Since Covid, the world has been obsessed with maximalism. TikTok For You Pages are filled with ads for new products and schemes to get people to spend more money. It's a consumerist lifestyle that leads to regretful purchases and overflowing landfills.
Recently, there's been a new trend, a better trend. People have started making 'de-influencing' videos, telling people things they really don't need, no matter how much social media say they do. So, somewhat ironically, I've been influenced to make my own version of these videos. In this article, I will tell you eight beauty products you have no reason to buy and give you some alternatives. Hopefully, you can declutter your Amazon wishlist and keep a healthy bank account.
1. Dior Lip Oil
Listen, I love Dior lip products as much as the next person, but there is no reason that you need to spend THAT much money on lip oil. The applicator is a little flimsy, and the bottle runs out too quickly to get your money's worth. The lip oil is too messy for a swift application, and you'll spend every bathroom trip wondering why you didn't buy something with less hassle.
In my opinion, if you're itching to spend too much on a lip product, or just want the brand name, opt for the Dior Maximiser in the shade 'Rosewood.'
If you're craving shine instead of colour, go for the Jouer Cosmetics Essential Hydrating Lip Oil; it's half the price and won't stick to your hair. Lastly,
if you're simply looking for a cute lip product, choose the Maybelline Lifter Gloss in the shade 'Petal'. It is universally flattering and incredibly cheap.
2. Ilia Mascara
We've all seen the Instagram ads and sponsored TikTok posts, but is this mascara really all that? Yes, it is objectively a good product and has an interesting clump-free applicator. However, let's be honest; after a few uses, the dual-sided wand will lose its charm and become more of an annoyance than anything.
This mascara needs a lot of time and unbroken concentration to get the ideal look. Plus, it costs a ludicrous amount of money, coming up to around 30 USD.
If you don't mind the price and are just looking for the perfect mascara, test out the Diorshow Iconic Mascara. You'll have an easy application with the curved wand without too much mess. This product also comes in a waterproof version if that's what you crave.
In my opinion, a totally underrated mascara that will give you amazing length, color, and volume at a drugstore price; Vamp! Sexy Lash Mascara by Pupa. It may not be the Ilia look, but it is a totally reliable eye product that lasts for a long time.
Finally, my personal mascara and a very popular choice on Tiktok, the Maybelline Sky High Mascara. Affordable and effective, this mascara gives height without clumps. It lasts for hours and won't smudge if you touch your eyes.
3. Olaplex Shampoo
I fell victim to the Olaplex craze, and I have never regretted anything more. Unless your hair is practically (or literally) falling out, there is no need for this product. It made my hair incredibly brittle and frizzy, no matter how much or little I washed it.
Many others have had the same experience, and for the exorbitant price, it is in no way a fair trade. This brand is marketed toward those with irreversibly damaged hair, and should never have been made a trend.
Once again, if the price tag isn't your main concern, look at the OUAI shampoo and conditioner selection. They have different options based on individual hair types. This brand saved my hair, and I am a diehard Thick Hair Shampoo and Conditioner fan. Make sure you also buy the detox shampoo so you don't suffer from build-up.
Another shampoo that is a little less pricey is the MoroccanOil Hydrating Shampoo. The whole MoroccanOil selection is a gold mine, and I highly recommend looking through their haircare options.
Lastly, a cheaper alternative is the Camille Rose Shampoo. While I have never personally tried this, I've only heard good things. Also, if you have curly hair, make sure you scroll through their curly-products!
4. Rare Beauty Liquid Pinch Blush
I hate to be the one to say it, but as much as I love Selena Gomez, this blush just isn't worth it. It's not the priciest liquid blush on the market, but it is in no way cheap. The amount of pigment is hard to control when applying, usually ending in a lot of frustration and makeup wipes. I think that Rare Beauty is a great brand, that has so many amazing products, but this bestseller doesn't make the cut.
If you just want to support Selena and don't care about the product itself, look to the Positive Light Liquid Luminizer. This highlighter is gorgeous and creates such a subtle glow on anybody. It requires absolutely zero skill to use, making it an amazing cruelty-free product.
If you want a new liquid blush and just got your latest paycheck, try out the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in Pillow Talk. It's another trendy item but is flattering on everyone and blends like a dream. It works as both a highlighter and a blusher, which helps to justify the high price tag.
Finally, if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a beauty product, purchase the Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush. It's easily blendable and buildable, making it an ideal liquid blush. It's easy to find and comes at a very reasonable price.
5. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil
While this product isn't trending too much right now, my recommendation is to stay very far away from it. The jumbo idea was implemented too strongly, making it incredibly easy to overuse the pencil. In addition, it's quite crumbly and makes a mess on dark clothes or the rest of a makeup look. Many use it as a highlighter, but it doesn't have the same effect; unblended white dots aren't the same as a subtle shimmer.
As usual, if you don't mind spending a little more money, purchase the Chanel Baume Essentiel Glow Stick. This product is much more expensive than the NYX stick, but works a million times better. It will give shine, not just pigment, and has the same easy application.
If you're looking for a good highlighter and don't mind a little search, look at the Mary Kay Illuminating Drops. It was discontinued but can be found from second-hand sources. The shine is gorgeous and can be used as a highlighter, bronzer, or eyeshadow.
Finally, if your main draw to the product is the low price, try out the Revolution Beauty Bright Light Highlighter. It comes in a variety of shades, and is shockingly cheap for the quality.
6. Drunk Elephant Eye Cream
Drunk Elephant is a great brand, but wow, is it expensive. Because of this, it's important to know what you're buying, and if it's necessary. Eye cream is not needed.
If you're concerned about the darkness of your under-eyes, a good sleep schedule should help. If you're concerned about the elasticity of your under-eyes, a good moisturizer will definitely help. Eye cream is a way for brands to make more money off of good marketing, and you shouldn't be subjected to that.
I won't insult you by offering you useless eye creams, so I'll give you some other suggestions. If you want something from the Drunk Elephant label, purchase the Sukari Babyfacial (or the midi version!). This is my holy grail of face masks and makes my skin glow every time. Just be careful and make sure you're being gentle with your skin as it is potent.
The single best moisturizer on the market is the Obagi Hydrate Luxe. This is another product that can hurt the bank, but it is worth every penny. It's been my ride or die for a long time now, and I will never look back.
Ultimately, an incredible moisturizer that's affordable and effective: the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion. Honestly, any product from the CeraVe line would benefit your skin and is great for any income.
7. Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick
Yes, it's iconic; yes, it's flattering; but you don't need it. I've struggled to accept this as a fact for a while, toying between spending the $23 dollars on lipstick or just keeping it on the wishlist. However, this debate shows that buying the product is not worth it.
If you have to have an internal conflict over a semi-pricey makeup item, then don't buy it. It's definitely a cute shade, but there are much cheaper and more sustainable alternatives to get the 1990s look.
If a deep color is your goal, look for the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick in Festival Magic. It has a more prominent color, so you will be spared the constant reapplications. It's long-lasting and comes in many shades if you aren't completely set on my recommendation.
Next, a much more affordable option is the Glossier Ultralip in the Ember shade. It's almost half the price and has the same shine and hydration. The pigment is pretty spot on as well, so you won't have to worry if it will look right on your skin.
Lastly, the cheapest alternative is the Elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Ecstatic. It went viral for a reason. The product is an amazing dupe for Clinique's lipstick and it's only $6.
8. Dyson Airwrap
Lastly, the most expensive item on my list: the Dyson Airwrap. It's the most prominent hair appliance to hit the trend cycles in a while, with thousands of influencers gushing over how great it is. Yes, it is an excellent product for someone who needs to look their best 24/7, for someone who gets paid for their appearance. However, for the average buyer, it spends most of its time collecting dust on the bathroom shelf.
At my core, I love makeup much more than hair, but that won't stop me from giving you some better alternatives. If you are okay with shelling out a good chunk of cash, try the Shark FlexStyle Hairstyler. It's still an expensive product, but half the price of the Dyson Airwrap. Some argue that the Shark is more effective, justifying the cost.
Another great option is the Revlon Multi Styler. I've seen some great things about this product, and while it may be slower than the Dyson, it creates a great blowout without too much of a learning curve.
Lastly, a tried and true method for a gorgeous hairstyle, BaByliss Heated Rollers. They're much quicker than Velcro rollers and are relatively cheap for the product you receive.
Whether it's makeup, hair, or skincare, social media tries to convince you to buy things you don't need. Sometimes the products are just expensive, and sometimes they're honestly bad. This can lead to shopping addiction or a declining bank account, at the least. Hopefully, this article helped you reconsider purchasing some of these items and helped you find your newest alternative product.
