A couple years ago, YouTube was the platform where hacks about makeup, skincare and fashion would be rampant. Recently, that torch has been passed onto TikTok. While some are seen as just crazy fads that do not actually work or can be irritating for the skin—like using school glue as a DIY pore strip to remove blackheads on your nose—others do pass the test and are even backed by doctors and those who are professionally in the field.
Chilled cucumber massage
Rubbing an ice cube on your face or submerging it in an ice bath is helpful to deal with puffiness in the face that can occur after you wake up or with redness and inflammation that comes with acne. Actress Jennifer Aniston does something similar by splashing cold water on her face 25 times a day, saying that it wakes her up, gives her energy and tightens her pores. Some have started replacing ice cubes or water with a chilled cucumber, a trend popularized by influencer Mireya Rios, whose video has garnered over nine million views. Dr. Koo, a plastic surgeon, says that cucumbers contain cucumulosic acid, which carries anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, so they help with redness, swelling and moisturizing the face. However, the doctor is cautious about using a cool cucumber rather than a frozen one as it would be safer and avoid the risk of the skin being burned and irritated. She also prefaced that it is better to use when the skin is not inflamed or tender from current breakouts.
Double cleanse
Double cleansing is a skincare method that originated in Korea and has spread to routines in Western countries. It involves using an oil-based cleanser to break down sunscreen, makeup and sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove dirt and other impurities. It helps to avoid clogged pores and can result in healthier and glowing skin. Kelley Liu, the creator of Song of Skin, posts videos of her using K-beauty products, which include ones for the double cleansing process and are helpful for beginners looking for tutorials to start. In her nighttime skincare routine video posted four years ago, socialite Kourtney Kardashian uses a double cleansing method, including micellar water and a cleansing gel.
Sandwich method with moisturizer
Retinoid creams, like Tretinoin and Tazarotene, can increase cell growth and turnover to help with acne, hyperpigmentation and fine lines. However, a side effect of these creams is dry, irritated skin. One can build up a tolerance over time, but for those with sensitive skin or just starting with retinoids, it’s better to use a “retinoid sandwich” method. A light moisturizer is used first, then the retinoid and a heavier moisturizer is placed over. Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, or Dermguru, uses this method and suggests it to her patients. She mentions that it reduces the effectiveness of the retinoid due to dilution, but that does not mean it is a bad thing since you might not develop side effects. In the video, Dr. Zubritsky does say to wait 10 minutes between the first moisturizer and the retinoid since retinoids need to be applied to a dry face, to which a user commented, “Dawg, I’ve been slapping it on right after.”
Mixing foundation with moisturizer
For a dewier look while also allowing your face to be more hydrated and less cakey looking, people have been mixing equal amounts of foundation with a lightweight moisturizer. This allows for a smoother base for makeup and a more pristine finish. Erica Nicole calls it her favorite makeup hack during the summer months. Someone on Klaudia Sydor’s video covering the same topic commented, “Isn’t that just tinted moisturizer?” Nope, it gives more coverage. Hailey Bieber, creator of Rhode Skin, shared in a Vogue video about Beauty Secrets that she uses this technique to keep the natural look of her skin.
Sandwich method with fashion
Trying to figure out outfits for the next coming days can be tedious, but “FashionTok” has it covered. With the sandwich method—not to be confused with the retinoid skincare technique—one matches the top half of their outfit, such as a top or jacket, with their bottoms, like pants, a skirt or shoes, and then adds a contrasting piece in between, such as a handbag as an accessory. This is most seen with someone matching color tones of their shirt and shoes and having a contrasting one for their pants or skirt. This balances your look to create a visually appealing outfit. Stylist Lydia Tomlinson, responsible for this viral trend, also adds that this could be done with proportions. She portrays herself in an oversized jacket, top, pants and boots that look awkward when worn together. She then switches to tighter pants, and the outfit looks much better.
