Trending Products Worth the Hype
Welp, I’m not proud to say it but my post pandemic obsession is…. TikTok. I try to keep my viewing quasi relevant to my study of interest which usually entails frying my last brain cells scoping out the latest and greatest makeup and skincare videos. While some of these dough-faced Tiktikors make my eyes roll to the back of my head when they begin to dole out advice on how to achieve buoyant and youthful skin, I AM digging some of their makeup tips. It’s most refreshing to see that the women over 30 club is laying down their own tracks within this giant, influential social media beast because I’m 100% more apt to heed their suggestions when it comes to skincare and anti-aging. My very favorite segment a la beauté realm however, is created by BOTH young and old where they share their thoughts on trending beauty products worth the hype. Because I’m not (yet!) brave enough to get in front of the camera to create my own TikTok…. I thought I’d divulge some of my POVS on the topic below.
Olaplex: Ok… as the antagonist that I am, I was reluctant to love this brand and was hell bent on rebelling against the whispers that Olaplex was the new hair holy grail. However, all of my resistance faded rapidly after having a weak moment, buying the entire line of their haircare, using it and falling in love. OLAPLEX is a British company that uses their “Bond Building” patented technology to work on repairing damaged and broken hair on a molecular level. It promises to rejuvenate strengthen and protect the hair strand. And it does just that. The conditioner was great and I noticed a big difference in the texture of my hair but O M G their shampoo is the tops. I could audibly hear the “squeak” of it’s one billion bubbles going to work as it cleaned my sweat-ridden, days old dirty scalp with ease. The scent was light and not overbearing and after blow drying my hair using only a dollop of their leave-in hair cream, my strands were left shiny and all aglow. I’ve been using their purple shampoo for a couple of weeks and it’s turned this brassy blonde into an obnoxiously bright blonde just the way I like it. The price point is so reasonable as well. There’s nothing not to love about this brand kids..I’m a die hard fan.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: I am seeing this serum all over TikTok but the funny thing is it’s been around forever. The fact that this serum is still so coveted and relevant is for good reason. I’ve parlayed with many-a-dermatologist who will say over and over again that VITAMIN C IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND CRITICAL SKINCARE PRODUCT we should be applying to our face. And SkinCeutical’s C E Ferulic is passionately backed by my most trusted skin gurus and it’s the one I most often choose for myself. It’s a super protector against environmental damage caused by free radicals, it improves the signs of aging and photo damage and it is brightening AF. After cleansing (but before moisturizing), squeeze a couple of droplets in hands, rub together and apply every single morning. Keep the bottle out of direct sunlight. Everything from SkinCeuticals is pricey but seriously peeps you pay for what you get. And there’s no questioning the return investment you’ll be getting on this one. Time to slap down the cash! Cha Ching.
Anything “pillow talk” from Charlotte Tilbury. Charlotte Tilbury is a tour de force in the beauty industry. Her brand sets the bar high because every single product is 100% worth the hype. I know that when I’m buying any product from her brand, it will most likely become one of my favorites. I could not imagine a day without her Cheek to Chic blush slathered atop my cheeks, or her Pillow Talk lip pencil lining my mouth. Surely, this sounds a little dramatic like when our husbands get sick with a “man flu,” but I genuinely rely on her products to make me look a little more alive on a daily basis. The mainstay color “pillow talk” is described as universally flattering, adding just the right amount of punch to the pout. CT’s products are an infallible start to a beginner’s makeup routine or a stellar addition to a makeup connoisseur’s cosmetic case. You can’t go wrong…Enjoy!
There are a few mascaras worth the hype right now, I couldn’t limit my enthusiasm to just one. I’m pretty sure when it comes to our lashes we’re all looking for a few things: a non-sticky formula that glides on easily, something somewhat buildable and lengthening and one that can manufacture some volume without clumping and aids in the separation of lashes. A stellar wand is essential for me… I give extra points to ones that give great control and fit comfortably in my hand. If the above notes are your qualifications too, then you have to check out these super stars from: Patrick Ta, Lancome and newbie Rare Beauty. Their mascaras are my everyday go-tos whether I’m hitting the gym or prepping for a photo shoot. An Aside: I rarely wear waterproof mascara unless I’m confirmed for scuba diving with Prince Harry in Jamaica. WP mascara usually takes a sledge hammer to remove and often times pulls off our precious real life lashes…. overall a no no.
La Mer eye concentrate… Like the SkinCeuticals serum, this cream has been around for a while and it’s reputation remains flawless. As an adult my biggest beauty woe has been the dark circles encompassing my eyes. Said woe has become an all out distress cry with each year that passes by.. especially the most recent one involving a global pandemic!!!! This pot o’gold from La Mer has saved me… only superficially… but a win is a win. La Mer’s eye concentrate 100% reduces the shadows, hydrates and energizes the delicate skin around my eyes. You can use this twice a day but I typically dab it on at night while my facial serum is absorbing. If I have an event, I store it in the fridge for a few minutes and apply the cool cream under my eyes before I put on makeup. I know some are just seeing this cream pop up on TikTok but I’ve been a big fan for years and can attest to it’s high quality and effectiveness. Don’t feel (too) guilty about splurging on this one.
If you’re looking for the most well-rounded, creamy, dreamy, adored-by-most, #1 foundation in America then look no further than Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Foundation. It’s versatility is the big seller here. This one does it all. It is not JUST for the day time or an evening out: it’s conducive for all occasions. Designed to be buildable, you can tailor the coverage any way you want it. It’s also oil-free, waterproof and has been coined by EL to be “life proof.” That’s a strong statement but I can 100% get behind it. I really love that Double Wear gives matte coverage without looking cakey or feeling suffocating and there are LOADS of shades to choose from. Admittingly, I get drawn in by the newest, flashy foundations fads from time to time but I always go back to my Ol’ Faithful when I’m (desperately) trying to give good face and once you try it, you will too!
Fenty Gloss Bombs are still topping the charts when it comes to lip gloss. Other brands try to compete but they consistently come up short because of this “gotta-have-it lip gloss.” Fenty’s formula is so lush, sweet-smelling and good for your skin. One swipe of this spongey wand across your lips and they’ll feel smoother, appear fuller and dazzle the masses. It actually feels good on your lips too because it’s not disgustingly sticky like it’s competitors and doesn’t mimic a chemical bomb if swallowed. Added bonus: around the holidays, Fenty releases the cute mini packs of glosses which makes a perfect gift for the littles in our lives because they are free of parabens and phthalates and they come in happy and festive colors!
Another brand seizing the beauty stratosphere is Ordinary. Their prices are almost suspiciously too low to be quality so I was initially hesitant to even try them. However, after reading so many positive reviews gushing about Ordinary, I purchased their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. This product is a light-weight, multi-level mega hydrating serum. Hyaluronic Acid on it’s own can hold a hundred times its weight in water so it locks in moisture unlike any other ingredient. The B5 helps to bind water to the skin as well so it’s a potent combo. This serum deserves a spot on your bathroom shelf this winter and a big shoutout from me. It can be used AM and PM before creams- preferably applied right out of the shower or apres face wash when skin is still damp. Let absorb and then apply creams. The price tag is approximately 7 bucks so at the very least it’s worth your try. It’s proven to me that worthy skincare doesn’t always have to come at a high cost.
I hope you all found this quasi informational and subsequently inspires you to try a couple of new products. I made an effort to pick items that I thought would work well with most skin types and ones that I’m pumped about. I’d love to hear your feedback or answer any questions that come up! Happy shopping mes amis!
