Disappointing Products
Saturday Reads
1. Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, 2. DryBar Happy House Weightless Shampoo, 3. Diorskin Forever Flawless Perfection Wear Makeup
I love trying new products. And I’m very thankful for generous return policies because there is nothing worse that letting a product waste away under your bathroom sink because you can’t return it.
Oftentimes I share items I love here on the blog, but I thought it would be good to start incorporating some products that didn’t quite measure up.
I’ve been itching to try a new foundation. Currently, and for the past two years, I’ve been using Arbonne Liquid Perfection foundation in Soft Blush and I really love it. I still really love it and highly recommend it.
But I wanted to find something that’s a little easier to get my hands on. I was also dealing with some dryness around my nose (which is partially season related), so I thought maybe it would be fun to look for something comparable.
I have been using an oil-free Laura Mercier Primer for the past few months and really love it. Again, prior to that I was using Arbonne’s primer, which I still love and recommend, but I suddenly ran out and needed some primer immediately. I grabbed the Laura Mercier one and have been very, very pleased!
Since I was having such great results from the primer, I thought I’d give the Silk Creme foundation a shot. It’s a long-wear foundation that is full-coverage. That’s exactly what I was looking for. At first I really liked it, but I found that it didn’t last as long as my Arbonne foundation did. By the end of the day it really looked like I needed powered to even everything out. Overall, not impressed.
Next I tried the Diorskin Forever Flawless Perfection Wear liquid foundation. While I loved, LOVED, the way it felt on my skin and smelled (it smells faintly of cucumbers), I found that I had to use about 3 pumps to cover my whole face. While the words “full-coverage” don’t show up in the description for this foundation, it’s meant to be a “second skin” for all day wear. I took that to mean full coverage with a natural finish.
I hesitated keeping it but I felt like I had to use so much to get enough coverage, and this foundation cost a pretty penny. I ended up returning it because it didn’t exactly deliver on what I wanted it to.
Thus, the foundation hunt continues. I’ll keep you posted.
The last disappointing product is the Happy Hour shampoo from DryBar. I got sucked in to shopping the Dry Bar products on Sephora’s website and found myself putting this in my cart. I wanted to give it a shot.
Within one use I knew it wouldn’t be the right product for me. It didn’t lather well (I prefer shampoos that lather) and I didn’t feel like it cleaned my hair nicely. And my hair was immediately tangled and needed an extra helping of conditioner to get my fingers through it. Now, given the name and the description it may need to be treated like a clarifying shampoo. But as far as every day goes, it was unimpressive.
Just because these products didn’t work for me doesn’t mean they are horrible for everyone. So if you love them, keep using them!
Just because these products didn’t work for me doesn’t mean they are horrible for everyone. So if you love them, keep using them!
comments
Hi! I’m an Arbonne Independent Consultant. And if you are looking to purchase any of Kate’s arbonne products recommended above. Please feel free to reach out to me I would love to help you! Or you can enter Sponsor # 116183920 when you place your order on Arbonne’s website !!
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Have you tried estee lauder doublewear? I swear by it! It’s definitely full coverage, but is still light weight and non caking. I haven’t found anything that compares.
I literally was just about to recommend the same thing. it’s pretty high coverage and lasts really well. I stayed away from it for years as I have dry skin and thought it wouldn’t work. I tried it one day because I was shopping and it was great! Give it a go!
Well now I’m tempted! 🙂
The double wear is fantastic, I switched to the double wear light but love them both.
I agree with EL doublewear! I’ve used it for years and love it!
I’m going to have to try this too! I’m intrigued…Is it expensive?
I love it too! It runs about $36. The coverage is great and it literally last all day long. However, I have really red skin so I’ve switched to Clinique, they have a line specifically for red skin.
I really appreciate posts like this. I love knowing not only what does work, but what doesn’t quite live up the hype, also (especially with products that aren’t exactly cheap, ya’mean?).
I totally agree with you on the Laura Mercier foundation, it wasn’t’ for me either and dried out my skin!!
xo
Sincerely Miss Ash
Speaking if trying things out…. have you tried the L’Oreal Miracle Blur primer? I have been using the oil-free version and love it. I tested it against the Benefit Stay Flawless primer, and couldn’t tell any difference. (I did half my face with the L’Oreal product and half with Benefit, then did my make up as usual. There was absolutely no difference in make up application/appearance on the 2 sides of my face; not initially or after about 4 hours when I checked again. And since the Miracle Blur is about half the price, I was sold! Just sharing something new to try, if you’re interested!
Nice to see that you use Arbonne 🙂 It is a great product with a lot of benefits for your skin!
http://www.citywitcountrycharm.blogspot.com
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This is funny you just posted this because I have one similar to this on my blog I posted saturday. Check it out if your interested.
http://www.theflippingintofashionblog.blogspot.com
I’m always on the hunt for a better foundation too, but I’m scared to splurge. I found a bottle of Covergirl 2+1 with olay serum under my sink the other day, which I decided to give another try, and I was like, “why didn’t I use this before? It’s great!” Inexpensive, one pump full coverage (I have pale skin also), and lightweight.
I got a little sample pot of Nars Sheer Glow Foundation from Sephora on the weekend, so far I really like it! It’s expensive…and doesn’t come with a pump (grr!) but so far, so good!
My Arbonne team has a name for the other companies’ unused, dysfunctional products the “product graveyard, where makeup goes to die” 😉
Kate,
Lancome Teint Idole Ulta 24H is good.
NARS Sheer Matte is good–I like it better than Sheer Glow but both work well for me.
Finally, I really like UD’s Naked Foundation!
I second the Lancome Teint Idole (but hated the Naked foundation – I got very sheer coverage with that one)
I tried Rimmel Perfect Match Foundation and Concealer on a whim and I am LOVING it. So blendable and workable, and full coverage. The only thing is I wish it was a pump bottle, but it’s amazing. I have super sensitive and acne prone skin and it is so awesome!!
I just started using Cover FX, bought at Sephora for $42…awesome coverage, creamy & tons of shades to choose from!
This product (Cover FX), applied with the bamboo foundation brush (GAME CHANGER) is amazing!!!! Just learned to apply foundation with this brush, and I’ve never EVER had such beautiful, flawless, even coverage. After 45 years of applying makeup, I finally have a process that works.
I was about to buy this shampoo, because I love the DryBar’s styling products…..good to know!!!
Carly
http://www.lipglossandcrayons.com
Arbonne, hands down, the best products on the market. I’ve been using Arbonne since 2004 and will never go back. And everytime I do (yes it’s fun to try new products!) I regret it!!!
I got Arbonne after reading yours and other rave reviews and loved the samples, so bought the bottles in two colors one for summer one for winter. Loved it for about a month but it’s so thick that I started breaking out all over my face worse then when I hit puberty. Stopped using it and tried the Loreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder and have fell in love with that and you can’t beat the price.
Arbonne made me break out so badly, then I scarred from it. Ugh! Definitely not for my skin, that’s for sure.
i love nars sheer glow and just bought clinique’s even better foundation – love both!
I love when people post about what they don’t like too! It is good to know what might be a waste of time! If you are looking for full coverage, I would give Este Lauder Double Wear a try. It is CERTAINLY a full coverage foundation and a little goes a long way. I am using Make Up Forever HD right now, and while I enjoy it and have used it before, I am going to try something else in a few weeks when I am out. Sometimes Make Up Forever HD looks weird on, but always looks great in pictures.
I have to say that I completely disagree with you on the Laura Mercier Silk Creme but understand that what works for some doesn’t work for others. I have been wearing it for over a year now and am still on the first tube I ever bought. I love this stuff and it has been the best foundation I have ever owned. I have super sensitive skin and the Silk Creme works wonders for me. On a side note, I absolutely cannot wear LM’s primer. It causes me to break out like I’m a teenager.
The great thing about their counter is they will be glad to give you samples of anything to try out and you can return a product if it doesn’t work for you. I would encourage you to try their other foundations as well. I’ve tried them all and love some more than others.
Try the new Marc Jacobs foundation!! It’s a-mazing.
Try the new Marc Jacobs foundation!! It’s a-mazing.
Clinique’s super balanced foundation has been my go-to for years now. Also loving maybelline age rewind concealer. Cannot believe the dark circle coverage it gives me— way better than expensive stuff I have tried!
Rimmel BB cream is the bomb! It gives nice coverage without feeling heavy, lasts all day, not greasy yet moisturizing, nice matte finish.
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I really like Laura Mercier Silk Creme but I agree with the long wearing part. To be fair, by the time I get home from work, the stuff has been on my face for 12 hours, but still. Have you tried YSL touche Eclat foundation? I love love love it!
I am glad I am not the only one disappointed by the Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation, everyone seemed to love it and I hated it. It broke down and made me look splotchy and gross very quickly. Lately I have been loving the Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Foundation, but it is quite the splurge.
Have you tried Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Light foundation? It is not as heavy as the original (and, it’s photo friendly!), but it still gives a nice, medium buildable coverage. Most days, I build it up to full coverage, and I set it with my Mac Mineralize Skin Finish Natural. By the end of the day, my face still looks perfect! I used this combo on my wedding day, too, and it didn’t fail me.
Good luck on your search!
Karly // Miss in the Midwest
http://www.missinthemidwest.blogspot.com
I totally agree about the Laura Mercier Silk Cream. I’m so bummed because I adore most of her products but I just can’t seem to make Silk work for me. It seems to oxidize very quickly and leaves me orangey and without much coverage. I hate the search for foundation.
I’m curious about these generous returns policies, are you saying you can actually return an opened cosmetic product to a store?! There’s no way you can do that here in the UK due to Health and Safety laws, so if you’ve spent a pretty penny then it’s your loss.
P x
I was using Arbonne, but the color wasn’t quite right. I just switched to Lancome’s 24 Hour wear and love it. I can go from working all day to a night out without having to do anything. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to use anything else now.
I’ve had my fair share of trying foundations! I used to buy a Lancome foundation in high school (couldn’t tell you the name, ugh), but it got too expensive. $40 for a small bottle that only lasts a little over a month was out of my budget. I wore drug store products for a while after that, but didn’t like them and I noticed I was breaking out more often. In comes in Clinque about 5 years ago. Tried a few foundations with them, but noticed the majority of the ones I tried turned orange on my skin! Ew! I have a pretty fair/red skin tone, so finding a product to cover the redness has always been a challenge. Clinque has a whole product line called “Redness Solutions.” Skin care, makeup, powder, etc. I’ve been using the Redness Solutions foundation in Calming Fair for about a year now, and I won’t buy another foundation! It completely neutralizes the redness in my skin and gives me the even skin tone I need to really put my face together. I always get compliments on my makeup when I use it!
I also like Laura Mercier’s oil free tinted moisturizer for when I’m just running errands on the weekend, or going to the archery range! It gives a little bit of coverage, but it isn’t heavy. So when I’m running around and getting sweaty, I don’t look as unfortunate as I would without makeup. 🙂
I just started using the Yves Saint Laurent Youth foundation (really pretty black and creme pump bottle). It is beyond ridiculously expensive and even though I must have stood there forever trying to makie the decistion, I really, really love it. It is full coverage and really makes my skin look flawless (I too use the Arbonne primer). Anyway if you’re looking to spend way too much money on a foundation 4 weeks before Chritmas this is the one for you!
I use Lancome Teint Idole Ultra and love it. I really like mixing a drop of geneifque with it too. It goes on so smooth and its great for your skin.
Have you tried Cover FX? I LOVE it. It’s light-weight, but feels awesome on your face. Plus, it’s actually good for your skin!
I am obsessed with the YSL Touche Eclat liquid foundation. It’s life changing.
Thanks for this post, I had the same problem with Dior, thought it’s the same like the airflash foundation, but it was totally different :o)
It’s so useful to have a post that tells you about what products to avoid! There’s nothing worse than wasting your money on a product that doesn’t work! xx
http://lifeandpickmeups.blogspot.co.uk/
Kate, I am thrilled to hear you recommend the Arbonne products as I’ve been a loyal user of their skin care and make-up for 20+ years and tell a huge difference in my skin when I try to switch! I love the results and the ingredients, so figure why change what’s working!?! You obviously have someone that you order from, so I wanted to mention talking to her about getting set up with your own preferred customer account so you can order on your own, still get the discount, and do it on your timing so you order before you run out. There are a few options available to get the great discount and order when you need it, rather than having to call your rep every time you need something! You may already know this, but I’ve found that nothing really compares to the results and the integrity of the products so it’s totally worth the process in my opinion! BTW, what do you think about their highlighter? I haven’t tried it yet, but am just learning about contouring and was going to give it a try. I just found your blog a week ago and have been scouring all your posts and love your tips and suggestions! Good luck and I hope you still find the time to post even after your bundle comes 🙂
I’m actually going to an Arbonne party this weekend and I really want to get the foundation. So I am excited that you mentioned how good it is, now I am definitely going to get it! Thanks!!
http://littlethingsandelephants.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the post! I love Laura Mercier but I think I will avoid trying that one unless I can get a sample.
I have been using Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Foundation for about a year now and really like it. It has build-able coverage and stays put throughout the day. I also use a primer. I have to blot after a few hours but that is probably because my skin is super oily right now as I’m 17+ weeks with twins. Congrats on your pending baby boy and happy foundation hunting!
Try Origins! I have pretty picky fair skin and I love it! They have a full-coverage Plantscriptions anti-aging foundation (because we’re all getting older, amiright?!) and a more medium coverage Stay Balanced foundation.
Good to know! I hate wasting money on so-so products ( and I’m not very diligent at returning things…) so I’ll keep your input in mind!
http://www.ahealthymrs.com
I had been on the lookout for a new foundation for literally a couple years. I have fallen in love with Lise Watier 12 Hrs Glam Flawless Complexion. It is a foundation & concealer duo. It covers very well while still looking natural and really does last all day. Just a little suggestion. I live in Vanada but I am pretty sure Lise Watier products are available I. the States also.
Oops I mean Canada not Vanada!
AHHHHH I just bought that shampoo today! I really need a good clarifying shampoo and was sucked in too… Good thing there are many sephoras near me for returns!
I was also going to recommend trying the estee lauder double wear light. I have been using bare minerals for probably 8-10 years and lately have wanted to try something liquid since my skin can get pretty dry in areas, especially in winter. I went to Dillards to get a sample of the double wear after reading about it on another blog. I decided to try it out on only my chin and around my mouth since that is where I am the driest and need the most coverage, while putting bareminerals everywhere else. I have to say I am loving it so far and have decided to purchase a full bottle when my sample runs out. The coverage is great and it still looks nice after a full day of teaching.
I felt the same way about Laura Mercier. In addition to sliding on my face, not lasting long, it breaks me out…. I am so sad about the results. I thought I would love it after really loving the tinted moisturizer from the line.
Have you ever tried the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour full coverage foundation? It’s almost a mousse consistency, and has a liquidy powder finish without being powdery. I know, that probably doesn’t make any sense… but in my head it does. 🙂 Anyhoo, it’s a fabulous foundation! Great full coverage that looks totally natural, great wearing power… I’ve also heard good things about Yves Rocher foundations, but I hate buying foundations online when I have no idea what the colors really are. I think it’s the Comfort Cream I hear the most about.
Have you ever tried the Kat Von D foundation from Sephora? It can be a little difficult to blend but I love it!
I love the LM silk creme, it’s amazing on my skin, such a shame it didn’t last long for you 🙁 I always wanted to try the dior one but might avoid it now 🙂
Claudia xx | Beauty and the Chic
Great post. Thanks for the information on where to find. That makes life just a little easier.
ok now I gotta know…what’s with full coverage? I am not trying to be sassy- I seriously want to know…who should be using full coverage…because I feel like you are the LAST person on earth who should be..your skin is amazing and creamy and young why in the good name of God would someone like YOU want any more than a some powder and blush…no seriously why? am I doing my makeup all wrong?
Georgio Armani’s “maestro” foundation is expensive, but pretty darn amazing.
You may want to check out Bourjois’s Healthy Mix foundation. Nothing but pros for me, normal to dry skin and very sensitive: no irritation, natural finish, great coverage (!! I skipped work to go surfing this summer, got a terrible sunburn and no one was the wiser), $27 in Canada. I apply with Lisa Watier’s foundation brush and it is very blendable.
I bought the Dior foundation when it came out…not only was it expensive but the pump didn´t work after a short while.
I also love the Tarte Amazonian Clay foundation! It blends very well (especially with the urban decay optical blurring brush) ! It’s almost like a whipped mousse-like consistency…LORAC natural performance foundation is fantastic too ! I have skin that breaks out very easily and these two NEVER make me break out -**knock on wood**
I’ve tried ALL of these and I always go back to MAC !!!!!!
I love the LM primers. I switched from the basic primer to one that helps control shine better, but it’s still a LM product. I use it with bareminerals. I love bareminerals, however I buy the compact powder. I feel like too much gets wasted in the loose powder form.
I love the looks I can get with this. It’s a definite Iink is Maxolip already know which is my favorite and it surprised me – the winner. Of course the whole box is great.