Real Beauty Product Reviews: The Ones We Loved, Loathed & Couldn’t Believe Exist

In this candid episode of the Beauty Lab podcast, co-hosts Velia and Monina take listeners on a no-nonsense journey through their current skincare obsessions, disappointments, and one hilariously unexpected gadget. Every product reviewed was personally purchased and tested—no sponsorships, just straight talk.

 

✨ Product Spotlight #1: Farmhouse Fresh “Finely Awake®” Exfoliating Scrub

This botanical scrub impressed both Velia and Monina with its gentle-yet-effective formula. It features five natural exfoliants—bamboo, silica, pumice, apricot powder, and bentonite clay—that remove dead skin without irritation.

• Why It’s a Favorite: Velia raves about the menthol finish, which leaves skin feeling deeply clean and refreshed.
  
• Exfoliant Type: Mechanical with medium grains—ideal for oily, textured, or clogged skin.
  
• Bonus Tip: Use it beyond the face—elbows, knees, and any rough patches will thank you.
  

Verdict: 💯 A perfect 10/10—effective, clean, and a repeat buy.

💧 Product Spotlight #2: Finny Rute Day & Night Facial Oils

These hand-blended facial oils were developed by creator Susan after extensive research into skin-repairing oils. With jojoba, cherry seed, blackberry, and more, these oils nourish all skin types—even oily and acne-prone. They have morning and night formulas.

• Unique Benefit: Restores the skin barrier, reduces redness, and boosts hydration.
• Best Feature: Absorbs like a serum but leaves behind a dewy, lit-from-within glow.
  
• Real Impact: Velia’s clients noticed her radiant skin—even without makeup.
  

Pro Tip: Use after hydrating serums but before your moisturizer and SPF for maximum results.

Verdict: 🌟 Holy grail status—restores, protects, and glows beautifully.

🚫 Product Letdown: Olia Vita “Anti-Aging” Serum

This heavily promoted serum showed up all over social feeds, so naturally, the hosts had to try it. Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver.

• Promised Benefits: Firming, line-fading, brightening, hydrating, and collagen-boosting.
  
• Ingredient Red Flags: Contains collagen (non-hydrolyzed), botulinum toxin, and hyaluronic acid—but results were underwhelming.
  
• Actual Experience: Felt nice on the skin but no visible change after consistent use.
  

Verdict: ❌ Overhyped and underperforming—we’ll pass.

🔧 Surprise Favorite: Tactical Raptor-Claw Hair Clips

These aren’t your average clips. Designed as a covert survival tool, they include a serrated edge, mini screwdriver, box opener, wire stripper, and more—all in a sleek black clip.

• Tested & Approved: Successfully opened boxes, cut wire, and even functioned as a mini tool.
  
• Design: Sleek “Espionage Black” color—perfect for stealth and style.
  
• Heads Up: Might not be TSA-friendly; not suitable for kids or fragile hair.
  

Verdict: 🖤 Cool, clever, and unexpectedly useful—just maybe not for daily wear.

Final Thoughts from the Hosts

✅ Absolutely Recommend: Farmhouse Fresh scrub & Finny Rute oils

⚠️ Skip It: Olia Vita serum—didn’t live up to the hype

🤯 Just for Fun: Tactical hair clips—useful and quirky conversation-starters

Whether you're overhauling your skincare shelf or just curious about what's trending, Velia and Monina bring the insight you didn’t know you needed.

Got a product you’re curious about? Drop them a line—they might review it next.