products

Sometimes, products don’t work out for you, even if they have tons of positive reviews and are beloved by others. Below is a look at products I regret purchasing and why they aren’t my favorites. As a disclaimer, just because I don’t love them doesn’t mean that they won’t work for you, and if you love them, then keep on loving them! Also, I have other products that I love from all of these brands. 🙂

MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Primer – Pink Radiance

This doesn’t do much as far as true “radiance,” I just see a lot of glitter on my skin. Also, this does nothing to help with the duration of my foundation, which is what I’m really personally looking for in a primer.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation – Siberia

This doesn’t give me enough coverage and does not last long on my skin. If you’re looking for a NARS foundation, I would HIGHLY recommend my all-time favorite, the NARS Longwear Radiant Foundation. This shade is also terrible on me, and I believe was the only shade even remotely in my very fair shade range when I purchased this. But, it does look like the shade range has expanded (I wear Mont Blanc in the Longwear Radiant, as reference).

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

This foundation is THICK, and not in a good way. I really don’t like the whipped texture and feel like it slides off my oily skin super quickly. Also, the lightest shade at the time that I purchased is now the fifth shade up, so that just goes to show how orange it looked on me and how much the shade range has thankfully expanded in the past couple of years!

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Trimony Eyeshadow Palette

These did not blend well for me and all of the tones are a little too similar and look muddy.

*Exuviance SPF 35

So, this has been re-branded and the version that I have has been recently discontinued. I’m currently only keeping it to use as a body SPF because of how heavy and sticky it feels on my face. My makeup just slides off any time I wear this underneath. However, the new version may be a new formula…but, I personally don’t plan on finding out. 🙂

ABH Blush Trio – Pool Party

This is very pigmented and I do like the tones mixed together, but the amount of glitter in the one shade gets into the rest of the pans and leaves noticeable glitter on the face.

L’Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold All Day Volume Hairspray

The SMELL. I can’t handle the smell. I also don’t think this has anywhere enough hold for a hairspray. If you do decide to purchase this, only get the unscented, unless you want to smell like expired, musky perfume all day long.

Tartelette Tease Clay Eyeshadow Palette

I have many other eyeshadow palettes from Tarte that I prefer over this one. Although the tiny size is great for travel, I feel like this formula doesn’t blend as well as my other Tarte eyeshadows.

CoverGirl Exhibitionist Waterproof Mascara

I bought this to wear when we were going to be on a lake and it felt like all of my eyelashes fell off after I wore this. It took foreverrr to get off and was super thick on my lashes, so I’m afraid to try the non-waterproof version.

Garnier SkinActive SPF 30 Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

I’ve used the SkinActive line before, but this particular SPF burned the crap out of my ultra sensitive skin and I quickly discontinued use.

Do you have any products that you regret purchasing? Let me know in the comments below.

Love y’all,

CEW

I adore makeup. I always have. I was the little girl that was begging her mom for “lip” and “eyeblash” from the moment that she could talk. I would hoard play makeup and organize it by color on the vanity in my room. You get the picture.

For me, makeup not only enhances my confidence in so many ways, but also has become my favorite hobby. From watching hours upon hours of videos from my favorite beauty YouTubers for the latest tips and products, to talking about and recommending products with my closest friends (and strangers), applying makeup soothes and energizes me. However, thankfully, both my technique and the quality of products in my collection have drastically improved since I started wearing makeup in the 6th grade to combat my rosacea, oily skin and, at the time, acne. While my acne has substantially subsided, (I do still have spots pop up multiple times a week), I do naturally gravitate towards more full coverage products to cover up my rosacea. Also, with the humid, Southern climate that I live in, I need my makeup to last as long as possible throughout a long work day. And, with that, let’s get into the makeup:

L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation ($14.99)
- Easily one of the best foundations I’ve ever used. High-medium/low-full coverage, satin matte finish, great staying power.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer ($8.00)
- The best dupe out there for the Tatcha Silk Canvas primer. Fills in pores SO well and helps your makeup to last longer.
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer – Bronzer ($9.29)
- Talk about a cult favorite product, and for good reason. Great pigmentation, never looks too orange or patchy. Make sure to get the Bronzer shade though.
L’Oreal Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stain ($11.99)
- If you want a comfortable, non-drying liquid lipstick that will last until you decide to take it off? This is the lady for you. Also, fantastic shade selection.
Revlon Volumazing Mascara ($8.99)
- An underrated product in the “favorite mascara” category, I really enjoy this one. Great balance of volume and length and does not smudgge or flake on my oily eyelids.
e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer ($6.00)
- This is the product for you if you want a much more affordable version of Tarte Shape Tape, but less drying under the eyes.
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set ($9.99)
- One of the best drugstore setting sprays, this will help your makeup last through a long day. But, be warned, it is heavily scented (but I don’t mind it, and it dissipates quickly).
Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Porelesss Pressed Powder ($7.99)
- Just a good, everyday compact setting powder. She won’t do ya wrong.
Essence Pure Nude Highlighter – Be My Highlight 01 ($4.99)
- Such a fantastic option for a daily highlighter. Not too bright, no glitter and really does bring a natural glow to the face.
Wet n Wild Color Icon single eyeshadow – Nutty ($1.19)
- This single shadow will help you create the fastest eyeshadow look in the world. While it looks matte in the pan, it will start to get more and more satin as you get deeper into the shadow. You can use either your fingers or a crease brush to wash the color all over the lid.