BEAUTY

Drunk Elephant Founder Reacts To TikTok’s Skincare Obsession

Celebs like Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore, Brooke Shields are all fans of the brand

Adored by celebrities and beauty addicts alike, Tiffany Masterson’s lineup of skin-loving skincare, Drunk Elephant, has become a mainstay on our shelves.

If you’re chronically online and regularly partake in TikTok’s #BeautyTok, you’d be familiar with the online frenzy around skincare brand Drunk Elephant. For those not on TikTok, it’s big! The brand has quickly amassed a cult-following with the hashtag #drunkelephant included on 262K posts.

The caveat? The (well-deserved) virality of the brand has seen younger children and tweens flock to Mecca shelves seeking to get their hands on the Drunk Elephant product. It’s sparked debate amongst the beauty community, and parents alike around how appropriate skincare is for adolescents. Masterson’s skincare ethos is poised and concise, “avoid the categories of ingredients that aren’t necessary”.

Read on for Masterson’s skin tips, and the products she thinks are worth the splurge.

What is your best skin tip?

Inflammation is the root of most skin issues. My philosophy with Drunk Elephant is to avoid the categories of ingredients that aren’t necessary. For skin to thrive [we need to be] choosing ingredients that are there just for skin health or protection, and avoiding inflammation triggers.

What do you wish more people would incorporate into their skincare routines?

We need retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids such as glycolic and hydroxy acids. But it’s also about identifying the actives that our skin needs and the moisturising factors and skin-identical ingredients that skin can recognise. As we grow older and skin matures, we need to look at the things that help skin stay healthy and strong.

Which celebrities love your products?

The Kardashians have been great supporters, as well as Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore, Brooke Shields, Bethenny Frankel and Alix Earle. It’s always exciting when somebody loves the brand.

Has anyone used your products in a way you didn’t expect?

Adding D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops to body lotion for your legs and arms. I do that too. And instead of just using Wonderwild Miracle Butter on nails and lips, people are slugging it all over their face and neck. It wasn’t totally intended [for that] but it works. People also mix cleansers Slaai and Beste, and men use that for shaving because it has a bit of foam and a lot of moisture.

What’s a big TikTok trend involving your products?

I’m so excited by the Skin Smoothie [trend]. It’s about using one drop of each product then mixing them together and applying that instead of layering three or four drops [separately] on your face. Layering is time consuming, uses more product and costs more.

01

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops

from $65 at MECCA

Enriched with a powerful blend of ingredients, this serum supports the healthy barrier function of skin. Concentrated mix of protective antioxidants boost defence against pollution and environmental stressors. Skin is left with a beautiful glow, this product is universally flattering on every complexion.

Key features:

  • Anti-pollution formula
  • Enriched with omega-rich virgin marula and black currant seed oil, as well as vitamin F
  • Fragrance-free

02

Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

from $58 at MECCA

A vegan jelly cleanser that gently removes all traces of makeup, excess oil and impurities to leave skin clean and soft. Formulated at an ideal pH level of 5.5, this cleanser is non-irritating to ensure even the most sensitive skin types can use it.

Key features:

  • Vegan
  • Silicone, paraben and fragrance free formula
  • Gentle on skin. Great for sensitive skin types.

03

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

from $106 at MECCA

This super creamy, whipped facial moisturiser delivers instant hydration to dry, dull skin, and also works to build up the skin’s moisture barrier over time. Antioxidant-rich African oils also promote skin firmness and elasticity while fermented green tea tackles signs of ageing and inflammation.

Key features:

  • Fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan
  • Fermented green tea seed fights ageing and inflammation
  • Non-greasy formula is perfect for normal to dry skin

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