TikTok is the birthplace of some of the wildest beauty trends. Some work like magic, while others are just… questionable. This year, the social app blessed us with fresh, viral beauty hacks that claim to revolutionize makeup routines. But do they actually deliver? To answer this question, I put some of them to the test to see if they live up to the hype. Here’s what worked, what flopped, and what you should avoid at all costs.
TikTok’s Most Viral Beauty Hacks for 2025
You’ve probably seen the viral beauty hacks flooding your FYP, but the question is…do they actually work? From skincare to makeup tricks, TikTok has already delivered some game-changing makeup trends. Let’s dive in and see which ones are worth the buzz.
1. “Faux Facelift” Blush Hack
Blush isn’t just for your cheeks anymore. The Faux facelift trend claims that placing blush along your temples and high on your cheekbones creates a sculpted effect. Some creators even swap their contour for blush and swear it gives a youthful, radiant look without harsh lines.
The Test:
I grabbed a cream blush in a natural pink shade and applied it high on my cheekbones. Then, I blended it upward toward my temples. Instead of a traditional swipe across the apples of my cheeks, I kept everything lifted. The difference was immediate. My face looked fresher, more awake, and extra snatched.
The Verdict: 
Faux facelift is a winner! The placement enhances bone structure and gives a soft, effortless glow. It also works on all face shapes and skin types. Just avoid super bright shades if you want a natural effect.
2. Foundation in Ice Water
Dunking a fully made-up face into a bowl of ice water sounds insane, but TikTok swears by it. The idea is that it locks makeup in place, blurs pores and gives skin a natural, long-lasting finish. Supposedly, it replaces setting spray and powder.
The Test:
I applied foundation, concealer and cream blush, then filled a bowl with ice water. After a deep breath, I submerged my face for 10 seconds, then patted it dry with a towel. Instantly, my skin looked smoother and my makeup appeared more natural. Throughout the day, my base stayed flawless—no creasing, no oiliness, no cakiness.
The Verdict: ☆
The ice water foundation hack is surprisingly effective! Dunking your face into ice water really does help makeup set into the skin. However, the cold water is intense and not ideal for sensitive skin. If you want similar results without the chill, use a damp, cold beauty sponge to press in your foundation.
3. “Lip Lift” Concealer Trick
Instead of overlining lips with a lip liner, TikTokers are using concealer to reshape their lips. By dabbing concealer slightly above the Cupid’s bow and under the lower lip, the lips appear fuller and more defined.
The Test:
I applied a small amount of concealer above my upper lip and blended it upward. Then, I did the same under my lower lip. After adding lip liner and gloss, my lips looked lifted and plumper (no filler needed!). The effect was subtle but noticeable, especially in photos.
The Verdict: ☆
Lip lift concealer is a great trick for a natural lip enhancement. However, it works best when paired with lip liner and gloss. On its own, the difference is minimal. Lip lift concealer trend is perfect for anyone who wants a more sculpted lip shape without overlining.
4. Eyeshadow Tape Stencil Trick
Influencers are using small pieces of tape as stencils to create sharp, flawless eyeshadow shapes. By placing the tape along the outer corners of the eyes and blending shadow over it. They effortlessly achieve a crisp winged effect.
The Test:
I cut two small strips of tape and placed them diagonally from the outer corners of my eyes toward my temples. Then, I blended a dark brown shadow into my crease and let the tape act as a barrier. After peeling it off, the result was shockingly precise! It was as if I used a professional stencil.
The Verdict:
This hack is a must-try! It works for any eyeshadow look and takes the guesswork out of blending. Just be sure to remove some of the tape’s stickiness beforehand to avoid tugging at your skin.
5. Soap Brow vs. Brow Gel Showdown
Soap brows have been trending for years, but TikTok claims that clear brow gel is just as good—if not better. The debate? Which one gives better hold, volume and definition throughout the day?
The Test:
I applied soap on one brow and clear gel on the other. The soap brow looked fluffier, with a strong hold that kept every hair in place. The gel brow, on the other hand, looked polished but had a more natural, less dramatic effect. By the end of the day, the soap brow stayed put, while the gel brow lost its shape.
The Verdict: ☆
Soap brows win for longevity and fullness, but clear brow gel is better for a softer, everyday look. If you want bold, laminated brows, stick with soap. For a more effortless finish, go with gel.
Final Thoughts: Which Hack is Worth Trying?
- Best Everyday Hack: The “Faux Facelift” Blush Trick. It’s easy, quick, and universally flattering.
- Most Surprising: The Ice Water Foundation Trick. It sounds bizarre, but it really works.
- Best for Photos: The Lip Lift Concealer Trick. It’s subtle in person but makes lips pop on camera.
TikTok makeup hacks are always a gamble. Some are game-changers, while others are just trends that fade fast. These five viral beauty hacks are worth trying, but as always, test them out to see what works for you!
FAQs About Viral Beauty Hacks
- Will the ice water trick ruin my makeup?
No, as long as you pat your face dry instead of rubbing it.
- Can I use powder blush for the facelift hack?
Yes, but cream blush blends better for a seamless lift.
- How long should I keep my face in ice water?
5–10 seconds is enough. Any longer might be too harsh for the skin.
- Will the lip lift concealer trick work on all lip shapes?
Yes, but results are more noticeable on thinner lips.
- Can I skip foundation for the ice water trick?
You can, but it works best with a full base.