TikTok Has Done the Research—These Fashion and Beauty Buys Are Really Worth It
If you're already an avid TikTok user, you probably know about the power of the platform and how it can take anything from unknown to must-have in a matter of minutes. Many of these items have probably popped up on your FYP and are now tucked away in your saved folder. But let's be honest, does anyone ever go back and rewatch those? I doubt it. And with so many videos constantly being created—and so many users creating them—keeping on top of the newest items people are raving about can be time consuming, and then you have to search where to buy them. Well, not any more.
So, welcome. This is where I'll be highlighting the most talked-about and loved TikTok products, with a few on-the-up things that I've spotted myself thrown in too. From makeup to skincare and fashion to accessories, I'll be keeping up with the trends so you don't have to, so your Saved folder can be reserved for recipes and cute dog videos that you'll actually want to rewatch. And when you want to know what's trending from the app, you can simply come here instead of scrolling for hours. Sound good? Let's dive in.
FASHION
UNIQLO PLEATED WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
Sussing out a great pair of tailored trousers at a reasonable price is a hard feat, but Uniqlo has ticked all the boxes with this pair. The pleated, wide-leg trousers come in five colours with the option of a longer length if needed. We can personally vouch for these—our social media editor Joy has them and recommends them to everyone she meets.
COS QUILTED CROSSBODY BAG
From London to New York, fashion people have shared their love for the COS quilted crossbody bag (including influencer Bella Cohen, pictured above). Available in three sizes, the largest bag is praised for fitting a laptop and plenty of extras, whilst the medium size is a great everyday style and the mini is incredibly cute.
SKIMS BODYSUIT
I couldn't even scroll through all the videos singing the praises of this bodysuit, but the highest-watched had over 16.1 million views when I was writing this. The bodysuit comes in a range of skin-tone and neutral shades, along with an impressive size range to match. Honestly, thanks Kim.
UNIQLO ROUND MINI BAG
By now, everyone interested in affordable style knows about this bag, and I for one can attest to the versatility and Mary Poppins-like qualities. With seven colours to choose from and coming in at a very reasonable £15, there's a lot to love about this bag.
UNIQLO RIBBED CROPPED BRA TOP
This may look like a simple staple tank, but there's more to it—the wireless yet supportive built-in bra ensures the top looks smooth from all angles. Since buying it, the cream colourway has become my daily uniform.
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH JEANS
With hundreds of Abercrombie jeans try-ons on the app, I couldn't pin down one exact style that's definitively the most-loved, but personally, I think that's even better. Seeing as the perfect pair of jeans are such a tough find for even the most seasoned fashion shopper, choosing the silhouette and fit that's best for you is going to be personal. But with so many positive reviews, A&F could well be the place to start your search. What's more, most styles also sit in the Curve Love range and come in a choice of leg lengths. At 5'2", I struggle to find jeans that fit me well, but the extra-short 90's straight-leg pair are my current go-to.
SKIMS SLIP DRESS
The Skims slip dress took over not only TikTok, but also Instagram, Pinterest and any other social platform you can think of. Though it first found fame last summer, I still see this everywhere a year on, so I believe it deserves its place on this list. Available in sizes 2XS to 4XL, the size range is top tier. Our editors who own the dress have praised the softly draped maxi hemline, the styling possibilities to dress it up or down, and the way it celebrates every figure as it moulds to your shape.
MAKEUP
DR.JART+ BB PREMIUM BEAUTY BALM
With a cool 14.3 million views on TikTok and counting, Dr. Jart's BB cream is clearly noteworthy. Many of our editors (including myself) tested it out, and we concluded that we're are all huge fans of this lightweight, colour-adaptive balm. On days when foundation feels too heavy (for me, almost every day) I use this to even out my skin tone.
MERIT FLUSH BALM
Since launching in the UK, TikTok can't get enough of Merit Beauty. The carefully curated selection of products are all easy to use and require little effort to apply—perfect for anyone looking for an effective yet speedy makeup routine. Though pretty much every product from the brand is raved about throughout the app, there's something special about Flush Balm. It melts easily into the skin to add a healthy flush with just one swipe, and can also be used on the eyes and lips. There's an array of hues to choose from, from baby pink to soft burgundy.
TRIGWELL VELVET POWDER PUFF
A true TikTok sensation, Trigwell Cosmetics blew up overnight with its unrivalled powder puffs. Our junior beauty editor Grace Lindsey tried it out for herself over on the Who What Wear UK TikTok, and she gave it a 10/10.
CIATÉ BRONZING SERUM
"Bronzing drops" are a frequently searched-for term on TikTok, and Ciaté's Glow Bronzing Serum has been all over my FYP of late. Apply before or after makeup to give yourself an instant, sun-kissed glow. Plus, the formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C to brighten and hydrate.
LOTTIE LONDON PH BLUSH
Blush is a hot topic with many trying to recreate that 'just been on holiday' look. And with over one million views in just two days, Lottie London's pH blush is one to watch. Despite appearing black, the blush works with the skin's pH to create a unique blush hue for each wearer.
DIOR LIP OIL
A modern icon, Dior's Lip Oil has over 773 million views in total. Whilst it's more expensive than others, so many reviews claim it's worth the price. The lip oil reacts to the moisture in your lips to add a subtle tint upon application, and the glossy (but not sticky) feel leaves them hydrated for hours. If that wasn't enough, who can deny how chic the packaging is?
MAYBELLINE INSTANT ANTI-AGE ERASER CONCEALER
Watch almost any GRWM ("Get ready with me") video, and you'll notice this concealer. With a range of shades on offer, I've seen it used as a concealer, eyeshadow primer and contour, and some even use the pink-hued shade to counteract dark circles.
E.L.F POWER GRIP
If you're after a long-lasting primer that will keep your makeup in place all day, this is the current favourite. E.L.F's Power Grip primer lives up to the name, creating a tacky layer to hold your foundation, concealer and contour in place. Top tip: pump onto the back of your hand and smooth small amounts over the face as you go.
ESPRESSOH GLASSY BLUSH
Our beauty editor Eleanor Vousden tested this transparent blush, and she was instantly won over. A little goes a long way with this product, and as it reacts to your body's pH, you get a custom colour that suits your skin tone perfectly.
SKINCARE
BYOMA MOISTURIZING GEL-CREAM
Eleanor was completely impressed by this gel-cream moisturiser and SPF. It melts easily into the skin and doesn't leave any white cast, and it also contains barrier-supporting ingredients like beta-glucan, glycerin and the brand's Tri-Ceramide complex, which can be found within almost all of Byoma's products. TikToker @tayleralexisbeauty even credited the brand for helping her skin during an eczema flare up, and plenty more users shared their adoration in the comments.
GLOW RECIPE DEW DROPS
In the skincare world, it's all about the glow, and TikTok reviews say that Glow Recipe is the place to start. Alongside the much-loved toner that continuously sells out, Dew Drops is one of the brand's hero products. It can be applied under or over makeup to add a dewy glow to your face.
LANEIGE LIP SLEEPING MASK
There's a new focus within nighttime skincare routines, and it's a lip mask. Specifically, Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask. It comes in an array of delicious flavours and is formulated with a nourishing texture to hydrate the lips as you rest. The balm-mask harnesses vitamin C and antioxidants to regenerate chapped lips ready for a smooth rebirth in the morning. Of course, it can also be used as a luxe lip balm throughout the day.
GLOSSIER YOU
Almost every Glossier product has been hyped on TikTok (all for good reason) but You perfume retains its hold over the internet. The scent has spicy pink pepper top notes and a slight sweetness, but what everyone loves it for is its individuality, because it works with your body to create a unique "skin" scent, just for you. Personally, I adore it, and it's become my daily fragrance. Side note: there's now a small, roller-ball version for on the go.
DRUNK ELEPHANT POLYPEPTIDE CREAM
This cream's instantly recognisable pump applicator is as well-known as the product itself. The lightweight formula is highly hydrating, plumping and restorative, and rave reviews talk about how seriously soft it leaves the skin. It's packed with skin-supporting amino acids to work towards long-term skin health.
GUA SHA & JADE ROLLER
If you follow any skincare gurus you'll know all about gua sha and jade rollers. Personally, I think any brand will do for these, and this set gives you both for a very reasonable price.
Next Up: TikTok Has Spoken: These £35 Trousers Are the Best on the High Street
Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.
During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.