Is the TikTok algorithm sending you messages from the universe? (I)

More and more users believe that the TikTok algorithm possesses a form of divinatory magic comparable to the tarot deck.

“It’s a crazy story,” says François*, 33 years old. While someone close to me underwent an operation requiring them to wear a very specific medical device for a while, my TikTok feed offered me videos of influencers who were going through the same thing and who were giving popular speeches on this ultra-specific subject. However, I have never done any research on this on the platform and I had never seen any videos on this subject before the operation. I came to wonder if the algorithm was sending me messages. »

“Doctor TikTok sees into the future and brings back your loved one”

Halfway between wonder and paranoia, it is very possible that you have already read or heard this type of testimony. In the same way that we constantly have the impression that Instagram is listening to us, TikTok leaves all its users with a strange impression; that the platform knows us better than ourselves and that its algorithm sends us content which resonates very strongly with our private lives, to the point that it would play a role of divination.

In the media, many articles echo these funny coincidences, similar to Jungian synchronicities. In June 2021, GQ journalist Louis Hanson already found it strange the fact that the platform suggested videos to him on microbehaviors that he thought he was the only one to have, such as, for example, pretending to be surprised when a waiter brings him a dish at a restaurant.

(to be continued)

Viral TikTok trends revolutionizing the beauty industry

In recent years, TikTok has become a dominant player in the world of social media, with over 1 billion active users worldwide.

The platform has become a go-to destination for beauty enthusiasts, with makeup artists, skincare experts and beauty influencers using it to showcase their skills and share their knowledge.

With the rise of viral trends on TikTok, the beauty industry has been significantly impacted, and many brands have taken notice. .

How TikTok is affecting the beauty industry

With nearly half of all social media users expected to make a purchase on a social platform this year, TikTok has become a game changer for the beauty industry.

Consumers aged 18-44 are most likely to make a purchase on social media, with beauty products ranking second after clothing. TikTok and Instagram are the most popular apps for beauty brands and consumers, with almost 60% of users making a beauty purchase after seeing a product on social media.

Beauty, cosmetics and personal care influencers have the largest number of followers on social media, and brands can leverage their reach, but they need to be thoughtful to do so.

Adopt TikTok

TikTok has proven to be a game changer in the beauty industry, with many viral trends revolutionizing the way people approach skincare and makeup. From grunge makeup to skin cycling, the platform has given birth to a multitude of new beauty trends that have caught the attention of millions of people.

The power of TikTok as a marketing tool for beauty brands cannot be ignored, and many businesses are now leveraging the platform to connect with younger, more diverse audiences. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how the platform continues to shape the beauty industry and what new trends emerge.

Ami Paris - trendy men's brand of 2024!

Men's fashion is no longer the last wheel of the merco. On the contrary, it is these gentlemen who push the boundaries the most when it comes to style. 

To follow trends, find basics, have fun with style, here are the top 10 men's fashion brands of 2024!

The man is a fashionista like the others and if men's fashion has for a long time paled in comparison to its female counterpart, all that is ancient history. The proof: menswear brands now offer clothing and accessories with such an assertive style that they overshadow the offerings for women. While men's Fashion Weeks have become ultra-popular and ultra-monitored events, there are a plethora of men's brands on the market to stand out. In order not to be mistaken, we have put together a small list of ten tested and approved men's brands to shop the coolest products of 2024 with your eyes closed. Follow the leader.

Ami Paris is the French success story par excellence, that of Alexandre Mattiussi who imagines his brand as the perfect men's wardrobe and who, thirteen years later, finds himself at the head of a powerful label (which even offers itself Fran Drescher as muse). If the offer has expanded considerably, the ambition remains the same. The probability of finding as many perfect basics to keep for a long time as well as strong pieces too.

The Mob Wife aesthetic that is everywhere on TikTok is easy to recreate

(If interested, you can start reading from here)

What is the Mob Wife look?

Exit the “clean girl” look, the no make-up look, the discreet jewelry and the beige yoga set as a uniform in 2024. The Mob Wife trend is more about the abundance of materials. Puffy mane, bright red lips, very tanned complexion, fur coat: there are no limits, because the more, the better!

TIP: Just dress like the women in The Sopranos, for example.

The Mob Wife style is all about nothing. To achieve this vintage aesthetic, you have to dive headfirst into the trend, like Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber and the Jenner sisters. Here's how to adopt it:

Hair

The bigger the better. Puffy hair is the signature of the mobster's wife. To do this, you must make sure you have a good dryer if you excel in the art of styling. Otherwise you can very well use heated rollers. We finish with a lot of hairspray.

TIP: Others will complete the whole thing with a furry headgear or a cap for a confident cool girl look.

Makeup

Get out your self-tanner, because the Mob Wife's skin tone is dark. For the lips, we opt for THE color of winter, a blood red, or even a shade of matte brown lipstick. Lip liner is also making a comeback, and we're not skimping. For the eyes, it’s the smokey eye that fits the trend best. The important thing about all this? Makeup doesn't have to be perfect.

Fashion

The absolutely necessary fashion accessory to achieve your Mob Wife look is sunglasses.

TIP: Otherwise, we dare to wear a leopard print, gloves, massive jewelry, leather or faux leather, which are all fashion elements to have in your wardrobe for spring-summer 2024

TikTok Tenniscore: 3 fashion essentials for adopting spring's hottest trend

These tenniscore pieces will allow you to lead the game on and off the court.

Although tennis clothing has been around for decades, the last two summers have seen a strong resurgence of tenniscore. With pleated miniskirts and preppy polo shirts, traditional clothing is finding its way on and off the court with much more regularity and style. As we get closer to the start of the tennis season and we quietly begin to obsess over Challengers, let's focus on the ultimate tenniscore pieces to treat yourself to now.

Casablanca

We can't shop cream Louis Vuitton ensemble yet, but this sporty zipped cardigan from Casablanca is a great alternative. Contrasted with green and red stripes, this energetic model is inspired by retro sportswear. Featuring a loopback construction and two side pockets, this vest can bring a touch of tenniscore to any outfit, even for those who have never touched a racquet.

Lacoste

With this Lacoste mini dress, it's impossible to go unnoticed on the field. Mad from breathable fabric and featuring a built-in bra that provides support while allowing you to move freely, it's the perfect workout dress for the hot days ahead. Additionally, its striking clash of colors and sleek silhouette allow it to be worn off the field and in non-sporting contexts.

Miu Miu

Nobody does a miniskirt like Miu Miu, even if it's a tennis miniskirt. This ultra-cropped style is cut in a classic A-line silhouette and features the brand's signature pleats. Although this leisure-inspired style is more suited to a Sunday brunch than a Wimbledon match, its logo-embroidered ribbed waistband and double-line detail offer the perfect tenniscore aesthetic to take advantage of the trend.

TikTok: 6 Viral Beauty Trends (I)

The beauty industry spent billion dollars on advertising every year, with digital advertising accounting for 34.1% of total advertising spending. As the industry continues to evolve, TikTok is proving to be a powerful tool for brands looking to connect with customers in a more authentic and engaging way.

Skin flooding

The latest TikTok trend, Skin Flooding, has taken the beauty industry by storm, with millions of views and countless people trying the technique.

Skin Flooding is a way to achieve a hydrated, plump, dewy complexion by applying multiple layers of hydrating products.

The technique involves layering serums, essences and moisturizers on the skin until it appears flooded with moisture.

Many TikTok users have documented their Skin Flooding journey, with some even going so far as to apply over 30 layers of products to their face. With over 13 million views and counting, it's clear that Skin Flooding is a viral trend that's here to stay.

Short contact therapy

This trend involves applying a product, such as a chemical or retinoid exfoliant, to the skin for a brief period, usually 1 to 5 minutes, before rinsing it off.

The idea behind this trend is to minimize the potential for irritation or side effects while still enjoying the benefits of the active ingredients.

Beauty enthusiasts are drawn to this trend as a gentler alternative to traditional leave-in treatments that can be harsh on the skin.

The shag haircut

A woman in a hair salon receiving a shag haircut

The shag haircut has taken TikTok by storm, with users raving about this retro-inspired hairstyle.

This trend features long choppy layers and lots of texture to create a casual, effortless look. The shag is about embracing your natural hair texture, with the layers adding volume and movement to the hair.

TikTok users are offering their take on this classic haircut, with videos featuring before and after transformations and tutorials on achieving the shag look at home.

(to be continued)

The Dangerous TokTok: Trends that still continue to seduce (II)

Spray Anti-Perspirant On Your Face
Tip of the day: it is better to avoid reproducing them.

Having oily skin is not easy to live with. No matter how hard you try, this skin type continues to shine and it can be somewhat... Annoying. If there is one period dreaded by all those with oily skin, it is, without a shadow of a doubt, summer. With the heat we tend to sweat on our faces and shine like a real disco ball.

To combat this phenomenon, beauty addicts have found a solution: apply an antiperspirant to your face. A rather unusual idea, isn't it? Many people seem to have adopted this method, which is bad for the skin. An antiperspirant to be applied to the armpits is not suitable for facial skin. By doing this you risk blocking your pores and preventing your epidermis from regulating its temperature by sweating, which, remember, is a completely natural phenomenon.

Booktok, the big TikTok trend that pushes teenagers to read
Tip of the day: it is better to avoid reproducing them.

What is Booktok on TikTok?

The code name for this trend? BookTok, and the principle is very simple: it's a kind of digital reading club where TikTokers share their opinions on their latest favorite reads or their favorite authors. This trend, born from the craze of book devourers, is gaining more and more followers.

Why is this problematic?

Even beyond the fact that certain scenes are not designed to be read by teenagers, it is sometimes necessary to have a certain perspective on sexuality so as not to be offended by certain passages. Some books play on rape culture, on imposed violence, on Stockholm syndrome... In the genre, we find the series "A touch of Darkness" which is a revisited version of the myth of Hades and Persephone. If the first pages allow us to review the notable characters of Greek mythology, the rest of the book is only a series of particularly explicit sensual scenes which are obviously not suitable for all audiences.

While it is obviously wonderful to see teenagers devouring books by the dozen, there is obviously another side to the coin. Some slightly spicy books (on Wattpad we call them Lemon, on TikTok we call them Dark Romance), are not recommended for all ages or all profiles. If reading is a wonderful way to escape, it is obvious that a parent would never put a book by the Marquis de Sade in the hands of their teenager in the midst of an existential crisis. However, some books recommended on BookTok include scenes just as daring as The Hundred and Twenty Days of Sodom and parents don't even suspect it.

TikTok: 6 Viral Beauty Trends (II)

Applying sunscreen

Sunscreen has become a hot topic on TikTok, with users sharing their favorite products, tips and tricks for application, and even debunking common sun protection myths.

The hashtags #sunscreen and #spf have amassed millions of views, with beauty influencers and dermatologists sharing their knowledge and promoting the importance of protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

This TikTok trend has given birth to a new generation of Sun Protection enthusiasts, proving that beauty trends can be fun and educational.

Grunge makeup

Grunge makeup, a trend inspired by the 90s grunge music scene, has recently taken over TikTok.

The look is all dark, moody colors, highlighting dramatic black eyeliner, smudged eyeshadow and bold lips. Grunge makeup is perfect for those who want to add a twist to their everyday look.

The trend has been viewed over a billion times on the platform, with countless tutorials and how-to videos showing users how to recreate the grunge aesthetic. The trend has resonated with a younger audience who appreciate the subversive nature of grunge culture and want to express their individuality through their makeup.

Skin cycling

Skin cycling is a viral TikTok trend that involves changing your skincare routine and products every few weeks to prevent your skin from getting too used to it.

This is done to help your skin reap the full benefits of your skin care products and to prevent your skin from stabilizing.

The trend is to create a schedule to rotate your skincare products and even create separate day and night routines to maximize the benefits of each product. It's clear that skin cycling has become a popular and effective way to care for your skin.

The Dangerous TokTok: Trends that still continue to seduce (I)

Here are 4 trends unearthed on TikTok that continue to seduce even though they are bad for you 

Tiktok is by far the place of inspiration for all beauty addicts. Every week, new trends emerge on the social network so coveted by the most trendy girls. To name just a few: the 'glazed skin' - launched by Hailey Bieber -, the 'broccoli freckles' trend or even the 'botticelli brunette' - a gourmet coloring. If the latter are unanimous among beauty fans, 'tips' are also popular on TikTok. It's impossible that you haven't come across 'unicorn heatless curls' - a tip for creating curls without heat - or the '2.4.2' method - which allows you to obtain a perfect complexion.

Many trends go viral as quickly as they are paraded, however, not all of them are to be reproduced. Some even turn out to be dangerous for our health. Focus on 3 beauty trends that it is best to avoid replicating.

Drinking Water With Clorophyll: A Worrying Trend To Say Least
Tip of the day: it is better to avoid reproducing them.

Beauty addicts whose holy grail is to obtain beautiful skin, whatever the method, have fallen under the spell of a strange trend. Many personalities are aficionados of chlorophyll water. Some even, who position themselves on the social network as being professionals, would have contributed to the craze surrounding this drink. His promise? Free our skin from imperfections, especially acne.

The hashtag #chlorophyllwater has over 270 million views on TikTok. If beauty sphere seems to have set its sights on this drink, scientists explain that there is no proof that this method is effective. What are the risks ? A disruption of the digestive system and the occurrence of stomach aches. You might as well avoid taking such a risk, especially when you can apply a cream enriched with niacinamide, salicylic acid or even azelaic acid - whose effectiveness on acne is proven -, right?

Do You Know The Trend That Promisses Facets?
Tip of the day: it is better to avoid reproducing them.

Perhaps you've already noticed it, but in recent months, one trend in particular seems to have beauty fans hooked: it's the 'dimple makers'. We will all agree that dimples are a very charming element of beauty. Not everyone is lucky enough to have it naturally and many girls would like to have it. To remedy this, there is only one solution: use a device in the form of pliers to be inserted inside the mouth in order to mark the skin to reveal dimples.

The hashtag #dimplemakers has more than 100 million views on TikTok. Guess what ? This (non-medical) device represents a health hazard. First, it has never been studied by scientists, so it has never been the result of studies. No data exists to show the effectiveness of this product. Also, applying this device to pinch your cheek can lead to a real risk of skin necrosis and scarring.

Using this tool daily, which compresses the skin, could even lead, in the long term, to recurring pain by damaging the tissues and mucous membrane. As you will have understood, its use clearly does not seem like a very good idea.

(to be continued)

‘Eddington’ - Emma Stone’s Next Movie

 Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal, Joaquin Phoenix and Austin Butler will play in the upcoming film by the American director Ari Aster, entitled "Eddington", that A24 will finance and produce, reports EFE on Wednesday. The production company A24 ("Everything, Everywhere, All at Once") made the announcement on on his Instagram account, where he shared a photo of a movie clapperboard sitting on some desert rocks with the word "Eddington" written on it.

The rest of the cast is completed by Micheal Ward, Clifton Collins Jr. and Deirdre O'Connell. So far, all that is known about the plot of the film is that it tells the story of a sheriff in a small town in New Mexico with "higher" aspirations.

The American specialist press believes that this film could be another horror film, taking into account the fact that Aster has directed productions such as "Midsommar" and "Hereditary" in his career.

The production of the film, whose script is also signed by Aster, will begin this week, and the director of photography will be Darius Khondji, nominated twice for the Oscar for "Evita", by Alan Parker, and "Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths", by Alejandro González Iñárritu.

Phoenix also collaborated with the American director on "Beau is Afraid" (2023), a role that brought her a nomination at the most recent Golden Globes. Stone was crowned the best actress at the last edition of the Oscars for the role of Bella Baxter in Yorgos Lanthimos' "Poor Things," while Pedro Pascal won Best Actor in a Drama Series at the Screen Actors Guild SAG Awards for "The Last of Us."

Austin Butler is among the protagonists in the movie "Dune: Part Two", by Denis Villeneuve, but also in "The Bikeriders", by Jeff Nichols, whose release is scheduled for June.

TikTok loses Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo songs in licensing battle

 Over the past five years, TikTok has become the music industry's most influential marketing tool, launching the careers of up-and-coming artists, turning viral songs into smash hits, and propelling older catalog tracks to the top Billboard charts. TikTok has been the launching pad for many singles, including Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" and Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage," among others. This is undeniably a useful means for promotion, but UMG (Universal Music Group) seems to be betting that the current revocation of the license will force TikTok back to the negotiating table.

Universal Music Group has not renewed its licensing deal with TikTok, amid a battle over artist pay, security and the use of AI.

UMG had threatened to stop licensing its music to TikTok following a breakdown in negotiations. It's now a done deal: songs by UMG artists began to disappear from the platform at the end of the day on Wednesday.

The deletions began gradually on Wednesday evening. Official versions of UMG-owned recordings, such as Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer," Olivia Rodrigo's "Get Him Back," and Lana Del Rey's "Let the Light In," no longer appeared in search results . Additionally, videos featuring UMG songs (such as a Kylie Jenner post to Del Rey's "Cherry" and a Dwayne Johnson video to Rick Ross' "Hustlin'") have had their audio muted. Videos now have a message at the bottom indicating that audio has been removed due to copyright restrictions.

Just after midnight, some of Swift's videos received the same treatment. Several Justin Bieber videos on his page, including a performance of him singing "Yummy," are now silent.