Description: Brutally honest reviews of the latest beauty launches. Find out which new products are worth the hype and which ones you should skip. Real talk, no filter.
Look, I need to confess something. My bathroom currently looks like Sephora had a baby with Ulta and then exploded. There are serums stacked three deep, foundations in shades I swear looked different online, and enough lip glosses to paint a small house. Why? Because I have a problem saying no to new beauty launches.
But here's the thing—not all of these products deserve the hype they're getting. Some are genuinely game-changing. Others make me question whether the brand thinks we're all collectively suffering from memory loss about what actually works. And a few? Well, let's just say they're pretty packaging with disappointing insides.
After testing approximately one million products (okay, maybe closer to fifty, but it feels like a million), I'm here to give you the honest truth about what's actually worth your hard-earned money. No PR-friendly fluff. No "it's great for the right person" cop-outs. Just straight talk from someone whose credit card bill is crying and whose bathroom shelves are groaning under the weight of beauty products.
Grab some tea (or wine, no judgment), and let's talk about what's really happening in the world of new beauty launches.
The Shark Beauty Hydro-Powered Facial System: Okay, This Thing Is Insane
Price: Around $300 The Hype: It's basically a spa facial you can do at home with multiple functions The Reality: I can't believe I'm saying this, but it kind of lives up to it
I was SO skeptical about this. Every brand wants to be your at-home spa solution, and most end up being expensive dust collectors. But the Shark system actually does something.
The hydro-abrasion tips genuinely pull gunk out of your pores—and yes, seeing what comes out is both disgusting and oddly satisfying. It's like watching those pimple-popping videos but on your own face. The DePuff attachment (which is gua sha-inspired) actually reduces morning puffiness better than my frozen spoons routine.
The downside? It's bulky. You need counter space for this thing. And at $300, it better work. The good news is it does. The bad news is you might become one of those people who shows everyone the gross stuff it extracts.
Worth it? If you regularly get facials and want to save money long-term, yes. If you barely wash your face at night, maybe start with basics first.
Louis Vuitton Makeup: When Luxury Goes TOO Luxury
Price: $160 per lipstick (yes, really) The Hype: Pat McGrath designed it, references to LV's iconic trunks, luxury everything The Reality: It's beautiful, the formula is nice, but is it $160 nice?
Let me start by saying the lipsticks are stunning. The packaging is artwork. The formula, helmed by Pat McGrath, applies smoothly and has great color payoff. They're infused with rose, jasmine, and mimosa wax, plus hyaluronic acid, so your lips feel conditioned.
But here's my issue: I own a $28 lipstick that does the exact same thing to my lips. Sure, the LV one comes in gorgeous packaging and makes me feel fancy. But once it's on my lips? I can't tell the $132 difference.
The eyeshadow palettes ($160+) are another story. The quality is exceptional, and the color combinations are unique. If you're a collector or truly value luxury packaging, these might bring you joy. But if you're like me and your lipstick ends up rolling around in your purse next to old receipts and loose change, maybe reconsider.
Worth it? For collectors or people who genuinely love luxury beauty as an experience, maybe. For everyone else, there are equally good formulas for a fraction of the price.
Hailey Bieber's Rhode Peptide Eye Patches: The TikTok Test
Price: $32 The Hype: Hailey's latest launch, promises to depuff and brighten The Reality: They work, but so do cheaper alternatives
I wanted to hate these out of principle because I'm tired of celebrity beauty brands. But annoyingly, they're actually good. The hydrogel patches stay in place (looking at you, other brands that slide down my face within minutes), and they do reduce puffiness.
The caffeine and peptides deliver on their promises—my under-eyes looked brighter and less "I stayed up until 3 AM watching Netflix" after use. They're also way more hydrating than I expected.
The but: You can get nearly identical results from patches that cost $15-20. The Rhode ones are nice, but you're definitely paying extra for the brand name. If that matters to you (no shame), go for it. If you're budget-conscious, there are dupes.
Worth it? They work well, but explore other options first unless you're a Rhode devotee.
Victoria Beckham Colour Wash: When a Liquid Blush Isn't Quite Liquid
Price: $42 The Hype: Unique watery texture, long-lasting stain The Reality: This is genuinely innovative
Okay, I'm kind of obsessed with this. The texture is unlike anything else I've tried—it's more watery than a traditional liquid blush but stains better than any other product I own. You apply it, and it sinks into your skin rather than sitting on top.
The longevity is genuinely impressive. I applied it at 7 AM, went through a full workday including a sweaty lunch walk, and it still looked fresh at 6 PM. Most liquid blushes either fade or get patchy on me, but this stays put while still looking natural.
The color range is limited (four shades), and you have to work quickly because once it sets, it's SET. But if you find your shade and master the application, this is really special.
Worth it? For the unique formula and impressive staying power, yes. This is one of the few products that actually does something different.