Photo: Instagram/@kendalljenner
Cover Learn a new trick to capture the 'golden hour' glow, no matter where you are or what time it is (Photo: Instagram/@kendalljenner)

A comprehensive list of what to do, eat, watch, and more during MCO 3.0, according to TikTok

In Malaysia's last two MCOs, we had Gen Z and the handful of millennials who are 'not cringe' on TikTok to thank for some enjoyable lockdown activities to keep us occupied. For months, the world was obsessed with sourdough bread, pottery, roller-blading and whipped coffee. 

This time around, we have enlisted the help of our two interns born in the Noughties to compile an updated guide of fun TikTok trends to try, complete with a glossary for commonly used Gen Z slang. 

See also: MCO 3.0 In Malaysia: What We Know So Far

What to drink

Dalgona coffee had a big moment during our first lockdown in March 2020. But the sheer arm strength that was required to whip the sugar and coffee powder to create those trademark stiff peaks proved to be too much for many. These days, TikTok prefers a simple ice coffee for its satisfying aesthetic and 'impeccable vibes'. And they have been having fun making new coffee creations with the flavour of the month: caramel.

See also: Mushroom Coffee: Why Everyone's Talking About It And How It Could Be Good For You

What to eat

@feelgoodfoodie

Baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes!! Recipe on blog • Inspired by @grilledcheesesocial ? #tiktokpartner #LearnOnTikTok #fetapasta #recipes

♬ original sound - Feel Good Foodie

There are many Tiktok recipes that have gone viral but this is by far the easiest. This baked feta pasta only requires an oven and a handful of ingredients: a block of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil and pasta—we prefer the cavatappi-shaped pasta instead of the macaroni in the video. 

Other popular Tiktok recipes to try are the pesto egg, tornado egg fried rice and tortilla wrap hack.

And then there is the adorable frog cake, but be warned that "the trend is kinda old," according to our reliable Gen Z source. 

See also: Asia's Most Influential: Malaysia's 30 Tastemakers 2021

How to wear your hair

@lillyvanbrooklyn

✨ Not me spending all my money on heatless hair tools only to find out all i needed was a sock ✨

♬ Buss It - Erica Banks

Tried and tested: this easy trick for heatless waves actually works! All you need is some damp hair and either a robe belt or long sock. If you're after different types of curls, you can go online to try the hair tools available. For extra hold and volume, you can section your damp hair and add some hair cream before starting the whole process. We recommend the Ouai Curl Crème, which also works to tame frizz and adds a finishing shine to your curls. 

If you're looking for more of a dramatic change, you can dye your hair platinum blonde, a popular look on TikTok inspired by Billie Eilish, who unveiled her new Marilyn Monroe-esque look on the June cover of British Vogue recently. 

See also: 5 Haircare Products To Bring Your Hair Back To Life

What to wear

@laauren1

try these 5 ways to wear a tank! This one is perfect for this & in my amazon storefront #tiktokfashion #clothinghacks #styleinspo #summerfashion

♬ Super flat lad - Matthew_carlin_

"Yeah, tie-dye isn't a thing anymore..." 

Instead, try this viral TikTok trend to repurpose your tank tops. It lets you style a simple tank top in five different looks. Some TikTokers have even managed to create new tops from bikini bottoms and silk scarves. You can start planning outfits for your 'hot girl summer' while in lockdown. 

See also: The Future Of Fashion: What Is Thrifting And Upcycling?

 

What to buy

Apparently, it's Y2K memorabilia—unless you're lucky enough to still have your velvet Juicy Couture jumpsuits and low-rise jeans stored in the back of your closet.

One of the biggest fashion accessories from that era that TikTok loves is the shoulder handbag. It can be in classic canvas, pastel colours, as seen in the re-launched Prada Cleo bags or ruched, like the Nanushka Anja faux-leather baguette bag. Regardless of the style, it is the key to completing your outfit and looking like a baddie. 

And what is a baddie? According to our intern, it's "what we call hot girls now." She tries to explain that baddies have the "ABG (Asian Baby Girl) aesthetic, but on every ethnicity". 

See also: 5 Times Chanel No 5 Perfume Made Pop Culture History

 

What to post

This viral photo editing hack has amassed over 14.2 million views on Tiktok. It recreates the 'golden hour' sunset glow effect that has launched the careers of many a model and Instagram influencer. Unfortunately, it only applies to iPhones because it would appear, from many hours of research, that the general consensus among Gen Z is, "Ew, who uses an Android?"

Follow these steps to try the hack yourself: 

  • Exposure: +100
  • Brilliance: +100
  • Highlights: -35
  • Shadows: -26
  • Contrast: -30
  • Brightness: -15
  • Black point: +10
  • Saturation: +10
  • Vibrance: +8
  • Warmth: +10
  • Tint: +39
  • Sharpness: +14
  • Vignette: +23
  • Definition: +23
  • Reduce brilliance and exposure

See also: Malaysian Photographer Daniel Adams' Images Are More Than Art

What to watch

Everyone on Tiktok is obsessing (read: thirsting) over Ben Barnes, who plays the mysterious General Kirigan in the Netflix series, Shadow and Bone, opposite breakout stars, Jessie Mei Li and Archie Renaux. Adapted from the thrilling YA novel of the same name, the story revolves around an orphan mapmaker, Alina Starkov, who discovers her powers and joins General Kirigan's army to rescue their war-torn kingdom from a swath of permanent darkness called the Shadow Fold.

After watching three fancams of General Kirigan set against the soundtrack of viral Tiktok songs, including Kiss Me More by Doja Cat ft. Sza, it is clear our intern does not know that Ben Barnes rose to fame as Prince Caspian in every millennial's favourite film series, CS Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. 

Nothing else to add here except congratulations to Ben Barnes for achieving heartthrob status for two generations of teenage girls, and sorry to Jeremy Sumpter for his failure to do the same. 

See also: 7 New Books To Read In May 2021

What to make

Making wire jewellery is not as difficult as it looks. In fact, it can be a very fun and enjoyable lockdown activity to try on your own or with your kids. 

For a ring, all you need is about 10 inches of wire, we recommend starting with brass or copper, and some basic tools, such as a wire cutter and round-nose and flat-nose pliers. You will definitely need a full tutorial to achieve the different styles but with more confidence, you will be able to play with more complicated elements. For example, you can try adding gemstones

See also: Inventive Tiffany & Co. Jewellery Designed By The Late Elsa Peretti

Clay art is also trending on TikTok for its simplicity and accessibility. Earrings are the go-to for most craft enthusiasts on TikTok, creating stunning designs that they model or sell on the app. The most adorable clay earrings we have seen on the site resemble colourful fruits, such as strawberries.  

See also: Korean Celebrity Suzy Bae Models The Gem Dior High Jewellery Collection

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