TikTok-approved trends for brows and make-up

Tracing trends is always a slippery topic. Sometimes, just when you think you have nailed it, things flip. So, to the best of my ability, here are some trends to take note of.

Big, bold hair is back – and just after you had mastered the perfect poker-straight blow-dry. According to the international king of hair, Sam McKnight, “bombshell blowouts” are big news. The reference point is, of course, the 1980s and the tool of choice is velcro rollers. McKnight has created the “Big Set”, which comes with a “heating hood” you attach to your hairdryer and 18 rollers.

Says McKnight, “Velcro rollers have been a staple since the ’80s – they’re foolproof for getting that runway lift at the roots and a soft, touchable texture. The hood dryer locks in your set – it’s a game-changer for effortless, high-volume results at home.” Until the kit is available here, the next best thing is the Blo Brush Hot Roller Set ($120).

On the TikTok beauty front, trends include the clean brow, where the emphasis is on natural brow shapes and textures, stepping away from more sculpted “block” brows. This has also created a demand for laser eyebrow tattoo removal. According to brow guru Amy Jean Linnehan, “If the shape and colour still flatter your face, there’s no need to remove the tattoo – and you can opt for the latest, softer ‘mist brows’ technique.”

As with brows, lashes are also taking a more natural stance, and TikTokkers are currently experimenting by applying a full face of make-up – without mascara. But if you are still wedded to mascara, try brown – our current favourite is Benefit BadGal Bang! Volumizing Mascara in Rebel Brown ($49). Alternatively, try applying a clear mascara such as Maybelline Great Lash Clear Gel Mascara ($18) to give your eyelashes a glossy, lifted look. And if you just can’t give up dark lashes, try a combined lash lift and tint.

The “Y2K lip” is also on the comeback trail, with two key versions – super juicy lips (think Lancôme’s Juicy Tubes) and, at the other end of the spectrum, lips blotted with concealer so that they almost disappear. On TikTok, interest in Y2K make-up increased by 64.8 per cent in the 12 months to March according to data from consumer researcher Spate reported in Global Cosmetic Industry magazine.

Too Faced is leading the charge with glosses that are shiny and hydrating; we love Kissing Jelly Lip Oil Gloss ($38). And with concealer lips, keep it modern with a darker lip liner. One of our favourites is Mecca Max Pout Pencil in Stella ($16) – use it to colour in the entire lip – and then top with a putty-coloured lipstick. Hero status here goes to M.A.C Cosmetics Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Acting Natural ($40).