You spent an hour filming the perfect review. The lighting was dreamy, the swatches were gorgeous, and your verdict was spot on. Then you posted it, and people scrolled right past.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. On TikTok and Reels, the first few seconds decide everything. If your opening doesn’t grab attention, nobody sticks around for the good stuff. The great news? Hooks are a skill, not a talent, and you can get really good at them with a few simple tricks.
1. Skip the “Hey Guys”
We say this with love: nobody needs the warm-up. “Hey guys, so today I’m going to be trying...” is where viewers check out.
Start in the middle of the action. Open with the product already on your face, the swatch already on your arm, or your verdict already on the tip of your tongue. You can introduce yourself later (or not at all).
2. Show the Payoff First
Beauty is a visual game, so use it. Flash the finished look, the glowy result, or the dramatic before-and-after right at the start, then rewind to show how you got there.
Viewers stay because they want to see how it happened. It’s the same reason we can’t stop watching a good transformation video.
3. Say What They’re Already Thinking
The best hooks feel like you read your viewer’s mind. Speak directly to a frustration they know too well:
“If your concealer creases by lunchtime, watch this.”
“POV: you finally found a mascara that doesn’t smudge.”
“Dry skin girlies, this one’s for you.”
When someone thinks “wait, that’s literally me,” they stop scrolling.
4. Lead With an Honest Opinion
Strong opinions get attention, and honest ones build trust. Try opening with your verdict before you explain it:
“I wanted to love this. I don’t.”
“This $10 serum outperformed my $60 one.”
“Okay, this one actually lives up to the hype.”
Just make sure you back it up. The Beauty Buddy Squad knows a fake rave when they see one, and real opinions always win.
5. Get Something Moving in Frame
A static shot of your face while you talk is easy to scroll past. Give the eye something to follow in that first second:
Pump a serum onto your fingertips
Swipe a lipstick across your hand
Squish a cream between your fingers to show the texture
Pop the lid off a new product
Texture shots are especially powerful in beauty content. People love seeing exactly how a formula looks and moves.
6. Put Your Hook on Screen
Lots of people watch with the sound off, so add your hook as on-screen text too. Keep it short, big, and easy to read in a second.
Think of it as a headline for your video. If someone only saw that line, would they want to keep watching?
7. Spark a Little Curiosity
Give viewers a reason to stay until the end by teasing something they need to know:
“The step I was missing in my skincare routine this whole time”
“Three products I’ll never repurchase (number two hurts)”
“The drugstore dupe nobody’s talking about”
Just remember to deliver on the promise. Clickbait might get the view, but it won’t get the follow.
Your Hook Cheat Sheet
Stuck for ideas? Fill in the blanks:
“If you struggle with ___, try this.”
“I tested ___ so you don’t have to.”
“Stop doing ___ to your skin.”
“The only ___ I’ll ever repurchase.”
“Is ___ worth the hype? Let’s find out.”
Test, Watch, Repeat
Here’s the secret most creators don’t talk about: your first hook won’t always be your best one. Try filming two or three different openings for the same video and see which one feels strongest.
Then check your analytics. If viewers are dropping off in the first few seconds, that’s your sign to switch things up next time. Every video teaches you something.
Now It’s Your Turn
Great content starts with a great first impression, and you’ve got everything you need to make yours count. Try one new hook this week and see what happens!
Want to practise with products you actually love? Download the Beauty Buddy app to join the Beauty Buddy Squad, share your honest reviews, and get inspired by real creators just like you. We can’t wait to see what you make! 💜
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