Clinique’s ₹1500 Balm: Best Makeup Melt or Overhyped?
Everyone raves about Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, so I bought the mini for around one thousand five hundred rupees during a sale to test the hype. It truly melts makeup like a dream, even my super dark, long-lasting FAE Beauty lipstick! The texture is like solidified coconut oil that turns oily and is incredibly gentle, leaving my sensitive skin fresh, moisturized, and soothed. While I don’t wear heavy makeup daily, it’s fantastic for stubborn products. If it’s on sale and you’re considering it, I’d say go for it; it works, feels luxurious, and you won’t be disappointed.
Mira Kapoor’s Akind Cleanser: Oily Skin Hope or Nope?
I had high hopes for Mira Kapoor’s Akind Fresh Start Oil-Free Balancing Cleanser, especially with its promising description for oily, sensitive skin. I used it daily until only a little was left, wanting to give it a fair shot. Honestly, it was just okay. It didn’t harm my skin, but it didn’t do anything extraordinary that would make me repurchase. The biggest letdown was the smell – a bit like rancid oil, which was quite unpleasant. While her skin is goals, this particular product just didn’t wow me.
Adored Cleanser, Hated Packaging: Bam Sensitive Skin Review!
I absolutely love the Bam Sensitive Skin Gentle Facial Cleanser for my oily, combination, and sensitive skin! It has a lovely gel-like consistency that foams up nicely, cleaning my skin thoroughly without leaving it feeling dry or tight – just really soft. My only major issue is the tube packaging. You have to squeeze it and close a cap, and one time I didn’t close it properly. It spilled all over my counter, and I was more upset about wasting the product I liked so much! If they change the packaging, it’d be perfect.
Akind Toner Stung My Skin: Seeking Milky Alternatives!
Despite being labeled “soothing and purifying,” the Akind toner was a painful experience for my sensitive skin. Even when I closed my eyes tightly and sprayed, it would still burn them, and my face would feel slightly red and irritated. It promised a “lit from within glow” and minimized pores, but all I felt was a harsh, astringent sensation. I found myself reaching for it less and less. I think a milky toner might be better for me; if you have recommendations, please let me know!
Kerala Meets France: Gunnam Beauty’s Gentle Exfoliant!
Gunnam Beauty’s Arali Liquid Exfoliant caught my attention with its unique story – a Kerala-based brand made in France. I’d tried Paula’s Choice BHA before, and it didn’t work for me, but this one is quite nice! It’s extremely gentle, even on my sensitive skin, and I use it daily. It’s so satisfying to wipe it on a cotton pad after cleansing and see the remaining dirt it lifts. If you have congested skin, larger pores, or buildup, this is a really good, gentle option. I’m excited to see continued results.
Due Hustle Serum: The Only One You Need, Really?
I’d seen so many ads for the Due Hustle Multi-Active Serum and finally bought it during a sale. It’s marketed as the single serum you’d ever need, gentle and packed with eleven actives. While it felt nice and is great for travel to avoid packing multiple bottles, I don’t quite buy into the “one-size-fits-all” concept for daily use. My skin responds better to targeted single-active serums like vitamin C or niacinamide. It’s not a bad product, and I’m glad I tried it, but it’s not a hero like their ceramide moisturizer for me, especially considering the price.
Moody Sunscreen: Smells Like a Baby, Feels Like a Dream!
I picked up the Moody 7D Hydro Burst Hybrid Water Sunscreen on Blinkit mainly because it looked cute and was travel-sized. I absolutely love this! It has a watery, milky texture, similar to the Vishkare one, with zero white cast and SPF 50. But the best part for me is the smell – it’s so fresh, like Johnson’s baby powder, making me feel cute and comforted every time I apply it. My cousin hated the smell, thinking it was coconut, but for me, the delightful aroma and easy application make it a winner.
Asai Sheer Milk Sunscreen: My On-the-Go Glow Getter!
The Asai Sheer Milk Sunscreen with vitamin C and niacinamide is another handbag essential for me. Its small size is perfect for stashing away for those rush-hour applications in the car or metro. Like the Moody and Vishkare sunscreens, it has a lovely milky texture that absorbs immediately with zero white cast. This one doesn’t have a strong smell, just a very mild one. All these milky fluid sunscreens give a beautiful, healthy glow, which I really enjoy, and this one is no exception – just cute and effective.
The Glow Trinity: Why Milky Sunscreens Are My New Fave!
I’ve discovered a new love for milky, fluid sunscreens, and the Vishkare, Moody, and Asai options are my current top three. What I adore most about them is the beautiful, dewy glow they impart to my skin without any greasiness or white cast. They are all incredibly lightweight, absorb quickly, and feel very soothing on the face. Each has its unique charm, from Moody’s baby powder scent to Asai’s handbag-friendly size, but the consistent, radiant finish is what makes them stand out as my go-to sun protection.
Lip Mask Fail: Earth Rhythm Made My Lips Drier!
I was hoping the Earth Rhythm Lip Mask, an “intensive plumping treatment,” would soothe my dry winter lips. Unfortunately, it was an intensive irritation treatment for me. It has a very industrial, “collageny” smell, and when I applied it at night, I’d wake up with my lips feeling even drier than before! I tried it for a couple of weeks, but my lips just got worse. It’s very affordable, but it did absolutely nothing beneficial; now, I just use it to remove matte lipstick if my cleansing balm isn’t handy.
Indie Wild Lip Treatment: Hype Justified, Price Worth It!
I admit, I kind of didn’t want to like the very hyped Indie Wild Dewy Lip Treatment because everyone was raving about it. But honestly, it’s actually good – really, really good! I use it as an overnight lip mask, and I wake up with soft, hydrated lips. The hype is real! It might seem expensive at nine hundred and ninety-nine rupees for a lip balm, but it’s very comparable in feel, consistency, and finish to the Rhode lip treatment, which is over two thousand five hundred rupees. This is totally worth your money.
Laneige Lip Balm: Cute Tube, But Where’s the Tint?
I already love the Laneige overnight lip mask, so when I bought their Lip Glowing Balm in the Berry flavor, I expected a similar moisturizing effect with a nice pink tint for daytime wear. While it does leave my lips soft and moisturized, and it’s essentially the lip mask in a more convenient tube with a bit more slip, there’s practically no tint. It looks cute and pink in the tube, but it applies mostly sheer. So, if you’re looking for a tinted lip balm, this isn’t it, but for hydration, it’s fine.
WishCare Lip Balm: My No-Nonsense Tinted SPF Go-To!
The WishCare Ceramide Lip Balm, which is tinted and has SPF, is what I call a “no-nonsense” product. If I were in college, this would be in my bag every single day. It moisturizes lips, has a light, comfortable balmy finish, and gives a nice, subtle light pink tint. It’s perfect for when I’m at home and just need something quick on my lips to keep them soft with a hint of color. While I currently prefer more liquidy, glossy lip balms, this is excellent for a natural, matte look.
Minimalist Eye Cream: 3 Months, Zero Results for Fine Lines!
I had high hopes for the Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinol 0.1% Eye Cream, especially after seeing a good review from someone I admire. I bought it mainly to counter the fine lines appearing at the sides of my eyes. I’ve used this for about three months now, and honestly, I feel like it did absolutely nothing, or at best, very, very barely anything to my under-eye area. I’m continuing to use it just to finish the tube, but it’s been a disappointment despite the good price point of four ninety-nine and lasting a long time.
Scalp Snowstorm Solved: Bare Anatomy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo!
Winter always brings a flaky, itchy scalp for me – like snowflakes falling when I scratch my head! After trying dermat-recommended ketoconazole with temporary success, I searched Nykaa for an anti-dandruff shampoo and found Bare Anatomy, which had the highest ratings. This shampoo, with salicylic acid and biotin, is super nice and effective! It has a pleasant smell, makes my scalp feel clean, and significantly reduces flakiness and itchiness. Even my husband, Akash, has started using it. It truly worked well for my oily but winter-dry scalp.
L’Oréal Hyaluron Pure: Oily Scalp Savior with a Heavenly Scent!
Another scalp savior I’ve recently started using is the L’Oréal Hyaluron Pure shampoo – the purple bottle with salicylic acid. This one is fantastic if you have a really oily scalp, especially now that Delhi is getting humid. It really cleans your scalp and slows down that greasy look, allowing me to extend my hair wash days. And the smell! It’s so good; after using it, I just keep smelling my hair because it makes my scalp feel fresh and my hair smell amazing.
Dandruff-Banishing Serum: The Minimalist Pre-Shampoo Fix!
I saw someone online recommend the Minimalist Anti-Dandruff Serum with CAPILMAX™ complex for dandruff, so I decided to try this pre-shampoo treatment. You apply it to your scalp one hour before shampooing, massage it in, and leave it. It genuinely provides a fair reduction in flakiness. Sometimes using it with the Bare Anatomy shampoo felt a bit too stripping, but on days with severe flakiness, this duo really helped. My only issue is remembering to apply it an hour beforehand – a classic “me problem”!
Love Beauty & Planet Mask: 2-Minute Hair Magic is Real!
I was seeing the Love Beauty and Planet Argan Oil and Lavender Hair Mask all over Instagram, touted as a “2-minute magic mask.” They were not lying – this stuff is good and it works! It makes my colored, super-dry hair incredibly soft and manageable, especially during winter. This, along with my favorite Dove one, are fab hair masks. My only complaint is the tub packaging; I’m clumsy and often drop it in the shower. For six hundred rupees, it lasts a long time and is definitely worth the money.
Husband’s Hair Find: L’Oréal Absolute Repair Oil Gem!
My husband, Akash, loves his hair care products, and thanks to him, I discovered the L’Oréal Absolute Repair Oil, a 10-in-1 professional oil. Initially, I was skeptical, having the other L’Oréal Extraordinary Oil, but this one is quite different. It’s much more lightweight, perfect for fine hair like mine, adds a nice shine, smells really good, and is also a heat protectant. It comes very close to my ultimate favorite, the Olaplex bonding oil, but Olaplex still reigns supreme for its ultra-lightweight feel.
L’Oréal vs. Olaplex: Is This a Cheaper Hair Oil Dupe?
Comparing the L’Oréal Absolute Repair Oil to the Olaplex Bonding Oil, I’d say the L’Oréal is a very strong contender, especially if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative. Both offer shine and heat protection, but the L’Oréal, while lightweight, isn’t quite as feather-light as the Olaplex. The Olaplex still feels supreme in how it manages to be so effective yet undetectable. However, for its price and multifaceted benefits, the L’Oréal Absolute Repair Oil is an excellent product and a very close second in performance.
BBodywise Mousse: Shaving Cream Luxury in a Body Wash!
This BBodywise Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash Mousse was a delightful surprise! It looks exactly like Gillette shaving cream but feels incredibly luxurious on the skin. It smells beautiful, a light floral scent, and is so moisturizing and hydrating. I especially love using it when I shave my legs because my skin there is quite sensitive and dry. This product makes me feel like, “Wow, I’m enjoying my shower time!” It’s a 10-on-10 product that feels bougie but washes off easily.
Elevate Your Shower: The Body Wash That Feels Like a Treat!
The BBodywise Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash Mousse isn’t just a cleanser; it’s an experience. From the moment the rich, shaving cream-like foam dispenses, you feel pampered. The light floral scent is divine, and it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft, moisturized, and hydrated. It’s one of those products that genuinely makes you feel luxurious and like you’re enjoying your shower time to the fullest. It’s a beautiful find that turns a routine task into a moment of indulgence.
FAE Beauty’s Purple Blush: First Impressions On Camera!
FAE Beauty sent me their blush in PR, including a cute little blush brush, which I think is great for applying it as intended. I tried the purple shade called “Lazy” for the first time on camera. Just one dot gave such a pretty color! It’s my first purple blush, and it transforms into a beautiful lilac-ish pink on the skin, though it looks like a dark purple on the brush. I love this color on me. The only minor drawback is it can get a bit messy with some spillage.
Pretty Purple Hue, But Handle with Care: FAE Blush!
I was so excited to try the FAE Beauty purple blush in “Lazy,” and the color is absolutely fabulous! On my skin, the dark-looking purple transforms into a stunning lilac-ish pink – so pretty! I really love how it looks. However, I did notice it can be a bit messy. There was some spillage on the base of the container and on my hand, so if you’re wearing a white top while getting ready, just be a bit careful during application. Despite that, the unique color is a winner.
Maybelline Tattoo Brow: My Criminally Underrated Holy Grail!
I don’t know why more people aren’t talking about the Maybelline Tattoo Brow Styling Gel because it has become an absolute staple for me! If you have sparse eyebrows like I do, you need this. It eliminates the tedious work of drawing in fine hairs. It’s very similar to the Benefit brow tint, providing a “tattoo-like” effect that lasts a long time and needs a cleansing oil to remove. I love products that, once applied, I don’t have to worry about shifting or smudging. This is a true hero.
Rush Hour Rescue: 5 Minutes Saved with Maybelline Brow Gel!
The Maybelline Tattoo Brow Styling Gel is more than just a brow product; it’s a time-saving hero, especially when I’m already running late. In those panic-filled moments, knowing I can quickly perfect my brows with this gel brings such a sense of gratitude. It saves me at least five minutes of tedious drawing, which is invaluable when I’m already behind schedule. It’s reliable, long-lasting, and makes me feel put-together in a flash. I absolutely love it for its efficiency.
Anastasia Brow Dupe Alert: Maybelline Tattoo Brow Shines!
I used to rely on the Anastasia Beverly Hills eyebrow product, which is quite expensive. The Maybelline Tattoo Brow Styling Gel is an excellent, much cheaper alternative that performs incredibly well. It makes doing my eyebrows super fast and the results are fantastic – defined, filled-in brows that genuinely last. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dupe that doesn’t compromise on quality or longevity, this Maybelline gel is definitely worth checking out. It has become my go-to.
Nykka’s Cloud Lipstick: Florence by Mills Look, Rare Beauty Feel?
The Nykka Super Light Cloud Liquid Lipstick immediately reminded me of the Florence by Mills packaging, and the formula feels quite similar to the Mucha Beauty and Rare Beauty lip mousses. It’s a really nice, comfortable moussey liquid lipstick, which is a welcome shift from super matte, drying formulas. While Rare Beauty is the lightest, this Nykka one is comparable to Mucha Beauty. It’s great for everyday wear, but like Mucha, it’s not very long-lasting and will need touch-ups after meals.
Comfy Cloud Lips: Pretty, But Won’t Survive Lunch!
Nykka’s Super Light Cloud Liquid Lipstick is a lovely option if you prioritize comfort and a pretty everyday color. The moussey texture feels great on the lips. I particularly like the Scarlet Sangria shade, which has gotten me many compliments. However, be warned: it’s not very long-lasting. It will likely wear off through a meal, and you might find lipstick on your chin if you’re not careful while eating. So, keep it handy for touch-ups, but enjoy its comfortable, pretty finish while it lasts.
Hype Haul Verdict: Which Products Were Worth the Cash?
After testing a mountain of hyped products for months, I’m ready to spill the tea on what’s truly worth your hard-earned money. Some, like the Indie Wild lip treatment and Maybelline brow gel, lived up to every bit of praise, delivering amazing results at their respective price points. Others, like the Akind cleanser, fell a bit flat despite the buzz. Join me as I break down the best value-for-money finds from this massive haul, helping you decide where to spend and where to save.
Empties & Repurchases: What Made the Cut?
I’ve used some of these hyped products down to the very last drop over the past few months! Now, it’s time to decide: would I repurchase them? Products like the Bam cleanser (despite its packaging) and the Bare Anatomy shampoo are strong contenders for a permanent spot in my routine due to their effectiveness. Others, like the Earth Rhythm lip mask, are a definite no. I’ll share which bottles are empty and whether they earned a coveted repurchase from me.
Top 5 Hype Hits & 3 Misses: My Brutally Honest List!
Sorting through all these buzzed-about products, a few clear winners and definite disappointments emerged. My top five lived up to (or even exceeded!) the hype, like the luxurious BBodywise mousse and the game-changing Maybelline brow gel. However, there were also about three products, such as the Akind toner that burned and the underwhelming Minimalist eye cream, that just didn’t make the cut for me. Get ready for my brutally honest list of hype product hits and misses!
Skincare Shocks: The Good, The Bad, and The Burny!
Testing this round of hyped skincare brought some real shocks! The Akind toner, for example, was a bad shock, literally burning my sensitive skin despite promising to be soothing. On the good side, the gentle effectiveness of the Gunnam Beauty exfoliant was a pleasant surprise. From unexpected smells like the Akind cleanser’s “rancid oil” aroma to the luxurious feel of the Clinique balm, my skincare journey was full of surprising twists and turns.
Flaky Scalp Transformed: The Haircare That Actually Worked!
My winter scalp was a nightmare – dry, itchy, and constantly flaking. I was desperate for relief! Thankfully, this hype haul included some true haircare heroes. The Bare Anatomy anti-dandruff shampoo significantly reduced flakes and itchiness, and the Minimalist anti-dandruff serum provided a deep clean. Even the L’Oréal Hyaluron Pure shampoo helped keep my oily scalp fresh. If you’re struggling with similar scalp issues, these products might just be the transformation you need.
Luxury for Less: Amazing Dupes I Uncovered!
Who doesn’t love finding a fantastic dupe for a pricey luxury item? In this haul, I stumbled upon a few gems. The Maybelline Tattoo Brow Gel gives results strikingly similar to the much more expensive Anastasia Beverly Hills brow products. And the Indie Wild Dewy Lip Treatment feels and performs just like the coveted (and costly) Rhode lip treatment. It’s thrilling to find these affordable alternatives that deliver high-end performance without the hefty price tag.
Save Your Money: Products I Honestly Regret Buying!
While trying hyped products is fun, sometimes you end up with duds. There were a few items in this haul that I genuinely regret buying and wouldn’t recommend. The Earth Rhythm lip mask actually made my lips drier, and the Minimalist eye cream showed virtually no results after months of use. The Akind toner was another letdown due to the burning sensation. Learn from my experience and save your money on these particular overhyped disappointments.
Sensitive Skin Saga: Hype Products Put to the Test!
Navigating hyped products with sensitive skin can be a minefield. My journey involved some painful lessons, like the Akind toner that caused burning and redness. However, I also found winners like the gentle Clinique Cleansing Balm and the soothing Bam Sensitive Skin Cleanser (packaging woes aside!). If you also have reactive skin, I’ll share which of these buzzed-about items were safe havens and which ones you might want to approach with caution based on my experience.
Love It or Hate It: The Product Scents That Caused a Stir!
Some products in this haul had scents that were truly divisive! The Akind Fresh Start Cleanser had what I can only describe as a “rancid oil” smell, which was quite off-putting. On the other hand, I adored the Moody sunscreen’s “baby powder” freshness, though my cousin couldn’t stand it, thinking it smelled like coconut! It just goes to show how subjective scent can be, and these products definitely sparked some “love it or hate it” reactions.
Lazy Girl Approved: Quick & Effective Hype Staples!
As a busy mom, I’m all for “lazy girl” beauty products that are quick, easy, and effective. From this haul, the Maybelline Tattoo Brow Gel is a standout – perfect brows in seconds! The milky sunscreens like Moody and Asai are also fantastic for their effortless application and instant glow. Even the BBodywise mousse makes a shower feel luxurious with minimal effort. These are the staples that simplify my routine without sacrificing results.
Indian Beauty Brands Shining Bright: My Hype Haul Favorites!
It’s always exciting to see Indian beauty brands creating amazing, hyped products! This haul featured some real standouts. Gunnam Beauty, with its unique Kerala-meets-France story and gentle exfoliant, impressed me. Indie Wild’s Dewy Lip Treatment truly lived up to its massive hype. And FAE Beauty’s uniquely colored purple blush showcased their innovative approach. It’s fantastic to see these homegrown brands delivering such quality and creativity.
Travel-Ready Hype: What’s Making It Into My Suitcase?
With potential travel on the horizon, I’m already eyeing which of these hyped products are compact and effective enough to earn a spot in my suitcase. The mini Clinique Cleansing Balm is a no-brainer for makeup removal. The cute, small Moody and Asai sunscreens are perfect for on-the-go protection. And the Due Hustle serum, while not my daily go-to, is ideal for an all-in-one travel solution. These are my top picks for travel-friendly hype.
Affordable Luxury: Hype Products That Feel High-End!
You don’t always need to splurge to feel pampered. Several products in this hype haul delivered a luxurious experience without the high-end price tag. The BBodywise Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash Mousse feels incredibly bougie in the shower. The Bam Sensitive Skin Cleanser, despite its tricky packaging, leaves skin feeling wonderfully soft and cared for. Even the Love Beauty & Planet hair mask offers a rich, spa-like treatment for your hair at an accessible price.
My Unfiltered Reactions: Trying Viral Products On Camera!
There’s nothing like a genuine, first-time reaction to a viral product! Trying the FAE Beauty purple blush on camera was such a fun moment – seeing that unique color come to life was a delight. From pleasant surprises like the incredible scent of the Moody sunscreen to slight letdowns like the Akind cleanser’s unexpected smell, you got my unfiltered thoughts as I experienced these hyped items for the very first time.
Influencer Faves: Are They ACTUALLY Good? The Real Tea!
So many of these products are all over Instagram, heavily promoted by influencers. But are they actually good, or is it just clever marketing? I put them to the test for months! The Indie Wild Lip Treatment? Absolutely lives up to the influencer praise. The Clinique Cleansing Balm? Also a winner. However, some other heavily pushed items didn’t quite match the glowing reviews in my experience. I’m here to share the real tea on these influencer favorites.
Packaging Wins & Fails: When a Container Almost Ruins It!
Product packaging can make or break the user experience! The Bam Sensitive Skin Cleanser is a fantastic product, but its tube packaging led to frustrating spillage and waste. Similarly, hair mask tubs, like the Love Beauty & Planet one, are prone to being dropped in a wet shower. On the flip side, the cute and practical travel-sized sunscreens were a packaging win. I’ll discuss the containers I loved and the ones that almost ruined an otherwise great product.
Full Face of Hype: My Everyday Look Using These Finds!
Can you create a full, everyday makeup look using only the hyped products from this video? Let’s find out! I’ll walk you through my routine, starting with skincare like the Bam cleanser and a milky sunscreen, then moving on to the Maybelline Tattoo Brow Gel for perfect brows, a pop of FAE Beauty blush, and finishing with the Nykka Cloud Lipstick. See how these buzzed-about items perform together for a complete look.
Instant “Wow” Factor: Products That Delivered Immediate Results!
Some products give you that instant “wow” feeling, and I found a few in this haul! The Maybelline Tattoo Brow Gel transforms sparse brows in seconds. The BBodywise Mousse makes your skin feel instantly luxurious and soft. Even the Love Beauty & Planet hair mask delivers noticeable softness after just one use. These are the items that provided immediate gratification and made me go, “Wow, this actually works!”
The Skeptic’s Test: This Hype Product Had Me Doubting…
There’s always that one super-hyped product you approach with a healthy dose of skepticism. For me, it might have been the Indie Wild Lip Treatment, given the universal praise and price point. Or perhaps the claims of the Due Hustle “all-in-one” serum. I went in with doubts, tested it rigorously, and now I’m ready to reveal if my skepticism was justified or if the product managed to win me over against the odds!
Desert Island Picks: If I Could Only Keep THREE Hype Products…
This is a tough one! After testing so many products, if I were forced to choose only three to keep, it would be a real challenge. But, pressed to decide, the Maybelline Tattoo Brow Gel for its sheer utility, the Indie Wild Dewy Lip Treatment for its incredible effectiveness, and perhaps the BBodywise Mousse for that touch of everyday luxury would likely make my desert island list. It’s a testament to how truly impressive these particular items were.
Splurge or Save? Navigating High-End vs. Affordable Hype!
The world of hyped products spans a wide price range. When is it truly worth splurging on a high-end item like the Clinique Cleansing Balm, and when can an affordable alternative like the Maybelline Brow Gel deliver just as well, if not better, than its pricier counterparts? I’ll break down my experiences, weighing performance against price to help you decide where your money is best spent in the pursuit of effective, hyped-up beauty.