The Don’t Buy List

OK first things first, this isn’t me holding a grudge against anyone. As a blogger and media professional I know I’m incredibly lucky to be sent a lot of free stuff. But just because it’s free, doesn’t make it good. Of course others will have used these products and loved them, but they didn’t work for me.

So in the interest of full disclosure, I’ve created a list of products – some freebies, some paid for – that I would avoid.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara, £19.50.

When it comes to mascara I’m pretty much set on anything by Benefit, but that doesn’t mean I’m not open to new experiences. I bought this when Urban Decay were giving away a ton of samples with purchase.

Please don’t get me wrong, generally I really like Urban Decay products – the Naked palettes and eyeshadow primer in particular, but this mascara really didn’t do it for me. The Urban Decay website describes it as a lengthening, volumising formula that coats each lash. For me it was decidedly overwhelming. It just didn’t seem to do anything at all. There was no lengthening I found it quite clumpy. I could get the same effect with a significantly cheaper product.

Rimmel Wonder’fully Real Mascara, £6.40

I feel bad about this because I actually asked Rimmel to send me this product, but I hated it. I found it sticky and wet to apply and I found that it didn’t get any better as it dried. In fact it didn’t really dry on me at all. I spend about an hour wiping away the mascara smudges that appeared every time I blinked before I gave up and removed the whole lot. This might improve the more air gets in the tube and dries it out but I haven’t given it a second chance. I’m not a snob when it comes to any kind of make-up but I really won’t be going back to this one.

Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation, £34.50

First things first. I actually loved this foundation. The shade matched my skin perfectly and it blended in really well. The main problem was that it was a spray.

It all went so well at the make-up counter (doesn’t it always) when the assistant made me up beautifully. It was when I got home I discovered the problem – the product doesn’t come with its own make-up artist. To apply you need to close your eyes and spray in what you hope is the direction of your face and it ends up everywhere – in your hair, on your clothes and all over the floor. Even when spraying onto my hand it made a mess. I think this product was designed for use by make-up artists and it should stay that way. Dior have a ton of fabulous foundations to choose from anyway.

Boots Botanics All Bright Micellar Cleansing Solution 3 in 1, £4.12

I bought this because it was in the reduced section – I’m assuming because of the package redesign as the bottle I bought is different from the one on the Boots website. I only use Micellar water when I’m feeling lazy so the bargain basement price of £1 was fine by me.

Except it wasn’t really. For something that was supposed to remove make-up it just didn’t make a dent. Granted, it didn’t do any damage to my skin, no flaking or irritation, but it didn’t do any of the things it was supposed to do either. Skip this and go for the very much love Garnier version instead.