Is Viral Hype Worth The Money?
(Above) The cosmetic industry plays a significant role in fueling ageism by perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and promoting products that promise to reverse or prevent the signs of aging. Many companies within this industry capitalize on society’s obsession with youth, often employing marketing tactics that reinforce ageist stereotypes. For instance, beauty brands like L’Oréal have come under scrutiny for campaigns that seemingly celebrate older women but still emphasize their products’ “anti-aging” properties. Similarly, companies like Estée Lauder market their products with phrases like “turn back the clock” and “age-defying,” further contributing to the notion that aging is something to be feared and avoided at all costs. Like plastic surgery, topical remedies for aging won’t transform you. Billion-dollar companies aren’t dedicated to making the world look younger. They’re preying on easy insecurities, and we fall for it every time. In 2021, the global anti-aging market was estimated to be worth about 62.6 billion U.S. dollars according to Statistica, and this number is expected to increase significantly in the next few years.
March 16, 2023
TikTok, a social media platform, has greatly blown up the makeup industry. Brands such as Benefit, Charlotte Tilbury, Maybelline, E.L.F, Dior, Rare Beauty, and so many others have been going viral. The three that have been extremely popular lately are Falsies Push Up Angel by Maybelline, Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, and Benefit Benetint. These products get seemingly great reviews, but are they really worth the hype?
Falsies Push Up Angel by Maybelline is one of the most popular mascaras amongst teen girls. It adds volume and length and essentially makes you look like you are wearing false lashes. But are these claims valid? Yes and no. The mascara can be very beneficial when it comes to adding volume and length, but the effect of false lashes is definitely over-exaggerated. Another issue with this product is that while it does lengthen and add volume to your lashes, they uncurl very quickly. With that being said, the product does look nice and is definitely a good affordable option. Rare Beauty Blush by Selena Gomez is a famous blush across TikTok, and many makeup lovers use the product. It is claimed to be versatile, silky, and long-lasting. The blush is very versatile
as it can be used to brighten your cheeks, lips, and even used as eyeshadow. The statement that it is silky is also true. The blush is very easy to apply and blends well, leaving a nice and long-lasting finish. The one downside to this product is that it can be
extremely pigmented and unflattering if you use a bit too much, which can be misleading. Just applying a small dot will already make you appear sunburnt. This is fixable with some concealer though. When using the blush, just be careful and apply a very small amount, and it can look very pretty. This product is definitely a good option for someone who is looking for a, rosy, sunkissed, glowy, look.
Last but not least, Benetint is a very trendy lip stain by the makeup brand Benefit. The product is designed to leave a pink tone
on your lips and last all day. This product is also somewhat versatile as it can also be used as a cheek stain. For most people, it works very well and lasts all day long. In some cases, users of the product will apply a lip-gloss on top to leave a shiny finish as well. While this works well for many people, sometimes Benetint will fall into the inner part of one’s lips instead of filling the whole space evenly. Along with that, when using it as a cheek stain, it may leave an apparent dot where the product was first applied. But if blended well, Benefit Benetint is a great product for someone looking for a lip and cheek stain that will last
all day. All in all, these products are worth it, as long as people are aware of how to properly use them and what they are good for.
is a part of many of their daily makeup routines. “I use Benetint every day; it’s one of my favorite products,” says
Gabriella Harary, grade 9. All photos by Gates Valines. (All photos by Gates Valines.)
