Are these beauty products really worth the hype? We test them out and give you the low-down on everything from ombre lipstick to confetti nails.
1. NARS Audacious Lipstick
$43, Available at NARS counters and Sephora ION Orchard
When NARS released their Audacious Lipstick line, there was a mad scramble to snap them up. In fact, this one woman at the NARS counter in Sephora actually jabbed me out of the way with her umbrella (um, RUDE). The collection has a whopping 40 shades and each lipstick is housed in a sleek black casing with a magnetic snap closure.
So is it worth the hype?
Yes! The NARS Audacious formula is great – it goes on smoothly, and the payoff is amazing. You can take as many sips of coffee as you want, and your lipstick will still be visible. Also, can anyone say best packaging ever? It almost makes you want to keep it on your shelf instead of using it, so you can stare at it and feel happy about how pretty it is.
2. Laneige Two Tone Lip Bar
$34, Available at Laniege counters
Trust the Koreans to come up with something like ombre lipstick. The Laneige Two Tone Lip Bar allows you to blend two complementary colours to create an ombre effect on your lips – which could make you look like Song Hye Kyo…or like you just had a colourful popsicle.
So is it worth the hype?
Only if you’re a beauty or fashion blogger who wants to Instagram your face of the day (#fotd). The product takes some skill to apply properly, and the effect gets kind of lost when you smack your lips/eat something. Texture-wise, these lip bars are quite moisturising, but for $34 a pop we’d much rather stick to ChapStick. Or sucking on a strawberry popsicle.
3. Beauty Blender
$30, Available at Sephora
If you’re into YouTube beauty videos, then you’d probably already know of the Beauty Blender and how it works. This magical (no kidding) sponge is used for applying liquid foundation or BB cream, and somehow creates a dewy effect that brushes can’t really mimic.
So is it worth the hype?
Yes, unless you’re OCD about having clean sponges. The Beauty Blender is easy to use and creates a seamless effect, but it does get stained quite easily. It may just look like a simple egg-shaped sponge, but it has the power to oh I don’t know, CHANGE YOUR LIFE maybe?
4. Dior Blossoming Top Coat
$39, Available at Dior Backstage Studio at ION Orchard and selected Dior Beauty counters
While we’re not quite fans of nail art, confetti nails are a whole different story. I mean, who doesn’t want nails that look like cupcake sprinkles am I right. The Dior Blossoming Top Coat is a glossy top coat with tiny pastel bits mixed in, so you get a confetti effect when painted over your regular nail polish. Try it with nude nail polish for a spring-like feel.
Dior Nail Polish in Lady 294 and the Dior Blossoming Top Coat
So is it worth the hype?
For $38 a bottle, maybe not. It’s pretty and will definitely get some “Omg your nails are so pretty!” comments from observant friends, but it seems like it would be more of a novelty item than a staple in your nail polish collection. Also, the confetti bits are a huge pain to remove.
5. Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water
$40.90 for 500ml, Available at leading pharmacies, including Watson’s and Guardian
Bioderma’s Sensibio Micellar Water has long been a beauty must-have, because it’s supposed to remove your makeup without irritating your skin. Micellar water is not a toner or cleanser, but rather a makeup remover that doesn’t need to be washed off.
So is it worth the hype?
It’s good but not $40 a bottle good. Biore has a non-comedogenic micellar cleansing water that essentially does the same thing for cheaper, but without the fancy French words on the bottle.
6. Benefit Gimme Brow Volumising Fibre Gel
$35, Available at Sephora and Benefit counters
The Benefit Gimme Brow Volumising Fibre Gel has been raved about by several YouTube beauty gurus, and for good reason too. The product is sort of like mascara for your brows, so it creates a more natural effect than a brow pencil.
So is it worth the hype?
If you haven’t done brow embroidery, then yes. The product does indeed fill in your brows quite naturally, but you have to use it sparingly – or you might end up looking like an Angry Bird.
7. Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask
$88 for 50ml, Available at Sephora and Fresh store at ION Orchard
The Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask has received rave reviews online, because it’s supposed to give you softer and more supple skin. And I mean, who doesn’t want soft skin right?
The mask has a velvety-smooth whipped-like texture, and melts into your skin quite nicely. It also leaves a tingly sensation, so it can be quite refreshing.
So is it worth the hype?
If you have $88 to spare, then sure. The mask did perform as promised, but we say…wait for the next Sephora Friends and Family sale to buy it.
