TikTok is brimming with weird and wonderful beauty trends, one of the latest being the use of the ‘L’Oreal Root Retouch’ spray to add ‘faux freckles’ to the skin. But do these trends actually work?
Maria Mukaranda, a beauty editor at Cosmetify, commented: “While these hacks are undoubtedly great for driving engagement for beauty influencers, some are far more effective than others.”
Maria discussed the top unusual TikTok beauty hacks, revealing how well they actually work and offering alternatives you can incorporate into your makeup routine.
Faux freckles with root touch-up spray
In the beauty space, TikTokers have been using the iconic ‘L’Oreal Root Touch-Up’ spray—but not in the way you might think.
To achieve effortless faux freckles, influencers have been lightly spritzing their skin with the product in brunette shades. But according to Maria, this isn’t the best approach for achieving the look.
“This creates fun content that works well on TikTok and Instagram algorithms, but using this method can lead to many mistakes.
“If you spray too hard, you risk covering your face entirely in the product, which can ruin the hard work you’ve put into your base.
“Instead, mist an eyebrow spoolie and use any brown product from your makeup collection, such as brown mascara or eyeshadow. Then, use your finger to flick the product from the spoolie onto your skin. This gives you freckles that are effortless, realistic, and much more controllable.”
Fork nose contour
Contouring the nose is notoriously difficult to master. It involves using highlights and shadows to create the illusion of a different nose shape, whether slimmer, rounder, or more lifted.
To make this easier, TikTokers have been placing a fork at the centre of their nose, applying contour on the outer prongs, and highlight in the middle.
“It’s understandable that people are looking for easier ways to contour their nose, but everyone’s nose is unique, so this technique won’t work for everyone.
“Drawing lines without proper technique can actually make your nose look larger. Instead, an easy yet effective method is to apply a bronzing or contouring product over the entire nose, then place a thin line of highlight down the middle. With your finger, blend out the highlight.
“This method is quicker than the fork technique and gives you a perfectly sculpted result.”
Business card smudge protector for mascara and eyeshadow
To protect their eyeshadow from pesky mascara smudges, TikTokers have been placing a business card or credit card behind their lashes.
While it’s frustrating to have your eye makeup ruined, Maria warns that this hack could cause eye irritation.
“The hard nature of plastic cards can be uncomfortable and irritating. They can also prevent your lashes from curling properly, and if not cleaned thoroughly before each use, they can harbour harmful bacteria.
“Instead, a folded piece of tissue works just as well to keep mascara where it’s intended. Tissue is much softer and more forgiving on the eyes.”
Putting skincare in the fridge
Fridges, once solely used for keeping food and drinks cool, are now being repurposed to chill skincare products. Applying cold skincare is said to reduce puffiness and inflammation, while also helping products last longer.
While this has several benefits, Maria urges caution when storing skincare in a regular fridge.
“If you’re storing skincare products in your regular fridge rather than a designated skincare fridge, make sure to close them completely and store them away from food items.
“Failure to do so can result in contamination, which may lead to blemishes, infections, and skin reactions.”
Fake tan bronzing
Many people use self-tanning products to bronze their bodies, but some are now applying them to their faces, allowing the tan to set and using it as a semi-permanent bronzer.
“This can be a great method, but it’s crucial to choose a non-comedogenic tanner. These products are formulated without ingredients that clog or block your pores.
“To find such products, check the label for terms like ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘non-acnegenic.’ Brands like Bondi Sands and Isle of Paradise offer non-comedogenic options.”
Exploring Alternatives to Minoxidil: Effective Solutions for Hair Loss
