Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More Next
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More Next
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More Next
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as trickyĀ as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity

    The 35 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).Ā  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forgetĀ Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty

    How to Treat Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Dermatologists

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this.
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urgeĀ to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.Ā  ThisĀ decade's first bigĀ hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bobĀ —Ā theĀ most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut willĀ still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020'sĀ bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.Ā  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 isĀ going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.Ā  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.Ā  VIDEO:Ā The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues

    Joe Biden Broke Barack Obama's Nationwide Popular Vote Record

    Obama's record goes back to 2008.
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See All Shopping

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Beauty Chevron Right
  3. Do These Beauty Products Really Work?

Do These Beauty Products Really Work?

By Instyle
Updated Aug 10, 2009 @ 1:26 pm
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Jeffrey Westbook

Do These Beauty Products Really Work?

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lash-Growth Serum

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook
  • THE PRODUCT Latisse, the first prescription treatment to grow eyelashes ($120; latisse.com for more information).
  • THE PROMISE Longer, thicker, darker upper lashes after four months.
  • THE EXPERT SAYS "Latisse works amazingly well-I wouldn't be surprised if it outsells Botox," says Katie Rodan, an adjunct clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine. "I've seen it produce lashes that look like feather dusters."
  • WE SAY Love it! By Week three, our lashes were so long, they almost touched our brows. Everyone asked if we were wearing falsies.

1 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Detox Shake

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook
  • THE PRODUCT SoCal Cleanse detoxing protein powder made with a mix of organic hemp and herbs ($48/16 oz.; socalcleanse.com).
  • THE PROMISE The 130-calorie drink flushes toxins, making you look and feel better.
  • THE EXPERT SAYS "This provides protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids," says Eric Braverman, M.D., founder and director of PATH Medical in N.Y.C. "The fiber will help cleanse the intestines, and essential fatty acids will improve skin condition."
  • WE SAY Drinking this shake in place of a snack every day for a week gave us lots of energy to work out, but the taste was a bit reminiscent of cardboard. That said, one tester-who combined the shake with sensible eating-lost 2 pounds in a week. Bottoms up!

2 of 11

3 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Home Laser Kit

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook
  • THE PRODUCT Ansr Skin Rejuvenation kit, containing exfoliator, a laser that uses both red and blue LED lights, and a follow-up anti-aging serum ($195; ansr.com).
  • THE PROMISE The company claims the combination of blue laser waves (which destroy bacteria) and red ones (which stimulate collagen growth) leads to diminished fine lines, wrinkles, and redness in a few weeks.
  • THE EXPERT SAYS "The laser uses the same wavelengths we use in the office for photo rejuvenation, so it may make skin brighter," says Heidi Waldorf, dermatologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in N.Y.C. "But doctors also use photosensitizers to get more out of LED light treatments, so managing expectations is key. Results won't be dramatic."
  • WE SAY: The laser was painless, and our skin looked clearer-but the difference was still minor after a few weeks.

3 of 11

Advertisement

4 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Brow Pen

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook
  • THE PRODUCT Anastasia Brow Pen, a fine-tipped brow-enhancing pen ($21; anastasia.net).
  • THE PROMISE Easy application and brow tint that won't smudge or wear off all day.
  • THE EXPERT SAYS "I love this product-it's my newest obsession!" says makeup artist Anthea King. "The marker-like tip is a truly fabulous idea and works really well to naturally fill in gaps in the brows."
  • WE SAY The pen was easier to apply than a brow powder, and the finish looked just as natural.

4 of 11

5 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Long-Wearing Liquid Lipstick

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook
  • THE PRODUCT Revlon Color Stay Ultimate Liquid lipstick ($11; drugstore.com).
  • THE PROMISE Color that stays put for 12 hours-even after eating and drinking-without drying out lips.
  • THE EXPERT SAYS Delivers a rich hue, "but you'll need lip balm to combat the dryness," says celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles. "Use it as a long-lasting stain-pat it on with your ring finger, then apply a dab of the balm-it'll last hours longer than regular lipstick."
  • WE SAY It lived up to the "long-wearing" claim-the color didn't budge or smudge from the moment we put it on until we got home 10 hours later. The only complaint? Our lips didn't feel that moist.

5 of 11

6 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hair-Smoothing Treatment

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook
  • THE PRODUCT Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola ($300–$500; beauty-mart.com).
  • THE PROMISE Eliminates up to 95 percent of frizz and curl and cuts blow-drying time by 70 percent.
  • THE EXPERT SAYS "It deposits a coating of keratin and silicone, which is then heat processed to lock the hair into a smooth, straight appearance," says cosmetics chemist Jim Hammer. "It won't make curly hair pin-straight, but I've seen the results, and it does significantly improve manageability."
  • WE SAY The treatment took three hours and made our eyes sting, but it was totally worth it! Our styling time has been cut in half, and our hair resists frizz on even the most humid days.

6 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vibrating Lash Primer

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook
  • THE PRODUCT Lancome Oscillation Powerbooster lash primer ($39; lancome-usa.com).
  • THE PROMISE To strengthen and lengthen lashes and help keep mascara on all day without flaking.
  • THE EXPERT SAYS "The vibration simulates the way we makeup artists wiggle the brush to thicken lashes," says makeup artist Anthea King.
  • WE SAY It made our lashes huge, and it didn't flake. But it needs to be applied with care-if you really load it on, it can get clumpy when you put mascara over it.

7 of 11

8 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fast-Drying Polish

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook

THE PRODUCT Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color ($5; walgreens.com).
THE PROMISE One-coat polish that paints each nail in a single sweep and dries in a minute.
THE EXPERT SAYS "The brush is amazing. It covers the full nail with one stroke and the look is very finished," says nail expert Jin Soon Choi, owner of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spas in N.Y.C. "I was impressed by how fast it dried while still creating a nice sheen."
WE SAY Painting it on was a cinch-even left-handed-and it really did dry in 60 seconds.

8 of 11

9 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hair-Thickening Conditioner

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook

THE PRODUCT Hair by Revitalash ($180; skinstore.com).
THE PROMISE Thicker, fuller, stronger hair after two weeks.
THE EXPERT SAYS "This foam works," says cosmetics chemist Ni'Kita Wilson, vice president of Cosmetech Laboratories. "When you use the product every day, you're building a film on your hair shaft that makes your hair look temporarily fuller."
WE SAY The foamy formula, with its subtle, appealing scent, was easy to apply. But we can't say our hair looked noticeably lusher or had more body.

9 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pedicure Power Tool

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook

THE PRODUCT Pedi Pistol, a long-handled motorized tool with five multitasking attachments ($20; walgreens.com).
THE PROMISE To sculpt, shape, smooth and shine feet and toenails-all without requiring you to bend over.
THE EXPERT SAYS "The wand is so long that you can lose control," explains N.Y.C. aesthetician Joanna Czech. "So be careful. You can damage your nail bed if you file too much."
WE SAY The length did make it awkward and hard to handle, and there were more attachments than we really knew what to do with. The best one was the brush, which buffed nails to perfection.

10 of 11

11 of 11

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Volumizing Treatment

Credit: Jeffrey Westbook
  • THE PRODUCT Kerastase Volumorphose, an in-salon hair treatment ($35; visit kerastase-usa.com for salon locations).
  • THE PROMISE Instant body and thickness that lasts a few days and prolongs a professional blowout.
  • THE EXPERT SAYS "This could potentially be very effective," says chemist Jim Hammer. "It has a molecule that bonds to the hair's surface, and when moisture is applied-whammo! The molecules link to form a three-dimensional polymer, which has thickening effects and promotes volume."
  • WE SAY Our hair definitely had more oomph, and the blowout lasted an extra day.

11 of 11

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Instyle

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 11 Lash-Growth Serum
2 of 11 Detox Shake
3 of 11 Home Laser Kit
4 of 11 Brow Pen
5 of 11 Long-Wearing Liquid Lipstick
6 of 11 Hair-Smoothing Treatment
7 of 11 Vibrating Lash Primer
8 of 11 Fast-Drying Polish
9 of 11 Hair-Thickening Conditioner
10 of 11 Pedicure Power Tool
11 of 11 Volumizing Treatment

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
InStyle InStyle

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Accolades Licensing
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
InStyle is part of the Meredith Beauty Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. InStyle may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com

View image

Do These Beauty Products Really Work?
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.