One thing we are already hooked on in 2024? Silent beauty reviews. Confused? Admittedly, so were we at first. When we first stumbled across this growing corner of TikTok, which has amassed 125.1 million views already, #SilentReviews were bubbling away on BookTok – the app's fringe community of well read creators who regularly dissect the ins and outs of their favourite books. What began with BookToker @stephreadsalot reviewing literature in the most paradoxical way possible, wordlessly, with nothing more than a few head tilts and facial expressions, has now caught on outside the reader community. Now, everything from designer mini bags, fizzy drinks, TV shows and beauty buys are getting the silent treatment.
So far, we've seen beauty take over the silent review category, with videos cropping up daily on the best hair dryers, fragrances, lip oils, skin tints, viral make-up and many, many more. In the ever-expanding world of beauty content, TikTok's latest trend is actually very refreshing.
The new style of reviews breaks away from traditional 'Get Ready With Me' videos, which are often chatty and full to the brim with all the information you could possibly need before you make your next purchase. The success of silent reviews likely stems from how it leans into social media's penchant for ASMR content, videos that create a deeply relaxing sensation that trigger your autonomous sensory meridian response through non-verbal sounds and tics.
The appeal, other than the ASMR-induced tingly sensation, is the laidback, lighthearted, quick information-giving nature of the content. They quite literally remove all the fluffy bells and whistles of lengthy beauty reviews to provide you with a simple 'yes or no' as to whether or not a beauty buy is really worth the hype. So, what are the beauty buys earning the most exaggerated facial expressions from TikTokers? Scroll through the products currently winning silent reviews.
SHOP: The Most-Rated Beauty Buys On TikTok Right Now
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Love a snatched make-up look? Huda Beauty's viral setting powders are known to create the ultimate lifted look that lasts. Available in a range of suits-all, flattering shades, each of them are silky, smooth and impart a soft, seamless blurry veil that locks make-up in place all day.
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
TikToker @meitham's reaction to this lip oil was enough to convince us. Mei's numerous chef's kiss gestures are surely based on the lightweight, healing formula made up of jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid, and that pretty pop of pink.
www.lookfantastic.com
Anyone who knows Mugler's Alien range will tell you about its addictive qualities. This Alien Goddess mini is loved for providing heady, cosy notes of woody florals on-the-go.
www.spacenk.com
Used in three ways: as a make-up primer (use underneath for a subtle sheen), as a glow-laden, barely-there foundation base, or as a highlighter, this viral buy is inspired by the flattering nature of old Hollywood lighting, according to Charlotte Tilbury herself.
www.spacenk.com
Rare Beauty's liquid blush offering is loved for its impressive colour pay off, radiant natural-looking flush and comfortable texture. A little really does go a long way, so start off with a tiny touch to the cheeks and build up.
www.rhodeskin.com
Available in a variety of iterations including Unscented, Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Watermelon Slice, these delicious-smelling balms nourish parched lips thanks to a blend of shea butter, peptides, cupuaçu and babassu. Expect an ultra-glazed, high-shine and uber-smooth finish.
Main image: @maggieanne, @meitham and @shaniadeblois
