In a world where beauty trends and product launches happen faster than we can keep up, it's easy to feel like we need a drawer full of makeup products to achieve a complete look. However, not all of these products are truly essential. Many are just clever marketing spins that add more clutter to your makeup bag than value to your routine.

Here’s a look at some products you might consider skipping.

Lip Scrubs

Lip scrubs are often marketed as the secret to soft, smooth lips. While exfoliating dead skin from your lips can help your lipstick go on smoother, you don’t actually need a specialized scrub for this.

  • A simple DIY scrub made from sugar and a bit of honey or olive oil works just as well, if not better.
  • Alternatively, gently brushing your lips with a toothbrush or a damp washcloth does the trick and costs nothing extra.
  • Considering you’re paying for little more than flavored sugar with these products, they’re likely a waste of money.

Pore-Filling Primers

Primer is often sold as a must-have product for a flawless finish, especially pore-filling primers that claim to give you that glass-skin look. However, unless you have particularly oily skin or wear heavy makeup for long hours, a basic moisturizer can often do the job of prepping your skin for foundation.

Many primers contain silicone, which temporarily fills in pores but doesn’t have any long-term benefits for skin health and can even cause breakouts if you’re sensitive. For most people, a good moisturizer or a lightweight SPF does the trick without the extra expense.

Setting Spray

Setting sprays are touted as the final step to lock in your makeup and prevent fading or smudging throughout the day. While they can be useful in certain conditions—like a long outdoor event or a photoshoot—they’re largely unnecessary for day-to-day wear.

  • Most people don’t notice a huge difference with or without setting spray, especially if they use quality products.
  • A spritz of facial mist or rose water can add a similar dewy finish if that's the goal, without the chemicals or the price tag.

Glitter Highlighter

Highlighter has taken the makeup world by storm, with every brand releasing shimmering powders, liquids, and creams in various shades. Glitter highlighters, however, are more about the sparkle than creating a natural, glowing look. For everyday makeup, glitter can come off as over-the-top, and it tends to sit on top of the skin rather than blending in naturally. If you enjoy a subtle glow, a soft, pearl-finish highlighter will likely give you a more sophisticated result than chunky glitter, which can end up looking uneven and messy.

Color Correcting Palettes

Color correcting palettes are often marketed as a must-have tool to even out skin tone by neutralizing redness, dark spots, or under-eye circles with shades like green, orange, and purple. While they can be effective for specific skin concerns, they’re generally unnecessary for the average person.

A good concealer and foundation often provide sufficient coverage. Color correctors can require blending skills and knowledge about color theory, so if you’re not dealing with pronounced discoloration, it’s best to keep it simple.

Brow Gel and Brow Mascara

While shaped and groomed brows are a popular look, you don’t need a separate brow gel or brow mascara to achieve it. These products essentially perform the same function: keeping brows in place.

  • If you already have a spoolie brush and hairspray, you can easily brush your brows into shape with those.
  • For those who like a more polished brow look, a pencil or powder usually does the job and provides a bit more control.

Eye Creams

Eye creams are marketed as specialized solutions for the delicate skin around the eyes, promising to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.

However, they’re often just repackaged versions of moisturizers, sometimes at twice the price. Unless you have specific concerns that an eye cream targets, your regular facial moisturizer usually provides all the hydration your eye area needs.

If you do want to treat issues like puffiness, look for ingredients like caffeine, but know that these effects are usually temporary.

The beauty industry thrives on selling you the idea of “more.” While it’s fun to experiment with makeup and skincare products, knowing what’s essential and what’s marketing hype can save you money and space in your bathroom.