I hate returning beauty products, mostly since I love having a large range of products to try and experiment with so I hate when something just totally doesn't work for me and I have to take it back. Luckily, Sephora has an amazing return policy and will allow you to return used products if they're just not working for you, so key.
In the past week I returned not one, not two, but three beauty products that just didn't make the cut and sadly had to be sent back (although I basically bought the dollar amount in new products when I returned these, so you win again Sephora). Even though I don't like being negative on the blog, I thought it might be interesting to share with my readers these items, I love hearing other people's hits and misses, and while some things that work for me don't work for everyone, I still think it's very interesting to read.
First up is the Origins Checks and Balances foaming face wash which costs $22. I purchased this to replace my favorite face wash, Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm which runs at $29 (seriously so good, I bought another one when I returned the Origins). The wash does froth up into a nice foam, but I found the formula to be very drying to my skin and I wasn't a big fan of the scent. I prefer skincare products with no added fragrances as generally they do much more harm to your skin than they're worth! In my opinion, although this wash foamed up well, it left my skin feeling dry and didn't feel gentle and milky like the Clinique option. Additionally, the Clinique product literally melts off your make-up (including waterproof eye makeup) while the Origins did not. If you're looking for a frothy cleanser, definitely go with the Clinique option.
Next up is another Origins product, the Original Skin ReNew Serum for $39. Now that I've crossed the line from 25 to 26 I've started becoming paranoid about using skincare products that will fight the signs of aging and keep my skin looking youthful and radiant for as long as possible. I've been reading up on serums and how they are a key part of any quality skincare routine. For awhile this winter I was using the Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Serum which runs for $48 a bottle a lasts about three months with daily use morning and night. I noted the Origins bottle was significantly smaller but it promises to restore the skins youthfulness and natural glow after a night out, dealing with stress, fatigue, etc. Being in my twenties I balance taking care of my skin and going out and having a good time. This sounded perfect, a serum I apply after a night out (with a couple of cocktails consumed) and I'll wake up with my skin looking fresh.
Unfortunately, the product just did not seem to work for me. I did not notice a difference when using the serum and I also didn't like the added fragrances (see above). For the price of the tiny bottle and minimal results I knew this had to go. I have since switched to using Drunk Elephant serums for morning and night. These are on the pricey side but are AMAZING. I'll be doing a whole post on them soon, but trust me these are so so so good.
Lastly, I brought back the St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Face Lotion, which sells for $30. I picked up the St. Tropez Classic Self-Tan starter pack (for $27 it's a really good value if you want to try out self-tanning for yourself) this winter and didn't get around to using it until May (oops). I love the classic tanning foam and picked up this lotion on a whim to use on my face. I tried the lotion once, but I didn't like that you need to keep it on your face for 4-8 hours and felt it wasn't worth the price when I can just use the regular tanning foam I use on my body on my face as well, plus a little bronzer. I will say that the tanning foam from St. Tropez is amazing, and I highly recommend for anyone who is pale like me and wants some color without getting burned in the sun, besides a fake tan is the safest tan! Overall take, skip getting the separate face lotion and just carefully apply the regular foam to your face while you're tanning the rest of your body. Your face will gradually fade quicker than the rest of your tan, but a little bronzer will take care of that between applications!
One last thing, I highly recommend checking out Beautypedia for reviews from experts before making a skincare purchase. They really break down the pros and cons of each product and discuss what types of skin it works for (or doesn't work for). If I had checked Beautypedia I would've avoided ever purchasing the ReNEW Skin Serum, it only has one star!
Have you tried any of these products, if so did you like them? Did you have any beauty misses lately?
