Holy grail or just hype? Not all viral beauty products deserve to be in your cart

We love a good beauty trend, especially the ones that take over our feeds faster than we can say “dupe alert.” From glass-skin serums to dewy-finish sprays and lip oils that claim to change your life, our carts (and vanities) are overflowing with products promising glow-ups in a bottle. But not every product that racks up a million views is worth your hard-earned coin (or precious shelf space). Some are keepers, others are strictly for the 'tried it so you don’t have to' folder.

Instead of falling for every #sponsored swipe-up, we did the homework for you. We’re rounding up the products that deliver—no fluff, just real results—category by category, from lip balms that heal to setting sprays that lock it down. So grab your iced matcha, bestie—we’re spilling the beauty tea.

Pout or get out

You've definitely seen this lip mask all over your feed—the one with the pretty pastel tube, promising pillowy lips overnight. But after a few uses, it’s more gloss than care: barely hydrates, wears off in minutes, and leaves you wondering what the hype was about. Now, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask? That one’s earned its cult status. This baby has been around forever (and for good reason). It’s not just a cute tub that looks pretty on your nightstand—it actually works. Rich, silky, and packed with good-for-you ingredients, it leaves your lips baby-soft by morning without a single gimmick.

Prime suspect

A flawless base starts way before the foundation—it’s all about the prep. Primers and setting sprays are supposed to be your makeup’s ride-or-die, gripping everything in place from your first swipe of concealer to your last coat of gloss. But while some give you that initial glow, they tend to tap out by midday, leaving your makeup patchy, faded, or just gone. The Milk Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray, though, actually puts in the work. It locks in your look with a dewy finish that lasts all day, no touch-ups needed. It’s the kind of staple that quietly shows up in every makeup lover’s kit, for good reason.

Essence of it all

There’s always that serum that goes viral because it has gold flakes, comes in a frosted bottle, or looks great in a flat lay, but beyond the aesthetics, it’s all fluff and no function. It might give you a fleeting glow, but that’s about it. Now, COSRX’s Snail Mucin Essence may not be a visual stunner, but it's the skincare equivalent of eight hours of sleep and two litres of water. It plumps, calms, and brings life back to tired skin, and once it’s in your routine, there’s no going back.

Drama without the trauma

A lot of viral mascaras give major lash drama for a few hours, until they flake all over your under-eyes. If you’re looking for one that holds curl, adds volume and stays put during actual life (not just a GRWM), the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara has been a go-to for a reason. With multiple shades to match every vibe, there’s one for whatever mood you’re in.

Skin reset 

Serums that promise glow but break you out? Not every serum lives up to the 10-step routine it claims to replace. If your skin is oily, acne-prone, or just… confused, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a no-fuss, no-fluff option. It helps calm things down, reduce shine, and smoothen post-breakout texture. 

Kiss and tell

Everyone’s raving about that “it girl” lipstick—the one with viral packaging, a cocktail-inspired name, and a formula that vanishes faster than your morning coffee. The pigment’s uneven, it tugs while applying, and the hydration? All talk. On the flip side, Lovechild by Masaba’s lipsticks deliver bold pigment, buttery texture, and shades that actually show up (and stay put) on Indian skin tones. Unapologetically desi and totally shelfie-worthy.

Glow-tox

You’ve seen the viral “glass skin” hacks—layered highlighters, glow drops, and filters doing half the work. But in real life? It often ends in a greasy mess or glitter overload. If you’re after that fresh, lit-from-within radiance without the extra shimmer and shine, the MAC Strobe Cream is a solid go-to. It gives your skin a healthy, subtle glow that looks like you, just well-rested. Wear it under makeup or solo on no-foundation days—it just gets it right every time.

Even the best products can only do so much if you’re not in tune with your skin. What works wonders for one person might flop for another; it all comes down to your skin type, texture, and how well you’re caring for it overall. These beauty buys? Think of them as the cherry on top of a solid skincare routine.

So next time a trending product tempts you, pause the haul and ask, Is it hype or is it worth the hype? Your skin and sanity will thank you.

Lead image: Pexels

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