January consistently marks a period of intense activity within the beauty industry. Between the relentless stream of TikTok recommendations and the allure of a 'fresh start', it appears a new must-try product achieves viral status every few minutes. Rather than leaving consumers to purchase these items blindly, our Head of Beauty, Fashion, and Shopping, Zoe Cripps, embarked on a rigorous testing regimen, trying a different hyped beauty product daily for a full week to determine which truly merit the attention.
The Ordinary Volufiline Plumping Serum
Dubbed 'Botox in a bottle', this serum has captivated social media feeds. While ingredients like hyaluronic acid provide temporary plumping through surface hydration, Volufiline operates at a deeper level. It aims to boost and regenerate structural molecules such as collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, which support the fat pads beneath the skin that naturally diminish with age.
Zoe's Verdict: "I've observed users applying this under their eyes, on cheeks, and across lips, all reporting impressive results. After one week of use, I cannot declare it an anti-ageing miracle, but the initial effects are promising. My skin feels noticeably more bouncy, and the under-eye area appears less dry."
Benefit Benetint Dark Cherry
This product has generated significant TikTok discussion, with many users suggesting the original shade appears 'too pink'. The launch of this Dark Cherry variant represents the first shade expansion for this iconic formula in twenty-five years, making it a notable event in the beauty world.
Zoe's Verdict: "Whenever I wear Benetint, friends invariably inquire about my lip combination. Revealing it's from Benefit prompts a knowing nod, as if we're members of an exclusive club acquainted with this holy grail product. The formula remains consistent, though this Black Cherry shade carries a slightly more floral scent and delivers a darker, plum-like tint on the lips. I adore it and believe it will look stunning on darker skin tones."
NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Lip Liner Stain
Lip tints are currently ubiquitous, and NYX has made the trend refreshingly accessible with this launch. The twelve new shades join the established Lip Lingerie line, renowned for matte liquid lipsticks famously compared to Kylie Jenner's lip kits.
Zoe's Verdict: "I now exclusively use lip tints due to their resistance to smudging, fading, or transferring. However, some tints feature thick, felt-tip applicators unsuitable for precise lining. I immediately favoured NYX's Lip Lingerie liners for their tiny ball-point tip, which facilitates drawing a neat line. Once applied, it endures for hours, surviving multiple coffees. The shade 'Cuff Me' pairs excellently with the Benetint in Black Cherry."
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Body Stick
Formulated with 7% glycolic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid, this convenient stick is celebrated as a solution for acne, keratosis pilaris, and ingrown hairs. Resembling a twist-up deodorant, it allows easy application on arms, chest, and back. While organic reviews showcase positive results, potential buyers should note the presence of commission-based promotional videos.
Zoe's Verdict: "I tested this to ascertain whether its viral status stemmed from genuine efficacy or desperate purchases driven by its acne-clearing promises. Pleasingly, I genuinely like it. I've begun using it on my back to unclog pores, and it performs effectively. I particularly appreciate its mess-free application compared to other glycolic liquids that are challenging to apply to difficult areas."
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish
This concealer and colour corrector hybrid, launched in 2019 to an immediate cult following, has regained viral fame on TikTok this January. Numerous videos feature users claiming it's their secret to appearing well-rested.
Zoe's Verdict: "I owned this product before its viral resurgence and can fully endorse its under-eye revitalising capabilities. Initially, the pot seemed small, but it has lasted an extended period. I dab a small amount under my eyes throughout the day as my concealer fades, and it genuinely refreshes my entire appearance. I've also witnessed impressive results on dark circles."
