We all have our Internet clickbait. For Joanna, it’s Instagram comedians. For Maureen, it’s whale sightings. And for me, it’s celebrity GRWM videos.
I feel comforted seeing bare-faced celebs sharing vulnerable thoughts, all while spraying dry shampoo or dabbing on lip gloss. And in every one, they seem to rave about at least one reasonably priced product — those are the recommendations I really want. So! To that end, I tested three beauty products under $30 that celebs swear by…
The Product: Saie Glowy Super Gel, $28
Celebrity Who Recommended It: Jenna Lyons
Why She Loves It: “Super smooth, creamy, and not really shiny”
The Verdict: I’m always searching for a highlighter that makes me feel luminous and dewy but not glittery or greasy, and this one is good. I swiped it on the bridge of my nose, my cupid’s bow and along my cheek bones; then I snapped a pic and posted it on my Instagram stories. Within the hour, I received tons of DMs from people complimenting my pregnancy “glow.” But honestly? My second pregnancy has led to bone-dry skin and mini-breakouts. The real glow is this highlighter! I’ve been wearing it every day and recommending it to my friends.
Other products I’m wearing above: Ilia True Skin Serum, Rare Beauty Liquid Blush, Kosas Brow Gel, L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara, Tarte Lip Balm.
The Product: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Primer Base Mascara & Voluminous Original Carbon Black Mascara, $18
Celebrity Who Recommended It: Eva Longoria
Why She Loves It: “Definitely lengthens and does what it says”
The Verdict: I adore Eva Longoria, so I wanted to love this mascara and primer set. But I was pretty disappointed. The primer seemed promising because my lashes looked longer as soon as I applied it. But when I added mascara, everything turned clumpy and chunky. Then, after an hour of wear, they began flaking! At the end of the day, I was left with raccoon eyes and spider lashes. If this was sold at drugstore price, I wouldn’t mind. But it’s a hefty $18. My advice? If you’re looking for a great mascara that’s worth the splurge, go with this one instead.
Other products I’m wearing above: Ilia True Skin Serum, Rare Beauty Liquid Blush, Saie Glowy Super Gel, Kosas Brow Gel, Kosas Satin Lipstick.
The Product: Glossier’s Generation Z lipstick in Zip, $18
Celebrity Who Recommended It: Greta Lee
Why She Loves It: “A casual red lip, that’s what I’m always going for”
The Verdict: Greta Lee’s GRWM video is one of my favorites because she’s hilarious (“This is what I do first, you confront the face”) and nails the casual glam look. At first, I hesitated to try this orange-red matte lip because Glossier is known for their barely-there look, so would this lipstick have enough pigment and oomph to make me feel glam? Well, I’m pleased to say that after swiping on a couple of coats, the vibes were strong. I was feeling so cute, I even started brainstorming reasons why I should leave the house (does anyone else do that?). The formula also lasts forever. I’d wear it to a dinner with girlfriends, because they would most appreciate a color this vibrant.
Other products I’m wearing above: Ilia True Skin Serum, Rare Beauty Liquid Blush, Saie Glowy Super Gel, Kosas Brow Gel, CoverGirl Volume Mascara.
Now it’s your turn: what beauty recs are you loving? Please share below, I’m dying to hear!
P.S. Four drugstore lipsticks with cult followings and an embarrassing celebrity run-in.
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