TikTok Beauty Products That Actually Live Up to the Hype

The Glow-Up Hero Everyone's Talking About

Okay, if you've been on beauty TikTok at all this year, you've definitely seen the Glossier Olivia Rodrigo collaboration G Suit. The hype around this tinted moisturizer with SPF 35 is absolutely everywhere, and I'm not gonna lie - I was skeptical at first. Another tinted moisturizer? Really?

But y'all, this stuff is different. It gives you that effortless 'I woke up like this' glow without looking greasy or fake. The coverage is buildable, so you can go from no-makeup-makeup to actually-put-together in seconds. Plus, the SPF doesn't leave that weird white cast that makes you look ashy in photos. Game-changer for content creators, trust me on this.

Real talk though - if you have super oily skin, you might want to set this with powder. It's definitely more on the dewy side, which I personally love, but I know some of my oily-skin girlies need that extra security.

The Lip Product That Broke the Internet (Again)

Can we please talk about the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment? Hailey Bieber really said 'let me create the perfect lip product' and then actually did it. I know, I know - everyone and their mom has been talking about this, but there's a reason it keeps selling out.

This isn't just another lip balm. The peptides actually plump your lips over time (not like, crazy dramatic, but you'll notice), and the hydration lasts for hours. I put it on before bed and wake up with the softest lips. The vanilla scent is chef's kiss and it layers perfectly under lipstick or gloss.

Here's my pro tip: get the Watermelon Slice flavor if you can find it. It's limited edition and honestly tastes like summer in the best way. But if you're new to Rhode, start with the original - it's the perfect gateway product.

The Skincare Find That Actually Works

Spoiler alert: the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is everything TikTok promised and more. I was honestly shocked because CeraVe products sometimes feel too basic for me, but this serum is seriously impressive.

What makes it special? It has three different types of hyaluronic acid that work at different skin depths. Basically, you're getting surface hydration and deep moisture at the same time. My skin looks plumper and feels bouncy after using this, and at $18, it's an actual steal compared to some of the luxury serums I've tried.

The only thing to remember is that hyaluronic acid works best on damp skin. So splash your face with water or use it right after cleansing before your skin is completely dry. Trust me, this makes such a difference in how well it works.

The Makeup Tool Everyone Needs to Try

Okay, beauty sponges are nothing new, but the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush applied with the original Beauty Blender? That combination went viral for a reason. The blush itself is incredibly pigmented - and I mean INCREDIBLY - so you literally need the tiniest dot.

Here's the technique that TikTok girlies perfected: dot the blush on the back of your hand first, then tap your damp beauty sponge into it, and bounce it onto your cheeks. This gives you the most natural, I-just-went-for-a-run flush that looks like it's coming from within your skin.

My favorite shades are Joy (perfect peachy pink) and Bliss (gorgeous berry that works on literally everyone). Start light though - this stuff builds up fast and you don't want to look like a clown on your first try.

The Budget Buy That Rivals Luxury

Not everything viral has to break the bank, and the e.l.f. Pure Skin Super Serum is proof. At $14, this little bottle packs some serious skincare power with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.

I've been using this in place of my usual $60 serum for three weeks, and honestly? My skin looks just as good. It helps with oil control, keeps me hydrated, and that subtle glow everyone wants. The texture is lightweight and layers beautifully under makeup.

The brand really stepped up their game with the packaging too - it feels way more expensive than it actually is. Perfect if you're just getting into skincare or want effective products without the luxury price tag.

The One That Didn't Live Up to the Hype

Let's keep it real for a second - not every viral product is a winner. The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation had everyone shook on TikTok, but after testing it for weeks, I'm just not convinced it's worth the $46 price tag.

Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful foundation with great coverage and a lovely finish. But for that price point, I expected something truly revolutionary. It's good, but there are drugstore foundations that perform just as well for a fraction of the cost.

If you're curious about it, I'd say try it only if you're already a Charlotte Tilbury fan or you find it on sale. Otherwise, save your money for the products I mentioned above - they'll give you way more bang for your buck.

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