(Beauty Report Card)

I’m Revamping My New Year Skin Care Routine With These Viral Products

TikTok made me do it.

Jan. 13, 2024

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

My TikTok algorithm is truly all over the place. Some days, my FYP is chock-full of New York City apartment tours (a great source of interior design inspiration). Other times, I’m learning how to whip up Starbucks’ delicious spinach feta wrap in my kitchen. But lately, I’m fully on #skintok. I’ve saved clips about trendy at-home face masks, like the turmeric and honey recipe everyone is slathering on their face. However, it’s mostly been roundups of 2023’s viral skin care products ruling my feed. Thanks to beauty-obsessed TikTokers who don’t believe in gatekeeping, my routine is about to get a major revamp in 2024.

These videos couldn’t have come at a better time, as I’ve been feeling a bit bored with my current routine. There’s nothing wrong with the products I’m using per se — I’ve just been having the urge to switch it up a bit. That being said, I’m crossing my fingers these trending formulas live up to the hype. The first product I’m purchasing this year? Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum. #Beautytok is singing the praises of this serum, which supposedly gives the skin a radiant, bright appearance like no other. I’ve also heard glowing reviews of Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask. Packed with squalene, this product, according to social media users, is the key to a hydrated, soft complexion.

Tip: Should you be interested in more buzzy product recommendations once you reach the bottom of this story, check out New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss’ TikTok feed. She’s been sharing her top picks from last year and is a wealth of knowledge in the skin care department, so you can trust these formulas are worth incorporating into your routine.

Ahead, hear more about the 2023 viral skin care products I’m adding to my virtual shopping cart. I’m stoked to put these to the test.

Laneige

Water Sleeping Mask With Squalane

$32

My lackluster winter complexion could use a boost of hydration, and this sleeping mask is supposed to be like a tall glass of water for the skin. The fact that the stunning Sydney Sweeney is the brand’s first-ever global ambassador doesn’t hurt either.

Caudalie

Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative

$82

Beauty lovers are raving about this serum on TikTok right now. Though it’s pricey, the formula works wonders in terms of brightening and fading dark spots, according to reviews. Sounds good to me!

COSRX

Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

$25

I considered purchasing this essence months ago when I first heard about it. And after more A+ comments popped up on my TikTok recently, I bought it. I’ve only been using the product for a week or so, but I’ve already noticed my skin looking bouncier.

Sofie Pavitt Face

Clean Clean Cleanser

$34

In her best cleansers of 2023 TikTok video, Dr. Idriss gave a shout out to this new gel-based face wash created by Sofie Pavitt, a renowned esthetician in New York City. The dermatologist said it’s great for those with combo skin (like myself). According to the pro, the allantoin soothes the skin, while ingredients like panthenol and glycerin balance your moisture.

Charlotte Tilbury

Magic Water Cream

$100

Launched in Sept. 2023, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Water Cream has actually been a staple in my regimen for a good month. But I just had to share my thoughts: I’m already a fan of the brand’s original Magic Cream moisturizer, so I’m not surprised that I love this formula just as much (if not more!). It makes my skin look so healthy, dewy, and hydrated.

Rhode

Glazing Milk

$30

I’m a bit of a skeptic when it comes to celebrity-owned beauty brands. But I’m willing to give Rhode’s Glazing Milk a shot, as it’s been said to serve up a Hailey Bieber-like glow.

Paula's Choice

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

$35

This product blew up in 2023, and with good reason. Apparently, it sloughs away dead skin cells and unclogs pores — both of which my skin could use right about now. (Some comments on Sephora mention the product’s not-so-great smell, but I can look past that.)

Drunk Elephant

D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops

$38

I’ve accepted that a sun-kissed look isn’t in the cards for my fair complexion. But at least I can fake it a bit with Drunk Elephant’s viral D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, which also protect the skin from pollution and environmental stressors. I’m sold.

Summer Fridays

Lip Butter Balm

$24

I’ve seen so many TikToks about Summer Fridays’ Lip Butter Balm, so it must be good, right? The brand claims the formula, which is packed with shea and murumuru seed butters, moisturizes your lips in seconds. Not to mention, every shade is currently sold out at Sephora — a testament to its cult status.

Peter Thomas Roth

Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

$55

To be honest, I sometimes neglect my under eyes. So, in 2024, my goal is to be more consistent with applying products to this area. TikTokers recommend these Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches from Peter Thomas Roth, which de-puff the skin and help reduce the appearance of dark circles.