I tested 6 popular makeup products for 2 weeks in real life; here’s what’s worth it (and what’s not)

1. Strobe cream

I’m someone who doesn’t really enjoy long makeup routines—5–6 steps already feel like too much effort. So for people like me, a strobe cream is honestly a total lifesaver. If you’re new to it, think of it as a 3-in-1 product: moisturizer, primer, and highlighter all rolled into one. It gives you that quick glow without layering multiple products.

I tried Renee Cosmetics Yours Truly Strobe Cream in three shades: Pink, Gold, and Rose Gold. And honestly, it made my routine so much easier. I barely needed anything else on top of it. I wore it everywhere over the week, from dinner outings and shopping runs to long travel days, and it held up pretty well.

The texture is hydrating and gives the skin a soft, healthy glow that works perfectly for that “no-makeup makeup” look. It also feels lightweight and comfortable, so it doesn’t sit heavy on the skin.

That said, the formula is quite runny, so you need to be a little careful while using it, I’ve almost spilled it more than once while getting ready.

One downside: if you have oily skin, especially in humid weather, it can start looking a bit greasy after a few hours.

When I picked up Renee Cosmetics Bollywood Filter Blurring Setting Spray in that pretty baby pink bottle, I was genuinely excited to try it. It claims to literally blur your skin and give that Bollywood-like finish. So, when I had a wedding function lined up (a full day affair from day to night), I felt it was the perfect opportunity to test it out.

I sprayed an ample amount after finishing my makeup, and the mist felt super lightweight with almost no fragrance. It does help blur pores slightly and gives that smooth, matte-but-not-flat finish. It also feels very light on the skin—no heaviness or tightness at all.

But you do need a couple of sprays to get even coverage. It does help your makeup stay intact through the day, especially if you have normal to combination skin.

That said, it won’t completely blur texture like a real filter, think more of a soft glow and mild smoothing effect. It’s good, but not magical.

Perfume for hair? I honestly didn’t think that would ever make it into my vanity, but here we are. As someone who’s a full-time perfume lover, I was actually excited to try something made specifically for hair for a change.

Renee Cosmetics Caramel Crush Hair Perfume comes in a caramel-toned bottle, and the name pretty much tells you what to expect. The fragrance is sweet, warm, and creamy with notes of vanilla, jasmine, heliotrope, and caramel, very dessert-like.

It also contains Niacinamide and Provitamin B5, and is designed to deodorise hair while leaving behind a light fragrance. The texture is lightweight, non-greasy, and non-drying, so it doesn’t weigh your hair down or make it sticky. It instantly refreshes the hair and adds a soft, scented feel that lasts for a decent amount of time.

That said, the scent is quite sweet and strong, so if you prefer fresh, subtle, or citrusy fragrances, this might feel a bit overpowering after a while.

Price: ₹550

Final verdict: A feel-good hair mist for fragrance lovers who enjoy sweet, warm scents, but not ideal if you like your perfumes light.

4. Matte lip liner

Renee Cosmetics Curve Matte Lip Liner comes in 5 shades, and I tried Cocoa Bliss, Cherry Pop, and Mocha Drizzle. The shades are pretty versatile, you can easily wear them to work or even for a party look.

The packaging is super cute and compact, so it easily fits into a small pouch (very travel-friendly). The pencil is nicely pigmented and glides on smoothly, so application is pretty fuss-free.

But honestly, the formula feels a bit dry on the lips if you wear it alone. It definitely works better when you top it up with a gloss, which gives a much nicer and more comfortable finish. In terms of staying power, it holds up decently through the day, but you might need a quick touch-up after meals.

Price: ₹299

Final verdict: A budget-friendly, easy-to-use lip liner with great shade options, just pair it with gloss for the most comfortable finish.

5. Glow highlighter

I tried the PAC Cosmetics Spotlight Glow Highlighter in the shade Champagne, and first things first, the packaging is honestly luxe. The black and gold compact feels premium in hand, and when you open it, there’s a mirror and a beautiful swirl of gold and rosy tones inside.

When I went to apply it, I realised there’s no applicator, so you’ll need your own brush or fingers. But once applied, it gives an instant luminous glow in just one swipe. I didn’t even feel the need to layer it, it already delivered that radiant, lit-from-within sheen and blended really easily into the skin.

The texture is buttery-soft with zero fallout, which I was genuinely impressed by. It melts into the skin and doesn’t look patchy or chalky at all.

That said, the compact is a bit heavy and not very travel-friendly if you like carrying tiny makeup bags. Also, the price feels slightly on the higher side compared to typical drugstore highlighters, so it’s more of a premium pick.

Price: ₹1095

Final verdict: A luxe, buttery highlighter that gives a stunning one-swipe glow, but it’s slightly pricey and not very travel-friendly.

6. Waterprof primer

I tried the PAC Cosmetics Aqua Grip Primer and it’s a pretty solid base if you want your makeup to last longer. The texture is super light, oil-free, and doesn’t feel greasy. It grips foundation well and gives a smooth, slightly blurred finish that makes pores and fine lines look softer.

The packaging feels quite luxe, it comes in a glass bottle with an easy applicator. But yes, it’s a bit on the pricier side for a primer.

It does help makeup stay on for long hours, but the “waterproof, bulletproof” claim is a bit exaggerated, especially in heat or humidity.

Price: ₹2195

Final verdict: Good gripping primer for long wear and smooth base, just don’t expect it to make your makeup completely bulletproof.

The products mentioned in this review were sent to HT by the brands for a review.