Instagram is full to bursting with glossy videos showing quirky products and their miraculous results - prompting thousands of 'likes' and social media-induced sell outs, no doubt. Skin looks poreless, lashes look endless and spots and scars disappear in the convincing photographs - but do these products really work? Every week there's another internet beauty obsession to try - and with the inevitable frenzy around these new and quirky products, it's hard not to get sucked in. So we've combed social media for the products making the biggest claims, to see if they really live up to the social media hype…
© Photo: InstagramConvincing before and after photos of the Sand and Sky face mask
Sand and Sky Purifying Pink Clay Mask, £39.90
Arguably one of the most Instagram-plugged skincare products of 2017, this clay-based mask has tempted thousands of beauty buffs with it's addictive before and after advertising videos on Facebook and Instagram, showing skin with reduced scarring, shrunken pores and less breakouts. It gets a thumbs up from us, too - after just one use, the skin looks instantly smoother and more even. The formula's healthy dose of vitamin A (or retinol) does tingle on the skin, but that's the secret to its softening results.
READ MORE: Why you should be using a vitamin C serum in your skincare regime
Essence Lash Princess Mascara, £3.30
At such a low price, this mascara took the internet by storm when one Reddit user posted her incredible results on the site after trying it - prompting thousands to go out and buy it for themselves, sharing their own incredible before and after snaps. Did we fall for this cheap and cheerful lash product, too? We can't lie: this gives super-sized length and volume, but it's not entirely smudge-proof. For best results, dust some powder underneath the eye to stop those pesky black marks.
Reddit user EllieDaisyLouise
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Hair Masque, £34.90
Promising to transform locks to their original, virgin state, this hair masque makes quite the claim - and the brand's addictive social media videos seem to show just what they promise, with glossy models showing off their smooth, frizz-free tresses after one use. Spoiler alert: it works! A must for those with coarse, thick or unmanageable hair types, the masque softens without weighing down the hair, making it much easier to style. It must be magic!
MORE: 10 ways to get rid of dark circles under the eyes
Amour Noir Magnetic Face Mask, £29.99
Most beauty lovers will have seen the magnetic face masks doing the rounds on Instagram, leaving behind smooth, glossy skin and a bizarre-looking residue on the removal tool. Our verdict? For those that love their gadgets, it's well worth a try - the removal process takes longer, but it's oh-so-satisfying to see the mask cling to the magnet. It's packed with plenty of moisturising ingredients such as shea butter and jojoba too, so great for those with normal or dry skin types.
© Photo: InstagramWATCH BELOW - Meghan Markle's hair: how to recreate those soft waves
