GLAM:

1. ELF Jelly Pop Dew Primer ($10)
Some people hate the tacky texture of this primer, but personally, I think it’s great and it makes me really feel as if my makeup stays on my skin. I think this primer makes a noticeable difference in the way my makeup stays and I highly recommend this affordable option.

2. Lush Super Milk Conditioning Hair Primer ($22)
More than its intended function as a multipurpose hair primer, I love this product for its fragrance. I love the brand Lush because it’s all natural and ethically made and even though this product is quite expensive, a little goes a long way so it lasts a long time. The scent in my hair is redolent and lasts the whole day and longer.

3. Moroccan-oil Hair Treatment ($35)
I initially received this product for free a year ago as part of the Sephora free birthday gift, and before even fully finishing the mini size (a little REALLY goes a long way), I bought the full-size version. It was just that good. Immediately after using it, my hair feels different texturally and it looks way shinier and healthier. I would recommend this to anyone.

4.Too Faced HangoveRx Pillow Balm Lip Treatment ($26)
I swear by this product and as an avid lip balm connoisseur, I think I’m qualified to make a credible recommendation. This is one of the best lip balms I’ve ever used as it lasts so long on my lips compared to other products, and the bottle itself comes with so much product. However, apparently this product has undergone a recent rebrand and customers are divided by the new formula and flavors. As for the old formula at least, it’s tried and true and it’s one of my favorites of all time.

5.Infallible 3-second Setting Mist ($10.99)
This is hands down the best setting spray I’ve ever used. It is even better than the cult favorite and recently viral Patrick Ta setting spray, which I’ve gone through 2 full bottles of, and it can outlast anything. It’s also offered at a lower price point and has a glowier finish compared to the Patrick Ta one which I appreciate.

SCAM:

1. The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm ($13)
Contrary to what it advertises, I haven’t really noticed any differences using this for months on end and it’s not moisturizing as a lip balm as well. The finish isn’t flattering and I hate the taste it leaves.

2. SACHEU Lip Stay-N ($12)
Honestly, there are simply so many better options for lip stains than this product. I don’t know why this product went so viral in the first place, but I regret caving to this purchase. First and foremost, even though it is at a cheaper price point, there is barely any product in the tube which doesn’t make it worth it. The application is messy and the product is annoying to keep on the lips. The staining process takes a long time, and it is hard to take off. The “peel” process is not easy and you end up having to use water and a Q-tip anyway. All in all, I never find myself reaching for this product.

3. ELF Halo Glow ($14)
I know this product is a cult favorite for many, but I don’t get the hype whatsoever. The main problem for me is the texture and the feeling of it on my skin. I also don’t love the “glowy” look as I feel like it turns out looking more oily than anything else. Layering the rest of my products on top of this also makes my pores feel clogged and my makeup feel “cakey”.

4. Olaplex N7 Bonding Hair Oil ($30)
For the price point of this product and the prestige and reputation of the brand, not only is the amount of product absolutely minuscule but the actual formula and function were terrible. This product does nothing for my hair and makes it look more greasy than shiny. It applies as a true oil and I was never excited to use this, and instead, I ended up using it as a cheap hair protectant instead of a styling oil. For the absolutely tiny amount of oil in the bottle, it shows a lot that I still have more than half left over after a full year of use.

5. Phyto-Glow Lip Balm ($10)
Although the product formulation itself is much tackier than I’d like, the finish on my lips, the color payoff, and the lasting power did make me like the actual product in the tube. That being said, the tube itself is a major problem. There is so much air and little product in the tube and besides that, the greater issue lies in the application. With the way the tube was designed, it’s incredibly difficult–much more than it should be– to get the product out and on my lips in the first place. Every time I want to use this product (which is a good number of times because the formulation itself is nice), I end up frustrated and regretting my purchase because it’s just so difficult to apply.