How many categories of beauty products must there be? Hundreds at least and the number only keeps going up every year. I am a lover of all things beauty and skincare related but there are only so many things one person can put on themselves. I want results from the products I choose to spend my money on and don’t want to blow my budget on the ones that look pretty but don’t perform.
Over the years, I have narrowed down my list of the kind of products that never work for me. I either forget to use them or can’t justify the cost when compared to the results.
- Scrubs of any kind
While gentle exfoliation is a must in every beauty routine most scrubs are just too harsh. Rubbing Walnut shell paste on your face isn’t exactly a smart move if you’re looking to treat any skin condition. Chemical exfoliants are the way to go. Body scrubs can be easily made at home with simple ingredients that cost a fraction of the price. Try dry brushing or even a plain washcloth does the job. Don’t even get me started on lip scrubs!
- Snappy packaging
Face masks shaped like deodorant sticks might look cool but really what you’re paying for is the packaging and not the product. A gorgeous eyeshadow palette shaped like a mermaid or a unicorn looks pretty on the vanity but will you wear the colors? It’s easy to fall for the eye-catching new things but make sure the juice inside is actually worth it.
- Nail Oils
I’ve never understood nail or cuticle oils and creams. A good hand cream will do the job and you don’t need to remember to put on multiple products. A nail oil is just completely unnecessary.
- Shaving Foam/Oil
Save space in your shower and money in your wallet. Conditioner is the best things for shaving legs. I get way fewer nicks and the razor just glides so much smoother.
- Luxury Soap
I used to consider expensive body washes a treat. Then I realized my money was just going down the drain and into the sewer. Expensive body washes aren’t any better for your skin and they’re loaded with fragrance. A simple gentle body wash or soap will do the job and there are so many good ones at the drugstore.
- Fancy Moisturizers
No, you don’t need separate day and night creams. A single product that restores the skin natural moisturizing factors and is loaded with Ceramides and humectants is all you need. Save your money for a potent serum that targets your skin concerns and skip the fancy lotions.
- Eye Creams
I used to be a big believer in eye creams. After spending hundreds of dollars, I finally did some research into them and turns out there really isn’t much there. There isn’t something magical about eye creams that can cure hereditary dark circles(sigh!). So, now I just use my regular products around my eyes and save a bundle. Same goes for neck creams.
- Body Perfecting Lotions
Topical application of a lotion cannot firm skin. At best, they can have a surface effect and make skin look smoother or trick the eye if they have a tint in them. This stands true for any creams that promise get rid of stretch marks or reduce cellulite.
- Pore Strips
One of the most satisfying beauty rituals that always reminds me of teenage years. Pore strips might feel like you’ve finally won the war on clogged pores but your victory is short lived. Toss them out for a BHA exfoliant.
- Exotic ingredients
While I would love to believe that the latest exotic flower or mushroom is a gift from the skincare gods, reality rarely lives up to the hype. I’m all for new exciting ingredients but until they’re researched and scientifically validated, I won’t be jumping on the bandwagon.
What do you think? Are there some beauty items you never buy?