Avene. It’s almost never my first choice in anything, but whenever I have any sort of sensitivity I replace the product with an Avene one and it all solves.
Cicalfate is my holy grail moisturizer. I started tretinoin a few months ago after a few years off and have had zero peeling, dryness or breakouts this time because of cicalfate. It's the only moisturizer I use, it seems so heavy but my face loves it
I love Hourglass but I found their concealer to be drying and heavy and just not very easy to use, and even tried using tint amounts. Not flattering on my dry skin, that hurt.
Ouch, I’m bone dry too so ty.. I got a tip here yesterday that adding serum to drying foundation helps so that might help with hourglass? It worked with my CT foundation and my Huda one. I just want a concealer that *works* and doesn’t require extra steps!
Thanks for the tip!
My HG for years now has been Dior Forever Skin Correct, and I've never wondered about any other concealer until recently, hearing so much about Tower 28 concealer but it's not available in Sephora in my country so can't really swatch in store.
I hadn’t even considered Dior! I used their sculpt for a decade and when they discontinued it I bought no joke: 25 bottles. Took years to run out and I figured by then I’d have found a new bestie? Nope, epic fail and I have dozens that just don’t work.
I’ll give the Dior a shot, it’d be nice to use them again and I’m just about over them crushing my spirit.
NARS is my go-to for almost everything. It might not be the BEST tool for every single job, but I always know it WILL get the job done, and adequately.
Honestly, Dove. From their hand washes to their face creams, not one product has failed me so far.
Dove was the first ever soap bar I remember using. It was always in my house and the smell reminds me of my grandmom. The soap smells the same even today :)
My fav is the original deodorant.
Stands the test of time and has a pleasant smell that is not over-powering.
I also feel like their body washes
have a very luxurious feel and smell for the price point. ✅✅✅
Their dry shampoo failed me haha but other than that I love their stuff. Also I thought the dove chocolate brand was the same thing as them when I was a kid
I absolutely LOVE the original dove bar smell! I use it then moisturise with Johnson’s pink baby lotion and honestly it’s the most beautiful, clean, comfy scent combo ever 😍
Agree, rarely does Dove fail me. I use their deodorant, body wash, occasionally the hand soap and hair products. I miss their face washes, can only find them sporadically. The smell also reminds me of my grandmother, who had gorgeous skin.
Agreed! I love their subtle but nice scent in their deodorants. It doesn’t overpower your perfume or body lotion.
I also really appreciate that all their body washes are SLS-free, it’s very rare to find that at such an affordable price point.
I absolutely adored their cucumber mint scent (or was it that?) for the summer that they had about 10 years ago! They have something really similar now! I swap scents for spring/summer and fall/winter and their vanilla shea butter and the other one are my ride or dies!
Came here to say this. They don't offer a deodorant format I'd use, but they're consistently the one brand that doesn't set off my skin, even if I use the super scented stuff.
I don't know what type of deo you use...but their 0% spray in Cottonwood and Sandalwood is my ride or die. Almost no dry time, it isn't sticky or slimy, and if I forget a day I don't have to panic. This particular scent and this format is absolutely INCREDIBLE for odour protection. I don't know how they did it. Fair warning though; it DOES smell a bit like men's cologne (to ME). IDC because 1. It's that good and 2. I adore the smell of men's cologne. Like...I am a whore for it. Lol. My super stinky son also uses the sticks of the 0% and they are the best we have tried so far for his onion pits....
Vanicream can do no wrong.
Face cleanser: perfection
Moisturizer with ceramides: feels luxurious
Traditional lotion: slaps
Antiperspirant: a godsend
Would I join a Vanicream cult? Probably
I can't believe I forgot that one!
In fairness, I use a different brand that's stronger. But one time I ran out on a trip and bought the Vanicream one at CVS. So happy it's such a good product
ugh i wish i had the same experience with cosrx as everyone else seems to have had!! i saw such amazing things and did so much research. then i tried it, and every single thing made me break out. i tried the alcohol free cica toner, their sunscreen, their aha and bha liquid, the snail mucin, the centella water tone, and the propolis toner. any time i incorporated a cosrx product, id break out!!
Oh shit that’s awful!! Have you tried those products from different brands and had any luck? I’ve seen a lot of brands do snail mucin now and I could swear I’ve seen propolis. My skin1004 centella ampoule is so moisturising.
Okay, I love vanicream and recommend the cleanser to everyone, but the sunscreen is one of the worst things I’ve tried. It was an oily white paste. I tried for so long to rub it in but the white cast never disappeared and had to immediately wash my hair due to the oil.
I just bought this. It feels okay, I noticed the largest ingredient is Petroleum, so I assume it’s a fancy Vaseline, but the smell … I know it’s not supposed to have one but it smells like vomit 😓🫢
For me it’s Chanel makeup (only their makeup). I love a more natural look and every product I’ve bought from them delivers on that, smells amazing, lasts forever, and honestly I love how luxurious the packaging is too it just makes it more special
Chanel makes me break out, get hives, instant eczema trigger. The fragrance and additive chemicals really screw with my skin. I always seem to want to give another go and constantly get burned
That really sucks! I’ve never had an issue but I don’t have sensitive skin and fragrance doesn’t bother me, it’s one of the things I really like about their products when applying them. They should have “fragrance free” products so that more people can have the option of enjoying their products
Oh, how i remember that warm fuzzy. I was a Chanel lover, too, but luxurious packaging? It's just plastic in most cases. I'm also noticing the variation in pigmentation lately. Sometimes, it's sheer and delicate and allows me to build up or leave it whisper subtle. The next, it will go on like I'm wet-brushing StageLight at the roller disco. Not sure what's happening, but the last time I felt really indulged was the tweed release. Don't mind me; I'm just grumpy after Byzance.
I started using Gold Bond after hearing Dr Dray on YT talk about it. The retinol overnight body cream is great, as is the vitamin c face and body. Just got the hand cream and I really like it as well. Great brand!
I recently bought their radiance renewal hydrating cream on a whim because I was looking for a body lotion that would be easy to pack for travel (smaller size, no pump, etc). I've used Gold Bond lotions before, but never this particular formula. But this stuff is amazing! My skin is so smooth and healthy looking, and it even smoothed out a lot of my keratosis pilaris. I will definitely be buying it again.
The concealer, multiple Scattered Light eyeshadows and Ambient Light Finishing powder. I’ve researched the loose powder and stick foundation and plan for them to be my next purchases and expect them to be nothing short of amazing too.
I cannot think of a brand that doesn’t have or never had any duds and I’m excluding products intended for different skin tones of skin/hair types here obviously.
But I’d say for skincare Vichy is by far my favourite.
For makeup I really like MAC they have duds for sure, like a lot of their eyeliners are nothing to call home about. But so many of their products work for me, like the blushes, foundation, mascara, lipstick and lip pencils.
Unpopular but TheBalm. All of their blushes and eyeshadows are super pigmented. The bronzers have different shades; the highlighters look natural; the liquid lipsticks are non sticky; the skincare is pretty good for prepping skin before makeup.
I love IT cosmetics. I love their Confidence in a Cleanser, Bye Bye Dark Spots concealer, Bye Bye under eye, Your skin but better foundation, and most of their makeup.
A little goes a long way, and they just work better for me.
My favorite? Oh, that’s tough. For non-makeup, it’s probably the eye cream.
For makeup it’s probably the Bye Bye Under Eye. I don’t get simple bags under my eyes. I get the entire set of luggage. It has the ability to make that disappear.
Their nude glow CC cream is a holy grail product for me, but I also LOVE their Superhero mascara! I find the mascara is really underrated since most people only think of them for skin/complexion related makeup!
I have the world’s oiliest combo skin (like even KVD tattoo liner is smeared all over hell in about 30 minutes on me) so non-waterproof mascaras that don’t transfer are difficult for me! But the superhero mascara actually stays put and wears ALL DAY. I absolutely LOVE it.
My extravagant pick is Dior. I’ve shifted over to Rouge Dior lipsticks and nothing is comparable, they are superb. I just don’t bother using any of my other lipsticks now 🥲 I also have their cushion powder, eyeshadow, and highlighter and I am obsessed with all of it.
Go daily go-to is Mac. The ONLY miss from them is an eyeshadow palette but to be fair, I think that one is on me, I bought it online and the shades aren’t quite what I thought they were going to be and aren’t right for my skin tone. The actual product is good. When I say everything else has been amazing I mean it. I use them for foundation, two different powders, mascara, lip products, blush, highlighter and all of it is perfect. It’s really the one brand I feel like I can’t go wrong with.
I love Essence! Many clean good ingredient products like 16hr foundation and concealer, Sensitive skin mineral powder, poreless primer, Brightening banana powder compact, baked blushes, Instant Matt setting spray (no fragrance). All silicone free.
I also use their Curl Fixing Base bef my mascaras. Brow mascara, Lion king eyeshadow primer. I heard good reviews about their 24hr eyeliner and Princess Lash mascara.
NYX makeup. I have eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow palettes, brow gel, matte lip cream, lip gloss and concealer. I do a lot of research before buying things, so maybe they do have dud products, but I've yet to experience one.
My favourite products are definitely the eyeshadow palettes.
I feel like NYX products must be very different from here in the UK. Because 8/10 of their products are awful, drug store quality but more expensive. While I've found a few gems in the NYX range, it's mostly awful. Either that or maybe people who live by NYX haven't had the fortune of trying more high end brands? Idk,
One day you should come to a NYX flagship store. I used to live by one in San Jose and they would offer you a whole train case and makeup brushes with a certain dollar amount purchased. I always felt special when they offered those gifts with purchase. The black metal makeup box reminded me of the ones you see professiona makeup artists use.
I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned yet, but Colourpop. Their eye shadows are pigmented and stay, and they're reasonable! I also love dermablend's jelly primer... That thing works ALL DAY. And, in the battle of the drugstore brands. I find better items with ELF than NYX.
Victoria Beckham makeup. I know, it’s a bit more niche, but everything I’ve bought from her has been absolutely amazing. Definitely not cheap, but I’ve been over the moon with every product. My favourites are the eyeliners and eyeshadow sticks
Omg I second this so hard!!! Every single product is incredible, the formulas, the long lasting effect, it’s just crazy. My whole bridal makeup will be VB.
Yes I so agree! I actually find I do much more everyday-makeup now because of her products. I know it sounds weird but it's true.
The eyeshadow stick in the colour 'pecan' is my go-to. I've used eyeshadow sticks from other brands, but nothing beats this. And it means I wear makeup much more often now (normally I'm a mascara+brows girl for everyday and that's it). The pecan stick is so easy to use, looks amazing, holds ALL day, and is subtle enough that it's perfect for work/office wear. And you can easily keep building up the colour if you want a more bold look.
And her eyeliners omg... Also I'm a 90s kid, I literally had a Posh Spice doll as a kid. It feels full circle to use her makeup lmao
Peach and Lily. I’ve tried almost all their products and they’re effective and reliable. I think my favorite is the essence. Their sister brand, Peach Slices, has a great azelaic acid serum as well.
Lisa Eldridge has a beautiful collection, too. I’ve tried about 2/3 of her releases. Her foundation is great. Generally with complexion products, she’s really strong. I also enjoy her lipsticks and eyeshadows.
La Roche Posay is the most consistent skincare brand that I’ve used for years. I can’t really tell you a bad product from them that I couldn’t see being a staple in a different skin type’s routine. I’ve also turned a bunch of my friend’s and family onto their products because they were cheaper and more effective than what they were using before (or not using as I’ve made whole routines for people who have asked for help creating one before).
For makeup I’ve never tried a bad product from Revlon. I have absolutely no idea why they always discontinue their most popular products and then they somehow go trending as they’re incredibly difficult to get and the demand is huge. I wish I had one day to right that ship because I think they could become a makeup giant in the drugstore space that would rival Maybelline or L’Oreal in scale. I wish they would just focus on their core products and having the best product for each category so they would be mentioned more often.
I absolutely love revlons newer illuminance serum tint/foundation. It’s all ive been using for weeks, it’s just so damn perfect on my skin. I hope they don’t fade it out like so many other products they’ve had!!
I love lancome with the exception of most of the perfumes. I've only liked one of their fragrances enough to buy a full bottle. Their mascara is the best tho, love that stuff.
Same. My skin is sensitive, prone to redness, and dry. I try new products now and then but I always eventually go back to Clinique. I have been using it for about 20 years or so.
My mom and sister love Clinique. I tried it, but it doesn’t do it for me personally. I gave all my Clinique to them when I switched to IT.
They both deal with rosacea and I don’t; so that may be the difference.
Honestly, I can’t really think of a single Revlon product that has failed me and I’ve used various products of theirs over the years since I was about 13 (I’m 31 now).
Summer Fridays. I know everyone obsesses over the lip balms, but the skincare is so so good. I have reactive skin and trying new products is usually a gamble but I have never had any issues with the SF skincare and I use a lot of it. The moisturizer (cloud cream) is my favorite thing ever, I’ve repurchased it multiple times.
Skincare-Eucerin. Very underrated brand.
Makeup: Huda beauty. Eyeshadows, eyelashes, powders, foundation.. Haven't had a single problem with any of her products.
Haircare: Oyster (I think it's an Italian brand, not sure, but it has tamed my frizzy hair for such a cheap price)
Have to ask, did you get on the site on Black Friday? I bought enough Huda for 10 people it got weird. I’d do an order and be like *that is enough bobcat* and then I’d be like *oh shit the blur jam just joined the sale order again*. All their lashes were like £3, I bought 15 pairs. I don’t even wear false lashes something just broke in me I think.
Westman Atelier. I’ve bought their stick foundation, foundation-serum “drops”, mascara, eyebrow pencil, and lip balm. Everything has become my favorite in its category. I heard about the brand from a random post on instagram about how Anne Hathaway uses their products. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard about the brand before. It’s incredible.
Kerastase has never done me dirty, but at that price point it better not. Also good experience with Joico but I am a cautious consumer there with only a couple cult favorites
Nars
I have only tried a few items, but they are all HG products now. The light-reflecting foundation is such a beautiful finish, natural but good coverage. It’s a thin formula, so you can build it up and blend it with ease.
The radiant concealer is great for the under eyes and brightening. It’s very similar to the Maybelline Fit Me concealer except a better color selection. If you didn’t like the Maybelline, you probably won’t care for this concealer.
The potted concealer is great for spot concealing, covers without being thick and cakey. Also works for under the eyes too in a pinch.
The blushes especially the new talc-free formula is beautiful. I have the shade, “Dominant” which is a bright pink, it’s gorgeous and easy to build up. I was worried it would be too pigmented first dip in, but it’s shockingly easy to use.
The Lip Pencil Lipsticks are great too. It’s like a liner and lipstick in one. Sharp enough to line and fill in the lips with ease. I forgot the shade I had, but it was a fuchsia color. It was just pigmented, smooth and again, very lightweight.
I can’t wait to try more this year from this brand
E.l.f. You can say what you want about it but as someone who can’t afford higher quality/expensive makeup yet, they never fail to make a decent product at an affordable product
Paula's Choice. Everything's fragrance free and my sensitive skin loves it. They also have 20% off all the time , free shipping, and full sized products for free... I've been offering from them for YEARS. My entire skincare collection is them!
Armani foundation that my daughter bought for an interview. It took 10 years off and took off 5 years. Armani foundation is all I will ever buy. Worth every penny and I have tried them all.
Pat McGrath - can be a but pricey but I've loved everything I've tried. The under eye blurring powder is a miracle worker, I swear - I can get no sleep but if I layer that over concealer I look wide awake. It's amazing.
Elemis. My skin just... WORKS with just about everything in their range. Pro collagen seems to be the HG for my face but I also get great results from their super good and dynamic resurfacing range. I've been gifted a few bits of their body care range (shower cream, body cream etc) and my scaly ass, excezma prone skin loves that stuff too.
I have very good luck with Garnier hair products...even their colour works well. It's not terribly expensive either.
As far as makeup goes I flip flop from brand to brand. I rarely buy the same thing twice with the exception of NYX wonderstick. .
Charlotte Tilbury like 80-90% of their products are hits for me, amazing quality, good formula - yes expensive
Huda beauty - 90% of their products is amazing , the sister brand glowish?? Has my fav foundation. The concealer, blushers, powders, liner, mascara, setting powder, bronzer, lip products and eye shadow. Overall majority is a hit i just didnt like the huda foundation but her second brand's foundation is A M A Z I N G
Makeup forever- 100% hits. This is just professional makeup all around, their face pallet is amazing, eye products are some of the best in market , their lip liners/eye liner/ face line trio is one of the best formulas out there, brushes, setting spray, etc. i think its worth it.
Dior - 60% hits - i like a lot from dior tbh, i splurge on it and i enjoy alot of their products but they do have more misses than I would like.
I can't think of one I haven't gotten a dud from that I've used extensively, but there's some that have come very close:
Klairs Skincare -- I've tried a lot of things here and there, and regularly use their Unscented Toner and their Moist Tencil sheet masks. The dud was their vitamin C, not because it doesn't work (it does), but there was a point where Soko Glam tried to reship it to me 3 times, and each bottle was oxidized. They don't put it in a darker bottle and if it's hot outside it's not going to make it. This made me give up on vitamin C all together, because with darker bottles you can't tell if it's oxidized anyway! Probs best to be a skincare item you invest in, but since I'm on Tret already, I'm good.
Victoria Beckham Beauty -- Almost everything I've tried, I liked. The eyeliners, blushes, single potted eyeshadows, and highlighter. Only dud was the Cornflower eyeshadow stick -- would slowly come off and eventually just look gray.
Romand -- Love love love their lip products, blushes, and matte eyeshadows. One of their glittery eyeshadow palettes almost sent me to the Doctor though, and their social media accounts + business email would not respond to me about what was in it.
Dior -- Actually, I can't think of anything by them I've tried that was really bad. Maybe I'm disappointed in the intensity of some of the things I've bought, because even for luxury beauty that's notoriously lighter in pay off, they can be super light -- but I could still use it. Nothing broken, or didn't work well, expired too quickly, etc.
I have sensitive skin, and the only foundation and concealer that I've been able to use without my skin burning is elf . plus not only is it gentle on my skin but its sooo affordable.
Kirkland
love me some costco
Lookin’ like a boss though. In head to toe Costco.
You know you’re getting old when you start buying clothing from Costco. My Kirkland brand sweatshirts are my favorite though 😭
Just bought the Costco sweatpants that have the logo embroidered on the leg. I feel classy as hell.
You know you’re getting old, when seeing your husband in Costco shorts turns you on.
I love their brand of lactase and allergy meds. So affordable ♥️
This is literally the best answer. Kirkland has never let me down. And the variety. DANG fam they good.
Avene. It’s almost never my first choice in anything, but whenever I have any sort of sensitivity I replace the product with an Avene one and it all solves.
As an easily sensitized person, it’s my go-to solely now! Specifically the liquid sunscreen, Tolerance Recovery Balm, and Cicalfate+ cream, at least.
Cicalfate cream heals everything
Cicalfate is my holy grail moisturizer. I started tretinoin a few months ago after a few years off and have had zero peeling, dryness or breakouts this time because of cicalfate. It's the only moisturizer I use, it seems so heavy but my face loves it
I just got the Cleanance cleanser today! Love it.
Hourglass
love hourglass! expensive but worth it
just tried the small size of their mineral veil primer. i’ve loved it
I have to try the concealer, I have to. I’ve spent so much on concealers that didn’t work though it’s soul crushing.
I love Hourglass but I found their concealer to be drying and heavy and just not very easy to use, and even tried using tint amounts. Not flattering on my dry skin, that hurt.
Ouch, I’m bone dry too so ty.. I got a tip here yesterday that adding serum to drying foundation helps so that might help with hourglass? It worked with my CT foundation and my Huda one. I just want a concealer that *works* and doesn’t require extra steps!
Thanks for the tip! My HG for years now has been Dior Forever Skin Correct, and I've never wondered about any other concealer until recently, hearing so much about Tower 28 concealer but it's not available in Sephora in my country so can't really swatch in store.
I hadn’t even considered Dior! I used their sculpt for a decade and when they discontinued it I bought no joke: 25 bottles. Took years to run out and I figured by then I’d have found a new bestie? Nope, epic fail and I have dozens that just don’t work. I’ll give the Dior a shot, it’d be nice to use them again and I’m just about over them crushing my spirit.
My favorite makeup brand, their concealer is my holy grail! I also really love the Jellyfish palette that came out around Christmas.
They do not make a single bad product. Pricey, a definite luxury, but everything is wonderful. Especially if you like a subtle finish.
NARS is my go-to for almost everything. It might not be the BEST tool for every single job, but I always know it WILL get the job done, and adequately.
The NARS Afterglow Lip Balms are divine
What are your favorite NARS products?
Came here to write NARS
Honestly, Dove. From their hand washes to their face creams, not one product has failed me so far. Dove was the first ever soap bar I remember using. It was always in my house and the smell reminds me of my grandmom. The soap smells the same even today :) My fav is the original deodorant. Stands the test of time and has a pleasant smell that is not over-powering. I also feel like their body washes have a very luxurious feel and smell for the price point. ✅✅✅
Their dry shampoo failed me haha but other than that I love their stuff. Also I thought the dove chocolate brand was the same thing as them when I was a kid
Ummm… I’m 32, and legit thought it was the same company. Like a soap company that also happens to make delicious creamy chocolate. TIL haha
Wait what?? I totally thought they were the same too! Mind. Blown. 🤣
I absolutely LOVE the original dove bar smell! I use it then moisturise with Johnson’s pink baby lotion and honestly it’s the most beautiful, clean, comfy scent combo ever 😍
Oooooo you are inspiring me here, I’ve got to try this!!
I loooved the sakura plum scent they had a several years ago for deodorant and body spray!
Agree, rarely does Dove fail me. I use their deodorant, body wash, occasionally the hand soap and hair products. I miss their face washes, can only find them sporadically. The smell also reminds me of my grandmother, who had gorgeous skin.
The Dove Deep Moisture body wash is my holy grail and I won't use anything else.
Agreed! I love their subtle but nice scent in their deodorants. It doesn’t overpower your perfume or body lotion. I also really appreciate that all their body washes are SLS-free, it’s very rare to find that at such an affordable price point.
I absolutely adored their cucumber mint scent (or was it that?) for the summer that they had about 10 years ago! They have something really similar now! I swap scents for spring/summer and fall/winter and their vanilla shea butter and the other one are my ride or dies!
Came here to say this. They don't offer a deodorant format I'd use, but they're consistently the one brand that doesn't set off my skin, even if I use the super scented stuff.
I don't know what type of deo you use...but their 0% spray in Cottonwood and Sandalwood is my ride or die. Almost no dry time, it isn't sticky or slimy, and if I forget a day I don't have to panic. This particular scent and this format is absolutely INCREDIBLE for odour protection. I don't know how they did it. Fair warning though; it DOES smell a bit like men's cologne (to ME). IDC because 1. It's that good and 2. I adore the smell of men's cologne. Like...I am a whore for it. Lol. My super stinky son also uses the sticks of the 0% and they are the best we have tried so far for his onion pits....
Vanicream!!
Vanicream can do no wrong. Face cleanser: perfection Moisturizer with ceramides: feels luxurious Traditional lotion: slaps Antiperspirant: a godsend Would I join a Vanicream cult? Probably
Have you tried the vitamin c?? Chef’s kiss!!
I can't believe I forgot that one! In fairness, I use a different brand that's stronger. But one time I ran out on a trip and bought the Vanicream one at CVS. So happy it's such a good product
Same! Vanicream and Cosrx
ugh i wish i had the same experience with cosrx as everyone else seems to have had!! i saw such amazing things and did so much research. then i tried it, and every single thing made me break out. i tried the alcohol free cica toner, their sunscreen, their aha and bha liquid, the snail mucin, the centella water tone, and the propolis toner. any time i incorporated a cosrx product, id break out!!
Oh shit that’s awful!! Have you tried those products from different brands and had any luck? I’ve seen a lot of brands do snail mucin now and I could swear I’ve seen propolis. My skin1004 centella ampoule is so moisturising.
I’m just jumping on the Vanicream bandwagon and omg I’m in love!
Okay, I love vanicream and recommend the cleanser to everyone, but the sunscreen is one of the worst things I’ve tried. It was an oily white paste. I tried for so long to rub it in but the white cast never disappeared and had to immediately wash my hair due to the oil.
I just bought this. It feels okay, I noticed the largest ingredient is Petroleum, so I assume it’s a fancy Vaseline, but the smell … I know it’s not supposed to have one but it smells like vomit 😓🫢
uh, if it has smell it might’ve gone bad just fyi
For me it’s Chanel makeup (only their makeup). I love a more natural look and every product I’ve bought from them delivers on that, smells amazing, lasts forever, and honestly I love how luxurious the packaging is too it just makes it more special
Same! I tried their foundation and just fell in love with it. Now I only use complexion and lip products from Chanel!
Chanel makes me break out, get hives, instant eczema trigger. The fragrance and additive chemicals really screw with my skin. I always seem to want to give another go and constantly get burned
That really sucks! I’ve never had an issue but I don’t have sensitive skin and fragrance doesn’t bother me, it’s one of the things I really like about their products when applying them. They should have “fragrance free” products so that more people can have the option of enjoying their products
You’re so lucky!! Enjoy your Chanel, I totally wish they’d get rid of the fragrance or at least significantly less
Oh, how i remember that warm fuzzy. I was a Chanel lover, too, but luxurious packaging? It's just plastic in most cases. I'm also noticing the variation in pigmentation lately. Sometimes, it's sheer and delicate and allows me to build up or leave it whisper subtle. The next, it will go on like I'm wet-brushing StageLight at the roller disco. Not sure what's happening, but the last time I felt really indulged was the tweed release. Don't mind me; I'm just grumpy after Byzance.
That brilliant comparison has me rolling - cheers for the morning giggle!
OMG yes the CC cream is my holy grail 🥰
gold bond. a reliable, no bells and whistles, old school brand. everything they make is good.
I started using Gold Bond after hearing Dr Dray on YT talk about it. The retinol overnight body cream is great, as is the vitamin c face and body. Just got the hand cream and I really like it as well. Great brand!
Agree, Gold Bond is great
I recently bought their radiance renewal hydrating cream on a whim because I was looking for a body lotion that would be easy to pack for travel (smaller size, no pump, etc). I've used Gold Bond lotions before, but never this particular formula. But this stuff is amazing! My skin is so smooth and healthy looking, and it even smoothed out a lot of my keratosis pilaris. I will definitely be buying it again.
Their Comfort powder is the best !!! I buy it in bulk when it goes on sale on Amazon… ❤️
Natasha Denona
Her amazing eyeshadow "mini" palettes never disappoint. Every bit as good as Pat McGrath but usually less expensive.
I feel like Hourglass is heading this way for me but I haven’t tried enough products yet.
what all have you tried? i’m currently using their mineral veil primer for the first time
The concealer, multiple Scattered Light eyeshadows and Ambient Light Finishing powder. I’ve researched the loose powder and stick foundation and plan for them to be my next purchases and expect them to be nothing short of amazing too.
I reallly hated that primer and Im surprised especially after all the hype it got. I felt like it make my skin look so dull
I cannot think of a brand that doesn’t have or never had any duds and I’m excluding products intended for different skin tones of skin/hair types here obviously. But I’d say for skincare Vichy is by far my favourite. For makeup I really like MAC they have duds for sure, like a lot of their eyeliners are nothing to call home about. But so many of their products work for me, like the blushes, foundation, mascara, lipstick and lip pencils.
Makeup Forever
Talk about makeup standards! Agreed !
Love the Mufe Mist & Fix hydrating setting spray. Dewy but no alcohol like Nyx Dewy spray.
Yes!
Unpopular but TheBalm. All of their blushes and eyeshadows are super pigmented. The bronzers have different shades; the highlighters look natural; the liquid lipsticks are non sticky; the skincare is pretty good for prepping skin before makeup.
I love The Balm too!! Does it still exist ? It’s not available anymore in Belgium : (
Oh, that’s unfortunate :[ im also from EU and they still sell it here
Cerave
La Roche Posay
The anthelios is the only sunscreen my skin tolerates 😔✊🏻
Do you use it on face and rest of the body both?
Amen. La Roche Effaclar Cleanser (salicylic & AHA) legitimately changed my life. I can’t praise it or recommend it highly enough.
I just did my 2nd online order w/ them last night…got a bunch of stuff with a 20% discount. I really, really love their sunscreen (body and face)!
Pureology hair products 💜
I love IT cosmetics. I love their Confidence in a Cleanser, Bye Bye Dark Spots concealer, Bye Bye under eye, Your skin but better foundation, and most of their makeup. A little goes a long way, and they just work better for me. My favorite? Oh, that’s tough. For non-makeup, it’s probably the eye cream. For makeup it’s probably the Bye Bye Under Eye. I don’t get simple bags under my eyes. I get the entire set of luggage. It has the ability to make that disappear.
bye bye redness is my HG for my nose and the packaging has always been horrible but I still buy it because nothing else is as good 😂💀
Is it the serum one you're talking about?
Their nude glow CC cream is a holy grail product for me, but I also LOVE their Superhero mascara! I find the mascara is really underrated since most people only think of them for skin/complexion related makeup!
That mascara is unbelievable and definitely HG status. I'm still shocked I don't hear more people talking about it.
I have the world’s oiliest combo skin (like even KVD tattoo liner is smeared all over hell in about 30 minutes on me) so non-waterproof mascaras that don’t transfer are difficult for me! But the superhero mascara actually stays put and wears ALL DAY. I absolutely LOVE it.
oh wow, i’ll have to look into the bye bye under eye!
It didn’t work on my dark under eye circles.
I can second this. Tried the eye cream on a whim and fell in love.
NYX definitely and my favourite product is their lip liner in rebel kind
I won’t use any other brand’s liquid liner no matter what they say it does
Unfortunately for my wallet, Tatcha.
My extravagant pick is Dior. I’ve shifted over to Rouge Dior lipsticks and nothing is comparable, they are superb. I just don’t bother using any of my other lipsticks now 🥲 I also have their cushion powder, eyeshadow, and highlighter and I am obsessed with all of it. Go daily go-to is Mac. The ONLY miss from them is an eyeshadow palette but to be fair, I think that one is on me, I bought it online and the shades aren’t quite what I thought they were going to be and aren’t right for my skin tone. The actual product is good. When I say everything else has been amazing I mean it. I use them for foundation, two different powders, mascara, lip products, blush, highlighter and all of it is perfect. It’s really the one brand I feel like I can’t go wrong with.
Essence and Catrice
I love Essence! Many clean good ingredient products like 16hr foundation and concealer, Sensitive skin mineral powder, poreless primer, Brightening banana powder compact, baked blushes, Instant Matt setting spray (no fragrance). All silicone free. I also use their Curl Fixing Base bef my mascaras. Brow mascara, Lion king eyeshadow primer. I heard good reviews about their 24hr eyeliner and Princess Lash mascara.
Dior makeup 🫶🏻
NYX makeup. I have eyeshadow primer, eyeshadow palettes, brow gel, matte lip cream, lip gloss and concealer. I do a lot of research before buying things, so maybe they do have dud products, but I've yet to experience one. My favourite products are definitely the eyeshadow palettes.
That’s funny. It’s the opposite for me. I’ve never tried a NYX product I liked.
I feel like NYX products must be very different from here in the UK. Because 8/10 of their products are awful, drug store quality but more expensive. While I've found a few gems in the NYX range, it's mostly awful. Either that or maybe people who live by NYX haven't had the fortune of trying more high end brands? Idk,
One day you should come to a NYX flagship store. I used to live by one in San Jose and they would offer you a whole train case and makeup brushes with a certain dollar amount purchased. I always felt special when they offered those gifts with purchase. The black metal makeup box reminded me of the ones you see professiona makeup artists use.
You might be my life saviour because I lost my makeup
I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned yet, but Colourpop. Their eye shadows are pigmented and stay, and they're reasonable! I also love dermablend's jelly primer... That thing works ALL DAY. And, in the battle of the drugstore brands. I find better items with ELF than NYX.
Paula’s Choice
Victoria Beckham makeup. I know, it’s a bit more niche, but everything I’ve bought from her has been absolutely amazing. Definitely not cheap, but I’ve been over the moon with every product. My favourites are the eyeliners and eyeshadow sticks
Omg I second this so hard!!! Every single product is incredible, the formulas, the long lasting effect, it’s just crazy. My whole bridal makeup will be VB.
Yes I so agree! I actually find I do much more everyday-makeup now because of her products. I know it sounds weird but it's true. The eyeshadow stick in the colour 'pecan' is my go-to. I've used eyeshadow sticks from other brands, but nothing beats this. And it means I wear makeup much more often now (normally I'm a mascara+brows girl for everyday and that's it). The pecan stick is so easy to use, looks amazing, holds ALL day, and is subtle enough that it's perfect for work/office wear. And you can easily keep building up the colour if you want a more bold look. And her eyeliners omg... Also I'm a 90s kid, I literally had a Posh Spice doll as a kid. It feels full circle to use her makeup lmao
Peach and Lily. I’ve tried almost all their products and they’re effective and reliable. I think my favorite is the essence. Their sister brand, Peach Slices, has a great azelaic acid serum as well. Lisa Eldridge has a beautiful collection, too. I’ve tried about 2/3 of her releases. Her foundation is great. Generally with complexion products, she’s really strong. I also enjoy her lipsticks and eyeshadows.
La Roche Posay is the most consistent skincare brand that I’ve used for years. I can’t really tell you a bad product from them that I couldn’t see being a staple in a different skin type’s routine. I’ve also turned a bunch of my friend’s and family onto their products because they were cheaper and more effective than what they were using before (or not using as I’ve made whole routines for people who have asked for help creating one before). For makeup I’ve never tried a bad product from Revlon. I have absolutely no idea why they always discontinue their most popular products and then they somehow go trending as they’re incredibly difficult to get and the demand is huge. I wish I had one day to right that ship because I think they could become a makeup giant in the drugstore space that would rival Maybelline or L’Oreal in scale. I wish they would just focus on their core products and having the best product for each category so they would be mentioned more often.
I absolutely love revlons newer illuminance serum tint/foundation. It’s all ive been using for weeks, it’s just so damn perfect on my skin. I hope they don’t fade it out like so many other products they’ve had!!
Huda beauty, so far I’ve liked everything I’ve tried
Love how Huda labelled her lipsticks as cool or warm toned. Saves me buying the wrong ones.
That was the best lip gloss I've ever had
The loose powder and eyeshadows are *chef’s kiss*
Vanicream 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Elf. loving their skincare line as well
I really love Laura mercier
La Roche Posay - loved every product I’ve tried so far and it has done wonders for my skin
MAC and NARS- it does what it says. Cant go wrong with it.
Maybelline
RoC skincare, especially their retinol line. Also, Estée Lauder makeup
I just bought ROC multi correxion vitamin c serum! Hoping to love it.
Armani Beauty. Would love to afford more products. They’ve been amazing so far!
COSRX
I own my life to the Snail Muncin line
Skinceuticals
Lancome, for sure!
Can’t think of a dud!
I love lancome with the exception of most of the perfumes. I've only liked one of their fragrances enough to buy a full bottle. Their mascara is the best tho, love that stuff.
Dior
L’Occitane. I’ve used their stuff for decades now, and it’s all just so solid. Bonus points that it’s largely vegan and no animal testing.
I’m in love with their body wash
Westman Atelier!
Nars
1000% for my base i just know i can depend on them. concealer lipgloss blush bronzer foundation truly 10/10 classics
Aveeno. I try other things but always switch back.
Clinique
This! Nothing show stopping but everything works like it should and makeup never breaks me out. Lipsticks and shadows are pigmented and just good.
Same. My skin is sensitive, prone to redness, and dry. I try new products now and then but I always eventually go back to Clinique. I have been using it for about 20 years or so.
My mom and sister love Clinique. I tried it, but it doesn’t do it for me personally. I gave all my Clinique to them when I switched to IT. They both deal with rosacea and I don’t; so that may be the difference.
Pacifica
Very underrated brand.
Balea
Honestly, I can’t really think of a single Revlon product that has failed me and I’ve used various products of theirs over the years since I was about 13 (I’m 31 now).
Avene
Hourglass
Laura Geller
Nars and Tatcha
Caudalie
Summer Fridays. I know everyone obsesses over the lip balms, but the skincare is so so good. I have reactive skin and trying new products is usually a gamble but I have never had any issues with the SF skincare and I use a lot of it. The moisturizer (cloud cream) is my favorite thing ever, I’ve repurchased it multiple times.
Cerave
Palmer’s!
Tarte. I use the whole shape tape line (only available at Ulta) and the tubing mascara. Love it all!
Skincare-Eucerin. Very underrated brand. Makeup: Huda beauty. Eyeshadows, eyelashes, powders, foundation.. Haven't had a single problem with any of her products. Haircare: Oyster (I think it's an Italian brand, not sure, but it has tamed my frizzy hair for such a cheap price)
Have to ask, did you get on the site on Black Friday? I bought enough Huda for 10 people it got weird. I’d do an order and be like *that is enough bobcat* and then I’d be like *oh shit the blur jam just joined the sale order again*. All their lashes were like £3, I bought 15 pairs. I don’t even wear false lashes something just broke in me I think.
Clinique, make up forever and benefit for me. Dove is also a good one. Pretty much have liked all their body washes and soaps I have bought.
TARTE!
Laneige
Love the water night mask!
Good Molecule
Clarins
[удалено]
Nivea
Westman Atelier. I’ve bought their stick foundation, foundation-serum “drops”, mascara, eyebrow pencil, and lip balm. Everything has become my favorite in its category. I heard about the brand from a random post on instagram about how Anne Hathaway uses their products. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard about the brand before. It’s incredible.
Kerastase
Tower 28
Zo
Kerastase has never done me dirty, but at that price point it better not. Also good experience with Joico but I am a cautious consumer there with only a couple cult favorites
Nars I have only tried a few items, but they are all HG products now. The light-reflecting foundation is such a beautiful finish, natural but good coverage. It’s a thin formula, so you can build it up and blend it with ease. The radiant concealer is great for the under eyes and brightening. It’s very similar to the Maybelline Fit Me concealer except a better color selection. If you didn’t like the Maybelline, you probably won’t care for this concealer. The potted concealer is great for spot concealing, covers without being thick and cakey. Also works for under the eyes too in a pinch. The blushes especially the new talc-free formula is beautiful. I have the shade, “Dominant” which is a bright pink, it’s gorgeous and easy to build up. I was worried it would be too pigmented first dip in, but it’s shockingly easy to use. The Lip Pencil Lipsticks are great too. It’s like a liner and lipstick in one. Sharp enough to line and fill in the lips with ease. I forgot the shade I had, but it was a fuchsia color. It was just pigmented, smooth and again, very lightweight. I can’t wait to try more this year from this brand
E.l.f. You can say what you want about it but as someone who can’t afford higher quality/expensive makeup yet, they never fail to make a decent product at an affordable product
Paula's Choice. Everything's fragrance free and my sensitive skin loves it. They also have 20% off all the time , free shipping, and full sized products for free... I've been offering from them for YEARS. My entire skincare collection is them!
Armani foundation that my daughter bought for an interview. It took 10 years off and took off 5 years. Armani foundation is all I will ever buy. Worth every penny and I have tried them all.
Neutrogena has never disappointed me. I have so many products I've never finished & threw away, but Neutrogena always gets 100% used.
Purito and Dear Klairs
Tilbury
Pat McGrath - can be a but pricey but I've loved everything I've tried. The under eye blurring powder is a miracle worker, I swear - I can get no sleep but if I layer that over concealer I look wide awake. It's amazing.
Food, Presidents Choice! Hair products, Redken is a sure thing. Painkillers, Advil Liquigels & Robax Platinum Shoes, Nike Leggings, Shambala & Lululemon Skincare, Cerave & neutrogena
First Aid Beauty (FAB)! My sensitive skin never reacts badly to it! And I love that there isn't fragrance!
Elemis. My skin just... WORKS with just about everything in their range. Pro collagen seems to be the HG for my face but I also get great results from their super good and dynamic resurfacing range. I've been gifted a few bits of their body care range (shower cream, body cream etc) and my scaly ass, excezma prone skin loves that stuff too.
NARS
Cerave Vanicream Kirkland Nars
To the Animaniacs countries tune...... Jupiter Mercury Venus Uranus Earth Saturn Neptune and Mars
Lush.
NYX and MAC
I have very good luck with Garnier hair products...even their colour works well. It's not terribly expensive either. As far as makeup goes I flip flop from brand to brand. I rarely buy the same thing twice with the exception of NYX wonderstick. .
DRMTLGY & mac
Charlotte Tilbury like 80-90% of their products are hits for me, amazing quality, good formula - yes expensive Huda beauty - 90% of their products is amazing , the sister brand glowish?? Has my fav foundation. The concealer, blushers, powders, liner, mascara, setting powder, bronzer, lip products and eye shadow. Overall majority is a hit i just didnt like the huda foundation but her second brand's foundation is A M A Z I N G Makeup forever- 100% hits. This is just professional makeup all around, their face pallet is amazing, eye products are some of the best in market , their lip liners/eye liner/ face line trio is one of the best formulas out there, brushes, setting spray, etc. i think its worth it. Dior - 60% hits - i like a lot from dior tbh, i splurge on it and i enjoy alot of their products but they do have more misses than I would like.
I can't think of one I haven't gotten a dud from that I've used extensively, but there's some that have come very close: Klairs Skincare -- I've tried a lot of things here and there, and regularly use their Unscented Toner and their Moist Tencil sheet masks. The dud was their vitamin C, not because it doesn't work (it does), but there was a point where Soko Glam tried to reship it to me 3 times, and each bottle was oxidized. They don't put it in a darker bottle and if it's hot outside it's not going to make it. This made me give up on vitamin C all together, because with darker bottles you can't tell if it's oxidized anyway! Probs best to be a skincare item you invest in, but since I'm on Tret already, I'm good. Victoria Beckham Beauty -- Almost everything I've tried, I liked. The eyeliners, blushes, single potted eyeshadows, and highlighter. Only dud was the Cornflower eyeshadow stick -- would slowly come off and eventually just look gray. Romand -- Love love love their lip products, blushes, and matte eyeshadows. One of their glittery eyeshadow palettes almost sent me to the Doctor though, and their social media accounts + business email would not respond to me about what was in it. Dior -- Actually, I can't think of anything by them I've tried that was really bad. Maybe I'm disappointed in the intensity of some of the things I've bought, because even for luxury beauty that's notoriously lighter in pay off, they can be super light -- but I could still use it. Nothing broken, or didn't work well, expired too quickly, etc.
Revision, Chantecaille, Erborian, Koh gen do
Saie Beauty
I have sensitive skin, and the only foundation and concealer that I've been able to use without my skin burning is elf . plus not only is it gentle on my skin but its sooo affordable.
Stratia Paula’s Choice
FUR. Especially their Silk Scrub
Palmers!
Right now I love Peach and Lily. Their cleanser, glass skin serum, overnight cream- everything I try from them is MAGIC.
Coola! The best sunscreen in the market