Weird & wonderful beauty trends

A controversial topic that is on everyone’s lips is what kind of modern mess we have created with all this cosmetic surgery and unusual beauty trends. Tik Tok’s instant gratification algorithm has had an exponential influence on the makeup and beauty industry. Let’s discuss some of the weird and wonderful trends that we have seen of late.

1. Bloody Facials

THE TREND: Using menstrual blood for a face mask

THE THEORY: The micronutrients and stem cells in the blood will create youthful skin

Before you get your knickers in a knot and squeamish from the thought! Let’s discuss this one in more general terms. Blood contains many elements, including zinc, copper, magnesium and iron, which are essential minerals that can have antioxidant properties. But there is no scientific evidence to support that applying menstrual blood to the surface of your skin makes them bioavailable for your body to use. There are also risks associated with this trend as blood can be easily contaminated with bacteria, and even risk spreading STI’s that could lead to further complications.

THE VERDICT: Denied X

Trend: Dunking face with ice water.

2. A Cool Dunking

THE TREND: Dunking your face in ice-cold water

THE THEORY: It will improve circulation and reduce inflammation

Nothing too weird or unusual about this one, but it has become a lot more mainstream now. A bath of cold water has many benefits for your whole body, face included, one of which is an increase in vasodilation, and a subsequent decrease in inflammation. This then promotes circulation, reduces signs of redness or irritation, and minimises puffiness. Many people also feel that it tightens the skin, and although changing of pores is not actually possible, people do say they feel a difference and love it.

THE VERDICT: Approved!

3. Siren Or Doe

THE TREND: Create large doe like or lifted siren eyes with make up

THE THEORY: It will enhance the eyes and create a more dramatic look

Makeup enthusiasts have jumped all over this trend playing with eyeshadow, liner, white waterlines, and dramatic mascara. It’s a genuine skill to master and is a much-loved alternative to permanent changes with surgery. We recommend reaching for the makeup and trying your luck at recreating the lifted siren eyes and doe eyes trends and work out what you like and works best for you.

THE VERDICT: Makeup is a big yes!

Trend: DIY brows

4. DIY Brow

THE TREND: Altering your eyebrows, shaving, bleaching, plucking

THE THEORY: It will drastically change your look and enhance your features

Eyebrows have been vulnerable to a flurry of beauty trends, and now it seems anything goes. From shaving tail ends for a lifted look, to bleaching them for an otherworldly appearance, removing them entirely, or going back to the nineties skinny brow, people are jumping on the trends and doing it all at home. It’s perfect for those who want to experiment with their look without committing to permanent changes, just be mindful that those follicles do have a limit, and we don’t know where that is.

THE VERDICT: A fun experiment, but proceed with caution?

5. Hair Theory

THE TREND: Styling your hair to alter perception

THE THEORY It will impact your style and interactions with others

We know the way we style our hair can dramatically alter our overall look, and the right cut can bring out the best of you. The latest trend isn’t one that requires much commitment but motivates you to play around with small changes such as how you part your hair, how you style it, and how it falls. These videos can be satisfying to watch, as users position their face in the centre of the frame and swap between different shots with altered hair. A change in style can completely transform your look and enhance your features. So why not jump on the trend and see what works best for you, remember to take note of how people interact with you and if their perception aligns with who you are. If not, you can always try another style.

THE VERDICT: Approved!

6. Skin Cycling

THE TREND: A four-night skincare cycle routine

THE THEORY: Reduce inflammation from, and efficacy of active ingredients

This trend is a big YES! We are all about finding a skincare routine that works and makes the most of all the products we use. This four-night cycle dedicates night 1 for exfoliation, night 2 for retinol, night 3 for recovery, and night 4 for hydration. This routine is great for balancing your active and non-active ingredients and allowing your skin to recover. Never skip your morning sunscreen application though, that’s a daily must.

THE VERDICT: Approved!

Our Top Picks

If you’re overwhelmed by all the trends in the beauty world, we don’t blame you! Relying on the basics is sometimes the easiest and most effective - a good skincare routine and hygiene are all you need.

Pack your beauty bag with the essentials and you’ll be ready no matter what you’re doing or where you’re going:

Our top picks for your handbag.

Eye drops: Systane Complete Lubricant Eye Drops 10mL

Make-up remover: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes 25 Pack

Concealer: Nude by Nature Flawless Concealer

Lipstick: Covergirl Exhibitionist 24Hr Matte Lipstick

Moisturiser: Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+ 100mL

Sunscreen: Cetaphil Sun Ultra-Light Lotion SPF 50+ 100mL

Gentle facewash: La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Iso-Biome Wash 200mL