These Viral Makeup Products Are Overhyped—Here’s What I Prefer Instead
Makeup is one of those worlds where trends are constantly in flux. New products pop up daily on social media, often with glowing reviews that make them seem irresistible. But after trying a lot of these hyped-up products, many makeup enthusiasts find that some items just don’t live up to their reputations. If you’re tired of splurging on products that don’t quite deliver, here’s a fresh take on which ones might be overhyped—and what alternatives truly deserve a spot in your beauty routine.
Lip Gloss: Skip and Love
Skip: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm
The Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm has achieved a cult following due to its promise of intense hydration and a shiny finish. While the packaging and color range are impressive, many users feel that it’s more like a tinted balm than a gloss. It can sometimes feel sticky and doesn’t last long, meaning frequent reapplication is necessary.
Love: Kosas Wet Lip Oil Plumping Peptide Lip Treatment Gloss
If you’re looking for a lip gloss that combines a non-sticky texture with a beautiful glossy finish, the Kosas Wet Lip Oilis a game-changer. Packed with hydrating ingredients and peptides, it leaves your lips feeling soft and visibly plumped without the uncomfortable stickiness. This gloss adds a natural shine, lasts longer, and provides the benefits of a lip treatment, making it a fantastic alternative to Tarte’s lip balm.
Blush: Skip and Love
Skip: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush has made waves for its pigmented formula and unique applicator. However, this product can be a bit tricky to apply, especially for those who prefer a more subtle, buildable blush. It’s very easy to overdo, which might lead to more frustration than a natural, glowy look.
Love: Glossier Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush
![PO] Glossier cloud paint gel cream blush, Beauty & Personal Care, Face, Makeup on Carousell](https://media.karousell.com/media/photos/products/2023/10/28/po_glossier_cloud_paint_gel_cr_1698512079_05c97d3c_progressive.jpg)
If you love a natural-looking, easy-to-blend blush, Glossier’s Cloud Paint is a fantastic choice. This gel-cream blush offers a buildable formula, allowing you to control the color intensity without any streaks or patchiness. The shades are flattering for a variety of skin tones, and it gives you that seamless, flushed-from-within look that’s hard to beat. Perfect for both beginners and pros!
Bronzer: Skip and Love
Skip: Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour
Tarte’s Sculpt Tape Contour has become popular thanks to the influencer hype around contouring. While it offers a range of shades and a convenient applicator, some users report it can feel heavy or even muddy, especially on lighter skin tones. It can require a lot of blending, which might make your makeup routine more complicated than necessary.
Love: Dibs Desert Island Duo Blush and Bronzer Stick
For a more natural and easy-to-blend option, try the Dibs Desert Island Duo. This versatile stick combines a blush and bronzer in one, making it ideal for quick touch-ups. The formula is creamy yet lightweight, blending seamlessly for a subtle, sun-kissed glow. With this stick, you can create a softly contoured look that’s both flattering and low-maintenance—perfect for on-the-go beauty lovers.
Brow Gel: Skip and Love
Skip: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow + Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
Benefit’s Gimme Brow is well-loved for its ability to add volume to brows, but it doesn’t always deliver on the staying power it promises. Some users find that it doesn’t hold brows in place for as long as they’d like, requiring reapplication throughout the day, which can be a hassle.
Love: Kosas Air Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
For brows that look natural yet stay in place, Kosas Air Brow is a winner. This brow gel not only volumizes but also strengthens and conditions brows with clean, nourishing ingredients. Unlike some brow gels that can feel stiff or flaky, Kosas Air Brow provides flexible hold and a hint of tint, leaving your brows looking full and feathered without the crunchiness.
Setting Spray: Skip and Love
Skip: One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
The One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray has gained popularity for its mattifying and waterproof claims, but it can sometimes feel overly drying, especially on sensitive or dry skin types. Users looking for a more comfortable, everyday wear may find this spray too intense, especially if they prefer a natural finish.
Love: NYX Long-Lasting Matte Finish Setting Spray
For a budget-friendly setting spray that actually delivers, NYX Long-Lasting Matte Finish Setting Spray is a favorite among both makeup artists and enthusiasts. It provides a soft matte finish that keeps your makeup looking fresh without over-drying your skin. This spray is lightweight, long-lasting, and works well for most skin types, making it a reliable staple for any makeup bag.
Conclusion
In the crowded world of beauty products, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype, but not every viral product deserves a permanent spot on your makeup shelf. By choosing products that suit your skin type, preferences, and lifestyle, you can simplify your routine and achieve better results. Whether it’s a hydrating gloss, a versatile blush, or a dependable setting spray, investing in quality products that truly perform will keep you feeling confident and beautiful without the frustration of overhyped items.
This guide helps you navigate beyond the overhyped, saving you time and ensuring your makeup bag is filled with products that actually deliver.
