I tried them so you do not have to guess

4 beauty products that surprised me

I went into every one of these expecting to find the catch. Instead, each one surprised me for a completely different reason.

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Pick 01

Halovida Volumizing Dry Shampoo

Why it made the list

I was so skeptical of this one, especially as a dark haired girl (I'm always stuck using dark brown formulas). But this dry shampoo goes on clear with no white cast, just a bit of shine. My roots came out light, fluffy, and not gritty at all, and the oil went down. Honestly it lasted me a few days on one use, so it's worth trying if you want volume without buildup. The spa brush is its own moment too, it feels like a real scalp massage.

Pick 02

[TIRTIR Official] Glide & Hide Blurring Concealer - For Lightweight Flawless Makeup, Contour, Coverage Cosmetic Foundation

Why it made the list

Is the two in one Hide and Glide worth the hype? I think so. I've loved TIRTIR for skincare for years (their air cushion foundations are a staple for me), so I had to try this one. It has a lipstick-style side and a liquid side. I use the stick to carve out my masseter, my hyperpigmentation around my mustache area, and the redness around my nose, then the liquid under my eyes. It looks really beautiful and blends nicely. Worth trying if you like an easy two in one.

Pick 03

Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer - Longwearing, Moisturizing, Full Coverage Makeup

Why it made the list

I tested this as a multi-use sculpting concealer, and the finish is what won me over. It has coconut water and hyaluronic acid, so it feels really hydrating in the areas that tend to get dry, which I appreciate as a woman with mature skin. It blends beautifully. One honest note: my shade came out too dark and a little yellow for under my eyes, so I use it more as a face touch-up and contour. It's worth thinking carefully about your shade, since you can use it lighter for highlighting too.

Pick 04

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner

Why it made the list

I get this glycolic acid 7% toner and honestly use it in more ways than one. I love it for cleansing my scalp to support good scalp health, and I also use it on my son, who has keratosis pilaris and dermatillomania. AHAs like this have worked the best for him, especially during a breakout. It doesn't sting or burn, it doesn't stain, and the bottle is huge, so it lasts forever. We pour some into a little spray bottle and use it about once a week. Super affordable and worth trying.

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