This time, two years back, Hailey Bieber broke the internet with an innocent selfie. The culprit? Her phone case. Designed to smoothly fit her Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, the case quickly went viral, becoming an exclusive piece to cop. Part of its success came from the Hailey Bieber effect. Part of it came from its ingenuity. Now, two years later, the bulky phone case has given rise to the birth of a new form of beauty tech—beauty phone accessories.
On the surface, a phone accessory makes so much sense. Considering how frequently we would need to touch up, why not keep the makeup front and centre? But for beauty brands, this is a layer of covert marketing. While the innovation provides us with easy access to our makeup, brands get free real estate on our phones. It’s closer, more intimate, appearing in every mirror selfie and starting conversations with the people around us. For beauty-focused people, especially content creators, these accessories are bids to the brand, adding a whimsical touch to their style while also connecting them with the brand. Beyond the trend, it’s a win-win for both.
And it’s exactly why more and more brands are hopping on to the trend. Beauty content is no niche, and brands understand that to take up space, they need these supplementary products to snatch up focus and garner attention through their novelty. And because it’s makeup, practicality is built into its novelty, making it more useful than expected.
If you’re looking for beauty accessories to zhuzh up your phone, here are some to consider:
Rhode | lip case
The one that started it all! Although bulky, it’s stylish and fun, and the chicest accessory for those cool girl mirror selfies. Of course, for this lip case to work, you also need the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment or Peptide Lip Tint, which isn’t a hard bargain considering how both make the lips plush and soft.
Huda Beauty | Easy Bake Pressed Powder Phone Grip
The latest phone accessory to go viral, the phone girl carries a mini pressed powder and puff to instantly give that blurry effect no matter where you are. Unlike the lip case, this phone grip is comfortable to hold. The bad news? It instantly sold out once it was released. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if a relaunch is on the way soon!
Fenty Beauty | Smurfette Effect Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer + Keychain
A bit different from previous accessories, Fenty Beauty gives their beauty accessories a versatile push. Releasing limited editions of its Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in a keychain form, you can attach this piece to your phone, bag, belt loop, or wherever you see fit.
Lanolips | 101 Ointment Strawberry & Phone Lip Balm Holder
Similar to the lip case, Lanolips saw what didn’t work for Rhode and adapted. So instead of a bulky phone case, we have a phone grip where a tube of Lanolips easily slides in. Compatible with all phone types, this phone grip is a versatile attachment with the cutest aesthetics.
Diesel x Casetify | Logo-plaque Phone Grip Stand
While not exactly beauty, we have noticed how the shift in beauty phone accessories has bled into fashion as well. Collaborating on a limited edition drop with Casetify, Diesel has released a range of phone accessories, including a logo phone grip, making for stylish mirror selfies and a subtle flex.
Dior | Logo Mirror and Octobuddy
While not available to purchase, these beauty phone accessories from Dior were intended to be gifts with purchase. And just like the Rhode lip case, they immediately became viral. The logo mirror made for a handy accessory to have on the go, while the Octobuddy came at a time when the suction accessory was quickly gaining popularity in the beauty content sphere. By making their own version, they joined in on the niche, giving beauty content another means to go viral. So if you’re looking to find either of these pieces, test your luck at the preloved market.
