Unveiling the Influence of Micro-Trends from TikTok

Undoubtedly, TikTok has taken the world by storm in various ways, particularly during the global pandemic when it emerged as the perfect platform to combat lockdown boredom. One of its most notable features is its ability to promote trends, including the phenomenon of “micro-trends.” These viral crazes, such as “skin slugging” and “jalapeno rose,” rise to popularity swiftly and often fade just as quickly.

Micro-trends thrive on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where influencers and public figures jump on the bandwagon to boost engagement and reach wider online audiences using strategic hashtags. With an abundance of micro-trends to choose from, it becomes crucial to identify the ones that have made the most significant impact and understand the reasons behind their success.

At Quest, our trend experts have diligently analyzed micro-trends in beauty, fashion, and online interiors to determine the most influential ones. Furthermore, we have examined the variations in popularity between the United States and the United Kingdom and unveiled the upcoming trends poised to dominate TikTok’s “For You Page” throughout the summer of 2023.

Unveiling Dominant Beauty Trends in the Online Sphere

Beauty trends tend to evolve rapidly, with perceptions of what is desirable and aesthetically pleasing changing dramatically over short periods. For instance, in 2016, the Anastasia Beverly Hills ‘Modern Renaissance’ palette and a perfect smokey eye were all the rage. Fast-forward seven years, and the “clean girl” aesthetic, characterized by a minimalistic and natural look, has taken over TikTok timelines.

Our data analysis reveals that the current number one online beauty trend is “siren eyes.” This trend, which received a score of 28.6/40, involves elongating the eyes using liner to create a cat-eye aesthetic. It often complements the “clean girl” look by adding a touch of sultry drama. Following closely in second place is “skin cycling,” which gained significant traction with a 1200% increase in search volume, 3.5 billion TikTok views, and 17,128 Instagram hashtags. This trend promotes allowing the skin to breathe without any products for a few days between skincare routines. In third place, “glazed donut nails” captured attention with a 2500% surge in search volume, 229 million TikTok views, and 39,709 Instagram hashtags. This trend involves a minimalistic manicure with a sheer, pearlescent finish.

Exploring the Influential Fashion Trends Online

In the realm of fashion, the top trend commanding attention is the “Y2K” movement. This craze, which scored 34.6/40 in overall popularity, experienced a 57% increase in search volume, garnered 4.4 billion TikTok views, and amassed 5,001,179 Instagram hashtags. Y2K fashion represents a comeback of early 2000s styles, including low-rise jeans, asymmetric dresses, and tie-up tops. Another significant fashion trend is the resurgence of baggy jeans, scoring 32.2/40. With a 113% rise in Google search volume, 1.2 billion TikTok views, and 319,303 Instagram hashtags, baggy jeans are a micro-trend that overlaps with the broader Y2K fashion trend. The third influential fashion trend is “lace,” scoring 32/40. With 4.4 million TikTok views and 12,977,246 Instagram hashtags, lace embodies a delicate and romantic aesthetic, featuring flowing skirts and sheer tops.

Unveiling the Impactful Online Interior Trends

As we delve into the realm of interior design micro-trends, it becomes evident that social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest are filled with home inspiration pages catering to various aesthetics such as cottagecore, dark academia, and cluttercore.

Taking the top spot in the UK is the “butterfly haircut” with an overall score of 26.9/40. This hairstyle features feathery layers that add dimension and volume to the hair, reminiscent of the popular style from the early 2000s. The butterfly haircut garnered 8.6 billion TikTok views, 4,576,693 Instagram hashtags, and 154,000 global Google searches. Similarly, in the US, the butterfly haircut also claimed the number one spot with a score of 27.6/40. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Pamela Anderson have embraced this trend, solidifying its popularity.

In the UK, “micro bangs” secured the second position with a popularity score of 24.1/40. This hairstyle involves a very short fringe and gained traction after Hollywood actress Zoë Kravitz showcased her baby bangs in 2022. Many Brits, especially during lockdown, started cutting their own hair, making micro bangs a popular choice due to their ease of creation at home. In the US, “cold makeup” achieved a score of 21.3/40. This trend involves creating the illusion of being chilly with excessive blush, providing a contrast to the thick eyeliner and dark lips of the 90s grunge style. Notably, trends like glazed donut nails, maxi skirts, and Y2K appeared on both the UK and US lists, indicating a crossover of trends between the two countries.

 

Now, let’s move on to the 2023 summer trend forecast. Our experts predict that the “notox” trend will be a major force, experiencing a 7600% increase in search volume. Notox refers to products that offer the illusion of botox without invasive procedures. It includes silicone patches, hyaluronic acid-infused creams, lotions, and electric masks that minimize the appearance of wrinkles. This trend aligns with the “clean” girl aesthetic and the growing preference for natural skincare remedies. With summer approaching, notox allows people to let their skin breathe without heavy foundation, making it a popular choice for music festivals and vacations.

Another trend on the rise is “graphic eyeliner,” which witnessed a 6800% boost in search volume. Graphic eyeliner adds an edgy touch to one’s aesthetic without going over the top. Celebrities like Doja Cat and Gigi Hadid have been flaunting this look on Instagram, featuring dewy skin and dramatic eyes. Graphic eyeliner is perfect for standing out at summer events, whether paired with lighter makeup or even bare skin.

 

“Barbiecore” is a trend gaining global attention, with a 1600% surge in search volume. Inspired by the upcoming Greta Gerwig-directed “Barbie” movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbiecore revolves around bright pinks, glittery fabrics, and doll-like accessories. It embraces a whimsical and playful side that is expected to continue beyond the movie release.

Budget beauty (6000% increase) and modest fashion (3500% increase) are also gaining rapid popularity. With rising expenses, people are looking for affordable beauty products, allowing them to allocate more funds for holidays and summer trips. Modest fashion, characterized by figure-hugging midi dresses and understated accessories, is anticipated to remain popular in 2023, offering a subtle yet fashionable dressing style.