We’ve all tried beauty products that just haven’t wowed us. They aren’t always awful or bad or horrible; they are just sort of disappointing. Sure, they are fine, but there are certainly better alternatives. They are not dupes because, essentially, dupes are the same. These are, in fact, better. Some of these are different. They range in price, in use, and claims but get the job done so much better. So what are these underwhelming products, and which products outperform them?
Kiehl’s launched its drool-worthy Buttermask (Shop here) for lips. It has coconut oil and mango butter and seems like it would be this amazingly healing lip treatment. And it is nice. It smells decadent, and it moisturizes the lips. Yet, the soft and supple feeling this provides will not last you longer than an hour or so. There is nothing wrong with it, but it just lacked the wow factor.
If you want the most luxurious and healing lip mask around, you want to go for the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (Shop here). This product is unmatched in every way. Not only does it leave your lips looking fuller, but it actually treats them, and you can even feel the effects after 8+ hours of applying it. It does not smell like cocoa butter but does have an indulgent berry scent and other options. Plus, it looks like a gloss on the lips so that you can wear it all day too. And another thing about this that makes it that much better than Kiehl’s is that it is a little bit cheaper and provides you with almost double the amount of product. The suppleness this mask gives to your lips after just one night of use is beyond anything you have experienced.
Who hasn’t tried the Sally Hansen wax strips at least once in their life? Removing body hair is always a hassle, so trying an affordable at-home process makes sense. But, as you probably know, these lack the oomph that other alternatives provide. Not only are they painful, but they only remove so much hair. Yes, they are convenient, and some people swear by them, but for me, it just is not worth it.
Instead, enter the world of sugar waxing. This method of hair removal has been using for centuries. Now it is not convenient in any way, shape, or form. It requires some minor cooking skills, lemon juice, sugar, and water, and it is pretty darn messy. But sugar waxing is also a natural and chemical-free way to remove hair from the root. It is noticeably less painful than conventional waxing because you apply the wax in the opposite direction of hair growth and rip in the direction of hair growth. This makes the whole process go more smoothly and prevents the chance of ingrown hairs. Not to mention, cotton strips are optional in the world of sugar waxing, and after so many goes at it, your hair stops coming back! This is a lengthy process, but having only to do it once a month is so much better than shaving daily. On the downside, it only works for thick and dark hairs. So, although it may not be for everyone, it surely works better than cheap wax kits.
YSL or Yves Saint Laurent is a prestigious brand known for its glorious packaging. Their Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick-Balm (Shop here) is no exception. This shiny lipstick provides color and nourishment in one. But this does cost $38 and has been said to apply a tad streaky. So even though owning a YSL lipstick is an irreplaceable feeling, there is a wildly similar and even better option from your local drugstore.
The L’Oreal Colour Riche Shine Lipsticks (Shop here) are not only eerily similar in packaging but also provide even more color, even more shine, and even more shades. And all of that is only $10. YSL may be something to look into if you prefer pink shades, but this L’Oreal collection has a better variety of shades and an even smoother application on the lips.
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (Shop here) has been around for what seems like decades. Although its popularity remains high, this being one of the first of its kind means there is room for improvement. Yes, the fragrance has been altered in recent years but is still quite offensive to many people. Plus, the moisturizer is known to give you that Oompa Loompa look rather than a sunkissed glow. No matter how hard you try to make this work, it always comes out with a patchy, uneven, and orange.
