How many times have you seen a beauty blogger rave about a new product and instantly purchased it — only to find out later that it didn’t live up to the hype? With beauty brands constantly vying to own the next breakthrough product or technology, many innovations seem too good to be true (and sometimes are).
Instead of spending hundreds…
8 Gimmicky Beauty Products That Actually Work
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Signstek
Portable High-Frequency Facial Machine, $33.39 at Amazon
If you've ever been to an esthetician, chances are they've used a high-frequency machine on you. This at-home version uses electric currents to kill bacteria, stimulate circulation and eliminate breakouts. With this device, you don't have to pay $80 for a facial just to get that sweet three to five minutes of stimulation. This device can be used in the comfort of your own home and, after continued use, a clearer complexion is within reach.
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Static Nails
Reusable Pop-On Manicure, $19.26 at Amazon
If you've ever tried glue-on nails, you've surely experienced a few of them popping off at inopportune times. On top of the humiliation, you're also left with nails that are less than on-point after removal. Static Nails set out to change all that. The product claims to be non-damaging to the nails and can be reused multiple times — something we can attest to after testing them out.
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Kristin Ess
The One Signature Hair Water, $10 at Target
When you've screwed up your hairstyle and need a do-over, or if you just need some added hydration for your strands, hair water is for you. Spray the fine mist and add instant moisture back into hair, calm down hair that may have been over-curled or remove annoying creases when using a flat iron. Revolutionary!
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Sephora Collection
Diamond Cut Sponge Set, $12 at Sephora
After trying the Beautyblender, there was really no going back to sponges that tried to impersonate the original. Then Sephora came out with this aesthetically pleasing gemstone sponge set and we knew we needed to give them a try. Much to our surprise, they did just as good a job of applying our foundation and cream products (sorry, Beautyblender) — and for a lot less money.
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Origins
Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask to Purify & Nourish, $34 at Sephora
After years of working in the beauty industry, I've rarely come across a mask that purifies the skin and nourishes simultaneously — that's what double masking is for, right? After trying this product, I was so impressed that I've used the mask religiously for the past two months. Thanks to bamboo charcoal, you get the pore-cleansing results, but because of the golden wildflower and fermented honey, your skin is nourished at the same time. Talk about a multitasker!
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Drunk Elephant
D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Serum, $36 at Sephora
No matter where you live, your skin is being exposed to pollution. Not only does this serum fight the pollution that's literally everywhere, it also gets you beautifully bronzed in the process. It's all thanks to a chronopeptide that mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D along with vitamin F that keeps the skin balanced.
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Slip
Pure Silk Pillowcase, $85 at Nordstrom
Before trying the Slip pillowcase, there was no way in this world I would ever spend $85 on a pillowcase. But after trying one out, I am officially a believer. The pillowcase claims to have anti-aging properties while preventing sleep creases and bed head — I kid you not, I wake up every morning looking more Beyonce-fabulous than ever.
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Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, $18 at Sephora
It's almost impossible to find a lip gloss that is universally flattering on every skin tone but leave it to Rihanna to make it happen. Gloss Bomb literally looks good on every single person I've seen try it. Plus, it's formulated with shea butter to keep lips super conditioned and because of the shimmer, lips instantly look fuller.
