From Ads to Assets: A Curated Review of Chic, Trendy Products

From Ads to Assets: A Curated Review of Chic, Trendy Products

If you spend any time on social media, you’ve undoubtedly encountered targeted ads—you know, the ones that eerily mirror your conversations in an adjacent room...but that is a topic for another day. As you scroll through Instagram or Facebook late at night, you’re bound to see ads for “viral, must-have” products. Do you simply scroll past, or—like me—give them a curious glance? (Full disclosure: I’ve indulged more than once, as you'll see below!) Whether it’s savvy shopping on my part, or not, I’ll let you decide.

I’m sharing these honest, unsponsored reviews from products I ordered directly through targeted ads, so you can have genuine feedback in one easy-to-read post.

Important Note: No affiliate links have been included here, just my honest opinions.

1. Shapermint

Shapermint was my first venture into the risky business of ordering products off targeted social media ads. Never have I looked back in regret, and I have gone on to order multiple products from this brand.

I started with the Empetua High-Waist Leggings in black and the Essentials All Day Every Day shaping camisoles in various colors. From the moment I tried them, I was enamored. The leggings are versatile enough for work-casual looks or relaxed home days, while the camisoles are both comfortable and effective. (A fun note: you step into the camisoles rather than pulling them over your head.)

I have since also tried their viral Truekind Supportive Comfort Shaping Wireless Bra. As a lady with a larger chest, I was pleasantly surprised by its support and comfort despite its wireless design. Of all my shapewear, Shapermint is honestly one of the most comfortable to wear for an extended period of time. 

                                     

 PROS CONS
  • Exceptionally comfortable and warm
  • Leggings that stay in place without rolling down
  • High-quality material that elegantly streamlines the figure
  • Shipping to Canada can take a couple of weeks
  • The leggings I ordered lack pockets (tragic, I know)

 

Final Thoughts: Shapermint delivers on its promises—highly recommended for a blend of comfort and chic functionality.

2. Bloomchic

Finding chic, flattering clothes for curvier figures isn’t always easy. Bloomchic repeatedly graced my feed, with influencers showcasing gorgeous, elegant tops and dresses. Although I was initially skeptical—wondering if it was just another scam—I decided to give it a try after admiring nearly every item in their catalog.

When my order arrived, I was thrilled! The Floral Twist Front Patchwork Raglan Sleeve Dress (see below) became a staple for both work and casual outings. Equally impressive was the Supersoft Essentials Plain Metal Buckle Detail T-Shirt, which offered a cozy, luxurious feel. I also ordered the Tweed Patchwork Chiffon Mesh Tie Neck Dress; its elegance was undeniable, although I learned the hard way that sizing up is key with its structured fabric, with a tear in the dress after one wear. I would have ordered another, except that they had already removed it from their catalogue.

My second order included the standout Holiday Everything Printed Skirt Fit-and-Flare Midi Dress, a compliment magnet that balanced comfort with festive and sophisticated style.

                         

 PROS CONS
  • Elegant designs tailored for curvier figures
  • Generally true to size
  • Affordable with reliable shipping
  • Some items featured thinner, more sheer materials than I had expected

 

Final Thoughts: Bloomchic has swiftly become one of my favorite brands—a must-visit for those who cherish timeless chic with a modern twist.

3. Heyshape

After months of ads, I finally tried Heyshape’s Snatched Shapewear Bodysuit. I ordered a couple of colours of the Snatched Shapewear Bodysuit, with spaghetti straps.  Regrettably, it did not quite live up to the promise, for me. I find the bodysuit really difficult to put on, and its shaping effect falls short, particularly for those with a fuller bust. 

Now, could there be some user error where I did not order the right size, or I just did not don them properly? Perhaps, but I tend to stick with other shapewear brands.

 Pros Cons
  • Soft, pleasant material
  • A variety of shapewear options
  • Challenging to pull on
  • Inadequate bust support
  • No distinct shaping advantage over other brands

 

Final Thoughts: While not a complete miss, and I won't say "Do Not Buy" as they seem to have some positive reviews, Heyshape won’t be my go-to for effective shapewear.

4. Thigh Society

If I have an option, many days I will opt for a dress or skirt, even in the winter months. In the winter, I will often pair the dress with leggings, such as the Shapermint ones mentioned above. However, as someone with a negative thigh gap, slip shorts are a must during the warmer months. Enter Thigh Society. I tried their Staple 7″ Shorts in Rosette, and they proved to be as elegant as they are comfortable. The soft, breathable material pairs beautifully with dresses and skirts.

 Pros Cons
  • Luxuriously soft, stretchy and cool
  • Flattering high-waisted design
  • Available in various lengths and colors
  • May experience slight rolling during active movement


Final Thoughts: Thigh Society shorts are a refined addition to any summer wardrobe, perfect for dress and skirt enthusiasts.

5. Scentbird

Scentbird is a monthly subscription service that offers an affordable way to sample designer perfumes, and I honestly think it has been one of my best subscriptions to date! You can start with a quiz to find the scent profile that suits you best. Then when you subscribe, you are given some recommendations to start with, or you can go through their catalogue and select which perfume samples you wish to receive each month. Each month, I receive a generous sample in an elegantly designed vial along with a chic atomizer, and a card describing the perfume and featured notes. They carry a diverse range of brands to suit a variety of preferences, including designer brands like Marc Jacobs, Versace, Gucci, and Burberry - what I love most about them, as it has given me a chance to try many perfumes I might not otherwise buy, due to cost or lack of awareness. 

My own favourites to date have been the Catherine Malandrino scents (Violet GemSpecial Moments), Versace's Dylan Blue Pour Femme, and the most recent one I have received, Goodhabit's Align.

 Pros Cons
  • Affordable access to high-end fragrances
  • Quick shipping and quality packaging
  • Elegant presentation
  • Subscription costs almost double the advertised monthly rate, in Canada, due to exchange rate (around CAD $30/month)


Final Thoughts: Scentbird is ideal for fragrance lovers who relish variety and a taste of luxury.

6. Ffern

Ffern is a UK-based perfume subscription that creates a bespoke scent each season. I recently received their Spring 25 perfume, and the experience was nothing short of enchanting! The ad campaigns for each scent are beautifully crafted, echoing the timeless charm of European countryside elegance. Every package comes with a seasonal booklet, a few delightful extras (patterned diffusion stone, sugared violets, tea), and a sample for a risk-free trial.

Oh, and what's really cool is that the delivery occurs in time for the start of each season; in fact, I received my Spring 25 box on March 20th, the first day of Spring!

 Pros Cons
  • Exquisite, high-quality seasonal scents
  • Packaged with thoughtful extras
  • Option to try a sample before committing
  • Timeous deliveries
  • Considerably more expensive (about CAD $178/quarter)
  • New subscribers might face a brief waiting list (I was through within a few days)


Final Thoughts: For those who appreciate artisanal fragrances and don’t mind investing a bit more each season, Ffern is a refined choice.

7. Wonderskin

A viral lip stain that truly stands out—Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Mask in Whimsical - delivers a lasting rose shade. Something I did not realize though from the advertisements, or even online, is that there are a couple of options when it comes to the lip stain. I thought I was buying the one that peeled off the lips, but the product I ordered wipes off instead. If you want the one that peels off, you have to read the product descriptions carefully, as I believe there is a spray that goes with it. 

 Pros Cons
  • Long-lasting colour
  • Variety of colours and shades
  • Fun, layered application
  • Slightly pricier than typical lip stains
  • May require extra scrubbing for complete removal (especially if you have dry or cracked lips)


Final Thoughts: An effective and charming beauty find for those who love to experiment with their look, or who do not wish to re-apply their lipstick as often during the day.

8. Silky Gem Crystal Candy

Beauty isn’t confined to clothes and cosmetics—edible delights can be just as viral. I tried Silky Gem Crystal Candy after seeing raving reviews from influencers and ASMR artists. I chose the Lychee Aurora Candy Collection, inspired by the Northern Lights. The candies look stunning, and offer a delicate, light lychee flavor with a unique texture—a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender, jelly-like center. They’re sweet without being overpowering (my friend who cannot take anything too sweet loved them), and the packaging is as elegant as it is giftable.

 Pros Cons
  • Light, fresh, fruity flavour
  • Unique texture with a satisfying crunch
  • Sample of the sour dip in the box
  • Visually appealing candies, gift-worthy packaging
  • Relatively expensive 
  • Delivery outside of US may take a couple of weeks

 

Final Thoughts: A charming treat for those who appreciate refined, artisanal sweets with a twist.

10. Crumbl Cookie

No list would be complete without a nod to Crumbl Cookie, the bakery that has taken social media by storm.  Crumbl Cookie has exceeded my expectations, time and again! I don't have a wallet thick enough for my enjoyment of this brand. Their ever-changing menu keeps dessert exciting, and the cookies are delectably soft, sometimes leaning toward a cake-like texture. Rich in flavor and decadence, these treats prove that indulgence can be both playful and luxurious. This is a product that has mixed reviews based upon personal preference, but as far as I'm concerned, these are some of the best cookies and cakes I have enjoyed out of a bakery in a while!

 Pros Cons
  • An impressive variety of rich flavors
  • Convenient local storefronts for easy pickup
  • Consistently indulgent textures and taste
  • Offer smaller versions of the cookies
  • Fans of crispier cookies might find the softness less appealing

 

Final Thoughts: Crumbl Cookie remains a delightful indulgence—a must-try for dessert aficionados.

 

There you have it—nine viral products, each reviewed with honest insight. As you can see, I've struck gold with these viral finds—almost every purchase has been a genuine win! And I’m always exploring new trends, so stay tuned for more reviews in the future. Have you tried any of these? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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