TikTok made me buy 5 viral beauty products - here's what's actually worth purchasing

TikTok is one of the best places to discover beauty products - it's a hub of thorough reviews, tutorials and recommendations.

To give you an idea of the size of the beauty community on TikTok, the tag #beauty currently has over 180bn views.

As a beauty journalist, I've tried many of the most popular products rated by influencers and users alike on the platform and some I can wholeheartedly recommend. I've rounded-up my top picks, explained why they're trending and why they're worth buying.

Laneige lip mask

Laneige is a South Korean skincare brand that's best known for its Lip Sleeping Mask, which promises to hydrate and condition dry, cracked lips while you sleep.

It became a hit on TikTok during the pandemic as beauty lovers began focusing on skincare while make-up took a backseat.

Currently the hashtag #laneigelipmask has a whopping 277.4m views and rising, with hundreds of thousands of people rating it for its glossy finish and hydrating formula.

⏰ Tested for: Five months.

⭐ Our rating: 8/10.

🛍️ Reasons to buy: It's rich and leaves a lovely glossy finish if you want to wear this during the day. When I use it before bed, I always wake up with softer, smoother, hydrated lips.

✋ Reasons to avoid: At £19, it's very expensive for what's essentially a nice lip balm

💰 Best deal we've found: When you buy it from Cult Beauty, shoppers can enjoy 15% off your first order using the code FIRST15 at checkout.

Shop at Cult Beauty - get 15% off with FIRST15 Shop at Lookfantastic Shop at Beauty Bay

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream

Brazilian bodycare brand Sol de Janeiro has built a cult following, spearheaded by TikTok, of its deliciously scented bum bum cream.

TikTok users have long loved its caramel pistachio scent and the brand has since unveiled two new versions with summery notes. The tag #bumbumcream boasts over 235m views, and counting, with endless videos of users and influencers raving about it.

⏰ Tested for: Two years.

⭐ Our rating: 9/10.

🛍️ Reasons to buy: Its texture is rich and creamy, it's the perfect post-shaving treat for legs, and leaves behind a subtle shimmer. It never feels greasy, heavy or oily.

✋ Reasons to avoid: Aside from the high price tag, there's nothing I don't love about using this, but you can find it in a 75ml pot for £21 instead of the full size 240ml version for £48 if you want to save some money.

💰 Best deal we've found: Cult Beauty is currently offering 20% off the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream when you enter the code AFFBDAY at checkout. Cult Beauty also has a Bum Bum Jet Set filled with the the cream, a shower gel and body mist for £28.

Shop at Cult Beauty - get 20% off with AFFBDAY Shop at Boots Shop at Lookfantastic

La Roche-posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm

This small white tube is a godsend for sensitive and blemish-prone skin. It's no wonder it's been a hit on TikTok - it can be used to speed up spot healing, smooth flaky skin, treat rashes and soothe irritated skin.

It comes highly rated by TikTok's many dermatologists that create content on the platform and skincare fanatics sing its multi-purpose praises.

It's no wonder the £11 cream's hashtag #cicaplastbaumeb5 has over 454m views.

⏰ Tested for: Four years.

⭐ Our rating: 10/10.

🛍️ Reasons to buy: This multi-purpose balm is a brilliant all-rounder. I use it to soothe rosacea and dryness, tackle flare-ups of hormonal acne on my chin and always bring it with me on holiday in case I get bombarded with mosquito bites. If you have sensitive skin that's prone to redness, this is a must-have for reliving irritation. It's non-greasy and can be used all over the face and body.

✋ Reasons to avoid: It's quite a thick texture and isn't fast absorbing. Instead, it's designed to be used as a targeted treatment or all over for a temporary fix for dryness, tightness and sensitivity.

💰 Best deal we've found: Cult Beauty is currently offering 20% off the La Roche-posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm when you enter the code AFFBDAY at checkout.

Shop at Cult Beauty - get 20% off with AFFBDAY Shop at Boots Shop at Superdrug

Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color

Nudestix was launched in 2014 and while it's not new, it recently achieved viral success on TikTok after Lionel Richie's daughter Sofia wore it on her wedding day.

As a result, it re-sparked Gen Z's love affair with the brand, with reviews flooding the platform. It's hardly surprising that #nudestix has over 78m views.

⏰ Tested for: Two months.

⭐ Our rating: 9/10.

🛍️ Reasons to buy: This matte formula is creamy, lightweight and easy to blend. It gives a sheer but buildable wash of colour on cheeks, but can also be used on you eyelids and lips. Best of all, it comes with a brush attached.

✋ Reasons to avoid: If you're looking for a dewy, glowy finish, this is not the product for you. Its matte formula delivers a lovely colour payoff, but it won't have any shine.

💰 Best deal we've found: If you shop this Nudestix product at Sephora UK, it's £2 less costing £28 instead of £30 from other retailers.

Shop at Cult Beauty - get 15% off with FIRST15 Shop at Sephora UK - save £2 Shop at Boots

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid Spf50+ Sun Cream

The skincare community on TikTok are avid users of sunscreen, with countless recommendations and reviews being posted all year round.

One of the most popular brands for suncream is La Roche-Posay, especially its Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid Spf50+ Sun Cream. It's well loved for its lightweight, absorbing fluid formula and mattifying finish, meaning anyone with acne or oiliness will enjoy using this.

The tag #anthelios has over 574m views.

⏰ Tested for: Five years.

⭐ Our rating: 10/10.

🛍️ Reasons to buy: Thin and almost watery, this product has none of the thick texture that most suncreams have. It doesn't take ages to rub in and helps control shine throughout the day. Best of all, it sits nicely underneath make-up and doesn't leave a white cast.

✋ Reasons to avoid: I love this SPF so much it's been a consistent feature in my skincare routine for years. However if you have dry skin, you may want a richer texture or dewier finish.

💰 Best deal we've found: Cult Beauty is currently offering 20% off the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid Spf50+ Sun Cream when you enter the code AFFBDAY at checkout.

Shop at Cult Beauty - get 20% off with AFFBDAY Shop at Boots Shop at Superdrug