I Replaced My Longtime Skincare & Beauty Routine With Only Influencer Recommendations — Here's How It Went

Did it work?: Uh, YES. Yes, it did. I've never been a big serum person, but let me tell you, this stuff is liquid gold. I'd previously been using the Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum before, and I think the Glow Recipe drops work really well mixed together with that.

I've actually started to layer them together (first the vitamin C serum, then the Dew Drops) during the day as the first step in my routine. What I like most about the Dew Drops is how instantaneously glowy they make my face look. If I didn't like them so much together, I'd probably just choose the dew drops as a standalone. It's an easy switch to make, but luckily, I like both as a multilayer duo.

Get it at Sephora for $34 or on Amazon for $35.75.

Did it work?: Yes. So, disclaimer, I forgot to freeze it the first time I tried it — but the results were still super cooling. (Make sure you freeze it though because it makes a big difference in the texture.)The first time I used it unfrozen, it was a weird sticky consistency, which TBH was not great, but when I used it the next day after it had sat overnight in the freezer, it was icy and chilling and lovely on my skin. It actually felt calming and soaked into my skin easily, as opposed to the day before.

For context, I've always been a CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion fan, and that hasn't changed for everyday use, but this frozen moisturizer is on another level of cool. Reviewers also mention that it's great for sunburn relief, and I can confirm that's true. I used the frozen moisturizer when I unexpectedly got a sunburn on my hands — and it was immediately soothed.

Get it on Amazon for $14.89.

Did it work? Heck yeah! I really like this product. It's become a mainstay in my routine, and I've started using it on its own to replace my usual concealer or tinted moisturizer. I'm not a foundation fan to begin with, and this color-adapting cream offers the perfect amount of redness-reducing coverage without feeling too heavy.

Because the texture is thick (but not sticky) and works to adapt to your individual coloring, I found that the results were easy to see on myself. However, I'm a pretty pale person — and reviews do mention it leaves a beige cast on darker skin tones.

Get it at Sephora for $19 (mini size) or $52 (full size).

Did it work?: Yes, but tentatively. I definitely saw a difference immediately after use, but I also encountered a few minor problems while trying it out — like I spoon-scooped maybe seven patches instead of one, and also they didn't stay in place at all. By the time 10 minutes passed, the patches were halfway down my face. It's not the most user-friendly product, though they're fine for when you want to take a midday break.

I've been using Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream forever, and while these were a nice change of pace, I don't think I'll be switching any time soon.

Get it from Target for $24.

Did it work?: Yeah, it did. Before learning about this mascara, I'd basically relied on samples I'd picked up at Sephora over the years. My natural lashes are long and naturally curled but very light, so I rely on darker mascaras if I'm trying to amp them up. I actually got the purple version of the Voluminous Original Mascara, and it made me very happy. This mascara wore like a dream, did a great job at lengthening, and didn't smudge at all. That's hard to find, in my experience.

Get it from Amazon for $6.12.

Did it work?: It definitely provided coverage and held true to its long-wearing name, but I wasn't in love with the way it blended for me. It does not include SPF, but on the plus side, it did not budge and definitely covered up some pigmentation...but felt too heavy for me. The verdict: I'm not in love. It would be great for someone that doesn't mind the feel of concealer on an everyday basis. For me, I'll stick to a lighter formula. My go-to is the Sunshine Skin Tint, and it's a broad spectrum SPF 30, which I like a lot.

Get it on Amazon for $6.

Did it work?: Uh, yeah. What a luxurious lip gloss (jelly?). My usual balm is great (big fan of the Lanolips The Original101 Ointment), and I stand by that, but also...it's nothing compared to the sweet sublime beauty of the Tower28 lip gloss.

The lip jelly is light and supple and incredibly non-sticky, and I'm kind of obsessed as far as lip glosses go. I got Oat, a sheer, peachy pink, and it provided the lightest wash of color. The only downside? Because it's a gloss, it doesn't offer the same overtly moisturizing benefits as a pure balm. It's a switch-up, but it's one that I can get behind, so thank you to TikTok for introducing me to this gem.

Get it from Sephora for $14.