There are plenty of weird and wacky beauty products on the market — but do they really work?
InStyle magazine's Brittany Burke joined TODAY Monday to share what their editors, staff and contributing doctors liked and didn't like about these kooky buys. Now we know what to splurge on and try!
1. Cailyn Cosmetics Cocoon Lip Stain, $34
The claim: This trendy Korean beauty item claims to deliver up to 10 hours of intense, kiss-proof color. It currently comes in four shades: Tantalizing Orange, Innocent Pink, Pink Desire and Devilish Rose.
The verdict: The InStyle testers said this totally works ... and so did we when tried the lip stain for a TODAY Style Test Drive. But the application takes focus ("You have to be very precise with a lip brush so you don't stain skin around your lips," the folks at InStyle commented). After all, whatever you put on your lips will stay there all day. No wobbling!
2. Pür Cosmetics Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara, $22
The claim: This mascara lengthens and separates individual hairs with the help of opposing magnetic forces. Well, supposedly. The goop apparently carries positively-charged polymers, which are attracted to the negatively-charged lashes. This isn't the first time we've heard about magnetic beauty products. Just take the magnetic mask, for instance, tested recently in a TODAY Style Test Drive. This product also contains Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, which conditions lashes to help fight the follicle-aging process and makes them appear healthier and fuller.
Verdict: As always, the magnetic part doesn't seem to be as important as the overall quality of the product. InStyle's testers said, "Magnetic or not, it's an awesome mascara. With just a few swipes I got my lashes reaching my brow bones — a feat that typically takes about a minute for each eye. And lashes really did look separated. They weren't gunky." Seems worth it!
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3. Fillerina 14-Day Treatment, $175
The claim: A little more extreme! This one is for those of you looking to avoid in-office filler treatments, instead opting for a quick fix at home. It's a revolutionary, no-needle cosmetic filler containing a blend of six hyaluronic acids that facilitate plumping tissues without puncturing the skin. And it's applied with a "dull syringe." Sound too good to be true?
The verdict: Per the InStyle editors, it takes a lot of practice and finesse to perfect the act of using this product (let alone getting comfortable with it). And at the end of the day, it simply doesn't compete with an in-office injection. Yes, it's cheaper, but it's still expensive. If you're considering a treatment, you may want to just visit a doctor.
4. The Dirt Trace Mineral Toothbrushing Powder, $30
The claim: Yes, this involves eating dirt ... sort of. Basically, this is a clay-based, organic powder that you use instead of toothpaste. If that sounds gross, just know that the "miracle powder" doesn't kill off any of the healthy bacteria in your saliva that protect your enamel. But the baking soda in it effectively removes stains and there's cinnamon to add a zingy taste. (It also comes in a cute mason jar.)
The verdict: This is great for those who like to be "green," but InStyle's dental expert asked anyone interested to monitor themselves closely for cavities since there's no fluoride, which he considers to be an issue. InStyle's own tester "thought it cleaned just as well as, if not better than, my old toothpaste."
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5. GloPRO Red-Light Roller, $199
The claim: This technology includes three components: a microneedling tool that glides over your face and wrinkles, an anti-inflammatory LED light and stimulation by vibration. Basically, you roll this thing over your face, it pricks you, shines a light on you and vibrates. Got that? So, yes, that means you get slightly wounded in the hopes that you're promoting skin rejuvenation and healing.
The verdict: Clinical studies and InStyle's tester (who is over 40) say this does, in fact, work. The tester was happy with her results and saw "tighter and brighter" skin after using the tool for just a month. The downside? It's expensive. But it does combine three commonly accepted and effective beauty treatments in one.