How TikTok Is Redefining Beauty Essentials with The Unsexy Revolution
June 6 2024, Published 3:00 a.m. ET
TikTok is making "unsexy" beauty products irresistible! Dive into TikTok, and you’ll find that BeautyTok—the platform's beauty scene—isn’t just about glittery products and luxurious backdrops anymore. There’s a shift. Suddenly, dermatologists and beauty enthusiasts are raving about items more often spotted under the harsh lights of a pharmacy than in a chic boutique.
Welcome to the world of "unsexy beauty products." These videos, serving audiences in the hundreds of thousands, showcase affordable, no-frills skincare and wellness items with a fervor once reserved for luxury brands. Their appeal lies in their straightforward packaging and their purpose: to tackle everyday issues like dry skin, dandruff, eczema, and rosacea. Drugstore staples like Vaseline and hydrocortisone cream are making a grand comeback on this platform.
The essence of this trend is a refreshing twist in the otherwise polished world of beauty. Talking openly about using diaper ointment to treat irritation or a drugstore cleanser to clear breakouts feels genuine. It breaks away from pricey endorsements and brings something real to the table. One TikTok creator shared, "These are products that are affordable but might not look aesthetically pleasing, but they get the job done." Her haul included basic bar soap and acne cleanser. The authenticity of such posts has created a loyal following. "It's so refreshing to find a video I actually trust [because] you're not sponsored by this or anything," commented one viewer.
This trend isn't just a hit on TikTok. Reddit threads are buzzing with enthusiastic testimonials about these unsung heroes. The #UnsexyDesignChallengebuilds on this momentum by encouraging a celebration of these practical products through art. It's about recognizing the beauty in functionality and giving fans a chance to show off their creative chops. Whether through detailed sketches or quirky doodles, participants can envision new packaging for their favorite unsexy products—and maybe even see it hit the shelves.
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Ready to embrace the unsexy side of self-care and share tips on products that actually work? Welcome to the era of "unsexy products"—the unassuming, often overlooked essentials that deliver serious results. Brands like AmLactin and Kerasalare embracing this shift with open arms, launching the playful #UnsexyDesignChallenge to celebrate the uncelebrated heroes of self-care.
You’ve seen it happen on TikTok. Gone are the days when only sparkling serums and high-end lotions stole the show. Now, TikTokers are singing the praises of humble, drugstore products that might not be photogenic but work wonders. Think tongue scrapers, pimple patches, and men's razors. It’s all about authenticity, and these products are proving that when it comes to beauty, effectiveness wins over flashiness.
That’s where AmLactin and Kerasalcome in. These brands are putting their trust in the power of user creativity through the #UnsexyDesignChallenge. The challenge invites all creative souls to reimagine the packaging of AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Lotion or Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Ointment. Joining the challenge is as easy as clicking ‘post’. Follow @AmLactin and @Kerasal on Instagram, create your original design for one of their products, and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #UnsexyDesignChallenge.
Don’t forget to tag @AmLactin or @Kerasal. The contest is live from now to June 21, 2024, with three winners who will see their designs come to life in a special product release. Plus, each winner grabs a $500 Visa gift card and a moment of fame on the brands’ social media channels.
"Our products might not make your ‘shelfie,’ but trust us, they’ll give you soft, smooth, radiant skin," says Heather Choe, Head of Marketing at AmLactin. "The prettiest, most aesthetic packaging doesn’t necessarily mean the most effective formula. Our products deliver real results, and that’s what matters most. This contest is about celebrating effectiveness and having some fun with our fans in the process." Whitney Kopp, Head of Marketing at Kerasal, is equally excited. "The #unsexyproducts trend is about celebrating products that don’t need to follow the latest design trends to get the job done. We're excited to see how our fans can turn our ‘unsexy’ packaging into something they want to have on their shelf."
Get cracking and show off your creative genius in the #UnsexyDesignChallenge. Celebrate the unsung heroes of your self-care routine and who knows? Your design could be the latest buzz in the beauty world.