If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve probably come across videos of influencers approaching their typical product endorsements from a different angle: de-influencing. In an age of endless PR being shipped to a plethora of internet creators, sifting through for genuinely valuable product recommendations can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. So, many creators are striving to be more transparent about which products amidst their heaps are truly worthwhile. It turns out a lot of the seemingly cult-favorite brands and products are either not worth it altogether, or have more affordable alternatives that are just as impressive.
On top of the hyper-consumption crisis the world already faces, it can be even harder to carefully invest in the right trends as a college student with a tight budget. Don’t get me wrong, I love a little splurge on a new lip gloss (especially after a tumultuous deadline season), but I also love investing in products I’m confident will provide value for my money. So, if you want insight on some products you might want to reconsider purchasing, keep reading.
- Laneige Lip Masks
I purchased this lip mask a few years back. Sure, the texture is nice and thick, and the packaging looks great in my skincare cabinet. But, I have a list of grievances with this product. First of all, the mask retails for £19 (upwards of $20) for less than an ounce of product. Not only are there (much) cheaper alternatives with comparably aesthetic packaging, but I can guarantee no dermatologist is recommending a fragrance-heavy balm to moisturize and heal chapped lips. On top of this, the super-cute packaging is everything but portable and sanitary. Unless you’re walking around with the little applicator it comes with, having to dip your fingers into this container before putting the product on your lips (especially when you’re out and about) can bring germs into your mouth. On top of this, Laneige’s products aren’t cruelty-free. So, not only is the product: A. Overpriced, B. Made with fragrance, and C. Potentially introducing outside germs into your system, but the brand that distributes it operates unethically. All-in-all, this is a product I would confidently skip.
- Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer
In the aftermath of a global pandemic, it doesn’t surprise me that a spray hand sanitizer has entered the TikTok trend atmosphere. The concept of the product is great: its cute, portable, and shareable packaging encourages people to consistently and conveniently use hand sanitizer. But, this product has a myriad of more affordable alternatives that still offer a range of scents (my personal favorite is the Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lavender Hand Spray).
- The Stanley Cup
In terms of micro-trending products, the Stanley Cup feels like low-hanging fruit. In a lot of ways, this cup is the modern-day Hydroflask: undoubtedly attractive, yet destined for eventual replacement. If you’re in the market for a steel cup, this may be a product you’re considering buying. The sustainability (that is, not being a single-use plastic bottle) and functionality (holding a TON of water at once) it offers are great, but many users still complain that the cup does not prevent spillage. So, not only is the product itself overpriced (£45 for the 1.2 L cup), but it lacks the portability that may render it worthwhile. While its convenience in cup holders is appealing, let’s be honest—it’s just another cup. If you already own a similar product, it’s advisable to forego purchasing another one that will likely end up gathering dust in a cabinet.
- Coquette Bow Elements (where they don’t need to be)
Don’t get me wrong: I love the aesthetic style of Coquette attire. Wearing a bag? Throw a little ribbon on the strap. Wearing a half-up-half-down? Clip in that bow. Want a new piece of jewelry? Pearls are gorgeous, go for it! BUT, there are elements of this style that I can promise you will not stand the test of time and will wind up collecting dust in the back of your closet. While styles of shoe (i.e. the Mary Jane or the ballet flat), jewelry, and materials (i.e. lace or corset boning) will at the very least make returns in the fashion world even as the Coquette trend inevitably fades, it’s essential to be cautious of micro-trend variations within the Coquette aesthetic: tops like this graphic bow tee and pieces with an excessive amount of pre-attached bows will not survive past 2024. (For bow enthusiasts, consider pinning them on yourself rather than investing in a ton of new pieces!) That’s not to say these pieces aren’t cute, but they’re not worth the money long-term, especially when you can embody this style without compromising on quality or longevity.
- Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Cream
While this product isn’t necessarily trending to the same extent as the ones I’ve already mentioned, I felt like I still had to tack it onto this list. I LOVED the concept of this product: conceal the redness on my face without having to do a face of makeup before leaving the house? Sign me up! Unfortunately, I found this product to be an overall disappointment. First, the tint blended out to be an awkward not-quite-skin shade. On top of this, it pilled up when layered on top of or mixed in with my moisturizer. This made it challenging to blend the product seamlessly, often causing the removal of previously applied products in the process. Despite my initial enthusiasm for the product’s concept, it ultimately falls short of expectations, and I won’t be considering repurchasing it in the future.
BONUS TIP: if you can’t tell if a product is really good/worthwhile or just a trend:
For Makeup and Skincare: Consider purchasing travel-sized or sample-sized versions before committing to a full-size product. This allows you to test its effectiveness without making a significant investment.
For Clothes and Functional Products: Adopt a wait-and-see approach. Give yourself a month to mull over a potential purchase, and in the meantime, seek out reviews and feedback from other users. This gives you ample time to evaluate whether the product aligns with your needs and expectations before deciding.