Even though I found many new beauty loves in 2018, I came across a few fails, too. From allergic reactions and breakouts to ineffective formulas, these were the worst products I tried in 2018. Please keep reading to learn about my thoughts on the worst of beauty 2018.
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The Newbie Awards: Worst of Beauty 2018
IT Cosmetics Secret Sauce Clinically Advanced Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer | $38.00 (CF)
IT Cosmetics is one of the most hyped up skincare brands. Unfortunately, the Secret Sauce Clinically Advanced Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer* did not live up to the hype. This moisturizer not hydrate my skin. However, it left my naturally oily skin feeling dehydrated and textured. There are far better hydrating moisturizers sold at the drugstore for a fraction of the price.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm | $38.00 (CF)
I didn’t have high hopes for the 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm when another blogger friend mentioned that this product caused breakouts. However, I still wanted to give this a go.
The Cleansing Balm left my skin feeling greasy and congested. Even after double cleansing and doing various deep treatment masks, the Cleansing Balm caused horrible breakouts that took a long time to fade. If you have oily or sensitive skin, stay far away. Read my full thoughts in my It Cosmetics Skincare Review.
The luxe-looking packaging is deceiving, right?
Make Up For Ever Full Coverage Extreme Camouflage Cream |$ 34.00
Make Up For Ever’s Full Coverage Extreme Camouflage Cream was a big let down this year due to the product’s lack of staying power. The Extreme Camouflage Cream provides complete, full coverage for acne and dark spots, but has no staying power. Within 4-5 hours this concealer creased and made my eyes look crepey and aged.
If you want a full coverage concealer just to spot conceal or for blog/social media photographs then you may like the Extreme Camouflage Cream. However, if you’re looking for a long-wearing, flattering concealer then you should avoid at all costs.
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Under-Eye De-Puffer Stick | $15.00 (CF)
Spoiler alert: The Milk Makeup Cooling Water Under-Eye De-Puffer Stick* is the worst skin care product I tried all year. While this de-puffer left my eyes feeling cool immediately upon application, it caused a painful burning sensation.
To be fair, I always test skin care products for at least 3 weeks before jumping to any conclusions because skin care takes some time to transform the skin. However, I had to stop using the De-Puffer after two weeks because this caused a painful, burning sensation around my eyes. My under eye area burned badly for over a week. I couldn’t wear makeup near my under eye for days because the skin by my eye was red, raw, and sensitive.
Hopefully, I’ll fare better with the other Milk Makeup goodies I’m trying out. A full “Bad or Rad” brand review is on the way this year.
SkinThesis by Dermstore Refining Retinol & Night Treatment
I received several products from Dermstore in the Beauty Con L.A. Hauler Bag. However, after doing extensive research on the internet, I could not find anything for the brand SkinThesis. Nevertheless, I wanted to try what I had received because I am a skincare junkie.
Despite the beautiful, sleek white packaging, the Refining Retinol and Night Treatment caused a massive breakout. After trying these two products out for 3-4 weeks, my skin was a wreck.
RELATED: Thoughts on Hauls & the Beauty Con L.A. 2018 Bag
LUSH Big Solid Conditioner | $12.95 (CF)
The Big Solid Conditioner from LUSH was my biggest hair care let down this year. I LOVE so many of LUSH’s shampoos but have yet to like any of the brand’s conditioners. Although the bar conditioner is convenient for travel, this product did nothing for my hair. In fact, after use, my hair felt like tangled, dry straw. Also, the product left a strange film.
Bonus Baddie
Natasha Denona Mini Lila Palette | $25.00, CF
Man, oh man. The Natasha Denona Mini Lila Palette was my biggest let down of the year. After being lured in by the *affordable* price tag (cough, cough only affordable compared to ND’s regular palettes) and the gorgeous purple hues, I bought this mini palette.
Not only were these shadows difficult to blend and build on the eye, whether used wet or dry, but these were patchy and had zero staying power. Within a matter of 4-5 hours, the colors faded, slipped around my eye area and heavily creased – again, no matter how I set the shadows down. Moreover, the packaging is deceptive because ND claims that the shadows are talc-free, which is untrue.
I’ve heard from many that the “mini” eyeshadow formula is different from the formula used in the larger palettes, but this experience was a turn-off. Will I try something from the brand again? Honestly, I probably would – but I would never recommend the minis to anyone.
Worst of Beauty 2018 Disclaimer
Just because these products didn’t work for me, doesn’t mean that they won’t work for you. Beauty product preferences are deeply personal due to everyone’s unique tastes and skin type. If you like and use any of the aforementioned products, this is in no way an attack on your tastes.
Finally, just because I dislike certain products, it doesn’t mean I dislike the brand mentioned. Some of the above brands make holy grail staples in my beauty collection.
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Did you enjoy reading my roundup of the Worst of Beauty 2018? Check out my Best of Beauty 2018 roundup.
Do you agree with my roundup of the worst of beauty 2018? What were the biggest product fails you tried this year? Or, have you been able to make any of these products work for you? I’d love to know in the comments below.