Thinking back to the first lockdown, I like many others didn't wear make-up for months, making me realise I'd worn it almost daily since I was 13! Through constant zoom calls, seeing myself and others without make-up with our 'imperfections' became normalized.

Seeking authenticity

Makeup was out (because, why wear it?) and in its place…wellness and skincare. And where did we (Speaking as a Gen Z'er) go for recommendations, Youtube and the once viewed as cheesy, TikTok. Both platforms let people recommend products based on more personal experiences, with real people sharing and not hiding their skin issues and successes on our screens. The overly perfect and curated images of Instagram influencers became less relevant as we started seeking more authentic stories, which we found on TikTok.

Combined with not being able to purchase products as easily, our product choices became more purposeful, so we looked to those we trusted for recommendations. After our friends and family, Tiktok communities increasingly became the space for education, conversations and endorsement.

TikTok 🤝 Gen Z's trust

Trust appears to be an area in which TikTok differs from other social media platforms; its users are in control, resulting in brands relying on their customers to become their advocates. Unlike other platforms, the app's structure creates a space for peer-to-peer conversations, creating communities and resulting in more trust between members. With people being put first, users are able to express their real selves, which we all found refreshing. Gen Z began using the platform to normalise imperfections, share their struggles and just be 'themselves'.

The beauty community

Beauty is one of the biggest and most successful communities on TikTok, and as an industry is being heavily influenced by this platform, with products going viral and reaching wider audiences. According to Laura Karin's Elle article, “52% of users say they discover new beauty products" on the platform, but to reap the benefits brands must follow some 'Gen Z rules'. Kacey Culliney article for Cosmetics, suggests that brands must create "entertaining, reliable or meaningful" content but importantly it must be authentic to the brand. TikTok even advises brands not to follow the ‘classic’ advert formula, as it interrupts viewing and users will skip it.

Everyone is an influencer

TikTok’s algorithm and reliance on user interactions means that everyone has the ability to influence. Unlike other social platforms, the app's structure creates a space for peer-to-peer conversations, creating communities and resulting in more trust between its members. Anyone can create content to review, recommend or even cancel a product, or their views, likes, shares, and comments are just as valuable. The result is that products start to trend on the platform based on what people are endorsing. Hashtags such as ‘#TikTokMadeMeBuyIt’, are where we look to see the latest and most recommended products. TikTokers are brutally honest about the products and experiences they come across, so brands should think hard about if and how they should be participating on this platform.

Interesting examples

There are some notable examples of beauty brands nailing it on TikTok, with a few examples showing that there is no set way of being successful on the platform.

Glossier

You can’t talk about TikTok, beauty and Gen Z without mentioning Glossier. Their content entertains and educates viewers with a wide range of videos, to creative product reveals. They are not afraid of getting their audience involved, as they repost videos created by fans and consistently reply to comments.

The Ordinary

This skincare brand went viral during the pandemic thanks to countless user reviews and recommendations. The brand's ethos and interactions helped educate consumers on their products which went down extremely well on TikTok. They now make entertaining content that does follow trends, but keep close to the brand's core identity.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

The ‘e.l.f. It Up' campaign encouraged TikTokers to use e.l.f.’s original song in their videos to enter a competition. The trend went viral and became the "most-viral campaign ever on TikTok, with consumers contributing nearly 5 MILLION user-generated videos." Since, the brand films its videos in the style of a smaller creator, making them more relatable, while engaging with users in comments.

Maybelline

Lastly, the hashtag #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt made the brand's Sky High Mascara the number one trending product. Maybelline built on this and worked with creators, encouraging users to duet each other's videos about the product, resulting in it selling out four times.

TikTok beyond the screen

TikTok’s influence across beauty has grown beyond the screen and now impacts brands' products, content, campaigns, and spaces. #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt is a source of inspiration for many, as Cult Beauty has a page dedicated to trending products. Similarly, JustMyLook created a space in their first flagship store on #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt products. And Superdrug is using their in-store ‘trending’ section to create the #SuperShow challenge, where customers record videos using Superdrugs products to the 'Super Show' song.