I Spent 2 Weeks Trying Celebrity Brands, and I Actually Now Reach For These 5

Welcome to I Tried It Month, where we'll be publishing a new fashion, beauty, or wellness article every week that features a first-person account of shaking up an old habit, pushing beyond a comfort zone, or simply trying something new. Follow along for four weeks of storytelling, including everything from trying new beauty treatments to copying the most risqué runway looks of the season. 

It's 2024, and although it may seem like we've hit the peak of celebrity brands, they just keep coming. Every time you think, "This is enough," a few more press releases make their way into the world. To a certain extent, each celebrity brand banks on hype and name recognition to secure initial buzz. But when you have standout successes like Rare Beauty and Skims, which have brought out trustworthy products regardless of the name attached, it makes sense for others to throw their cards on the table. While others may write them off completely, I can't help but be extremely nosy or, in better words, curious. If I had judged Skims off the bat, I never would have found the only bra I have ever bought in six different colors. 

After chatting with fellow editors and taking an in-depth scroll through the product reviews of TikTok, I embarked on the journey to spend my entire winter break testing out as many celebrity brands as I could get my hands on. Once I got past a few trial runs and settled into a routine, it was evident which products would be finding a place in my everyday life. Now, I can't help but reach for Lemme's sleep gummies when I'm in dire need of a full night's rest, and Frenshe's body spray stays in my purse at all times. Keep scrolling to see the celebrity-backed products I'd recommend to friends in the New Year. The results may surprise you. 

My Top Picks

The Celebrity: Kourtney Kardashian

My Review: After dealing with many nights staring at my bedroom ceiling, I had almost given up on trying to get good sleep and concluded that maybe I was just meant to be nocturnal. After all, my brain functions at lightning speed once the sun is down. After hearing fellow editor Aniyah Morinia (who, like me, also loves to lie awake until 3 a.m.) rave about them in her Deep Reviews, I was intrigued, but it wasn't until this past break that I decided to give the gummies a shot. Apologies if this makes me sound dramatic because I promise I don't throw this around often, but they changed my life. I've tried other melatonin options before, but this was by far the best experience. They tasted delicious and had me asleep before 11 p.m., and I didn't experience intense dreams like I have with other sleep supplements. I woke up the next morning feeling well-rested and didn't feel the need to sleep in to find some bliss. I haven't become a natural early bird, but waking up and following a morning routine has certainly become easier.

Shop the brand:

The Celebrity: Taraji P. Henson

My Review: I don't usually go to Twitter (now known as X) for beauty recommendations, but when I saw a thread raving about this scrub and claiming it was so strong that it felt like it "cleared their sinuses," I had to make a trip to my local Target. A dry and flaky scalp is an enemy I've dealt with for years, and I can't tell you how many shampoos, scrubs, and masks I've gone through. I had a good experience with head spa treatments, but they were a little too out of my budget for regular upkeep. By pairing this scrub with a moisturizing shampoo, I was able to find relief from the incredible itchiness I was used to. After a few uses, I was left with a refreshed and clean scalp.

Shop the brand:

The Celebrity: Gwyneth Paltrow

My Review: I've mostly given attention to Goop when the brand makes headlines for its latest buzzy wellness practices, but I have always been curious about the brand's beauty products. After reading the in-depth review of Goop's offering in The Atlantic, I wanted to try the all-in-one nourishing face cream first. I already mentioned I have a dry scalp, so you can already guess that I struggle with dry skin all over. (Winter is a tough time for me!) I've tried every moisturizer that's been recommended to me, and while I've found some hits, I was thoroughly impressed with Goop's cream. It almost felt like I was lathering fancy butter, but it immediately absorbed into my skin with a few rubs. Many moisturizers tend to feel great at first, and I've been tricked into purchasing some based on that initial impression. The real test is how it sits for the entire day, and I was pleased to see that my skin feels nourished, supple, and soft even hours later. 

Shop the brand:

The Celebrity: Ashley Tisdale

My Review: If you told me just last year that Sharpay Evans of High School Musical would be behind my new favorite scent, I wouldn't have believed you. I'll be honest—I was inclined to purchase this even before I knew it was attached to a celebrity name. After all, anything with "cashmere vanilla" attached to it is something that's going to catch my attention. I have perfumes that I love (Bubble Bath by Maison Margiela and Tangerine Boy by Phlur), but I like to have a more affordable scent in my purse for everyday use or travel. I can't speak for the other scents, but Cashmere Vanilla is cozy without being overly sweet. Vanilla scents can often give Victoria's Secret flashbacks, but this one combines it with a soft musk. I've already purchased the bodywash and have the body cream on my shopping list. 

Shop the brand:

The Celebrity: Hailey Bieber

My Review: Out of the Rhode selection, the lip treatment is worth all the hype the internet's given it. I currently have one in my work bag, in my weekend bag, and on my nightstand. If the tinted versions weren't sold out, I would've immediately purchased the entire set. It seems like there's a buzzy lip balm launching every week, but I'm still sold on Rhode's treatment being one of the best on the market right now. (A worthy contender is Topicals' Slick Salve.) Other lip balms I've tried tend to sit on my lips and feel thick but not hydrating or long-lasting. Rhode's easily glides onto your lips and creates a non-sticky, juicy layer that smooths over any lines or cracks thanks to lactic acid and vitamin E, which can minimize lines over time. The scent is my favorite part, and Watermelon Slice and Salted Caramel feel like dessert on your lips. It's also one of the only lip products I've found that feels equal parts nourishing and long-lasting.

Shop the brand: