The 7 Best TikTok Beauty Hacks That Actually Work in 2025

TikTok isn’t just a source of viral dances anymore, it’s shaping global beauty trends, one hack at a time. For every gimmick that fades into oblivion, a few become absolute game-changers. The platform has given rise to techniques that beauty insiders and dermatologists can’t stop talking about, rituals that are quick, clever, and surprisingly effective.

We’ve done the scrolling (and the testing) to bring you seven standout hacks that deliver real results without compromising your glow. From overnight skin repair to contour artistry and heatless curls that feel straight out of a campaign shoot, here’s what’s dominating #BeautyTok in 2025 and actually work.

1. The Overnight Skin Barrier Saviour

From nursery to nightstand—your new holy grail for barrier repair.

Face Basting with Diaper Cream

Yes, you read that correctly. TikTok is obsessed with “face basting”, slathering on diaper rash cream before bed. The star ingredient? Zinc oxide, an anti-inflammatory powerhouse that calms irritation and restores compromised skin. Dr Katie (@drkatiebeleznay) praises its ability to soothe dryness, while Dr Abby (@drabby6) calls it a miracle for redness, itchiness and that dreaded tight-skin feeling. Not for acne-prone skins, but if your barrier is crying for help, this hack is your new overnight hero. Perfect for post-retinol recovery nights.

2. Pink Under-Eyes: The Colour Theory Glow-Up

Dark circles? Cancelled—literally.

Forget standard concealer, this hack turns colour theory into an art form. The trend, popularised by @bronzedbisma and trending under #pinkundereye, swaps out beige for pink (or even red lipstick) to neutralise darkness. The technique? Tap lipstick under your eyes, blend with your finger, then layer concealer for a luminous finish that looks as if you’ve had a subtle under-eye lift. The result is youthful, bright and oh-so editorial.

3. The “53 Method” for Sculpted Perfection

Draw the numbers, snatch the angles.

Contouring gets a couture upgrade with the “53 method,” a TikTok favourite courtesy of @Lenkalul and @daayannesantos. The process? Apply contour and concealer in the shape of a five and a three, then blend for cheekbones and a jawline that scream supermodel structure. It’s beginner-friendly but Instagram-ready, because why settle for basic when you can look sculpted to perfection?

4. Chia Seed Gloss: The Luxe Hair Mask Hack

Wellness meets runway gloss.

For hair that shines brighter than your favourite highlighter, TikTok’s chia seed mask is a revelation. Influencers @coco_and_eve and @vanillatt swear by this DIY blend: soak chia seeds overnight, whip them into a gel, mix with coconut oil (and a touch of rosemary oil for scalp health), then leave it on for 30 to 45 minutes. The payoff? Hair that feels like it’s fresh from a glossy campaign shoot, without the salon bill. Extra credit for wrapping it up in a silk scarf while masking.

5. Face Taping: The Overnight Lift

Botox who?

Face-lifting tape has gone mainstream, and TikTok has given it a glamorous spin. The method involves applying myofascial tape overnight to relax muscle movement and minimise wrinkle formation. Dermatologist @dermguru confirms it works, temporarily, by restricting movement and smoothing the skin for a taut, refreshed look. Think of it as a quick fix before a red-carpet moment, not a collagen booster. Pair with a hydrating overnight mask for that glass-skin effect.

6. Beauty Cycling: The New Luxury Ritual

Structured self-care is the ultimate status symbol.

The era of product overload is over, welcome to skincare cycling, the structured ritual that’s as chic as it is effective. Instead of bombarding your skin with actives every day, this method alternates treatments throughout the week to prevent irritation while maximising benefits.

Here’s how the luxury version of the trend looks in practice:

• Daytime: Always about hydration, antioxidant protection and SPF, think silky vitamin C serums followed by barrier-strengthening creams like SBR Repair cream or the Skoon B3 BARRIER REPAIR NanoPillow Serum

  
  

• Nighttime: This is where the rhythm changes. Some nights focus on tretinoin paired with hyperpigmentation serums, while other nights are reserved for gentle exfoliation or LED therapy in soothing red light. Midweek? Pure hydration and barrier repair, a rest night for your skin.

  
  

• Weekly Flow: Start strong with actives, follow with a strategic exfoliation day, then allow your skin to breathe. Repeat, and watch the transformation unfold.

Dermatologists like Dr Ewoma (@skndoctor) swear by this deliberate cadence, calling it the antidote to over-exfoliation and barrier damage. It’s skincare dressed in couture logic: curated, intentional and endlessly effective.

And for those who want the same intentionality in their hair game, hair cycling offers a similar philosophy: alternate between moisturising, protein-rich and clarifying treatments to maintain strength and shine. TikTok’s favourite wellness-meets-glam hack is proof that sometimes restraint is the new indulgence. The algorithm finally agrees with dermatology.

7. Heatless Curls: The Sleep-In Couture Wave

Because beauty sleep should really mean something.

Forget scorched ends, heatless curls are TikTok’s love letter to effortless glamour. The robe tie hack by @kighleyyy and the sock method from curl queen @lucymdrewek have gone viral for good reason: wrap your strands, sleep on it, and wake up with glossy, voluminous curls that look ready for a campaign shoot. Pair with a silk pillowcase for extra shine and zero frizz.

4 TikTok-Tested Fan Favourites Worth Trying

1. Faux Facelift Blush: Sweep blush high towards the temples for an instant lift.

2. Ice Water Makeup Lock: Dunk your face in ice water post-makeup for 10 seconds to seal your base and control shine. Chilly, but effective.

3. Eyeshadow Tape Stencil: For crisp, flawless wings every time.

4. Faux Freckles: Use pens, stamps or even flick fake tan for a soft, sun-kissed vibe, just shield your eyes first.

Safety and Skepticism: What to Skip

Not all hacks are created equal. Dermatologists strongly warn against:

• Sharpie Lip Liner: Yes, it trended. No, it’s not safe. Permanent markers contain toxic chemicals that should never touch skin.

• Egg White Peel Masks: The promise of wrinkle-banishing magic? Unsupported and unsafe. Save your eggs for brunch.

TikTok is Beauty’s New Creative Director

TikTok isn’t just where trends are born, it’s where innovation meets accessibility. These seven hacks prove that the platform isn’t just a playground; it’s shaping the future of beauty. From barrier-repair hacks to couture-level curls, the message is clear: when creativity meets consistency, your routine gets an upgrade. Try these, own them, and thank #BeautyTok for the glow-up.