Everything You Need to Know About TikTok’s ‘Morning Shed’ Routine
As seen on #BeautyTok
We’ve seen slugging, skin flooding, and just about every skincare buzzword TikTok has thrown our way, so it’s no surprise that another beauty trend has taken over our feeds. This time, it’s called the morning shed: a routine centred around layering a mix of overnight products and tools so you can roll out of bed looking fresh-faced and flawless (and no, it doesn’t involve snakeskin).
The philosophy? Go to bed ugly, wake up pretty. Sure, things might look a little chaotic going in, but the real magic happens in the morning when you finally “shed”. It’s that oddly satisfying moment when you peel off your overnight mask to reveal glassy skin, unravel your curlers for bouncy tresses, and uncover lips that are perfectly tinted and plump. The transformation may look effortless, but it’s all thanks to the quiet prep work done the night before.
So, what exactly goes into a morning shed routine and why are so many women making it part of their nightly ritual?
WHY DO WOMEN ‘SHED’?
@emilytembymakeup Morning shed☀️✨ @Biodance @Boots UK hydro cere-nol real deep mask @Wonderskin 💋 lip stain @rehabyourhair silk heatless curler @Shark UK cryoglow mask @Drunk Elephant lala retro whipped cream @Kosas @SPACE NK dreambeam sunlit @REFY brow tint @ClarinsUK lip comfort oil #Fyp #MorningShed #MorningRoutine #Skincare #Haircare
At its core, it’s about feeling in control. For many, it’s a way to reclaim their evenings, using that pre-bedtime window to wind down and reset. You still go through your usual skincare routine first, layering on your cleansers, serums, and moisturisers as normal before adding the extra steps that make up the morning shed. The process itself can be calming, helping to signal to your body that it’s time to rest. Waking up to radiant skin or tousled curls might be the visible reward, but it’s the mental shift that makes the habit stick.
READ: 7 Skincare Habits You Should Adopt in Your 20s
WHAT PRODUCTS ARE TYPICALLY USED IN THE ROUTINE?
PRODUCT #1: OVERNIGHT MASK
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Designed to be the final step in your skincare routine, overnight masks seal in hydration and act like a protective cocoon for your skin. Richer than moisturisers but still lightweight enough to sleep in, they’re often infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, or ceramides to repair and plump the skin. Come sunrise, your face looks noticeably more hydrated, soothed, and fresh. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference, especially when you want to wake up looking well-rested.
TRY: LUMI Beauty Hydra Collagen Mask Repair + Renew, RM158
PRODUCT #2: HEATLESS CURLER RODS
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Whether they’re rods, ribbons, or silk headbands, heatless curlers are all about styling your hair while you sleep sans heat damage. Just wrap slightly damp strands before bed, secure everything in place, and let the curls set overnight. When you take them out the next day, you’re left with soft, voluminous waves. It’s a bit of effort upfront, but the payoff is a blowout look without reaching for a hot tool in the morning.
BURO Tip: Apply a lightweight hair oil before wrapping your hair to boost shine, reduce frizz, and help your curls hold their shape longer. Finish by slipping on a silk or satin bonnet for extra protection!
READ: How to Get the Perfect Beachy Waves for Summer
PRODUCT #3: CHIN STRAP
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Equal parts quirky and controversial, the chin strap is a compression-style band that wraps around your head to keep your jawline lifted while you sleep. Often paired with face-sculpting serums, it’s said to help reduce puffiness, and promote lymphatic drainage as you sleep. Some users claim to wake up with a more defined V-line, though the effect is usually temporary. Is it backed by science? Not quite. But if you’re chasing a snatched jaw, it might just be worth a try.
READ: Tried and Tested: How to Get a V-Shaped Jawline
PRODUCT #4: MOUTH TAPE
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One of the more eyebrow-raising parts of the routine, mouth taping involves sealing your lips shut while you snooze to encourage nasal breathing for deeper sleep, reduced snoring, and even less facial puffiness. There’s also anecdotal buzz about improved jawline definition and better skin thanks to a more oxygenated rest. It’s certainly not for everyone, especially if you have breathing issues, so approach with caution. If you do try it, stick to dermatologist-approved, hypoallergenic mouth tapes made for sleep.
READ: A Specialist Shares How to Practise Better Sleep Hygiene
PRODUCT #5: LIP TINT
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Applying a long-wearing or peel-off lip tint before bed gives your lips a natural flush of colour by morning. It’s a subtle trick that makes you look just a little more put together, even before brushing your teeth. The key is choosing a non-drying formula that won’t flake or stain your sheets. Look for tints with added hydration, so you wake up with lips that are both pretty and plush.
TRY: Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N, RM61
HOW SHOULD YOU PILE IT ALL ON?
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We know what you’re thinking: Is all of this really necessary? Maybe not, but if you’re already doing half of it anyway, why not make it count? At the very least, it encourages better habits before your head hits the pillow, even if you go to bed looking a little unhinged. Once you know the order of things, it’s surprisingly easy to layer it all on without breaking a sweat. Here’s how:
STEP #1: Stick to your usual evening skincare routine
Cleanse, tone, moisturise, and follow through whatever your skin is used to. The goal is to create a clean base before layering on anything new. Don’t skip your daily SPF removal if you’ve worn any during the day!
STEP #2: Lock it all in with an overnight mask
Once your skincare is absorbed, apply an overnight mask of your choice to seal in moisture and keep your skin nourished while you sleep.
STEP #3: Wrap your hair with heatless curlers
With slightly damp strands, twist your hair around your chosen heatless tool. Secure it well, then top with a satin bonnet.
STEP #4: Strap in!
Adjust a chin strap around your head and under your jaw. Make sure it’s snug but comfortable—you’re going for lift, not lockdown.
STEP #5: Tape your mouth or finish with a lip tint
Stick on your sleep-safe mouth tape over your lips. If you’re opting to skip this step, you can swipe on a hydrating lip tint instead.
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