Wednesday, September 6, 2023

R29 Editors’ Favorite “TikTok Made Me Buy It” Purchases

Scrolling through TikToks isn't just about crying at dog rescue videos, laughing at unhinged dating drama, or perusing the best Eras Tour outfits. The app has become a go-to destination for discovering slept-on products from beauty to clothes to some of those weird Amazon gadgets you never knew you needed (until you suddenly can't live without them). So what are the products that made R29 editors stop scrolling long enough to hit the "buy" button? Whether it's a soul-snatching suction vibrator, a perpetually sold-out kitchen appliance, or a versatile maxi dress, we've unearthed some real hidden gems just through our FYPs. And since we're not about gatekeeping, we thought we'd let you in on all our TikTok faves that actually live up to their viral hype.

Keeping scrolling to hear our first-hand reviews of all the must-buy TikTok items we've bought on a whim that made R29 editors stop and say, "Oh. We get it." Ahead, find out which TikTok purchases the internet masses were actually right about, and grab yourself one (or more!) while they're still in stock.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Hion Anti-Motion Sickness Smart Glasses


These glasses look pretty goofy, but hear me out: they were the only thing that kept me from retching during a painfully long ride to the Hamptons through NYC traffic. The movement of the blue liquid creates the illusion of a horizon in the corner of my eyes, making me feel a lot less dizzy when I get motion sickness. Don't knock it till you try it." — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer

Shop Amazon

Hion Motion Sickness Glasses, $, available at Amazon

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment


"I don’t love saccharine-sweet fruity flavors (I'm partial to the caramel-flavored PLT), but Rhode's interpretation pleasantly surprised me. It doesn’t taste like artificial strawberry, as I feared, but rather like very fancy, possibly French, strawberry jam. It may have looked the same on as the other flavors, but in my soul, I felt like a total Strawberry Girl. (You can also layer it over a cherry-red lip tint for extra points here.) While it's sold out for now, there's plenty of other TikTok-approved flavors to choose from." —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Shop Rhode

Rhode vanilla peptide lip treatment, $, available at Rhode

Sloomoo Institute Something Blue Slime


"My newest obsession? Slime, slime, slime! If you haven’t delved deep into the TikTok sensation that is slime videos, let me explain the appeal in two words: Sensory heaven. There’s nothing like hyper-focusing on playing with some slime, whether it's soft or crunchy, fluffy or fizzy. For me, nothing hits like Sloomoo Institute’s Something Blue with its irresistible scent and crunchy texture. I couldn’t recommend it enough. I’m obsessed." — Mercedes Viera, Associate Deals Writer

Shop Sloomoo Institute

Sloomoo Institute Something Blue, $, available at Sloomoo Institute

Hydro Flask 40 oz All Around Travel Tumbler


"Water bottles with handles and an exterior straw never really interested me; I’m more for a Nalgene type with no frills that is easily washed. But recently, I got this big boy tumbler in the prettiest blue and I kinda dig it as a house water bottle, kinda like house slippers, just for inside the home. The tumbler is very convenient because 1. It holds a lot of liquid, be it watermelon juice or water, for fewer trips to my sink (NYC tap water is great), and 2. The handle is a good size for my hand. The bottle, while large, is very easy to clean as the straw bit comes off in easily washable parts to prevent gross buildup, plus it’s dishwasher-safe too!" — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

Shop Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask 40 oz All Around™ Travel Tumbler, $, available at Hydro Flask

Half Magic Chromaddiction in Laviwinkle + Face Pearls


"I tried Euphoria’s makeup artist’s line for the first time in July after seeing it over and over again on TikTok, and I’m obsessed. I wore the Half Magic liquid matte eyeshadow in this beautiful lavender shade and used two face pearls on each eye for the TWICE concert. I was so so shocked to see that both products lasted perfectly all night. So, these aren’t just gorgeous, they’re also long-lasting and high-quality." — Mercedes Viera, Associate Deals Writer

Shop Half Magic

Half Magic CHROMADDICTION MATTE, $, available at Half Magic

Half Magic FACE PEARLS, $, available at Half Magic

Solgaard Carry-On Closet


"When the viral TikTok about the Solgaard Carry-On Closet landed on my FYP, I was instantly hooked. As someone who finds packing super-stressful — but is also a chronic procrastinator — this organizer feature has been a godsend. After using my Carry-On Closet on two long weekend trips, I've figured out the magic packing combo. It's a no-brainer alternative to packing cubes." —Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer

Shop Solgaard

Solgaard Carry On Closet, $, available at Solgaard

Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm 001 Pink


"If you're looking for a bit of color and hydration to your lips when you're lounging at home or waiting to pick up your Starbucks mobile order, Dior's Addict Lip Glow Balm has the subtle hue you need. I'm tempted to buy every single one. I appreciate how the shade brings out the natural color of your lips with a bit of glow." — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer

Shop Starface

Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm, $, available at Nordstrom

Starface Hydro-Stars + Big Yellow


"The magnetic compact (with a built-in mirror) is total genius (not to mention practical), and the star-shaped patches aren't just adorable but also help adhere to the shape of your zit. However, one of the best things about pimple patches is that they physically prevent the wearer from picking — and the more you can encourage people to wear them (aka, make them cute), the better. For $15, you can get 32 patches plus the refillable case, which I think is pretty well-priced." —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Shop Starface

Starface Hydro-Stars, $, available at Starface

Laniege Lip Mask


"One night with a little of this slathered on was enough to make my lips buttery smooth and a lot less flaky. (That'll be the hyaluronic acid.) Sure, it's pricier compared to your standard pot of Vaseline, but it doesn’t leave the same sticky residue that I sometimes experience. This means you won’t wake up to hair stuck to your lips — the worst feeling. Plus, it makes me feel fancy having a special, yummy-smelling pot of goodness to finish off my evening routine with. So far, the fruity flavors Mango and Berry are my favorites." —Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer

Shop Sephora

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C, $, available at Sephora

Tracy's Dog Rosie Rose Suction Vibrator


"It's been over a year since the internet went wild for the TikTok-famous "soul snatcher," aka the rose vibrator. (And with good reason.) The power on this little thing is, frankly, insane. Though the toy claims to have sensations that range from 'warm lips sucking' to 'toe-curling,' I found that it leaned far to the latter for my own taste. After one earth-shattering orgasm, I couldn't use it for a second orgasm because I was too swollen and sensitive to even try." —Charlotte Lewis, Sex & Wellness Writer

Shop Tracy's Dog

Tracy's Dog Rosie, Portable Rose Clit Sucker, $, available at tracy's dog

Scrub Daddy Damp Duster


"The Damp Duster is damp, and it dusts. Jokes aside, I'm thoroughly impressed by how I swiped the top of my fridge three times and could see my hand's reflection in it after 30 seconds. Where was this when I scrambled to clean the kitchen last minute upon hearing my mom come home after work as a kid? Where was this when I feather-dusted my windows and sneezed a good seven times? Where was this when the thought of dusting all the surfaces in my apartment made me go take a nap instead? I officially have no excuses not to dust more." —Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer

Shop Target

Scrub Daddy Damp Duster, $, available at Walmart

Valentino Twin Liner Gel & Liquid Eyeliner


"I am legitimately shocked at how good the Valentino liner is. Not only was it easy to apply, but — to quote the great American poet Taylor Swift, it draws a 'cat eye sharp enough to kill a man.' It made me feel instantly bolstered and badass, like I could do anything I wanted. I even ran my finger across the lid to see if it would smudge or budge, and that liner was solid. No movement whatsoever. In fact, a full day later and several handwashings, the pencil liner has long worn off my hand but the liquid end still remains (slightly faded down and a bit worn, but there nonetheless). I'm going to have to attack it with micellar water later to finally remove it." —Charlotte Lewis, Sex & Wellness Writer

Shop Sephora

Valentino Twin Liner Gel and Liquid Eyeliner, $, available at Sephora

Ninja Creami


"I'm giving the Ninja Creami a strong two thumbs-up. TikTok calls it a kitchen essential for summer, and while I don't know that I need the Creami, I certainly enjoyed using it. The novelty of making icy treats with just a few simple steps did genuinely feel as easy as counting to three. Functional? Absolutely. Easy to use? Most definitely. Easy to clean? 100%. Though I found it fun to use in a multitude of ways, I do think it shines most for people who have dietary restrictions that prevent them from enjoying ice cream. By controlling exactly what goes into the base, it's especially useful for those who can't have dairy or sugar (it's really popped off in the bariatric community), and helps them enjoy ice cream in a new way." —Charlotte Lewis, Sex & Wellness Writer

Shop Walmart

Ninja Creami, $, available at Walmart

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original


"As a longtime acne-haver and professional beauty person, I've been around the block when it comes to sussing out what actually works to clear my skin from what doesn't do much of anything. One tried-and-true pimple product that I personally swear by is Hero Cosmetics' Mighty Patch Original, a clear hydrocolloid dot that draws out gunk from pores for quick healing. In short, the stuff works — and insanely effing well, might I add." —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Shop Amazon

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch, $, available at Amazon

PinkCherry From A Distance Remote Panty Vibrator


"There are many appeals to the vibrating panty. First and foremost, secret pleasure. Discreet public play adds a layer of danger: The risk of being caught increases sensations. Exhibitionism is a popular kink for a reason. Users also love being able to hand off control to a partner, so they never know where, when, or what kind of stimulation will come their way. What I realized [while using the panty vibrator] is that getting off in public spaces isn't for me, but that's fine. Because I learned that I enjoyed building anticipation more than enough. Just having a sexy secret brought my arousal to a new exciting level that I really loved." —Charlotte Lewis, Sex & Wellness Writer

Shop PinkCherry

PinkCherry Remote Panty Vibe, $, available at PinkCherry

Crocs Classic Clog


"Honestly, I could pen an ode specifically to Crocs and Jibbitz charms. At this point, they've reached cult-like status and are borderline unhinged — in the best way possible. While Crocs has an extremely extensive selection of official Jibbitz charms (including ones part of fire collabs with the likes of iconic brands like Peeps & Coca-Cola, not to mention celeb fans like SZA and Post Malone) the "bootleg" market has created a landscape where just about any cartoon character and pop culture motif has gotten the Jibbitz treatment. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.  (Side note: Since Crocs are so buoyant and breathable, I actually think they are the best beach shoe — also, they are super easy to clean.)" —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Shop Amazon

Crocs Classic Clog, $, available at Amazon

Crocs Classic Clog, $, available at Amazon

Baby Foot Original Foot Peel Exfoliator


"The Baby Foot, the myth, the legend. I've been a Baby Foot loyalist for years now — and, honestly, every other foot peel out there comes second fiddle. I can barely remember when my last salon pedicure was, but if you're on the fence about going into the spa, then this peel is a formidable foe against calluses and generally lackluster feet. I like to pop the serum-soaked booties on and queue up some Netflix; one hour later, rinse off and play a fun waiting game that lasts four to six days. After which, you'll begin to notice flakes and/or sheets of skin peeling off and leaving behind a layer of fresh, supple foot skin." —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Shop Amazon

Baby Foot Foot Peel, $, available at Amazon

Tower28 Makewaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara


"As someone with short, stubby, and pin-straight lashes, I was thoroughly impressed by how much the product fanned out my lashes and emphasized them without clumping up. The comb-like straight brush is very easy to use, and the product comes right off with a makeup remover wipe, unlike other volumizing mascaras that required a lot of tugging (and loss of lashes) to thoroughly rinse off." —Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer

Shop Sephora

Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara, $, available at Sephora

Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress


"I'm uncultured in the realm of IG-baddie couture, but the Skims TikTok viral maxi dress has to be one of the best ones. [It's like] a sexy tube sock in the dress’s ability to create curves that, because of my narrow hips, don’t actually exist, as well as the way it manages to be both abnormally stretchy and completely opaque. I'm a Skims convert!" —Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer

Shop Skims

Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress, $, available at Skims

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant


"This exfoliant was popping up on my For You Page over and over again with rave reviews from beauty creators I trust, so I finally caved and bought it — I was looking for an exfoliant to add to my routine anyway. I've been using it for almost a year now and I think it has definitely made my pores look smaller!" —Lizzy Gulino, Staff Writer

Shop Sephora

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $, available at Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter


"I'm not a makeup guru and don't wear makeup super often. I don't even wear foundation, only tinted moisturizer. I really just want to look like a freshly glazed donut. I saw people using this flawless filter and insisting it doesn't give texture but will make you GLOW. Although expensive, I decided to try it and I LOVEEEEE IT! I put this on before my concealer and tinted moisturizer, or, honestly, sometimes I wear it alone and it makes me actually excited to do my makeup because you don't need to be an expert to use this product. It's easy to apply and makes me shine in a sun-kissed, just-got-home-from-the-beach kind of way which I love." —Lexy White, Digital Coordinator

Shop Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, $, available at Sephora

Hue Women's Mini Crew Sock 6-Pack


"I'm always on an endless quest for the best socks and I was immediately taken by this post. What sold me was seeing the creator wear these socks with all different types of shoes that I also regularly wear. I bought two packs of the black-and-white set and you know what? I love them! I will say they're a bit plushier than some of my narrow shoes will allow, but length-wise these are exactly what I was looking for: They come up just above the ankle to be a little dorky, but not SO high that they make my short legs look even shorter." —Jinnie Lee, Freelance Fashion Writer

Shop Amazon

HUE Women's Cotton Mini Crew Socks, $, available at Amazon

The Original DILF Charlie Swan T-shirt


"I have never run to Etsy so fast in my life. I saw this tee on TikTok and was like... yeeeeee I need that. I love it. Perfect streetwear fit and it lets people know that I am a GORL with T A S T E. 10/10 purchase." — Lexy White, Digital Coordinator

Shop Etsy

BeeTheFutureUK The Original DILF Charlie Swan Shirt, $, available at Etsy

The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution


"I know I'm extremely late to this one, but after seeing the infamous 'period blood' mask on TikTok and hearing a friend with incredible skin rave about it, I simply had to buy it myself and give it a try. It's very new to my skincare routine, but I've started using it weekly and am thus far impressed. I generally have sensitive skin so I was anxious about using this one but so far, no irritation! I've seen gorgeous results online and am keeping my fingers crossed that I too will benefit in the long run from this formula." —Annie Black, Social Editor

Shop Sephora

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution, $, available at Sephora

TASADA V-Neck Sports Bra


"Every single time I see someone with a bigger chest excited about a bralette or sports bra on TikTok, I instantly buy it. This Amazon one is no exception. It's so flattering, super comfortable, and surprisingly supportive on my 38H breasts. I could buy a million of these!" —Mercedes Viera, Associate Deals Writer

Shop Amazon

TASADA V-Neck Sports Bra, $, available at Amazon

OXO Good Grips Large Salad Spinner


"Ok, this wasn't an ‘I need this right now’ moment, but watching Emily Mariko soothingly clean her farmers market vegetables often reminds me of kitchen essentials that I'm lacking, like this salad spinner. I don't think I've used a salad spinner since living at my parent's house over 10 years ago, but I eat a lot of salad, and washing and drying lettuce by hand can get annoying. I am very pleased with my purchase and highly recommend it you've got the cabinet space and love a leafy green." —Kate Spencer, Affiliate Strategist

Shop Amazon

OXO Good Grips Large Salad Spinner, $, available at Amazon

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