Viral Beauty Products We Tried: Honest Reviews You’ll Want to Hear

When it comes to beauty, it feels like there’s always something new showing up in our feeds, right? From brushes that promise perfect curls to powders that claim to blur everything, it can get overwhelming. In this episode of The Beauty Lab Podcast, we (Monina + Velia!) sat down and shared our honest takes on products we’ve been testing—no sponsorships, just real results. Some are winners, some are… well, you’ll see.

 

The Bounce Curl Brush: A Game-Changer for Curly Hair

This patented brush is designed specifically for curls. It has unique ridges along the sides that separate strands as you brush, creating ribbon-like curls. Perfect for coily or wavy textures, it defines curls without the frizz. Velia tested it on her own curly days (and her son’s hair too!) and loved how it shaped curls beautifully.  Check it out here.

Sunscreen Meets Setting Spray: Kopari Sun Shield Soft Glow

If you’ve ever asked, “How do I reapply sunscreen with makeup on?”—this is the answer. Kopari’s Sun Shield Soft Glow looks and feels like a setting spray, but it’s loaded with SPF protection, hyaluronic acid, and skin-loving ingredients. The bonus? It leaves a dewy finish that gives you that “glass skin” vibe. We’re obsessed. Check it out here.

Luminique LuminiLift 2.0: Red Light Hype or Reality?

This skincare tool promised lifting, collagen stimulation, and fewer breakouts with its red, blue, and green light settings. After six months of use… Velia saw zero lifting. While it feels nice (like a gentle gua sha with vibration), the dramatic before-and-after results in ads didn’t show up in real life. The jury’s still out on whether the light therapy is helping behind the scenes. We’re not sharing this link as it’s not recommended.

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Wonder Skin Longwear Eyeliner: Smooth + Smudge-Proof

This eyeliner glides on without tugging, even on more textured lids. The shade “Licorice” is a true black (not the dreaded gray-black some pencils give). Thanks to polymer technology, it dries fast and stays put—no smudging, even with watery eyes. A definite yes for eyeliner lovers. Check it out here.

When Your Hairbrush Doubles as Self-Defense

Yes, you read that right. A hairbrush that’s also a stun gun. It looks like a normal brush, but pop off the top and you’ve got a concealable safety device. Velia found it on Amazon after their algorithm fed her a string of “tactical beauty” products. We’re not sure if TSA would approve—but hey, it’s a thing.  Check it out here.

Salt & Stone: Natural Deodorant That Works

Aluminum-free deodorants are everywhere, but not all of them work. Salt & Stone’s Neroli + Basil deodorant kept sweat at bay and smelled fresh without being overpowering. Pair it with their body wash, lotion, and fragrance spray for a layered scent system that feels luxe yet clean. Check out the Deodorant, body wash, and fragrance. 

Luminance Milano Blurring Powder: True to Its Promise

This loose powder claims to “blur,” and it really does. The translucent shade melted into Velia’s olive skin tone without looking ashy, while other shades (banana yellow, sunflower, pink) are available for different undertones. It sets makeup beautifully without caking—a must-have for makeup artists or anyone who loves a polished finish. Check it out here.

Our Final Thoughts

Some products wowed us (Bounce Curl, Kopari, Wonder Skin), while others (sorry, LuminiLift) didn’t deliver. That’s the fun part of trying new things—we get to test so you don’t have to waste money. If there’s a product you’ve been eyeing but aren’t sure about, let us know—we’re always game to experiment!