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The Internet Made Me Buy It – 12 Honest Reviews

The internet giveth, and the internet taketh away (mostly, my money and my inability to make confident, independent decisions). One minute, I’m innocently scrolling my Instagram feed. The next, I’ve convinced myself that a snail-based serum is the one thing standing between me and glowing skin. Or that I need a new perfume that smells like summer. Or that my whole personality might actually hinge on owning the perfect water bottle. (It’s kind of terrifying to imagine how many things in our homes have been dictated by an algorithm. Don’t think about it too much.) 

But you know what the craziest part is? Sometimes the algorithm’s right! Sometimes, its recommendations are actually worth the hype. That said, I’ve also fallen for stuff that now lives in a drawer, untouched, collecting dust and/or guilt – my goal here is to help you avoid making those same mistakes.

So today’s post isn’t a haul or a guide. It’s a reckoning: a review of the viral things I bought because the Internet wouldn’t shut up about them. Think of it like a Link Up, but one that also tells you what not to buy. We’re considering this as a new series (I just bought some pillow covers that I will happily talk smack about, if given the option…), so let us know what you think! Shall we?

Sambas

honest reviews

I don’t know if “the internet” made me buy these so much as, uh, every single person walking the streets of LA. I’ve had my Sambas for over a year and they’re a great daily sneaker that have since been put through the ringer – we’re talking sandy beach walks in coastal Oregon; muddy, lush rainforests of Tropical North Queensland; weekly 8 mile treks through the flea market.

The good news: other than their scraped soles and creased toes, they essentially look new. They come in a ton of colors. They’re on-trend enough to wear with pretty much anything. The bad news: I find Sambas to be an absolute pain – both literally and metaphorically – to break in. WHERE WAS THE DISCOURSE ABOUT THIS? No one warned me!!! But the pain was worth it in the end, and you can take my perfectly molded Sambas from my cold, dead hands.

Verdict: The internet is right about these.

TikTok’s Favorite Water Bottle

Oh man. I WANT TO LOVE HER, I DO. I grabbed this kettlebell-shaped replacement last December after leaving my go-to bottle on the other side of the world. I loved its irreverent shape; I loved that it came in a rainbow of punchy hues (I sprung for the above, but it was a tough choice!); I loved the built-in handle. Yet I’ve rarely used this bottle over the past 9 months for one reason alone: I do not want to be responsible for the twist-off lid.

I’m a woman who forgot she was carrying a 40 oz. bottle. I was schlepping two and a half pounds of water, and I just left it somewhere. Why did I think I’d be responsible enough to care for a tiny cap? I’m supposed to keep track of this tiny item every time I take a sip? NOT HAPPENING, SISTER. I should have just gotten another ThermoFlask, TBH.

Verdict: It’s a high-quality water bottle for those who don’t suffer from crippling ADHD.

A Clare V. Bag

I am here to report – with great regret – that Clare V.’s bags are, tragically, worth the price tag. There are many imitators out there (I own and love this knockoff crossbody, for example), but nothing compares to the texture, drape, and ease of a Clare V. piece. The bags have this natural, cool-girl slouchiness that other leather producers can’t imitate.

I grabbed the Petit Moyen as a birthday gift to myself in 2022 – it was a fraught decision, but I thought it was a bit more timeless than some of her trendier pieces – and it’s a joy to wear. Clare V.’s bags aren’t cheap, but they do live up to their hype.

Verdict: They’re even better IRL, somehow. Why was I cursed with expensive taste?

Snail Mucin

If you’re into skincare, I have little doubt that you’re familiar with COSRX’s viral Snail Mucin. It’s heralded as a secret moisturizing weapon – a key pre-moisturizer step that soothes angry skin, improves texture, and locks in moisture. For a while, I believed the hype! And then, I pulled the Snail Mucin from my routine, and…nothing changed. It wasn’t doing anything.

I swapped the essence for a cheaper moisturizing rice milk (!!!) recommended by my local Korean beauty store. And it makes a huge difference – prepping my skin with a few pumps of his milk keeps my moisturizer locked in for 48 hours! Snail Mucin could never. (I can’t believe I fell for it.)

Verdict: Overhyped! There’s better Korean beauty out there. (But it is also pretty novel and fun, so no one will fault you for adding it to your rotation.)

Le Bon Shoppe Socks

Earlier this year, the EHD team took a trip to The Carly, a fabulous boutique rental property in Oregon’s wine country. One morning, while making breakfast in our sweats, I glanced down at our feet – we were all wearing these socks from Le Bon Shoppe.

If you’re not familiar, Le Bon Shoppe is an LA-based brand that’s taken the world by storm over the past two years. And it’s well-deserved, because these are the best fashion socks I’ve ever worn. (The best cozy socks are fleece-lined from Columbia, obviously. But I live in LA where it’s 80 degrees in October, so fashion socks it is!) ANYWAY – these are light, cheery, and they wash up like a dream. I’ll never go back.

Verdict: These are the only socks I’ve worn for a year. The internet was spot on.

Dieux Eye Serum

Here’s a nice story: In my early 20s, I went to a (straight and male) friend’s apartment to watch The Bachelor. During a commercial break, he looked at my baby crow’s lines and told me that I should start Botox. MY STRAIGHT MALE FRIEND SAID THAT TO ME. I didn’t even know men were looking that closely!!!! It gave me a complex, and I’ve been obsessed with eye cream ever since.

This Auracle gel takes “eye cream” to the next level. It’s deeply rich, moisturizing, and so smoothing that I’ve started using it on my marionette lines. It doesn’t ball up, and it keeps the area moisturized ALL DAY. Dieux is a (relatively) new brand that found its home with the TikTok crowd, so let this be a formal stamp of approval from someone who’s tried more eye creams than I can remember.

Verdict: It’s so good, I forget that I’m insecure!

Bondi Beach Dry Shampoo

If you’re an avid reader, you know where I fall on this beauty influencer-beloved dry shampoo. THE HYPE IS REAL, thankfully. I swear on my life: this dry shampoo totally transformed my fine, thin, grease-prone hair. I used to wash my hair daily – now I can go FIVE DAYS between washes. (To be fair, my scalp feels kind of icky by that point – having clean hair just feels good! – but you’d visually never be able to guess that my hair had gone so long sans-wash.)

I love this dry shampoo so much that I have stashes on both coasts. I buy two at a time. If I were an Egyptian king, this would be entombed with me. If they ever stop selling it, I will buy out every bottle on eBay. AND it smells like Rosemary, if you’re into that.

Verdict: Everyone else in this category should give up. Nothing can compare to Bondi Boost.

Birkenstock Big Buckle Sandals

The call is coming from inside the house, folks – even I am susceptible to Emily Henderson’s #emfluence. She’s been wearing these big buckle sandals for years, and she’s had nothing but good things to say…so naturally, when my mom offered to buy me a pair of Birks as a thank-you gift earlier this summer, these were the ones I picked.

WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?! They’re so comfortable. They’re SO cute. The arch support is a godsend. And they’re Birkenstocks, so you know they’ll last forever (I’m still wearing my 20-year-old Boston clogs from high school!). So let this be a lesson to you (and me): Emily knows quality footwear.

Verdict: It wasn’t so much “the internet” as “my boss,” but these were worth every penny.

Vacation Sunscreen Perfume

For two summers, the ads for Vacation’s sunscreen-scented perfume have followed me around the internet. They’re on TikTok. They’re on Instagram. They were even here, on the blog, as I tried to write blog posts. This year, I caved.

And OH MAN, IT’S A GOOD ONE. I typically prefer super fresh scents (my go-to was previously Clean’s Warm Cotton, for those who want to smell like fresh laundry), but there’s something complex, nostalgic, and fun here. I’ve recently been pairing a spritz with my Santal-scented deodorant (it’s natural and aluminum-free, to boot!) and have literally never gotten more compliments about smelling good.

Verdict: The internet is correct about this solely because of the ego boost it’s given me.

The Madewell Bandana

For years, I have tried to be the cool, effortless type of woman who can tie a bandana around her neck. Here’s the honest truth: I don’t have the build for it. When a bandana hits this neck, my huge dome and tiny chin are accentuated, and I look like some sort of thumb, or like the girl with the green ribbon, or like the friendly worm from Richard Scarry’s Busy Town.

All that to say: most of my Madewell bandanas are worn in my hair or tied around the strap of a bag. And honestly…I think they’re a little too expensive to justify that use case. (Cotton bandanas are about $15, silk about $69. Pricey, no?) Instead, I’d suggest sourcing your bandanas at your local estate sale or thrift store. (I’ve found Hermes scarves at estate sales for less than the price of one Madewell bandana – you never know!)

Verdict: They’re cute; I’ve had several for over a decade. But if you can find better pricing elsewhere, take it!

Starface Pimple Patches

Okay, okay. I don’t want to say that the internet is wrong about the Starface patches, per se, but I’d argue that they are highly overrated. (it could also be argued that I am about 20 years removed from the target demographic, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.)

I’m thrilled that Starface has normalized acne treatments; I love seeing confident teens who no longer feel held back by unexpected breakouts. But I’m going to be honest with you: these just don’t work as well as the COSRX version (which makes sense, seeing as COSRX invented the entire “zit patch” category). If building community is the goal, it’s nice to be in the in crowd sometimes! – Starface patches are great. But if you’re trying to clear a zit the night before a big event, turn to something with more history.

Verdict: These are not intended for 34-year-old women.

At the end of the day, I don’t know if the internet is making me a better shopper or just a more suggestible one with extremely moisturized under-eyes. But I suppose that’s part of the charm of being influenced by your algorithm – it’s about finding the gems, making peace with the flops, and telling yourself that next time you won’t be seduced by good branding and one million glowing reviews. (You will. I will. It’s fine.)

And now, I need to ask: Have you tried any of these? Did you like this format? Will you give me free rein to write a home decor version of this so I can talk smack on those pillow covers? LET’S CHAT. See you in the comments… xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: My Current Favorite Lightweight Trousers On My Body

Fin
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Kles
19 days ago

Let’s hear about those pillow covers!

Nicole
19 days ago

A straight male is literally the MOST likely person to comment negatively on a woman’s appearance. I’m sorry that happened to you!!

Louisa
18 days ago
Reply to  Nicole

Ditto — I was hoping this entry was going to talk about how you found a new straight male friend online as opposed to finding your way to a botox adjacent wrinkle cream! 🙂

Dani
19 days ago

I’ve never bought (or even seen ads for!) any of these, but I thoroughly enjoyed this post. Yes to the home decor version!

Kimberly
19 days ago

LOVE this- fun and informative. Perfect easy, breezy writing. Please keep them coming.

Jessica
19 days ago

Added that dry shampoo to cart so fast! My hair is the same as yours, getting worse postpartum and with age! Excited to try this new to me product! Have you found any shampoo/conditioners you love as much as this dry shampoo?

Lindy
19 days ago
Reply to  Jessica

I wanted to add on to this, I think one of you a while ago asks if a Mason Pearson brush was worth the hype. I had just gotten mine and didn’t feel ready to give a review. After several months of brushing my hair with it every day, I can definitely say it has drastically cut down my hairs oil production (or maybe it is distributing it). I go 3-4 full days with no dry shampoo, it’s a miracle! And somehow my hair has more volume after brushing with it. It took me at least a month to see results. It is so dry in Colorado I just feel it left my hair staticky. I read online about it and the static is normal at first until the boar bristle absorb your hairs oils and get “seasoned”. I highly recommend. I have the kid’s version as it’s recommended for fine hair. For what I want it for (nightly brushing, I leave it by my bedside table) it’s great. If it was my daily styling brush I would want bigger. I also use it after a fresh blow dry to make all those tiny hairs lay down. Magic!

Eve Birge
18 days ago

OMG! Okay, you both have me sold now! IT ME! I have fine hair, thinning due to The Pause, but it’s curly and frizzy some of the time (when I don’t have the $$$ to get the Brazilian Straitening done in LA!) and like hearing these results! I’m going to ask for the kids brush for X-Mas too!

Melody
19 days ago

Eeep! Clearly we get the same ads – I’ve tried at least half of these. Gave up on my Sambas – was not worth the break in time and I had a very different Clare V experience. I waited patiently for the green woven Moyen to come back in stock and once it arrived I was beyond disappointed. The colour was uneven and while it was okay to me it did not look like an $800 (Aussie dollar) bag. BUT customer service were delightful and it was super easy to send back from the other side of the world!

Eve Birge
18 days ago
Reply to  Melody

So sad that was your experience with Clare V! She is my FAVORITE bag designer. I’m a tad obsessed with them TBH. LOL I have I think 4 of her bags now and many straps and love them all! I highly rec the Granny Fanny bags to all on here, esp with the expended straps they now offer! I would say that was a blip and not that common for her bag quality.

Becky
19 days ago

Love this!

Jessie James
19 days ago

This was a great read. Thank you.

Allana
19 days ago

I loved this post! I am hoping someone has tried the Dr Malacen peel shot and has reviews

Denis
19 days ago

Fun!

Eileen
19 days ago

Love this so much!!! Please keep doing it!!!

Heidi
19 days ago

I enjoyed this post! Jones Road beauty with Bobbi Brown is constantly in my feed, but I haven’t tried it. I would love a post a home items too.

TL
19 days ago
Reply to  Heidi

I used to love Bobbi Brown cosmetics and got their cream blush rec from a favorite blogger but for me, it’s a big miss. It goes on fine but fades away almost immediately as if I never used it. I’ve honestly had cheaper blush sticks that looked the same and lasted longer.

Julie
18 days ago
Reply to  Heidi

I fell for the Jones Road hype a couple years ago. I love Bobbio Brown makeup and have several repeat buys from that line. I love the JR aesthetic and marketing schpeal. But the products largely didn’t work well for me. Lipgloss is oily and doesn’t stick. Shimmery eyeshadows have fallout. Bronzer was okay but doesn’t last.

Eve Birge
18 days ago
Reply to  Julie

I too fell for the Jones Road hype and got those heavy creme set in the little jars. It’s a really odd product and feels like you have a heavy oil slick on your face. UGH>

Eve Birge
18 days ago
Reply to  Julie

They were the Miracle Balms. I don’t use them at all. I tried many times, but no. I also second that the lip oil balm sucks.

michelle
18 days ago
Reply to  Heidi

I got a ton of those ads too, so I tried the Jones Road stuff and generally like it. The Miracle Balm definitely has a learning curve and takes some getting used to. The one Jones Road product to skip (IMO) is the mascara. Kinda clumpy and not worth the price tag.

Jen
18 days ago
Reply to  Heidi

I gave Jones Road a try and mostly like it– but I am in their target demographic- women over 45 who don’t wear much makeup. The Wirecutter has a good review of it that describes this well.

Sally
19 days ago

Great roundup! I was interested enough to investigate further about the water bottle – just in case you hadn’t really absorbed it (you may have, but still hate it, but just in case)you’re supposed to store the lid on the little protruding parking tab on the handle!b

Breanna
19 days ago

Loved this post, even though I’ve never seen ads for any of these items, I’m very interested in that dry shampoo! Thanking for sharing!! I please tell us about the pillow covers!!

JenPNW
19 days ago

I’ve never tried Le Bon Shoppe socks but had to chime in that Bombas quarter socks are my go-to. They are so comfortable all day and have a lot of different styles to choose from. I have the ribbed varsity stripe which is similar to the one shown in the post but also several with satin ribbon and lettuce ruffle edging. I throw them in the delicate cold cycle and hang dry and they remain perfect. I don’t work for them, just a huge fan of their product and brand!

Eve Birge
18 days ago

I like them too, but I think they are over-priced tbh.

Jessamyn
18 days ago
Reply to  JenPNW

Also: they really put their money where their mouth is on donating socks- I kind of assumed it was just greenwashing (good-will-washing)? but when I volunteered at a local soup kitchen they had cases of brand new Bombas socks to hand out to folks, along with their meal.

SL
18 days ago
Reply to  JenPNW

I’ve tired to love Bombas so many times. I just don’t like them. What am I ordering wrong?

Mandy
18 days ago
Reply to  SL

Yes, SL. They make my feet feel like they are being suffocated. Yes, I am a 40 year old woman. I do love Le Bon socks though.

dj
19 days ago

I love this! I have on more than one occasion found something in your reviews that REALLY works for me (Psst: Em’s New Balance 327s), and I still haven’t fully dialed in my skincare and haircare routines, which is to say, Mama still needs direction, so BRING IT, y’all. xo

Pamela T
18 days ago

I thoroughly enjoyed this review style and vote for more, so yes, please on home decor! Been curious about Sambas, but haven’t purchased before, so the info on the break in was highly useful. Can’t wait to hear about those pillow covers.

ELW
18 days ago

Making this a series is a GREAT idea! Love your voice and take on things, Caitlin. So helpful to hear honest reviews for ubiquitous stuff. And yes please do home decor!

Sheila
18 days ago

What a great format! I love being introduced to interesting and popular items with that bit of suspense as I learn whether they were wins or passes depending on your personal taste/needs etc. I’m often motivated to try something by a less than positive review so I don’t assume your passes are necessarily a bad thing. When someone in my cooking group says the lemon was overpowering- I’m making that recipe!

Kristin
18 days ago

Yes please continue! I loved this!

michelle
18 days ago

Completely agree about the big buckle Birkenstocks. I treated myself to a pair (in sage) for my birthday last spring and LOVE them My only regret is that I waited to so long to buy them.

One internet made me buy it product I also love? Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. My skin is clearer and softer. Kicking myself that I waited so long to try it!

Eve Birge
18 days ago
Reply to  michelle

Good to hear, I have been wanting to try PC BHA Liquid Exfoliant too! I just have to get the sensitive one I think ! Question for Michelle and Caitlin: But do the ones with the colored insoles get slippery from foot sweat or no? Have heard mixed reviews. I have only tried and loved the cork insole ones. Although I have to say I with they would tell you to seal the dang cork before you wear them as they crack if you don’t. Lived and learned. lol

michelle
17 days ago
Reply to  Eve Birge

I can’t speak to how the colored insoles affect wear as the ones I have the cork insole. Thanks for the tip about sealing the cork!

Megan
18 days ago

Okay hear me out on the snail mucin. This is a holy grail product for repairing damaged skin. Picked at a zit and your skin is angry af? Put this stuff on it several times a day and you’ll be shocked at how quickly it heals! It’s like magic. I only use this when I’ve angered my moisture barrier (e.g. overused retinol, over-exfoliated) or am trying to heal/prevent scarring. I will forever have it to serve that purpose alone.

Cat
17 days ago
Reply to  Megan

Another vote for snail mucin!! the one you linked specifically is the ONLY thing that keeps my eyebrows from flaking in the fall-winter. It’s great as part of a routine, but definitely not a holy grail like social media leads you to believe.

Stacia
18 days ago

“If I were an Egyptian king…”!!!😂😂😂
I had no luck with the Starface patches either. My derm suggested drug store salicylic acid gel and that has worked like a dream for me.

Eve Birge
18 days ago

Caitlin-YES, please keep doing these posts! I love it!

Susan Wilson
18 days ago

Love the tips and knowledge that I’m not the only person who has spent tons of money being influenced to spend money on products that aren’t worth the hype.

Hilary
18 days ago

Oh my gosh please make this a series! I feel like every influencer is sharing the same stuff, so I’m increasingly skeptical of anything popular these days. Saving that dieux eye cream to my wishlist as well as the Clare V bag!

Jessie
18 days ago

For anyone who loves the look of Sambas but isn’t willing to go through the break in period, I highly recommend Adidas Grand Courts. I have slightly narrow feet with high arches and I find 2 things about almost every cute fashion sneaker – 1) they have no arch support and 2) they are all SO narrow? Like too narrow even for me?? The Grand Courts do not have either of these problems and have lasted me years before I rebuy to have a fresh white pair.

Erin Dae
17 days ago

Caitlin, I always love your posts! I think this is a GREAT idea for a recurring series.

Lynne
16 days ago

Darn Tough socks are all I wear.

MD
16 days ago

Agree 100% on ClareV – great quality purse @ and reasonable price AND you can switch out the straps!

Cici Haus
15 days ago

Love this! My local mom’s FB group has done a similar post and it’s so helpful!

15 days ago

Love this Would love more, please! So helpful.

It looks like there was meant to be a link in the info about the Clare V bag, regarding the knock off? I don’t actually want to buy the knock off, lol, but I know someone who I *think has it and I’m wondering if it’s the same one you are talking about, Caitlin. She’s really happy with it, but when I saw it, I was kind of unimpressed. I have been wanting a Clare V for a while but then got worried I might end up spending way more for one (Canadian here so it ends up being $$$) and then being disappointed with it if it’s not really any better than the knock off. Is it the Quince one?? If I can get reassurance that it’s definitely better than that I am keeping the Clare V on my want list!

I feel like we are getting bombarded on the regular and it’s so hard to decipher what is actually worth it. Please do more of these posts!

Kaiulani
14 days ago

Fun article. Miss your series when you were house hunting.

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