In 2017, Instagram reported those under the age of 25 spent more than 32 minutes a day surfing Instagram, while those over the age of 25 spent more than 24 minutes per day. And what with new features, filters, and other guilty pleasures added to the app on what seems like an almost daily basis, we'd surmise those engagement times have greatly increased. I know mine have.
In fact, perusing my feed has actually become one of my favorite methods of beauty and health research. Like it or not, influencers are taking over the internet, and whether or not you agree (don't worry—we do understand the fatigue), it's a great way to bring an influx of newness to the top of your feed, putting products you otherwise might never have discovered at your fingertips. Not to mention an ever-increasing number of celebrities and industry experts (like our fave hairstylists, makeup artists, and estheticians) are also cultivating their unique social media presence and sharing more of what they love—great for our beauty-loving, product-hoarding selves, and not so great for our bank accounts.
I've been doing a lot of creeping lately (again, I prefer to call it research) and have composed a crème-de-la-crème list of 15 beauty and health products I probably would never have discovered—or at least not until much much later—if it hadn't been for the good old 'gram. Some I discovered years ago. Some I only discovered last week. But regardless, I'm infatuated all the same. From the best lip liner ever (in my opinion) to the super-random thing that puts me to bed like a baby, keep scrolling for 15 of the best products on Instagram, according to a self-professed scrolling addict.
ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set
After a few of my favorite health and wellness bloggers started posting about and touting the benefits of these torture-device-looking mats, I was intrigued. They are modeled (somewhat) similarly after the benefits of acupuncture, which is known to help with complete relaxation, muscle tension, the natural release of endorphins, and healthier, deeper sleep. Some beds run pretty steeply price-wise, so I was thrilled when I found this one on Amazon. I lie on it topless before bed every night for 10 to 30 minutes, and I have noticed a significant difference in my sleep quality and anxiety.
Collosol Eau de Lait
Ah, meet the only makeup remover I've ever truly loved. It's skin-changing, chic, Parisian-born, and I'm obsessed. Our meeting was fate, as I had just seen one of my favorite bloggers raving about the elixir when the very next week my mailbox was magically graced with a bottle. The milky, miraculous concoction of castor oil, water, and other luscious ingredients expertly swipes away makeup with little to no rubbing, and skin is left cleansed, soothed, and glowing post–makeup removal. (So much better than blotchy, red, and angry—my previous predicament with most other formulas.)
Alya Skin Pink Clay Mask
Masks are my favorite category of skincare, hands down. So when Alya Skin offered to send me its millennial pink clay mask to try, I of course acquiesced. It's a little heavier and more hydrating than my combination skin needs in the summertime, but come the dry, cooler temperatures of fall and winter, I know my skin will be thankful for the strategic concoction of kaolin and bentonite clays, witch hazel, aloe vera, lactic acid, and much more. Plus, the pretty pink color is just really, really Instagrammable. Fitting, no?
Quip Copper Metal Electric Toothbrush
I'm going to be honest here. I haven't loved the majority of electric toothbrushes I've tried. And worse, considering how expensive they are, I haven't even noticed a difference. Eek. But this one, this one I love. It's basically your good ol' manual toothbrush but just ever so slightly elevated with strategic, interval vibrations and a super aesthetically pleasing design. Created with a strict no-BS approach, it's everything your mouth wants and needs and nothing it doesn't. Plus, there's even an optional automated refill option where the brand will send you new brush heads. Plus, it's so much more affordable than other electric toothbrush options on the market.
Bulletproof Vanilla Shortbread Collagen Protein Bar (12 Pack)
I've been enticed and obsessed with everything Bulletproof ever since my favorite nutritionists and wellness bloggers began posting about the brand on Instagram. I would gladly buy out its entire stock, and as proof, if you looked in my fridge and cabinets, you'd see bottles, packets, bags, and tubs of its cold brew, brain octane oil, ground coffee, vanilla collagen protein powder (the best!), vanilla max, cacao butter, and cacao powder. Oh, and these epically delicious bars.
They never fail to soothe my sweet tooth but keep me energized and satiated thanks to quality ingredients like organic cashew butter, grass-fed collagen protein, chicory root fiber, a strategic mix of MCT oils, vanilla, sea salt, and stevia.
Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque
Funny enough, I'd actually seen Coco & Eve's tropical-inspired hair mask all over Instagram for weeks before I finally gave in and tried it. Initially skeptical, I went into my first application with low expectations, but I was completely taken aback—though, in a very pleasant way—with the results. First of all, it smells amazing, like the tropical vacation you've been debating booking. Secondly, it delivers copious amounts of shine and moisture. But again, not in a way that leaves my hair feeling greasy or weighed down.
Any mask with heavy oils, like coconut, can remain in hair if you do not rise it out thoroughly.
Moon Juice Pearl Extract Powder
Rich in calcium and antioxidants, pearl powder is said to have many benefits when it comes to hair, skin, and nail health. (Although, like many non-Western wellness remedies, there isn't a ton of legitimate research to back the claim.) Skeptically, I began putting a half-teaspoon into my morning smoothie or cold brew concoction (which I usually blend with some kind of nut milk, cinnamon, and two scoops of collagen peptides), and my skin has seemed smoother, softer, and more radiant since. I originally saw the pearl powder touted by nutritionists and influencers on the 'gram, but I have to say, I'm now 100% sold on the stuff. Plus, I'm not above just feeling chic when I tell people I take pearl powder each morning. It's the little things in life.
Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Women
I have a historically bad track record when it comes to taking vitamins—especially multivitamins. These ones don't smell, they don't irritate my stomach, and I appreciate how thoughtfully they're designed with women's needs specifically in mind. I've been taking two per day (usually at night right before I go to bed since I keep them on my nightstand), ever since I discovered them via Instagram. I love them, and if my eyes don't deceive me, my hair, skin, and nail health has taken a turn for the better since they've become my nightcap of choice.
Hourglass Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner in Canvas
If you saw my high school yearbook, you'd never guess I would mature into someone who despises nude lipstick. (Prepare yourself: I used to use my Clé de Peau Concealer as lipstick. And yes, I have regrets.) However, after years of seeking a formula that would convince me that I could, in fact, like a nude lip, I found this lovely liner from Hourglass. (By way of one of my favorite Bachelor alums who's beauty aesthetic I have to admit that I admire.)
It's super creamy (there's nothing worse than a crusty nude lip IMO), wears durably, and delivers the perfect my-lips-but-better finish. Plus, there's a brush on the opposite end, which makes blending a snap. I'll use it as a liner (I find it works with a lot of colors), and I'll also use it on my entire lip.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
I would just like to say that I was taking collagen before it was cool, and this OG from Vital Proteins is still one of my absolute favorite health supplements of all time (even though the brand now has tons of other fun products as well). Again, a few of my favorite bloggers and nutritionists began talking about Vital Proteins, and since the purported benefits aligned with some of my health goals, I decided to purchase a tub. The rest is history, and I've been taking it ever since (usually blended with smoothies or my morning cold brew with almond milk).
Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub
After seeing how flattering this looked on one of my favorite Instagrammers (plus noting how ingenious it sounded!), I knew I had to give it a try. Spoiler: It did not disappoint, and I've had it with me almost every second this summer, as it's the time of year when my lips typically transform into a flaky, drab, dehydrated mess. I don't really like traditional lip scrubs since they just feel messy, icky, and laborious to me, so the fact that this stick exfoliates and moisturizes in on easy swipe earned it major brownie points. (In case you're curious, it features fine granules of sugar that melt into the skin for an extra hit of softness and gloss.)
GlamGlow GravityMud Firming Treatment
Confused about what you're looking at? Well, it's the limited-edition pink version of GlamGlow's beloved GravityMud Firming Treatment Mask ($21). I first discovered the original silver iteration on my feed thanks to countless silver, alienesque selfies. And while the mask's super-fun appearance could read "gimmick," it's not. I'm completely convinced it does, in fact, improve the firmness and overall look of my complexion post-wash-off.
Hum Nutrition Flatter Me Digestive Enzyme Supplement
There was a period of a few months or so recently when I wasn't really feeling like myself. My digestive system was out of whack, and I was experiencing terrible bloating, which was doing a number on my self-esteem. So it was like a sign from the heavens when I came across this particular supplement from Hum Nutrition on Instagram. I already swear by its hair and skin gummies, and I trust the brand's integrity when it comes to quality.
In addition to taking two of these capsules a day (you take one before a meal of your choosing), I upped my water intake and got back to a diet I know my body loves best, and my problems have pretty much vanished. And yes, as the product name suggests, my stomach is feeling much flatter. Essentially, each supplement contains 18 full-spectrum digestive enzymes that are meant to help your body more efficiently break down the protein, fats, and carbohydrates you're eating, according to the brand. I'm hooked.
Methodology Food Delivery
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Ah, so back to what I was just saying about not really feeling like myself. In an effort to heal my hormones and get back to the clean and healthy diet I've always been used to, I've become reliant on a few different food services which have made the process delicious and easy amid my super-busy lifestyle. I've been a fan of meal delivery for a while now (but only the organic, super-high-quality kind), and for me, they're 110% worth the investment. Yes, they can be spendy, but I've found I ultimately spend less on groceries, Postmates, hangry snacks, etc., when quality food is there and ready for me.
Methodology is a newer discovery, and I owe it all to my Instagram feed. (I mean, wouldn't you click on that pretty plate of food too?) It's ultra-customizable (you can get everything from meals to mix-and-match mains and sides to desserts and pizza kits), and it's steeped in nutrient-rich, non-processed goodness, which I've absolutely come to love. I'll continue to experiment, but I typically stick to getting its breakfasts and lunches/dinners (you can eat them as either) delivered to my door every Monday and Thursday morning.
PMD Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device
Just when I thought I'd sworn off cleansing devices for good, I saw (and soon thereafter was sent) this cute, slightly peculiar-looking beauty gadget from PMD. According to the brand, it's strategically designed to prevent loss of firmness and elasticity, and it features SonicGlow technology which they say grants 7000 vibrations per minute to deep-clean, tone, lift, and firm your face. I've only been using the device for a few weeks—it's water-resistant so I simply keep it perched in my shower—but I have noticed a bit of a difference in my glow, and if nothing else, it feels like a lovely massage each and every time I turn it on.