After testing thousands of products over my 15 years as a beauty editor and licensed esthetician, I’ve learned one important thing: most beauty trends aren’t worth your money or time. Today, I’m sharing my honest thoughts on which current trends actually deliver results and which ones you can safely skip.
No fancy promises here—just straightforward advice from someone who’s tried everything from $500 creams to $5 drugstore finds. I’ve made the mistakes, so you don’t have to.
How I Test Beauty Trends
Before we get into the specific trends, here’s how I evaluate whether something is worth your time:
- I use each product for at least 3 weeks (unless it irritates)
- I test on half my face when possible to see real differences
- I track results with photos in the same lighting
- I consider the cost vs. results ratio
- I check if the trend has scientific support (not just marketing claims)
Let’s look at what’s trending now and what’s actually worth your money.
Skin Care Trends: What Works and What Doesn’t
1. Skin Cycling
What it is: Using different active ingredients on different nights in a set pattern, usually:
- Night 1: Exfoliation
- Night 2: Retinoid
- Nights 3 & 4: Recovery/hydration
- Repeat
My experience: After testing skin cycling for 3 months, I noticed my skin was less irritated than when I used actives every night. The redness around my nose decreased, and my skin felt stronger.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: People with sensitive skin or those new to active ingredients. It’s also good if you’ve damaged your skin barrier from using too many products.
Who should skip it: If your skin already handles daily retinol well, you might not need this approach.
My tips:
- Start with an extra recovery night if your skin is very sensitive
- Don’t use physical scrubs on exfoliation nights—use chemical exfoliants instead
- Keep all other products simple during the cycle
2. Skin Flooding
What it is: Layering multiple hydrating products while the skin is still damp.
My experience: I tried this trend for 6 weeks last winter. While it did help with dryness, I found it made my products pill (from little balls on my skin) and was time-consuming.
Is it worth trying? ⚠️ MAYBE
Who it’s best for: Very dry skin types, especially in winter.
Who should skip it: Oily skin types and those prone to fungal acne.
My tips:
- Use just 2-3 products maximum
- Wait 30 seconds between layers
- Pat, don’t rub products in
3. At-Home LED Masks
What it is: Light-emitting devices that claim to treat acne, wrinkles, and redness.
My experience: I’ve tested 8 different at-home LED masks ranging from $80 to $600. After 4 months of consistent use (5x weekly), I saw minimal results that weren’t worth the time or money.
Is it worth trying? ❌ NO
Who it’s best for: No one, really. Professional LED treatments are much stronger and more effective.
My tips:
- If you want to try LED therapy, get professional treatments instead
- Please save your money for ingredients with better research behind them
4. Snail Mucin Products
What it is: Skincare products containing filtrate from snail secretions.
My experience: I was skeptical but impressed. After using snail mucin essence for 2 months, my post-acne marks faded faster, and my skin felt bouncier and more hydrated.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Almost all skin types, especially those healing from breakouts or irritation.
Who should skip it: Those with snail allergies (obviously) or who prefer vegan products.
My tips:
- Start with a simple essence rather than a complex formula
- Apply to damp skin for best results
- It works well in combination with vitamin C products
Makeup Trends: The Good, The Bad, and The Questionable
1. Skin Tints vs. Foundation
What it is: Ultra-lightweight, sheer coverage instead of traditional foundation.
My experience: After testing 12 popular skin tints, I found they offer a much more realistic finish than traditional foundations. My favorites actually lasted through an 8-hour workday without settling into lines.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Anyone who wants their skin to look like skin. Great for makeup beginners.
Who should skip it: Those who need fuller coverage for significant discoloration.
My tips:
- Apply with fingers for the most natural finish
- Use concealer only where needed instead of all over
- Set only the T-zone with powder to maintain the dewy look
2. “Clean Girl” Slicked Back Bun
What it is: The tight, sleek bun that’s all over social media.
My experience: This style caused headaches and hair breakage for me after just two weeks of wearing it. I’ve now seen multiple clients with traction alopecia (hair loss) from this trend.
Is it worth trying? ❌ NO
Who it’s best for: No one has an everyday style.
My tips:
- If you love this look, wear it only occasionally for special events
- Use silk scrunchies instead of elastic hair ties
- Don’t pull hair back while wet
3. Lip Oil vs. Lip Gloss
What it is: Tinted oils for lips that claim to moisturize better than traditional glosses.
My experience: After testing 15 popular lip oils against traditional glosses, I found most lip oils do provide better hydration but don’t last as long. My lips felt softer after a week of lip oil use.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: People with dry or chapped lips who want a glossy look.
Who should skip it: Those who need long-lasting color.
My tips:
- Look for oils with jojoba or squalane high on the ingredient list
- Avoid oils with peppermint or menthol if you have sensitive lips
- Apply lip balm underneath for extra hydration
4. Cream Products vs. Powder
What it is: Using cream blush, bronzer, and highlighter instead of powder versions.
My experience: After comparing cream and powder products with clients of all ages, I’ve found creams look far more natural, especially on mature skin or dry skin. They melt into skin rather than sitting on top.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Most skin types, especially normal to dry.
Who should skip it: Very oily skin types might prefer powder.
My tips:
- Apply with fingertips for the most natural finish
- Start with a tiny amount—most people use too much
- Set with a light dusting of powder if you’re oily
Hair Care Trends: Worth Your Time and Money?
1. Bond Repair Treatments
What it is: Products claiming to repair broken bonds in damaged hair.
My experience: After testing the major bond repair brands on my heavily highlighted hair, I saw noticeable improvements in strength and reduced breakage with only two brands: Olaplex and K18.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES (but be selective)
Who it’s best for: Chemically treated or heat-damaged hair.
Who should skip it? Those with virgin (never colored) healthy hair probably don’t need these.
My tips:
- Stick to the original Olaplex No.3 or K18 leave-in mask
- Most of the “bond repair” shampoos and conditioners don’t have enough active ingredients to make a difference
- Use less frequently than directed (every 1-2 weeks is enough for most people)
2. Hair Growth Oils
What it is: Oils claiming to speed up hair growth.
My experience: I tested 6 popular hair growth oils for 6 months, tracking results with photos and measurements. None made my hair grow faster than its normal rate.
Is it worth trying? ❌ NO
Who it’s best for: No one. Save your money.
My tips:
- If you’re concerned about hair growth, see a dermatologist
- Focus on protein in your diet and gentle handling of your hair
- Regular scalp massages with simple oil can improve circulation without fancy products
3. Heatless Curls
What it is: Using fabric strips, socks, or specialty tools to curl hair without heat damage.
My experience: These actually work! After testing various methods, I found the right technique can create bouncy, natural-looking curls without damage.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Anyone looking to reduce heat styling damage.
Who should skip it: Those with very short hair.
My tips:
- Hair needs to be about 70% dry when you start
- Slightly damp hair with a tiny bit of mousse works best
- You don’t need to buy special tools—old tights or socks work well
4. Purple Shampoo Alternatives
What it is: Blue, green, or violet-pigmented products to tone hair color.
My experience: After testing color-depositing products on myself and my clients, I’ve found many purple shampoos are actually too strong and can make blonde hair look dull or gray. Newer blue formulas often work better.
Is it worth trying? ⚠️ MAYBE
Who it’s best for: Those with highlighted or color-treated hair.
Who should skip it: Anyone with dry or damaged hair should use these sparingly.
My tips:
- Use color-depositing products only once a week at most
- Apply to dry hair for stronger toning and wet hair for subtler results
- Mix with regular conditioner to dilute if results are too intense
Body Care Trends: Hype vs. Reality
1. Body Sunscreen Serums
What it is: Lightweight, non-sticky sunscreens marketed for daily body use.
My experience: These were a game-changer for me. After testing 8 body sunscreen serums, I found several that truly disappear on the skin and don’t transfer to clothing.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Everyone, but especially those who hate traditional sunscreen textures.
Who should skip it: Those on a tight budget (these tend to be pricier).
My tips:
- Apply to dry skin for best results
- Wait 3-5 minutes before dressing
- Focus on exposed areas for everyday use to make the product last longer
2. TikTok’s Famous “Body Slugging”
What it is: Covering your body in petroleum jelly or thick balms overnight.
My experience: This caused major breakouts on my back and chest after just three uses. The temporary smoothness wasn’t worth the aftereffects.
Is it worth trying? ❌ NO
Who it’s best for: Almost no one—it’s too occlusive for most skin.
Who should skip it: Anyone prone to body acne or folliculitis.
My tips:
- If you want intense moisture, use regular body lotion and layer a thin balm only on extremely dry spots like elbows
- Consider humidifier instead
3. Body Makeup
What it is: Foundation-like products for the body to even skin tone.
My experience: Most transfer onto clothing and feel uncomfortable. After testing 10 brands, I found only one that truly stays put (MAC Face & Body).
Is it worth trying? ⚠️ MAYBE
Who it’s best for: Special occasions only.
Who should skip it: Daily use isn’t practical for most people.
My tips:
- Use setting powder afterward to reduce transfer
- Test on a small area with your clothing before a special event
- Focus application only on visible areas that need coverage
4. Exfoliating Body Washes
What it is: Shower gels containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid.
My experience: These made a noticeable difference in my skin texture and helped clear the small bumps on my upper arms (keratosis pilaris) better than scrubs.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Anyone with body acne, ingrown hairs, or rough texture.
Who should skip it: Those with very sensitive skin or active eczema.
My tips:
- Let the product sit on your skin for 1-2 minutes before rinsing
- Don’t use more than 2-3 times per week
- Apply body moisturizer immediately after showering
Nail Care Trends: What’s Actually Worth It
1. Gel Extensions vs. Acrylics
What it is: Builder gel is used to extend nail length instead of traditional acrylic powder.
My experience: After wearing both types multiple times, gel extensions caused significantly less damage to my natural nails upon removal.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Those wanting length without severe nail damage.
Who should skip it: People who are very rough on their nails (gel extensions are slightly less durable than acrylics).
My tips:
- Proper removal is crucial—never peel or force them off
- Take a break between sets to let your natural nails recover
- Apply cuticle oil daily to prevent lifting
2. Press-On Nails
What it is: Pre-made artificial nails you glue on at home.
My experience: Modern press-ons are nothing like the flimsy versions from years ago. After testing 12 brands, I found several that look completely professional and last up to a week.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Anyone who wants occasional nail art without the salon price or commitment.
Who should skip it: Those who work with their hands extensively.
My tips:
- Prep is everything—push back cuticles and buff nail surface lightly
- Size down rather than up if between sizes
- Use less glue than you think you need
3. DIY Dip Powder Kits
What it is: At-home versions of the dip powder systems used in salons.
My experience: Most home kits produced thick, uneven results. After testing 5 brands, I found the process messy and the results disappointing compared to salon versions.
Is it worth trying? ❌ NO
Who it’s best for: No one—save up for professional application.
My tips:
- If you’re determined to try, practice on fake nail tips first
- Thin layers are crucial for good results
- Consider a gel system instead, which is more forgiving for beginners
4. Nail Strengthening Treatments
What it is: Products claiming to harden weak, brittle nails.
My experience: After testing numerous strengtheners on my previously damaged nails, most actually made my nails more brittle long-term, though they felt harder initially.
Is it worth trying? ⚠️ MAYBE (but be selective)
Who it’s best for: Those with very soft, bendable nails.
Who should skip it: Anyone with already brittle or breaking nails.
My tips:
- Look for products with keratin and panthenol rather than formaldehyde-based hardeners
- Use only for 2-3 weeks, then switch to regular hydrating treatments
- Focus on nail and cuticle oil instead, which improves flexibility rather than just hardness
Fragrance Trends: New Approaches to Scent
1. Fragrance Oils vs. Traditional Perfumes
What it is: Oil-based fragrances instead of alcohol-based sprays.
My experience: After testing both formats extensively, I found oils last longer on the skin but with less projection (other people smell them only when very close to you).
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Those who want subtle, long-lasting personal scent.
Who should skip it: Anyone who wants others to notice their fragrance from a distance.
My tips:
- Apply to pulse points and the ends of hair for the longest wear
- Layer with unscented lotion to increase longevity
- Start with smaller sizes, as oils can turn rancid faster than alcohol-based fragrances
2. “Clean” Fragrance
What it is: Fragrances marketed as free from certain synthetic ingredients.
My experience: After testing dozens of clean fragrances, I found most lack staying power and complexity compared to traditional perfumes.
Is it worth trying? ⚠️ MAYBE
Who it’s best for: Those with specific fragrance sensitivities.
Who should skip it: Anyone expecting performance comparable to conventional perfumes.
My tips:
- “Clean” has no regulated definition in fragrance
- Many natural ingredients cause more allergic reactions than synthetics
- Look for brands that list all ingredients, not just the “natural” ones
3. Perfume Layering
What it is: Using multiple fragrances together to create a unique scent.
My experience: This actually works! After experimenting with layering for a year, I’ve created combinations I like better than many premium single fragrances.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Everyone—it’s a fun way to get more from your collection.
My tips:
- Start with simple scents before trying complex ones
- Apply the heavier fragrance first, the lighter one second
- Try a fragrance primer (like unscented lotion) underneath for better longevity
4. Solid Perfumes
What it is: Wax-based fragrances in solid form.
My experience: These are great for travel and touch-ups, but don’t expect the same impact as sprays. After testing 10 brands, I found the convenience worth the tradeoff in strength.
Is it worth trying? ✅ YES
Who it’s best for: Travelers and office workers who want subtle scent.
Who should skip it: Those who prefer a stronger fragrance presence.
My tips:
- Warm the surface with your finger before applying
- Focus application on hair and clothing where it lasts longer
- Store in cool places to prevent melting
Tools and Devices: Worth the Investment?
1. Facial Massage Tools
What it is: Gua sha stones, rollers, and electronic devices for facial massage.
My experience: After using various tools daily for 3 months, I noticed temporary improvements in puffiness but no long-term changes in facial contours.
Is it worth trying? ⚠️ MAYBE
Who it’s best for: Those who enjoy the ritual and temporary de-puffing.
Who should skip it: Anyone expecting dramatic or permanent results.
My tips:
- Simple tools work as well as expensive ones
- Store tools in the refrigerator for extra de-puffing
- Technique matters more than the tool itself—learn proper methods
2. High-Frequency Wands
What it is: Devices that emit an electrical current claimed to kill bacteria and reduce breakouts.
My experience: After using one for spot treatment of acne for 2 months, I noticed it did help speed the healing of existing pimples but didn’t prevent new ones.
Is it worth trying? ⚠️ MAYBE
Who it’s best for: Those who don’t respond to topical spot treatments.
Who should skip it: Anyone with rosacea or very sensitive skin.
My tips:
- Use only as spot treatment, not all over the face
- Keep sessions under 2 minutes per area
- Cheaper models work nearly as well as expensive ones
3. Microcurrent Devices
What it is: Home devices that deliver mild electrical current to “tone” facial muscles.
My experience: After using a popular device 5x weekly for 3 months, I noticed subtle lifting that disappeared when I stopped using it. Results required consistent use.
Is it worth trying? ⚠️ MAYBE
Who it’s best for: Those who will commit to regular use.
Who should skip it: Anyone who can’t maintain a consistent routine.
My tips:
- Results are cumulative and temporary
- Use plenty of the conducting gel
- Start with 3x weekly before committing to daily use
4. Pore Vacuum Tools
What it is: Suction devices that claim to extract blackheads and clear pores.
My experience: After testing 3 models, I found all of them either too weak to work or so strong they caused bruising and broken capillaries.
Is it worth trying? ❌ NO
Who it’s best for: No one—these can damage the skin.
My tips:
- Stick to chemical exfoliants like BHA for blackheads
- For manual extraction, see a professional esthetician
- If you must self-extract, use proper technique with clean tools after a shower
My Top 5 Beauty Products That Live Up to the Hype
After trying thousands of products, these five consistently deliver results worth their price:
- Tretinoin (prescription retinoid) – Nothing works better for overall skin improvement
- Vitamin C serum (specifically L-ascorbic acid formulas at 10-15%)
- Chemical sunscreen with new-generation filters (unavailable in the US but worth importing)
- Acid exfoliants (specifically 5-10% glycolic or 2% salicylic)
- Hydrating toners with hyaluronic acid and glycerin
Beauty Trends to Watch in the Coming Year
Based on industry connections and early product testing, I predict these upcoming trends will be worth watching:
- Microbiome-focused skincare that works with your skin’s natural bacteria
- Customized foundation mixing systems for perfect shade-matching
- Waterless beauty products that reduce packaging waste
- Hair care is organized by porosity rather than hair type
- Fragrance brands using AI to create personalized scent profiles
Real Truth About Beauty Trends
In my years of testing products, I’ve learned that most trends are recycled ideas with new marketing. The fundamentals of good skincare haven’t changed much: sun protection, gentle cleansing, appropriate moisture, and evidence-based activities.
Before you buy into any trend, ask yourself:
- Does this solve a real problem I have?
- Is there science behind it, or just marketing?
- Would a dermatologist or licensed professional recommend this?
- What’s the worst that could happen if I try it?
The beauty industry thrives on making you feel like you’re missing out. Remember that most “revolutionary” products aren’t that different from what came before.
Conclusion: How to Be a Smarter Beauty Consumer
The best approach to beauty trends is selective adoption. Try new things, but:
- Give products enough time to work (3-4 weeks minimum)
- Change only one product in your routine at a time
- Keep track of what works for YOUR skin
- Remember that consistency beats complexity every time
- When in doubt, ask a professional, not TikTok
The most worthwhile beauty trend is learning what works for your unique skin, hair, and preferences—and then mostly ignoring the rest.
What beauty trend are you curious about that I didn’t cover? Let me know in the comments!
