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Targeted Ad Products I've Tested (So You Don't Have to)

Woman Getting Haircut emoji 14 items
I’m easily tempted by targeted ads for beauty & healthcare products that make big promises (and often come with big price tags). This list is a roundup of the products I’ve personally tested with transparent feedback on benefits and whether they'...
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Beauty and Healthcare Devices

Tools my algorithm won’t stop pushing (and maybe yours too). These are the splurge-y, buzzworthy devices I actually tested to see what’s worth the hype.

 
Katie Nelson profile picture
Red and near-infrared light therapy is clinically shown to support collagen production, improve texture, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. I specifically went with the men’s version because it’s calibrated with a stronger near-infrared ...
Omnilux Red Light Therapy Mask
 
Katie Nelson profile picture
Biotyspa says this Body Sculpting Cup is designed to replicate a “palpate and roll” massage using gentle suction to support lymphatic drainage and circulation. They claim it can improve the appearance of skin texture and reduce the look of cellulite ... 

I've used it for a few months now and enjoy the therapeutic effects when I'm in the shower. The first couple uses were actually a bit uncomfortable, which led me to believe maybe it was moving fluid around. I will say I can see a difference, particul... 

The cup is made from medical-grade silicone and is designed to glide easily over the skin. Worth it? Yes, if even for the therapeutic effect I mentioned, but I imagine you can find cheaper and just as effective versions elsewhere.
Biotyspa Body Sculpting Cup for Cellulite, Lymphatic Drainage
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Katie Nelson profile picture
Admittedly this is my first electronic toothbrush. It's also my first water flosser! As I was getting deep into dental hygiene research (as one does), the idea of this two-in-one combo sparked my interest. 

My teeth feel so clean every time I use this, and it's oddly satisfying seeing the flosser flush out all the little specks the brush missed. I'd say this is a great purchase if you're new (like me) to non-analog modes of dental hygiene and want a com...
Soocas NEOS II Ultra Toothbrush | 3-in-1: Floss, Vibrate & Oscillate
 
Katie Nelson profile picture
I purchased this before I finally caved in and bought a Red Light Therapy Mask. 

This handheld device delivers a pretty strong vibration and I love using it when I'm looking puffy in the face. I can see a difference before and after use, particuarly around the jawline. I think the results are similar to what you could get with a ... 

I'm not sure how beneficial the red light on this device is, seeing as it's so small and penetrates the skin so fleetingly, but I love the warming, therapeutic effect it adds. I always bring this with my when I travel because it's so compact.
Solawave 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Wand
 
Katie Nelson profile picture
This all-in-one styler makes my everyday hair routine easy. It dries and styles at the same time without extreme heat, so my hair feels healthier and looks polished with very little effort. 

I particularly like the smoothing tool to tame my flyaways and the round-brush attachment for a fresh-out-the-salon blowout look. There are definitely cheaper brands out there that probably deliver similar results (I just haven’t tested them yet). I'...
Dyson Airwrap™ multi-styler and dryer
 
Katie Nelson profile picture
I bought the Dr. Pen DermaStamp (not pictured but available on the site) after being influenced on Instagram for hair growth. The standout feature is the adjustable needle dial, so you can customize depth depending on whether you’re targeting your ha... 

I stopped using it for hair growth purposes (got lazy) but still occasionally use it at a less aggressive setting for at-home microneedling to help with product absorption. (I've done this for years with various devices and love it!)

In general, reviews on at-home microneedling are mixed. Some users on beauty forums swear by it for hair growth and skin texture, others say results depend heavily on technique and consistency. Overall, it’s a solid, customizable, and not-too-expensi...
Dr. Pen: DermaStamp
 
Katie Nelson profile picture
I had to add this because I saw so many videos of people using it on social media and was so excited to try it and see satisfying results. Sadly, this did nothing. I ended up throwing it away.
Dandruff Comb

Beauty + Health Subscriptions and Prescriptions

The recurring charges social media swears will change your life. I tested the auto-ship, monthly “cancel anytime” promises to see which ones are genuinely worth committing to.

 
Katie Nelson profile picture
I first got pulled in by the long, scientific‑sounding Instagram ads featuring Maggie Q. They hook you with bulk deals and a whole lineup of products promising everything from glowing skin to age‑defying benefits. 

I gave these supplements a solid few months of use, and I might have noticed a slight improvement and extra glow in my skin, but it was subtle. All in all, the results didn’t feel dramatically different from what I’ve seen with much cheaper, vegan co...
Essential Skin Food - Anti-Aging Collagen Supplement
 
Katie Nelson profile picture
These supplements are marketed as a science‑backed solution for hair growth. I took them for around 5 months and didn't notice much of a difference when I was experiencing shedding/density loss. 

I believe these can help people who are genuinely nutrient‑deficient, especially postpartum moms or anyone low in things like biotin, iron, or other hair‑health nutrients (something you can confirm with a blood test). 

What made the biggest difference for me was scalp care and increasing my protein intake, which had a more noticeable impact on hair growth and density, but of course it will vary from person to person and depend on what is causing the hair loss.
Nutrafol Hair Growth Supplements
 
Katie Nelson profile picture
I know I'm not the only one getting bombarded with trendy telehealth services that offer prescriptions straight through our screens. I chose Strut Health’s prescription service because, at the time, it was one of the few platforms offering a formula ... 

I was dealing with regular flareups (rosacea subtype 2), and this prescription (a blend of Azelaic Acid, Oxymetazoline, Metronidazole, and Ivermectin) actually stopped the outbreaks completely. 

If you struggle to get into a doctor or have trouble convincing them to prescribe something targeted, this was a reliable alternative. It’s a bit pricier than traditional care, but for short‑term use and ease of access, I definitely recommend it.
Strut Health Easy Prescriptions
 
Katie Nelson profile picture
I used this subscription for a year to quit vaping (gross, I know), and it really helped me stick to a tapering plan. The lozenge formula itself isn’t different from cheaper brands, but the complementary app and guidance on how to gradually lower dos...
Jones Nicotine Mint Lozenge
 
Katie Nelson profile picture
I used HelloFresh for a couple of years during COVID, and it genuinely helped me pick up cooking tips and tricks that I still use now in the kitchen. As a pescatarian, I eventually unsubscribed when I found myself ordering the same meals repeatedly, ...
HelloFresh Meal Subscription
 
Katie Nelson profile picture
Pre-made meals that are easy to heat up or eat on the go, making healthy eating super easy. I appreciated the variety of vegetarian and pescatarian options, and the food genuinely tasted great, which was honestly surprising for the price. Perfect for...
CookUnity Meal Subscription
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Katie Nelson profile picture
When I used this monthly subscription box a few years ago, it was packed with well-known, quality makeup brands, and the products combined definitely retailed for more than the box cost. 

I discovered multiple favorites here (like the eyeliner and mascara featured in my Soft-Focus Skin list) that became staples in my routine. I liked that it leaned more toward makeup than skincare, since I have pretty sensitive skin. 

I eventually unsubscribed because I was accumulating more products than I could use, but it’s perfect for discovering gems or giving extras as gifts.
Allure Beauty Box