viral fails and holy grails: my best beauty product swaps
If a viral product has ever flopped on your face, you’re not alone. In Viral Fails to Holy Grails: My Best Beauty Product Swaps, I’m breaking down my favorite beauty product swaps, from makeup to skincare (plus a new nail kit) where the hyped item underperformed and the holy grail alternative delivered. All of these have gone through real-world wear tests and all-day performance notes on things like skin prep, long-lasting blush, and setting sprays that actually prevent makeup transfer, along with the dupes and smarter alternatives that actually work. If you’re hunting for results, not just buzz, this guide is your shortcut to what to buy instead.
Anti-frizz hair gloss
Wow Dream Coat vs. Kerastse Glaze Milk
I was so excited about the Wow Dream Coat when I first heard about it, but I never felt like it really did anything. As someone who has hair that will get frizzy if I even think about humidity, I needed a product that actually worked. Enter the Kerastase Glaze Milk. My hair feels softer, looks shinier, and smells like I just left the salon.
long-lasting blush
Rare Beauty vs. Jones Road
It may just be me, but I cannot get the hang of a liquid blush. I always feel like I use too much or too little, and I have a hard time blending it in. The Jones Road Miracle Balm is the best of both worlds. It is creamy, blendable, and long-lasting. The blush itself also lasts forever and is a great investment for long-term use.
non-sticky Lip Gloss
Summer Fridays vs. Laneige
Last year, for my Sephora birthday gift, I got the Summer Fridays Lip Balm and was so excited to try it out based on all of the hype. However, it is exactly the same as the Laneige and even the Elf one for double the price. The Laneige lip mask is a staple for me, and I love using it for travel, especially on flights to lock in the moisture.
Resurfacing facial pads
I fell for the TikTok hype about the Medicube, and besides it being almost a double-cleansing step for me, I have not seen a single change in my skin. I will say that I do not struggle with acne, and that is what it is supposed to be for, but I thought the toner would be a nice added bonus. So, if your skin is like mine, try the Elemis Resurfacing Pads instead. They make my skin feel brighter and smoother.
Gel Nail Polish
Nail Appointments vs. Olive and June Gel Nail System
If you follow me on Instagram, then this swap should come as no surprise. I absolutely love the Olive and June Gel Manicure System and will never go back to the nail salon. The gel system is easy to use, saves me a ton of money, and lets me change my nail color every week without going to the salon.
makeup setting spray
Urban Decay vs. L’Oréal
I actually feel like this swap is moving away from the OG of setting spray to one that is actually viral: the L’Oreal Setting Spray. This stuff is magic! There is absolutely no makeup transfer, and it was just released in a bigger bottle. My one tip when using this setting spray is to spray it after you’re done with your full face and before you add the mascara.
Ready to skip the viral fails and go straight to the holy grails? Save this guide to my beauty product swaps, the best dupes and smarter alternatives across makeup and skincare that actually perform and save money. If you’ve tried any of these, drop your results in the comments, and shop the “what to buy instead” list below to build a routine that works. Pin this post for later and come back as I update it with new tested favorites!
