14 viral beauty products that are worth including in your 'new year, new me' routine

The Tweak team approves

In 2025, an endless number of makeup, skincare and haircare products went viral, gathering attention, sparking conversation and being added to shopping carts. One scroll on Instagram could magically lead to a 45-minute deep dive into achieving the perfect glass skin. Every GRWM reel featured a product we later researched. And every beauty launch became ‘the most awaited moment’.

Keeping up with the newest beauty trends, such as the ‘blush-ification’ of makeup and the obsession with hybrid beauty products, felt overwhelming. With every product being touted the ‘holy grail’, choosing what actually deserved a place in our vanities felt more difficult than picking what to watch on Netflix during dinner.

Here at the Tweak office, no meeting was complete without us beauty enthusiasts discussing the new sunscreen someone tried, the foundation that made someone’s makeup look professional, or the newest beauty trend that someone gave into. We collectively tried and tested several of this year’s viral beauty products, and we came away convinced of the ones we truly loved.

As you enter the new year, our honest reviews may just help you give your beauty routine a 2026 makeover.

Makeup that made the cut

Kay Beauty Hydra Cloud Cushion Foundation

“Out of the 1,098 makeup products and experiments I tried in 2025, the Kay Beauty cushion foundation came out tops. I had been looking for something easy to apply on busy days and after seeing this one all over Instagram, I decided to give it a go. This product gives great coverage, which is even and non-cake-y. And because it contains hyaluronic acid, my skin looks plump and fresh too. The cushion indeed makes for faster, more manageable application, which is so handy when like me, you’re a working professional who is always short on time but can never imagine leaving the house without a full face on. The foundation does fade a little by the end of the day, so touch-ups might be needed, especially on very long days.” —Ketki Hulamajage, Social media manager

Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation

“This year, it would have been impossible to miss the TirTir red-cushion foundation on your feed, its sleek red shell glinting off the reels of makeup artists and influencers. I was skeptical about the shades though, since they had limited options initially. However, I went to the Tira store and they helped find the right one for my skin tone.

This foundation is full coverage so you need to use it with a light hand or it can look paint-like; I learnt through trial and error. TirTir’s red-cushion foundations (they have red, silver and pink cushion foundations for different skin needs) contain water bloom extracts and are meant to give a glassy, moisturised finish. But I found that it can sometimes have a drying effect, which might not be the best for dry skin. Since my skin usually gets oily under the sun, the product worked well for me. And my makeup would last for 10 hours without budging, with some contribution from a setting spray. In the winters though, I prefer using TirTir’s pink cushion foundation, since it is more hydrating.” —Akanksha Narang, Features editor

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24h Tinted Serum Foundation

“When I was hunting for a full coverage foundation that would help even out the dark spots on my face and save time on my beauty routine, the reels on my feed made it seem like this is what I was looking for. The reels were wrong about this one: it isn’t full coverage. It provides light to medium coverage and does not hide everything (such as the pimple that unexpectedly arrived on the day I had to go to a party). But I ended up really liking it still. The formula is lightweight and easy to blend, and my skin looks fresher on days I use it. Keep in mind though that it is a serum-based foundation, which may not be the best fit for oily skin. And since it is a longwear foundation, it is best to do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.” —Ketki Hulamajage, Social media manager

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush

“Everyone was raving about how pigmented this blush is and how a tiny dot gives the perfect natural flush. I was curious to see if it really lived up to the hype—and it did. A little really does go a long way, so while it isn’t exactly easy on the pocket, you use so little that it actually feels worth it. I also liked how easily it blended without leaving harsh patches, especially when I used my fingers. It gives that natural, just-been-outside kind of colour, but your skin does need to be well-moisturised to help along that natural flush. I found myself skipping bronzer some days because the blush alone added enough warmth and life to my face.

While using it, you definitely need to start with less than you think so that you don’t end up looking like you are participating in your school’s annual dance performance. Also, if your base isn’t set well, it can lift the foundation slightly.” —Ketki Hulamajage, Social media manager

Skincare that made us slow down

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+

“When you meet a model with baby skin who can’t stop raving about a Korean sunscreen, you know you have to try it out. After that conversation, my Instagram seemed to know, and review after review of the sunscreen appeared, all using the same words: hydrating, lightweight and zero white cast. They were not wrong. The watery formula absorbs instantly and it’s easy to layer under makeup. It makes skin glow without the sticky, shiny finish that comes with SPF. It contains panthenol along with rice bran and fermented grain extract that moisturise and soothe. For dry skin, especially, it’s like a silky moisturiser you don’t mind reapplying.” —Mamta Mody, Editor

Dove Acne Clear Serum Body Wash

“My skin is quite sensitive. I’ll find tiny bumps on my shoulders after waxing, and acne shows up anywhere—on my chest, on my back—for no rhyme or reason. I wanted to switch to an anti-acne bath product, and the first one I tried was a soap. It was popular on Reddit and many reported that it prevents acne. But I found it would dry out my skin tremendously after every shower. Finally, I came across the Dove body wash with 1% salicylic acid and since their products have been known to be moisturising, I added it to my cart. After using it for a month or so, I can report that I don’t have acne popping up like uninvited guests anymore. And it doesn’t dry my skin at all. It’s a body wash without frills, is affordable, and does its job well.” —Akanksha Narang, Features editor

Chemist at Play Exfoliating Body Wash

“I don’t really experiment a lot with body care products. Since I have mildly dry skin, I prefer sticking to the basics, like the Dove deep moisture body wash. But I was curious about this one after a friend told me about it. I researched and found that it was pretty popular, and honestly, it surprised me.

Firstly, it has a delicious smell, like a mix between vanilla, cocoa butter and caramel (every time I use it, I start feeling hungry, but the fragrance is strong and might not be for everyone). It lathers well and you don’t need to apply it in a large quantity. The best part is that it is gentle on the skin and does not lead to dryness or itchiness, since it has 2% lactic acid and murumuru butter which are both hydratingingredients. I did not notice the exfoliation effects immediately, but my skin felt smoother after 2-3 months.” —Raaina Jain, Digital writer

Novology Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50

“Instagram’s algorithm knew what it was doing when it kept showing me ads for Novology. Then it was a dermatologist’s recommendation that finally pushed me to try this sunscreen. The PA++++ rating means serious UVA defense, the kind you actually want for beach days or when you’re spending long hours outdoor. The formula is creamy but surprisingly lightweight, without the typical greasy aftermath.

Unlike most hydrating sunscreens (this one has glycerine) it dries down to a semi-matte finish. There’s also niacinamide in the mix, which is supposed to work on fading dark spots over time. But here’s where it really shines: those sweltering months when everything else slides off your face, this one stays put.” —Mamta Mody, Editor

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

“This product is not new, but the hype around it refuses to die, even in 2025. When I received the Laneige lip sleeping mask in a PR package, I was curious to try it. And honestly, the hype is justified. It has a thick consistency and feels deeply hydrating when you apply it on the lips; it’s all the murumuru and shea butter working. The best part? It stays on throughout the night. In my opinion, it heals cracked lips much faster compared to other lip balms. The lip mask does leave a white residue, but once you remove it, the lips feel soft and plump.” —Eshika Gupta, Video producer

Haircare that gave us ‘mane’ character energy

IndeWild Ultimate Champi Bundle

“As a 23-year-old dealing with female pattern baldness, I’ve tried enough hair oils to know when something’s actually good. Indie Wild’s Champi Hair Oil caught my attention for the right reasons. The oil, which has16 Ayurvedic superherbs and botanicals, smells amazing, like aromatherapy in a bottle. It’s got that nostalgic, floral scent without being overpowering or headache-inducing, unlike the homemade oils my mom makes that leave my hair smelling like pakoras. The dropper makes it mess-free too. I’ve finished a bottle and spotted some baby hair coming through, but I know real results need six to twelve months.

The Champi Bond Repair shampoo and conditioner are good companion products to the oil. On oil days, I shampoo twice and skip conditioner. On regular days, I use both. Using all three products together wasn’t great for my scalp, I noticed product build-up and itchiness, but this mix-and-match approach brings life back to my frizzy, thin hair.” —Mehak Chopra, Intern

Milk Shake Conditioning Whipped Hair Cream

“It feels like a hair mousse but it’s a milk protein-enriched leave-in conditioner that makes hair super soft and nourished. It quietly gained popularity in the wavy hair community online for how well it kept the dry ends hydrated for two-three days without weighing it down. I apply it on damp hair while air drying and it does a pretty good job of controlling frizz. The bonus? As Reddit reviewer perfectly put it, “It smells like vanilla caramel frappe”. They’re not exaggerating.” —Mamta Mody, Editor

Moxie Beauty On The Fly Finishing Stick

“As someone perpetually at war with baby hair, I’ve tried countless hair wands. The usual outcome? Hair that’s either crunchy, greasy, or barely held in place for more than a few hours. This one from Moxie delivers serious hold without the crunch, and almost brushes out when you’re ready to let your hair down. A slicked-back bun survives even the breeziest rickshaw rides. And if you know, keeping frizz-free hair through a rickshaw commute is like completing Takeshi’s Castle without a single bruise.” —Mamta Mody, Editor

Fragrances that earned us compliments

YSL Libre L’Eau Nue Parfum De Peau

“The YSL Libre fragrance line was all over my social media this year. I have a good perfume collection with both premium and everyday ones so I decided to hold back from buying it. But then my best friend gifted it to me on my birthday. This one has a citrusy fragrance with notes of orange blossom and lavender. Though the brand says it is ideal for summer, I’d wear it in winters too (smell like a chilly winter evening with these fragrances). It is alcohol-free so it won’t dry your skin. It has also got an oil-in-water formula which gives your skin a nice glow and leaves the scent on you for long. If I wear it in the evening, I can smell it on my skin even at night when I hit the bed. Bonus: The bottle looks vintage, like it belongs in the powder room of a countryside mansion in France.” —Akanksha Narang, Features editor

Secret Alchemist Madurai Jasmine Clean Perfume

“When I heard that there was a homegrown brand selling clean perfumes, I was ready to give them my money. Secret Alchemist has been one of the most trending fragrance brands this year—their main draw being that their perfumes are free from potentially harmful substances like phthalates and parabens, which are known to affect hormones.

I decided to buy the Madurai Jasmine, which smells exactly like its name, with subtle orange and vanilla undertones. The scent is gentle and soft—which is helpful for my very sensitive nose—but still makes an impression. I still remember the first time I wore it and met a friend, he complimented the scent. And the compliments have kept on coming anytime I wear it. It has now become my favourite. It’s also so reasonably priced. The only drawback is that it doesn’t last very long, so you may have to reapply it every few hours.” —Eshika Gupta, Video producer