Do These Under $15 Viral TikTok Products Actually Work?

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Just a year ago, many people might have described the beauty corner of TikTok as the “underground of the beauty world.” Fast-forward to summer 2021 and TikTok beauty has exploded with countless viral products and millions of beauty reactions.

But before you take TikTok recommendations as bible, it’s important to do your research. Some products are better than others – yes, even those viral products! While many of these products may possess that initial wow factor, they might have you looking like a hot mess by 5 pm with only TikTok to blame. To help you avoid the underachievers, we’ve rounded up six viral products with our honest verdict. Get ready for the TikTok tea.

1. The Skincare Sensation: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, $7

@kaelynwhiteealmost a year since posting one of my biggest videos🤯 thank you for 374k!❤️ @theordinary ##theordinary ##skincare ##skincarebyhyram ##acne ##xyzbca♬ Like That (feat. Gucci Mane) – Doja Cat

The hype: When @KaelynWhitee posted a video of her glowing skin after applying The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, TikTok went crazy. Thanks to its success, The Ordinary reportedly sold 100,000 bottles of their cult-favorite serum, which goes to show how influential TikTok can be!

Our review: Honestly, we’re not surprised about the renewed love for this product as it’s been one of our go-to pimple-zapping serums for years. The potent formula combines BHAs and AHAs to cleanse deep into the pores and remove dirt, bacteria, or dead skin debris that could otherwise lead to a breakout. Plus, it boasts vitamin B5 and antioxidant black carrot, which helps reduce the appearance of post-inflammatory pigmentation and improves skin tone and texture.

Hit or miss? Hit! However, you have to be careful when using this product as it’s so potent. If you have dry or sensitive skin, we’d give it a miss.

2. The Mascara That Broke The Internet: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $12

@stephpappasTrying the Sky High mascara from Maybelline ! 💖😱 #review♬ original sound – Steph Pappas

The hype: The hashtag #skyhighmascara has accumulated over 136 million views, hence why the mascara has sold out both in-store and online, worldwide. Its popularity even led to the UK launch being brought forward due to the high demand from the US release.

Our verdict: We haven’t been able to get our paws on this mascara, but as soon as we do, expect a full review. From the glowing online and editorial reviews, as well as the transformative TikTok before and afters, you won’t regret joining the waitlist.

Hit or miss? Hit!

3. Amazon’s Best-Selling Lip Plumper: Derol Lip Maximizer, $15,

@glamzillaI test out Amazon‘s best selling lip plumper 😂 #fyp #makeup #makeupreview ♬ original sound – Stephanie Valentine

The hype: Lip plumping is not a new TikTok sensation, in fact, the hashtag #lipplumper has over 182.1 million tags, which is wild! So, it’s no surprise that the Derol Lip Maximizer, $15, accumulated 1.3 million views after a video went viral of our fave TikToker Glamzilla applying the formula to her pout.

Our review: When we first applied the formula to our lips, we were relieved that it didn’t feel too painful. There was a mild tingling sensation then shortly after, there was a slight plumping effect. Just like it promised, the ginger-infused night formula was spicier and gave a fuller finish, which we were impressed with. However, we’re unsure whether the irritation justified the level of plumpness it delivered.

Hit or miss? If we wanted to create the illusion of a fuller pout, we’d stick to our trusted technique of overlining with lip contour, as it’s longer-lasting than this particular gloss. And, as far as lip plumping formulas go, it’s pretty similar to others that we’ve tried.

4. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear 24h Powder Foundation, $15 

@juliarosemondbeautyTikTok Made Me Buy It! @lorealparis Infallible Power Foundation #infalliblefoundationinapowder #lorealinfalliblepowderfoundation #drugstoremakeup♬ original sound – Julia Rosemond

The hype: This powder foundation has garnered almost 23.4 million views and is praised for its full-coverage finish and easy application. It’s sold out almost everywhere online but you still may be able to buy it in your local drugstore.

Our verdict: When it comes to powder foundations they can be very divisive, and that’s definitely the case with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation. While it does give immediate coverage and is instantly mattifying with an airbrushed finish, it can also be very drying. Therefore, if you have dry skin, we wouldn’t recommend it. The formula also has a tendency to settle into fine lines and pores throughout the day. Plus, there’s a lot of space to extend the shade range.

Hit or miss? Overall, there are better full-coverage foundations out there.

5. The Summertime Staple: Revlon Oil-Absorbing Volcanic Stone Roller, $13

@whitneymaduekeOil control fast! #makeuphack #makeuptutorial #everydaymakeup #revlonoilroller♬ original sound – whitneymadueke

The hype: With over 3 million views and thousands of jaw-dropping videos, this is another sell-out product. If you have oily skin, run to the drugstore now!

Our verdict: This product is a game-changer for those with oily skin or anyone who gets oily during the summer. The reusable oil-absorbing roller is made from volcanic stone to instantly absorb excess oil from your skin. Plus, unlike blotting papers, this roller is reusable and easy to wash – simply remove the outer pack and wash the volcanic ball with a little cleanser. We’ll be carrying one in our purse for the foreseeable.

Hit or miss? 100% HIT!

6. The Game-Changing Lip Combo: NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color, $12

@_ms_frost_Nyx Shine Loud lip color ✨10✨ #mrsfrost #shineloud #liftandsnatch #nyxcosmetics21drop #makeup #beauty #lipstick #jalapeno #creamcheese #takis♬ _Cute – Gabe Lost

The hype: Currently, this lip gloss has over 9 million hashtags on TikTok, and thousands more “TikTok Made Me Buy It” videos.

Our verdict: From the moment we applied the matte formula, we were blown away with the pigment, which allowed us to overline our lips without using a lip pencil. Another major bonus? The doe-foot applicator glided onto our pout and felt super hydrating, unlike other long-lasting formulas. As for the gloss, we’re obsessed with the high shine finish, which made our lips look drippin’ wet. You also can’t beat the price tag – you practically get two products for $12.

Hit or miss? Hit!

Have you tried any of these products? Let us know in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products, however, some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.