Everywhere we look—Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok—we are being introduced to the NEWEST trends in skincare and makeup. From a new lip pencil to serums claiming to turn back the hands of time to ice rollers, we are inundated with content.
And let's be honest, we CARE about how we look. We care about keeping up with trends in the hope that whatever new thing has hit the market will be the ONE that we love; the one that makes us look incredible, the one that makes our makeup routine faster, the one that we've been waiting for. But sadly, the average woman just doesn't have the bandwidth to keep up with the trends. Busy moms, working women, and fast-paced student lives don't allow for hours of scrolling and watching reviews to decide which of the oodles of best and brightest is for them.
Beyond that, who can actually afford to buy every new highlighter that we are being convinced to try? And who actually NEEDS them? We're here to tell you that you do not.
While specific statistics on the exact number of makeup products a TikTok user might be influenced to purchase in a single week are not readily available, it's clear that TikTok significantly impacts consumer behavior in the beauty industry. For instance, 71% of beauty users on TikTok report that the platform directly influences the products they incorporate into their beauty routines (cosmeticbusiness). Additionally, TikTok users are 48% more likely to discover and immediately purchase new products compared to users on other social or video platforms (beautypackaging). This heightened influence suggests that active users could be prompted to try multiple new makeup products over a short period, potentially leading to increased consumption and spending.
The Truth About Anti-Aging Claims
The reality is that very few shelf products can actually penetrate the skin deep enough to provide visible benefits. While some ingredients have been scientifically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines and skin texture, medical-grade skincare paired with treatments such as injectables and laser procedures remains the most effective way to reverse visible signs of aging.
Scientific research supports the efficacy of certain topical ingredients for skin health:
Retinoids (Vitamin A Derivatives): Numerous studies have shown that retinoids (including retinol and tretinoin) increase collagen production and improve skin texture by accelerating cell turnover (Mukherjee et al., 2006).
Vitamin C: As an antioxidant, Vitamin C helps brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and protect against UV-induced damage (Pullar et al., 2017).
Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid has been clinically shown to improve skin plumpness and reduce the depth of wrinkles (Papakonstantinou et al., 2012).
Peptides: Research indicates that peptides can stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity (Schagen, 2017).
However, while these ingredients provide benefits, they do not eliminate wrinkles entirely. The most dramatic improvements in aging skin still come from dermatological procedures.
A Minimalist Approach to Beauty
When it comes to makeup, less is more—fewer ingredients and fewer, high-quality products in your bag. Bitty Balm is innovating by doing less. We have stripped our makeup of all harsh chemicals, 'anti-aging' ingredients, dyes, parabens, phthalates, and fragrances. Instead, we focus on clean, effective ingredients with real benefits:
Castor Oil: Moisturizes and provides anti-inflammatory properties.
Jojoba Oil: Balances oil production, hydrates, improves skin elasticity, and has antibacterial properties (Pazyar et al., 2013).
Argan Oil: Can reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and help fight acne (Boucetta et al., 2013).
Beeswax: Creates a protective barrier on the skin while providing soothing and hydrating benefits.
Marula Oil: Rich in antioxidants, moisturizes, and helps protect against environmental stressors.
Soy Lecithin: Aids in repairing damaged skin and has been linked to anti-aging effects.
Ask Yourself Before You Buy
The next time you're scrolling and stop on your favorite celebrity or influencer’s "new favorite product," ask yourself:
Do I need it?
Is it really going to do what they say it will?
Are the ingredients clean and beneficial, or are they potentially harmful or unnecessary?
Can I afford to keep buying products that I may not use?
Is this influencer or celebrity my age? Do they share my skin type and values?
It's time to influence yourself and make the makeup choice that’s right for YOU!
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