It all started with a video posted by TikTok user @sarathefreeelf that shows her applying an unspecified brown-purple color stick on her eye bags to emphasize them. The video already has 6.7 million views and 1.1 million likes. Similar videos have already popped up showing TikTok users doing the same thing.

Is Grunge making a comeback?

Glamour observes that this viral look is reminiscent of the '90s grunge makeup that used a lot of woodsy red and purple eyeshadow blended expertly under the lower lash line. Just look up '90s grunge bands on YouTube to get a clear picture.  These days, it's easy enough to follow this trend. Just grab a mauve or purple toned lipstick and just swipe it under your eye to fake dark under eye circles. You can even blend blue, red, and purple eyeshadows to achieve the look. Smudge and blend with your fingertips until it will appear like you've only managed a couple of hours of shut eye.

Also read: TikTok Makeup Hacks That Actually Work

Mixed Reactions

TikTok viewers are rather divided by the trend. Many praised Sara for normalizing a normal side effect of fatigue while some recall unpleasant experiences like being bullied for having dark under eye circles. One user even expressed her frustration by saying, "Since a pretty girl did it, it's a trend." In response to the backlash, Sara made a follow-up video to explain that it wasn't her intention to make fun of other people's insecurities since she's also insecure about her own eyebags. She adds that eyebags are beautiful and should be normalized. Glamour writes that if this is one way of abolishing unrealistic beauty standards then go ahead and have fun with it.

TikTok has been a source of beauty trends, particularly for Generation Z, especially during the lockdown when everyone had spare time on their hands. Henna freckles were another big thing last year with both pleasing and alarming results. Depending on the dye used, allergic reactions were a dangerous side effect. At least this current dark under eyes trend isn't that harmful to skin.

K-beauty Alternative

If you want to go one step further, there's a K-beauty trend for 2021 that was highlighted by L'Officiel. Seen on K-pop idols, undereye bling is an experimental and trendy look that uses chunky glitter, pearls, rhinestones, and other small and sparkly gems to adorn the undereye area. The look is seen on both male and female K-pop idols and it looks much more attractive than this viral TikTok trend. Allure recommends Stila Cosmetics Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, Tarte Sugar Rush Lid Poppers, Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Loose Glitter, Ciaté London Marbled Metals Metallic Glitter Eyeshadow, Marc Jacobs See-Quins Glam Glitter Liquid Eyeshadow and Holika Holika Eye Metal Glitter.

Related article: The Latest K-Beauty Trends To Add Your Routine This Year