Viral Beauty Trends Round-Up: Which Live Up to the Hype?
In the ever-evolving world of beauty, trends come and go at lightning speed, thanks to social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. These platforms have become the breeding ground for new beauty ideas, many of which go viral and take the industry by storm. From skincare to makeup and everything in between, viral beauty trends spark curiosity and excitement, but not all trends live up to the hype. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the most popular viral beauty trends, separating the true gems from the fads that are best left in 2023. Let’s explore which trends are here to stay and which ones are fading fast.
What it is: Glass skin originated in South Korea and refers to skin that is so smooth, hydrated, and radiant that it resembles glass. The trend emphasizes dewy, translucent, and flawless skin, achieved through a meticulous skincare routine that involves multiple hydrating steps.
The Hype: Influencers and beauty enthusiasts alike have raved about the glass skin look, creating a frenzy around Korean skincare products that help achieve this radiant glow. Social media is packed with tutorials that showcase how to layer serums, essences, toners, and moisturizers to attain glass-like skin.
Does it live up to the hype? Absolutely. Glass skin is not just a fleeting trend—it’s a skincare philosophy that encourages long-term hydration and skin health. The focus on nourishing and moisturizing the skin helps to improve its overall appearance, which means the trend delivers lasting benefits beyond the initial glow. Although the process can be time-consuming, the results are hard to deny. Glass skin may not be a quick fix, but it’s a worthwhile investment in your skincare routine. The trend is likely to stick around as people seek more radiant, healthy-looking skin.
Verdict: Hype Worthy
What it is: Slugging is a skincare trend where you apply a layer of occlusive product (usually petroleum jelly or similar) over your nighttime skincare routine to lock in moisture. The idea is that this “slug” effect creates a barrier to prevent moisture loss while you sleep.
The Hype: Fans of slugging swear by its effectiveness in healing dry, irritated skin, especially in colder climates. Videos showcasing glowing, hydrated skin after slugging have gone viral on TikTok and Instagram, inspiring many to try this unique method.
Does it live up to the hype? Yes, but with caution. Slugging works wonders for those with very dry or sensitive skin, as it helps trap moisture and repair the skin barrier. However, it’s not for everyone. Those with oily or acne-prone skin should avoid slugging, as it can clog pores and exacerbate breakouts. It’s a solid trend for those who suffer from dry skin conditions, but it’s not universally applicable.
Verdict: Hype Worthy for Dry Skin
What it is: Skin cycling involves rotating different products (like retinoids, exfoliants, and hydrating treatments) on different nights of the week to avoid irritation while still reaping the benefits of potent skincare ingredients.
The Hype: This trend went viral as people began to seek structured, balanced routines that reduce the risk of over-exfoliating or damaging the skin barrier. It’s been praised for offering a simple, easy-to-follow guide for those looking to incorporate stronger ingredients into their routine without causing irritation.
Does it live up to the hype? Yes, skin cycling can be a game-changer for those who tend to overuse potent products like retinol or exfoliants, which can lead to irritation. By spacing out the days when these products are applied, the skin has time to recover and heal. Dermatologists have also jumped on board with this trend, confirming that it’s a safer way to incorporate stronger skincare ingredients.
Verdict: Hype Worthy
What it is: The clean look is all about minimal makeup and a fresh, polished appearance. The focus is on dewy skin, groomed brows, neutral eyeshadows, and glossy lips. It emphasizes a “no-makeup” makeup look that feels effortless yet chic.
The Hype: Celebrities and influencers have embraced this look for its simple yet sophisticated feel. It’s often linked to “model off-duty” vibes and resonates with the minimalist beauty movement, which prioritizes natural beauty over heavy contouring or bold colors.
Does it live up to the hype? Definitely. The clean look offers a fresh alternative to the overly dramatic makeup styles that dominated beauty trends for years. It celebrates natural beauty, making it accessible and versatile for everyday wear. The clean look is also easy to customize to suit different skin tones and preferences, ensuring its widespread appeal.
Verdict: Hype Worthy
What it is: This trend involves using sunscreen to strategically “contour” the face by applying a higher SPF to the areas you want to keep lighter (like the high points of the face) and a lower SPF to areas you want to appear darker (like under the cheekbones).
The Hype: Touted as a way to achieve a contoured look without makeup, the viral sunscreen contour technique became a sensation on TikTok, with users claiming it could enhance your natural bone structure using sun exposure.
Does it live up to the hype? No, this trend is highly problematic. Dermatologists have universally condemned the idea, stating that uneven sunscreen application can lead to uneven sun exposure, increasing the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Achieving a contour effect through sun exposure is neither safe nor effective. Instead, proper sun protection with even application of SPF should be prioritized.
Verdict: Hype Bust
What it is: Soap brows are a technique where a bar of soap is used to brush and shape the eyebrows, creating a laminated, feathery look. It’s a more affordable and DIY-friendly alternative to eyebrow gels and brow lamination treatments.
The Hype: Soap brows gained massive popularity for their ability to hold brows in place all day, giving users a sleek, defined look. Beauty influencers on social media have posted countless tutorials showing how to achieve the look with just a spoolie brush and soap.
Does it live up to the hype? Yes, but with some caveats. Soap brows do an excellent job of holding brows in place and creating a fuller appearance. However, not all soaps are created equal—some may irritate the skin or cause flakiness. It’s essential to choose a gentle, glycerin-based soap to avoid these issues. Additionally, if you already have very full or thick brows, this trend may not be as transformative for you.
Verdict: Hype Worthy, With Caution
What it is: Crying makeup refers to makeup that mimics the natural flush, puffy eyes, and slightly smudged mascara that might occur after a good cry. It’s meant to evoke an emotional, soft, and vulnerable look.
The Hype: This trend took off on TikTok, where creators showcased makeup tutorials that intentionally recreated the effects of crying. The look often includes smudged eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and glossy lips, giving a melancholic, raw beauty vibe.
Does it live up to the hype? While this trend is intriguing and taps into the emotional side of beauty, it’s not particularly practical or long-lasting. The crying makeup look is highly specific and may not work well in everyday settings. For those seeking an artistic or editorial makeup look, it’s worth exploring, but it’s far from an essential beauty routine.
Verdict: Hype Bust
What it is: Lip blushing is a semi-permanent tattoo technique that enhances the natural color of your lips. The procedure involves implanting pigment into the lips, creating a subtle, blush-toned color that lasts for months.
The Hype: Lip blushing has become incredibly popular due to its natural results and the convenience of waking up with perfectly tinted lips. Many claim it gives the lips a youthful, fuller appearance without the need for fillers or lip products.
Does it live up to the hype? Yes, for the right candidate. Lip blushing offers a long-term solution for those looking to add a subtle tint to their lips without the daily hassle of applying lip color. The results are natural and can last for years. However, the procedure comes with some risks, including swelling and the possibility of an uneven color application. Be sure to visit a reputable practitioner to avoid any complications.
Verdict: Hype Worthy, If Done Professionally
What it is: Cold therapy, or ice facials, involves using ice or cold compresses on the face to reduce puffiness, tighten pores, and brighten the skin. Some variations of this trend involve submerging the face in ice water or using frozen beauty tools.
The Hype: Cold therapy has gone viral for its quick ability to depuff and refresh the face. TikTok influencers frequently showcase their ice facial routines, claiming they result in instantly clearer and more vibrant skin.
Does it live up to the hype? Yes, to a certain extent. Cold therapy can provide temporary benefits like reducing swelling and giving the skin a more refreshed appearance. However, it’s not a permanent solution to skin issues, and it won’t replace the benefits of a consistent skincare routine. It’s a great quick fix for depuffing in the morning but won’t dramatically transform your skin long-term.
Verdict: Hype Worthy for Temporary Results
What it is: Jello skin is another skincare trend from South Korea that emphasizes bouncy, plump skin that resembles the texture of jello. The look is achieved through a combination of hydration, collagen-boosting products, and facial massages that promote elasticity.
The Hype: The hashtag #JelloSkin has garnered millions of views on social media, with users sharing their routines to achieve that firm, jello-like bounce. The trend highlights the importance of skin elasticity, which is often overlooked in favor of brightness or hydration.
Does it live up to the hype? Yes. Jello skin isn’t just about appearance; it focuses on long-term skin health by promoting collagen production and elasticity. The techniques associated with this trend—like facial massages and the use of collagen-boosting products—are well-known for their anti-aging benefits. Achieving jello skin takes time, but it’s a trend that encourages healthy, resilient skin, making it a worthy addition to your skincare goals.
Verdict: Hype Worthy
What it is: This trend encourages going foundation-free to let your natural skin texture show through, relying instead on spot concealing and a healthy skincare routine to enhance your complexion.
The Hype: Many influencers have embraced this trend as part of the broader “skin positivity” movement. It’s an antidote to the heavily contoured and full-coverage makeup looks that have dominated in recent years, encouraging a more natural, less covered-up appearance.
Does it live up to the hype? Yes, for those who are comfortable showing off their natural skin. Foundation-free makeup looks emphasize the importance of skincare, shifting the focus away from covering imperfections to embracing and enhancing what you already have. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those dealing with severe acne or pigmentation concerns who may prefer the confidence that foundation offers. Still, this trend is a refreshing change that promotes self-confidence and a healthy skin-first approach.
Verdict: Hype Worthy
What it is: Skincare products claiming to protect the skin from the effects of blue light emitted by phones, computers, and other screens have surged in popularity. These products often contain antioxidants and other ingredients aimed at reducing the potential damage caused by prolonged exposure to blue light.
The Hype: With more people spending increased time in front of screens, the concern about blue light’s effects on skin health has led to a surge in protective skincare. Brands are promoting serums, moisturizers, and sprays that claim to shield the skin from blue light damage.
Does it live up to the hype? The science behind blue light damage to the skin is still in its early stages, and while some research suggests it may contribute to skin aging, the evidence is not conclusive. Many dermatologists argue that the damage caused by blue light is minimal compared to the harm from UV rays, making sunscreen a more essential protection. While blue light protection products won’t hurt, they may not be necessary for everyone.
Verdict: Hype Bust (For Now)
Conclusion
Beauty trends will always come and go, and while some are worth incorporating into your routine, others may be best left behind. The viral beauty trends of 2023 have sparked curiosity and creativity, offering new ways to think about skincare, makeup, and self-expression. However, it’s essential to separate the truly beneficial trends from those that may do more harm than good. Whether you’re embracing the glass skin glow, trying out skin cycling, or giving soap brows a whirl, it’s always wise to approach beauty trends with a discerning eye and prioritize what’s best for your individual skin and needs.
Ultimately, the trends that stand the test of time are those that promote healthy, sustainable beauty practices, while the fads that fade tend to be more gimmicky or short-lived. So, the next time you see a new beauty trend take over your social media feed, remember to ask yourself: is this hype worth the try?
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Conclusion
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