Confused by the meaning of TikTok’s “spiral” and the sudden trend that has emerged? You’re definitely not alone in this, so allow us to introduce you to the app’s favorite new euphemism…
If you happen to come across a number of videos with the hashtag “MascaraTrend” hoping to find some good recommendations for the best mascaras or hacks to stop mascara flaking only to have the feeling go away a lot Confused by user’s cryptic thoughts about their favorite mascaras and wands – we feel you.
While TikTok is our go-to for all things beauty, from vibes like the clean girl and vanilla girl aesthetic to all the best makeup hacks — it’s also a great place for users to share their dates and connections. And right now – from the looks of our About You page – the beauty and relationship verse has been turned on its head, with a new trend emerging using the term spiral as a cover for something altogether steamier.
Yes, it looks like “mascara” (formerly a product used for longer, thicker lashes) has a new meaning in 2023, and after we tell you… you’ll never look at your mascara wand the same way again. Here’s exactly what the mascara trend on TikTok means and entails…
What does the “spiral” trend on TikTok mean?
Well, to put it simply, the “spiral” is a metaphor for a person, and the stick part – well, we’ll let you fill in the blanks with that.
Users take to TikTok to share their relationships, breakups, and sexual experiences in code. For example, one wrote, “My favorite mascara couldn’t keep its wand in its tube” — translation: her guy couldn’t keep his appendage in his pants.
TikTokers have also used it as code for their favorite types of vibrators — like the best app-controlled vibrators — in one word: “watching everyone talk about all the crappy IUDs they have and suddenly I’m glad my IUD it just vibrates.
@ratb3be (opens in new tab)
♬ constellations of dust – (opens in new tab)
And while most of the videos seem to be predominantly male, the code can be adapted to anyone, with some users taking advantage of the trend to share their sexuality and discuss their preferences.
Basically, this metaphor is perfect if you want to discuss more NSFW topics, but maybe you have family members following you for example – or you want to share vaguely without naming…
But why “the spiral” we hear you ask? Well, when it comes to vibrators or the male anatomy, IUDs and IUDs come in all different shapes and sizes; long, thin, stocky…curvy…
It’s also a pretty inconspicuous word given TikTok’s influence on beauty — it’s not uncommon to come across users discussing their favorite mascaras, and apparently the code is working, as many mascara enthusiasts are left dumbfounded.
Case in point, one confused user wrote, “I’m having a hard time understanding this mascara trend. I get mine from Amazon.”
@ellenkkneal (opens in new tab)
♬ constellations of dust – (opens in new tab)
What is mascara trending on TikTok?
Basically, the trend sees TikTokers share a video, usually of their face with a caption about their comparable “Mascara” situation, set to Duster’s song “Constellations” and minus the “MascaraTrend” hashtag.
@iloveurmom3001 (opens in new tab)
♬ constellations of dust – (opens in new tab)
So far, the videos themselves have garnered millions of views and likes, with more and more users joining the hidden trend. Often the videos also include a parenthetical PSA and a hashtag saying “this is not about mascara.” So if you’re ever unsure if you’re getting a mascara recommendation or a relationship confession, watch out for this…
Mystery solved!