OPINIONS

OPINIONS| 7 TikTok Fashion Trends spread subliminal negative messages to users

Paige Tighe ’24 Features Editor n my TikTok “For OYou” page, all I see are influencers telling me to “Try this new makeup look,” or “You have to check out this store,” or, my personal favorite, “This will change your life.” I highly doubt that a pair of “Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Leggings” from Aerie for $49.95 are going to change my

I have not seen influencers with acne scars, pimples and pigmentation trying the “Clean Girl” look. Considering the trend is encouraging the mentality that blemishes are beautiful, “Clean Girl” makeup should be embraced by those that have imperfect skin. While I agree with the moral behind the trend, I think that for the trend to be more effective, the representatives for the “Clean Girl” makeup trend need to represent a variety of skin types.

he TikTok “Clean Girl” Tmakeup trend flooding my “For You” page is completely misrepresented on the app. This trend attempts to express that makeup doesn’t make up beauty. Embracing one’s natural beauty through the use of liquid blushes, minimal use of mascara and concealer, sheds light on the importance of how TikTok users advocate for trends. However, this message is relayed to TikTok users by influencers that have blemish-free skin, voluminous eyelashes and full lips.

ccording to an “In The A Know” article by Kelsey Weekman, early 2000’s fashion consisted of “low riding and skin-tight outfits,” triggering fatphobia among that generation of teenagers due to the pressures of wanting to fit into that aesthetic of clothing. As Y2K fashion resurfaces on TikTok, I have found that trying to conform to unrealistic body standards can take a toll on self-esteem. Nevertheless, lowrise jeans, Juicy Couture items and other products with bright colors, sparkle and other traditionally girly attributes have regained their popularity life. Regardless of trends being overhyped, TikTok users often become obsessed with what is trending. This allows for trends with subliminal negative messages to be spread despite their seemingly harmless exterior. Young girls are taught on TikTok that they need to have certain clothes or use specific products in order to a look like the influencers they see every time they open their phone. This creates unrealistic expectations, further amplifying the insecurities of impressionable TikTok users. Companies and influencers who advertise the “Clean Girl” makeup and Y2K trends are exploiting the insecurities of young girls by making them believe that they need to partake in these trends to be beautiful. TikTok users need to be conscious of how they perceive the trends they see being promoted on the platform.

Graphic by Lily Klau ’23

through TikTok influencers. These influencers have been promoting the femininity behind the Y2K aesthetic, as opposed to the body type that was a significant part of the trend 20 years ago. With the continued rise in popularity in this trend, TikTok influencers need to be conscious of how they are fostering and encouraging it on their platforms. Graphics by Shivali Kanthan ’24