

@mikaimcdermott

trying new @rhode skin peptide lip tint in cinnamon roll 🧸🤎 #rhode #lipcombo

♬ original sound - mikai

We tried it and we loved it, and so did all of TikTok.

Of all the viral glossy lip products from Dior, Tarte, Hourglass, and Topicals, this one from e.l.f. is the most affordable and just as good.

$8

A drugstore favorite, Maybelline’s lip liner glides on smooth and lasts all day.

A go-to drugstore combo, the accompanying gloss is said to be a dupe for the more pricey Fenty glosses. I can’t confirm or deny, but I will say it’s a great gloss for the price.

A TikTok favorite and one of my go-tos, the under-$10 lip liner from NYX is available in many shades, some of which are dupes for more expensive options; the liner is perfect for getting the most pigmented and long-lasting base for your lip combos.

Glass Skin

Between Moo Deng and Pat McGrath’s viral porcelain doll, TikTok loves glassy, glossy skin. The legendary makeup artist’s doll skin for Margiela’s couture show prompted so many questions asking how she did it. Others were attempting to get the look at home.

@erinparsonsmakeup

Replying to @. All hail Pat McGrath 🙇🏻‍♀️ @Pat McGrath Labs i still hope she announces what it is! #patmcgrath #glassskin #margiela #johngalliano #kryolanglass

♬ original sound - Erin Parsons

McGrath eventually shared on Instagram Live that peel-off facial masks were the secret to the glossy skin if you’re looking to get the exact look. However, for a more everyday look, she prepped the models’ skin with her Divine Rose Essence and foundation.

But the glossy look doesn’t end with skin care or runway makeup; the goal was to be glossy all over, most notably on the lips. Oils, treatments, balms, and salves were the new matte lipsticks. Newer, less sticky formulas popped up, making it even easier to get the glazed look. Most importantly, they left your lips feeling moisturized instead of dry.

Photo: Retailer

One of the newer and more affordable lip oils comes from NYX. Along with offering several shades, it’s also rich in nourishing ingredients like squalane.

One of the lip oils that started it all, Dior’s Lip Glow Oil is still a favorite addition to lip combos and is a stand-alone moisturizer.

K-Beauty Reigns Supreme

Some of the most sought-after beauty products this year were from K-beauty brands, and once again, TikTok users were going for glass skin. Here are some ways they achieved it.

@aysha_harun

I think I might be into this lil facial device 👀 #medicubeboosterpro #firstimpression

♬ original sound - Aysha Harun
Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
$60
$60

The all-in-one device has a long list of benefits, but what exactly does it do? Microcurrent and Dermashot modes work like your NuFace, shaping and tightening. The Glow Booster helps products penetrate deeper into skin, and Air Shot mode helps with pores.

$20

Collagen is a debatable ingredient in terms of actual benefits, but it’s a favorite ingredient in viral products like this jelly cream. Often used with the Booster Pro, the cream promises the glass-skin results that all of TikTok is trying to achieve.

@livia.nguyen

Replying to @wam bam spam if you’re wondering what @Mediheal Us toner pad you should get, here are the ones i keep on rotation #koreantonerpads #koreanskincarerecommendations #glassskinroutine #glowyskincare #medihealtonerpad #whattonershouldiuse #madecassoside #retinol #teatree #collagen

♬ luther - Kendrick Lamar & SZA

The latest viral K-beauty product comes in the form of a toner pad. There’s a Mediheal pad for almost every skin type you might encounter, from acne-prone to dry. The small squares can be applied to your face where needed for targeted treatment, or you can pat one all over.

The Year in Viral TikTok Beauty Products