In the world of beauty, hype is everywhere. We’re constantly being inundated by a sea of TikTok trends, influencer endorsements, and glowing PR campaigns, making it almost impossible to know which ones are truly worth it. So, do these buzzy products actually deliver on their promises? We put some of the most talked-about cult beauty products to the test to see if they’re worth adding to your routine.
Bali Body Instant Tan Mousse
Claim: A streak-free, transfer-proof bronzing mousse that delivers an instant, natural-looking tan with no long term commitment.
Our verdict: Instant tan that doesn’t transfer? Say less. This one’s for the girls who want to be tanned for an event without having to commit to a week-long glow. The colour payoff is amazing. I have fair skin, and I loved the warm, bronzed glow it gave me. While it does dry quickly, it’s not completely transfer-proof, so I’d be mindful of wearing light clothing. It’s perfect for last-minute plans but washes off with soap and water, making it a temporary fix rather than a long-term glow.
$29.95. Shop here.
Sundae Exfoliating Wash
Claim: A fun, foamy body wash with gentle exfoliating ingredients for smoother skin.
Our verdict: The whipped-cream texture makes this body wash fun to use, and the chemical exfoliants (AHA & BHA) help buff away dead skin without feeling harsh. With scents like green tea and coconut, it feels luxurious. I have sensitive skin and had no issues, but it’s always a good idea to patch-test first. Looking for something a bit sweater? Try Sundae’s Berry Exfoliating Body Wash with notes of orange, raspberry and citrus which will leave your skin smelling as good as it looks.
$20. Shop here.
Go-To Skincare Clarifying Face Hero
Claim: A lightweight oil packed with antioxidants and fatty acids to balance and nourish skin.
Our verdict: Holy grail!!!! Go-To’s Face Hero lives up to the hype—hydrating without feeling greasy. It absorbs beautifully and leaves skin glowing without clogging pores. Great for dry and combination skin. If you have super oily skin, you might prefer a lighter formula or to use sparingly however as someone with oily skin, I have no problem lathering it on my face and décolletage as it dries beautifully, leaving no oily reside. Magic huh!
$56. Shop here.
Skin Control Glass Skin Facial Masks
Claim: Sheet masks designed to give you that ultra-dewy, hydrated ‘glass skin’ look.
Our verdict: Thanks to the rise in popularity of Korean skincare, it seems that glass skin is on every girl’s mood board this year. These masks are drenched in serum and leave skin plump and hydrated. While the glass-skin effect is temporary, they’re great for pre-event base makeup or when you want to look dewy around the house. Bonus points for feeling luxe without breaking the bank.
$13. Shop here.
AM & PM Pimple Patches
Claim: Hydrocolloid patches designed to absorb impurities and speed up healing for breakouts.
Our verdict: A solid go-to for reducing inflammation overnight. The AM patches are thinner and less noticeable under makeup, while the PM ones work well for larger breakouts. They won’t make a pimple disappear instantly, but I love them to help prevent picking and usually see a noticeable difference in the size and inflammation of a pimple after one night.
$9. Shop here.
Lost & Found Skin Lab LUMI KIT
Claim: An at-home facial kit formulated for sensitive, acne prone skin that can harmonise, hydrate and renew your complexion with the power of native Australian botanicals.
Our verdict: A face mask that actually feels like a ritual? Sign us up. The LUMI Kit isn’t just skincare, it’s a self-care experience. Thoughtfully designed from start to finish, it features a powder-to-cream mask formula infused with powerhouse native botanicals to soothe and gently refine skin. But what sets LUMI apart? From the chic recycled cotton tote to the thoughtfully designed applicator brush (zero product wastage, thank you very much), every detail is about making your self-care routine effortless and effective. The powder-to-cream formula is easy to mix, and the vitamin-rich mask left my skin feeling refreshed and smooth. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, female founded, and made in Australia—what’s not to love? This product is genuinely a new staple. Plus, eight facials for the price of one? That’s girl math we can get behind.
$89. Shop here.
More Cult Favourites Worth Trying
- Ultra Violette – Their Queen Screen SPF 50+ is a perfect lightweight sunscreen-meets-primer. I use mine under makeup all the time.
- Bangn Body – The Yellow Tube of Goodness (Firming Lotion) has a cult following for smoothing and hydrating skin. I personally love their illuminating lotion.
- Maaemo – Organic, clean beauty with a focus on nourishing sensitive skin. Their Purifying Gel Cleanser is a standout.
The Verdict
Some products definitely live up to the hype, while others depend on your skin type and expectations. The takeaway for me is that it’s always good to consume beauty content critically.
Ask yourself, does the person pushing a product online have the same type of skin as me? Do they have the same issues and concerns? Is this a sponsored post or does this person genuinely seem to believe in the product and its benefits?
At the end of the day, no product is a one-size-fits-all solution. What works wonders for one person might not do the same for another, and that’s okay. The key is to experiment, trust your gut, and invest in products that align with your unique skin needs. After all, the best beauty routine isn’t about following trends—it’s about finding what works for you.
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