10 overrated beauty products you really don’t need

“I am obsessed!” If this is all it takes to get you to swiftly move from scrolling on social media to adding to your cart, listen up! As a fellow beauty enthusiast, I too have fallen for the “life-changing, skin-altering" promises (more than I’d like to admit). But here’s the bitter truth: most of these products are far from being the viral must-haves they proclaim to be. They’re either gimmicky, wasteful, or simply have no purpose, other than to burn an unnecessary hole in your pocket and look pretty on social media, of course. 

To prevent you from making bad decisions in the future, we went straight to the experts who broke down some of the most overrated beauty products you really don’t need in your arsenal.

Cleansing brushes

Why invest in a cleansing brush when you can rely on your hands and fingers to do the same job? “Cleansing brushes are overhyped and do nothing except irritate the skin and strip the barrier,” says Dr Varshini Reddy, cosmetic dermatologist and founder, The Glow Clinic. “These brushes can lead to broken capillaries, inflammation, and sensitivity in the long run.” The alternative? Dr Reddy recommends sticking to double-cleansing and using a good cleanser. Simple. 

Essences

Made famous by the K-beauty 12-step routine, essences are water-based liquids usually applied after cleansing the skin. They enhance hydration, soothe irritation, and help brighten the skin. According to Dr Kiran Sethi, MD and founder, ISYA Aesthetics, they are just fancy mists! “You can either use a mist or an essence, there is no need for both.”

Cellulite and stretch mark creams

“If you are expecting your cream to make cellulite or stretch marks vanish, you need to think again,” says Dr Reddy. “ Topically, these creams have no proper efficacy—they only work to hydrate the skin and prevent worsening the conditions, but they don’t eliminate them.” A good moisturiser or body oil will literally do the same thing! 

Jade rollers

Flashback to 2020, when everybody was diving face-first into this viral trend of rollers! Contrary to popular belief, however, jade rollers do not help sculpt your face! They’re a relaxing, feel-good tool that helps temporarily de-puff the skin, but they can’t sculpt or contour your face in the manner they are portrayed! “They are really useless and don’t help much in either product deposition or lymphatic drainage,” adds Dr Sethi. 

Makeup wipes

They strangely do the opposite of what they are meant to. “Most of the time when you’re using make-up wipes, you are pushing the make-up and gunk deeper into the pores instead of cleansing it,” warns Dr Reddy. “They dry the skin out and leave your barrier damaged.” Instead, she recommends opting for a double cleanse method that would help remove all traces of make-up and sunscreen sufficiently.

Colourful or glittery skincare products

Who doesn’t want to look like a shiny celestial being on a chill Sunday night, right? But, that’s just it—those viral skincare products do more harm than good for the skin. “Using harsh chemical colourants or glitter in skincare products isn’t sustainable at all and will do nothing for the skin,” says Dr Reddy. “It’s just a feel-good, look-good kind of product that is Insta-worthy, but there are no real skin benefits.”

Butt-shaping creams

As much as we’d like them to work, no amount of creams can do what squat day can! According to Dr Sethi, booty creams are well-packaged moisturisers that smell lovely, but in no way or form can shape your butt. Back to the gym, it is. 

Primers

According to Sandhya Shekar, celebrity make-up artist and co-founder, MOKAE Beauty, unless you’re wearing your make-up for extremely long periods or occasions like weddings, a primer isn’t required for everyday wear. “Instead, icing the face before wearing your make-up makes it stay longer, and your skin feels way better than just applying primer,” she suggests. 

Multiple colour correctors

Indian skin requires an orange or a brick-hued corrector, that’s it! “You don’t need the whole colour wheel of purple, green, and white; it only works for caucasian skin, not for Indians,” adds Shekar. 

Lip oils

Trending? Yes. An unnecessary addition to your make-up kit? Shekar seems to think so! “I haven’t understood if it is really necessary,” says Shekar. “You can put a balm and a lipstick together or a lip gloss and tint together; you will get a similar consistency.”

Lead image credit: Pexels 

Also read: Oily skin moisturisers that will keep your skin hydrated sans the shine

Also read: Why alpha arbutin deserves a spot in your skincare routine