15 Beauty Products We Initially Snubbed (But Now Can’t Live Without)

The Snub: Scalp Serums

I never thought scalp serums were all they were cracked up to be until I tried Act+Acre’s assortment. They *actually* do what they say they will—namely hydrate, nourish, and strengthen the scalp for better hair growth. I’ve been using this new hydrating one for two weeks, and I can tell my scalp is more hydrated than before. I don’t experience that uncomfortable, dry, tight feeling after I shampoo. The best part is that it doesn’t make my fine hair look oily or weighed down like other scalp products I’ve tried. It’s basically the scalp equivalent of a hyaluronic acid serum. (Next, I want to try the brand’s Cold Processed Stem Cell Serum ($86). It’s supposed to create the perfect environment for denser, thicker hair.)

The Snub: Exfoliating Toner

I used to avoid exfoliating toners like the plague. Why? I feared they weren’t as effective as exfoliating masks. I also feared that they would be too potent and practically sear my skin. (Obviously, fearing they were both somehow ineffective and too effective wasn’t logical, but it’s where I was at, okay?) Luckily, I braved up enough to use Mutha’s Rebirth Amniotic Toner, and it’s since become a staple in my skincare routine. It effectively exfoliates my skin without irritating it. And now I’m obsessed with how glowy my skin looks.

The Snub: Eyelash Curlers

I cringe at this confession, but here it goes: I used to think eyelash curlers were kind of pointless. I know, I know. It turns out I just wasn’t using the right ones (shocker). Now, I can’t go anywhere without curling my lashes first. I’m not kidding. I use one every single morning without fail, even when I’m not wearing makeup. It lifts my lashes up to make them look more defined and fluttery. More importantly, it makes me look wide awake. I can’t believe I ever snubbed them in the first place.

The Snub: Red-Brown Blush

As a fair-skinned person, I always assumed terra-cotta blush shades weren’t for me. I stayed in the lane of light pinks and rosy mauves for years. Recently, though, my friend practically begged me to try Rhode’s Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy. It’s a true terra-cotta shade, so I was skeptical. Yet, shockingly, it made me look naturally flushed and sun-kissed. Another friend complimented me, saying, “Your skin looks so fresh and healthy,” and I know it’s because of the blush. I’ve been using it nonstop ever since. It’s convinced me to test other red-brown shades.

The Snub: Exfoliating Mitts

Here’s another case of “I used them, but not the right ones.” I swear I’ve tested so many exfoliating mitts over the years, but they never seemed to actually exfoliate my skin—just rough it up and irritate it. Thankfully, this Nerra Exfoliating Body Glove came across my desk, and once I tried it, I was converted. It delivers just enough flexible friction to slough off an embarrassing amount of dead skin without any less-than-ideal side effects. My skin has never been smoother.

The Snub: Benzoyl Peroxide

“Benzoyl peroxide was always one of those ‘unsexy’ skincare ingredients I brushed off in favor of salicylic acid–infused potions (even before the whole benzene scandal erupted several months ago), but man, have I been missing out! BP, namely Sofie Pavitt’s Reset Mask, has been low-key saving my skin this summer. Note, the mask is very spicy (steer clear if you have super-sensitive skin!), so I’ll use it once a week only in congested areas. I wake up to a noticeably smoother, glowier complexion every time.”

The Snub: Face Mists

“I also deemed face mists nice-to-have items, but after reporting on how they have quietly taken over the red carpet beauty scene, I have totally changed my tune. Are mists downright necessary for a solid skincare routine? Definitely not, but they do help send my skin some much-needed hydration. Plus they feel pretty damn refreshing after a long workday.”

The Snub: Elevated Laundry Detergent

“Technically this is not a beauty product, but I just have to tell you about my newfound love for elevated laundry detergents. I say this as a proud Tide Pods girl through and through! Nothing against the pods, but I had no idea how much I’d enjoy my now subtly perfumed linens. Wrapping myself in a towel that smells gently of DedCool’s Xtra Milk just hits different. And if any of my family members are reading this and want to gift me this Maison Francis Kurkdjian wash for the holidays (yes, I’m already compiling my wish list), let’s just say I’d be more than thrilled.”

The Snub: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum

“I know—can you believe it? I was one of the few people who wasn’t into this scent when I first tried it, but boy, has that changed! First of all, I think I might have received an older sample when I first tried it because it smelled slightly off. A few months ago, I decided to give it another shot and tried the Extrait de Parfum. Magical! I know the extrait is quite pricey since it’s an extra-concentrated version of the fragrance, but if you truly love this scent and can spare the extra dollars, I can’t stress enough how amazing it smells.”

The Snub: Sheet Masks

“I never used to like or use sheet masks, because a lot of them felt too heavy for my skin and I figured I could get the same benefits from a regular face mask. These sheet masks, however, completely changed my mind along with Invity’s SuperNAD Youth Activating Sheet Masks ($59). They’re both so lightweight but extremely hydrating and calming to the skin. They also give you a serious glow.”

The Snub: Press-On Nails

“While I heavily relied on press-ons nails during the height of the pandemic, I was so excited to get back to my regular programming (aka salon appointments) once things opened up again. Press-ons worked in a pinch, sure, but I was never impressed with the size, shape, designs, or longevity of the nails. I also always found them messy and a pain to apply. That said, Lost Angels, a new line of press-ons created by celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce, totally changed my mind on the category. Not only do her press-ons apply like a dream and look like you just dropped $200 or more for extensions and professional nail art, but they also do not budge. I’ve never received so many compliments on my nails, and I’ve worn them for up to three weeks, similar to how long I’d go between regular (much more expensive!) nail appointments.”

The Snub: Body Scrubs

“For the longest time, I despised body scrubs. They were gloopy, they made a total mess of my shower, and they’d either leave my skin dry and scratched up or oily and filmy post-shower. So for years, I reached for an exfoliating buffing bar or an exfoliating body mitt, instead. However. After testing literally a zillion (okay maybe one hundred) products for our first-ever beauty awards, I discovered and finally tried Josie Maran’s cult-loved body scrub, and it was like I had suddenly seen the light. It smells incredible (I need Vanilla Vibezzz as an eau de parfum, Josie!), and the formula leaves your skin smooth, clean, and impeccably hydrated.”

The Snub: Natural Deodorants

“It’s not that I snubbed natural deodorants, per se. I just could never find one that actually worked. So after years of feeling sticky, sweaty, and perpetually paranoid about ruining all of my long and short-sleeve tops, I just gave up. I truly think finding your perfect natural formula is as difficult and as unique of an experience as finding a favorite perfume or nailing down your optimal skincare formula. Everyone’s body composition is different, and that’s before we take other lifestyle factors into account like activity level. (I work out—and sweat—a lot.) My point? Just because your co-worker finally found the perfect natural deodorant after years of searching does not mean it will necessarily work for you. So when I decided to randomly try a deodorant from Native that I received, my expectations were not high. Yet lo and behold, I found myself totally fresh a whopping 24 hours after my initial application, and roughly one year later, it’s continued to work really well for me. I still don’t love feeling a bit more damp than I’d be if I were using an antiperspirant, but I love that I’ve finally found a natural deodorant that truly deodorizes. I also love that Native has a large variety of scents to choose from along with very fun limited-edition collaborations. (Believe it or not, I’m kind of obsessed with this limited-edition Girl Scout Peanut Butter Cookie option, which gives more yummy than straight-up peanut butter.)”

The Snub: Body Oils

“For some reason, it’s taken me until this year to fully appreciate body oils. Oak Essentials’ Dew Body Oil was the first that truly converted me thanks to its fast absorption into the skin and non-sticky finish. Previously, I struggled to layer body oils with other bodycare, but this oil pairs well with a number of my go-to body lotions to help lock in moisture and promote smooth, glowy skin.”

The Snub: Body Retinol

“While I’ve mastered using face retinol to help create a more even and youthful-looking complexion, I’ve avoided using body creams and lotions with retinol for fear of disrupting my skin’s natural balance. Chantecaille’s Rose de Mai Body Cream has completely proven me wrong by combining encapsulated retinol with toning marine extract and avocado extract for a luxurious, creamy finish. I’m also a huge fan of all things rose-scented, and this body cream has quickly become one of my favorites.”