Do You Really Need That Beauty Product?

Topical Wrinkle Filler

What it's meant to do: Like a primer, a wrinkle filler is said to fill in wrinkles physically by creating a smooth film over the skin. Some use humectants, like hyaluronic acid, to draw water into the skin and plump up wrinkles. Others use silicone or nylon microspheres to fill in lines.
 
So who needs it? Anyone who wants to camouflage lines. "Fillers may not be able to mask deep creases, but they can improve the texture of skin, making it look and feel smoother," says Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine. Just remember: The effect these products deliver is short-lived. As soon as you wash your face, you're back to square one.
 
Who can skip it: Women with smooth, youthful complexions. And, of course, anyone wishing to embrace her lines as hard-earned mementos of life experiences.