They’re touted as beauty essentials, but there are some products out there that you simply do not need. Here are the top overhyped beauty products you don’t have to bother with, and why they’re not so necessary after all:
What do you think? What beauty products are totally unnecessary in your eyes?
8 Overhyped Beauty Products You DON'T Need
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Toner
You’ll often spot toner mentioned as part of a complete skin care routine, but rarely is it an actually necessity. They’re meant to be used post-cleansing and before moisturizing, but skipping this step is perfectly fine and won’t make a difference in your skin’s condition. The exception: If you suffer from oily skin or are acne-prone, a toner, like Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Right & Fade ($6.99), may help soak up excess sebum.
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Hand Cream
It’s tempting to grab a tube of hand cream when your hands are dry, but a body lotion may be just as effective. Look to butter-enriched body lotions, like Nivea Cocoa Butter ($7.29), for enhanced moisture that sinks in quickly. You’ll also save money when you opt for a large bottle instead of a small tube specifically for the hands.
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Lip Scrub
Don’t get me wrong: There’s something really indulgent about splurging on a lip scrub, especially if it’s Fresh Sugar Lip Polish ($22.50). Yet it’s not exactly a must-have like lip balm, which ultimately forces the product into the “don’t need” category. Sure, it’s nice to slough off dead skin and coat lips with hydrating oils, but a toothbrush or wet washcloth can do the exact same thing for a fraction of the price.
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Brow Gel
Grooming unruly eyebrows isn’t questionable at all, but using a product specifically for brows isn’t necessary. For years, I’ve sworn by clear mascara to effectively keep my eyebrows shaped throughout the day. Of course, women with sparse brows can certainly benefit from a product like NYX Cosmetics Tinted Brow Mascara ($6.99), which adds natural color while providing hold.
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BB Cream for Hair and Hands
The advent of BB cream certainly didn’t go unnoticed in the beauty world, but its predecessors haven’t been quite so impressive. Formulated to perfect skin, BB creams, like Smashbox Camera Ready ($39), are similar to tinted moisturizers. The newest batch of BB creams are designed for the hair and hands, and it’s safe to say neither are especially essential. There’s a certain novelty to items like these that wears thin fast - especially when you realize that they’re little more than enhanced conditioners and hand lotions.
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Facial Mist
On a hot day or a long flight, a spritz of cool water feels incredible on parched skin. But it’s not really necessary for that water to come from Evian via an overpriced can. A cost-saving solution? Grab an affordable spray bottle ($1.64) and fill it water and a drop or two of skin-safe essential oil for a blast of aromatherapeutic refreshment anytime, anywhere.
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Foot Mask
As lovely as products like LUSH Volcano Foot Mask ($13.95) are, they don’t rank up there with products you absolutely need in order to have pretty feet. Other tools, like exfoliating pumice stones and deeply hydrating moisturizers, are much more effective, while a mask is more like a spa treatment that’s nice to have - but not really needed.
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Mascara Primer
All of this is subjective, of course, but I’ve never felt a need for using primer on my eyelashes. There’s a market for them (give e.l.f. cosmetics Studio Mascara Primer ($3) a try if you’re curious), but it’s not an essential step in a daily beauty routine - certainly not one that’s necessary if you’re pressed for time on a busy morning.
