Unnecessary beauty products
With so many beauty products on the market today, it can be hard knowing which ones are worth the investment, especially when you probably already have double-duty tools in your existing makeup bag. Experts agree you don’t actually need these eleven beauty products:
1. Toner
If you already use a cleanser and a moisturizer with SPF daily, a toner might not be doing much for your skin. Classic astringents also have a high alcohol content that could strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to either become overly dry and flaky or produce excess oil in response. (Who needs that? No one!)
2. Leave-in Conditioner
Instead of wasting money on leave-in conditioner, just apply a dab or two of your regular conditioner to your hair after you shower. You can also create your own DIY deep conditioning treatment by applying a liberal amount of conditioner to your hair, placing a plastic cap over your hair, and letting it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse your hair for super moisturized locks.
3. Primer
Unless you find that your makeup frequently melts off by the end of the day (which only really happens if you live somewhere super hot and humid like Texas), streamline your beauty routine by skipping this step. Opt for small makeup touchups throughout the day.
4. Cellulite-reducing creams
Since cellulite is a complex skin condition, that’s why creams are ineffective. At most, some anti-cellulite creams might temporarily smooth the appearance of cellulite by hydrating the skin. But a better way to disguise cellulite is with a self-tanner, which helps to even out skin tone and texture.
5. Eyelash curler
Save time and money by pushing your eyelashes up toward your eyebrow for a few seconds as your mascara is drying. This will give them the same result as if you’d used an eyelash curler.
6. Stretch mark creams
Because stretch marks are caused by tearing of the dermis, no cream can penetrate deep enough to repair them. The one exception is prescription retinoids, which can improve the appearance of new stretch marks.
7. Eye creams for puffy eyes
While anti-aging eye creams can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, those that are designed to treat puffy eyes aren’t that effective. It’s actually better to use a cold compress or cucumber slices to reduce inflammation around your eyes in the morning.
8. Neck creams
The skincare products you use on your face should work for your neck and decollete as well. Apply your facial moisturizer below your chin both in the morning and at night, too.
9. High SPF sunscreens
If you think that SPF 100 blocks double the rays as SPF 50, you’re not alone. The reality is that higher SPF sunscreens really only provide slightly more protection. SPF 15 blocks 93 percent, SPF 30 blocks 95 percent, SPF 50 blocks 97 percent, and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVA/UVB rays. Remember that reapplication is essential for optimal sun protection — be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming.
10. Cuticle oil
Cuticle oil doesn’t tend to last. Creams and ointments stay on longer. For the ultimate cuticle cure, use Aquaphor or Vaseline to help heal damaged or split cuticles.
11. Foot creams
Foot creams are nothing more than clever marketing. If you already own hand cream, you can use it on your feet, too. Or better yet, apply petroleum jelly to dry, cracked feet before bed along with some socks.
Streamline your vanity
We’re constantly marketed makeup tools and skincare products that we “have to have.” But a quick look into what’s already on your counter and in your cabinets and you’ll likely find a bit of overlap. Save yourself the bathroom space and ditch the above eleven products for a more streamlined arsenal and a smarter routine.
References
- “10 Beauty Products You Don’t Really Need,” Woman’s Day, July 1, 2013.
- “9 Beauty Products Dermatologists Wish You’d Stop Wasting Money On,” Reader’s Digest, n.d.
- “7 Beauty Products You Don’t Necessarily Need,” Good Housekeeping, October 29, 2014.
