Worth the Hype? #1: NARS, Too Faced, and Benefit

If you’re like me, you tend to do a lot of research before buying anything. If I am to justify buying things unnecessary to keeping me alive (oh hi, six different volumizing hair products), they need to have at least a four out of five star review. During the course of my research, I often stumble upon the same products mentioned over and over again. While we can disregard some of the hype as FOMO or a bunch of beauty bloggers receiving the same PR samples at once, some products have stood the rigors of online reviewing enough times for me to invest 30 (yes, THIRTY) dollars on a blush. In this “Worth the Hype” series, I’ll discuss my opinions on products that have been hyped and spread throughout the bloggersphere. I am not sponsored by any of these products (or anyone, for that matter), so you can be sure my opinions are 100% unbiased.

The first product I’m going to discuss is one that has been around since 1999- NARS Orgasm blush. This is a peachy hued blush with a golden shimmer throughout. It’s basically a blush and highlighter in one, and it has become a cult classic since it’s arrival on the blush scene. In my opinion, this blush is amazing. It’s perfect for beginners because it’s hard to accidentally over-apply, and it flatters so many skin tones. I think the hype is worth it, but I’m kind of iffy on the price tag. At $30.00, I definitely consider this an investment blush. You can find lots of dupes for much cheaper, like my favorite Milani Luminoso.  I actually got a deal on a Orgasm/Laguna bronzer combo, which was great since I wanted to try both. However, if you can spend $30.00 on a truly great blush, I say Orgasm is worth it!

Next, I’m going to keep with the awkwardly-named beauty product theme and discuss the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. Not exactly something you can put on your Christmas list for granny, is it? They make some pretty bold claims on the Ulta website:

Come on guys… 1,944%? How..I mean what.. but really? Honestly, this mascara does give a TON of volume with just one coat, but it’s not my personal favorite. If you want a mascara that makes people wonder “Wow, what volumizing mascara is she wearing” vs “Wow look at her naturally voluminous lashes,” then go out and pay the $23.00 price tag for this product. I tend to go for a more natural look, so this is not for me. The brush is really big, I get a lot of clumps, and the non-waterproof formula tends to flake a little bit.

The final product I’m going to discuss is something I literally use every single day- Benefit Porefessional Primer. I might have mentioned this before, but I have oily skin and large pores. This product helps minimize the look of my pores, mattify my skin, and keep my foundation in place. I have tried so many primers, but this one is the one that so far works the best. I wish it wasn’t true, since at $31.00 for .75 ounces, it’s pricy to look this matte! I’m still on the hunt for a drugstore primer that works this well, but for now, Porefessional is bae. Definitely worth the hype, IMHO.

Side note, I always read “IMHO” as “IHOP.”

What do y’all think? Have you tried these products?

xoxo Katie