Eat, Sleep, Shed, Repeat

Creams, gels, foams and rollers. Gua sha, toners, mouth tape and chin straps. We’re almost out of breath just writing that all down. Given how mainstream TikTok has become, the app certainly breeds some frankly bizarre trends when it comes to, well, anything. The latest and perhaps one of the more intriguing beauty trends is what users are calling ‘The Morning Shed’. As a butterfly emerges anew from its crinkled cocoon, you too (with a litany of luxury products, an hour to spare before bedtime and unbridled dedication) can arise from your slumber, polished and prettier. At least that’s what this self-care shedding routine promises. With over 75 million videos tagged with the phrase ‘morning shed’, can we pin virality to exceptional results or just a freaky trend?

While many of us tumble into bed satisfied with our washed face and brushed teeth, this hyper-intensive skincare regime requires a lot more than a simple cleanser and neutral moisturiser. With a stacked bathroom cabinet, retinols, collagen, serums, toners and hydrating creams are all applied, and while this may seem like overkill, just wait. After smoothing, tapping and slathering the products over your face, the morning shedders move onto the products that can’t just be rubbed into the skin. Applying mouth tape to aid a “slimmer jawline”, a chinstrap, pool noodle-esque hair rollers and maybe even a sheet mask on top, the idea is to take advantage of those slumberous hours allowing the gadgets and creams to do the work for you (yeah bet you didn't think that, slacker). 

A good night’s sleep is also a required step for the TikTok trend, but we understand that it might be a bit difficult given the various items stuck to your face. Awaking from your luxury embalming, and dragging yourself to the bathroom, let the shed commence! Peeling, pulling, and untwisting the gadgets and gizmos, your skin may be glowing and your hair maintaining a 90s blowout bounce, but it’s 7 am and you’re already knackered from that workout of a removal. 

While a steady nighttime routine is healthy and indulgence is a treat, this wildly excessive morning shed seems like an unhealthy step in the wrong direction. Rooted in overconsumption and advertising an unobtainable beauty regime, perhaps our evening rituals shouldn't be a space for discipline but instead allow for a slumberous simplicity. So, if you’re more of a 2-step skincare girl or you’re getting shreddy with it, either way, make sure you brush your teeth and clean behind your ears. Night night!