What Is the Cleopatra Trend, the New Glam Look Taking Over TikTok?

Filipina personalities like Ivana Alawi have shared their own femme fatale take.

Published on Jun 13, 2025

From Asoka and Habibi to Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas, TikTok has been the platform for makeup trends showcased through undeniable editing skills and seamless transitions. Among the mentioned, one thing they all share in common is the goal to capture the essence of a culture and the beauty in diversity, as seen in different parts of the globe. The most recent addition to this roster is the Cleopatra trend.

Always present at the height of these emerging makeup trends, Filipina content creator Lenie Aycardo shared her entry, which currently has 103.2 million views and 12.6 million likes on TikTok alone. It was unsurprising for more and more enthusiasts to follow suit. But before exploring the other breathtaking entries, let’s dive into some history.

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Who Was Cleopatra?

Let’s start with the icon herself: Cleopatra, who ruled Egypt from 51 to 30 BCE, and whose legacy still shapes today’s beauty trends.

Intelligent and equipped with an astute take on politics, she was one of the key figures who brought peace and prosperity to the split and struggling country at a time of conflict. According to Britannica, Cleopatra played an active role in Roman politics during a pivotal time and is particularly remembered for her ties to Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

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Mark Antony and Cleopatra | PHOTO: iStockphoto/Thinkstock via Britannica.

Aside from this, she was also known for her unquestionable charm and taste. She loved beauty—so much that it became a tool of her influence—and she was a purveyor of innovative cosmetics such as solid perfume, and now, the trending makeup look. In essence, she came to embody the image of a romantic femme fatale in ancient history.

Look:

Filipina Personalities Take on the Cleopatra Trend

Never one to miss out on popular trends, a growing number of Filipina personalities are sharing their entries that show their embodiment of the iconic Egyptian. Beyond skin that’s blushing flawlessly and eyeliner that’s sharper than a knife, they take the trend to another level by capping off their looks with fringes and braids, and gold jewelry to match.

See all the standout looks below!

Ivana Alawi

Kylie Celebre

Nicole Borromeo

Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.