Disappointing Products
Links + Loves
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Alright listen.
I hate doing posts dedicated to products I don’t like because it just feels complain-y. But, I try a lot of things and every once in awhile I have to tell you when I come across something that didn’t live up to the hype.
Keep in mind that I’m not necessarily calling these products “bad”. They just didn’t work great for me. They may be someone else’s favorite.
I’ve quite enjoyed It Cosmetics’ Bye Bye Undereye concealer and have heard a lot about their Tightline mascara as well. While I was looking through the collection, I also grabbed the It Cosmetics corrector to see how it compared to Bobbi Brown’s Corrector.
The Tightline mascara was unimpressive. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t become an instant favorite like I anticipated it may. It’s similar to Clinique’s Bottom Lash mascara, but on an even smaller brush. I didn’t feel like it made a big enough difference in grabbing all my lashes to add yet another mascara into the mix.
The It Cosmetics corrector was also nothing to write home about. The coverage was decent, but it wasn’t as good as Bobbi Brown’s corrector.
I’ve been using Redken’s Body Full Shampoo and Pureology’s Hydrate conditioner daily for the past few months. It’s a good combo for volume and conditioning to my dry hair.
I thought I’d give Redken’s Body Full Conditioner a go again since it has been a long time since I used it, and I immediately remembered why I don’t love this conditioner. It’s pretty worthless. If you have baby fine hair, it may be just enough conditioning for you. Otherwise, it’s so light that you may end up needed to add a leave-in conditioner to your hair care routine.
So, Glam Glow Mud Masks. This is probably a skin care product I’ve heard more about than any other. People love these masks! And they are not cheap! My mom bought me a little holiday gift set for Christmas which included a full size Glam Glow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment and smaller sizes of the Tingleexfoliate Treatment and Supermud Clearing Treatment. Each full size version of the masks I just mentioned are $69.00. THAT IS CORRECT. So I had majorly high expectations.
The Hydrating treatment left much to be desired. Simply, I didn’t feel/notice a significant difference in my skin after using it. I’ve had much better results with the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Overnight mask ($38.00) which I just treat as a regular mask because I can’t stand the feeling of product on my face as I sleep. And frankly, if I’m looking for a hydration boost I’d also be inclined to just slather on a healthy dose of philosophy’s renewed hope in a jar moisturizer.
The Tingleexfoliate treatment hurt. BAD. I felt like my skin was on fire. I washed it off after only 20-30 seconds because I couldn’t bare the pain. That being said, I’m sure if used properly it would exfoliate quite well–and by exfoliate I mean burn the outer layer of skin right off your face. I’m kidding, but this mask is no joke.
I haven’t tried the Supermud Clearing treatment yet because it’s not a mask that I need to use on my skin right now. So, I guess it’s not technically a disappointment because I haven’t used it however I will say that I’m not really interested in trying it based on my experience with the other two.
So, like I said earlier, these were just a few of the not so impressive products that I’ve come across lately. Think twice if you are considering them!
*just a friendly reminder that I’m currently on maternity leave so questions left in the comments may not be answered in a timely manner.
comments
I had been going back and forth about trying the Glam Glow Masks, but they are so expensive. I’m glad I didn’t spend the money! I’ll definitely give the First Aid mask a try first!
Sephora has sample sizes (I think for $20, which is still stupid expensive). They were out of samples when I went so I was stuck buying the full sized tub. It lasted a couple months because I used a concealer brush to apply a thin layer. Like Kate, for the price, I was just not floored and do not plan of buying it again.
You can also just ask for them to make you a sample, which will give you one or two uses. I got one of those of the SuperMud Clearing Mask. Enough to know I didn’t want to purchase the full size.
Just because something doesn’t work for Kate does not mean it should be doomed. Remember, this was not a freebie and they purchased it.
I agree about thirsty mud, but I love the exfoliating one.
I’ve always wanted to try the glam glow masks, but I have reasonably sensitive skin so have refrained so far. By the sound of it the tingle exfoliant one is def not for me.
http://www.thebeautybloss.com
I was VERY disappointed in It’s Tightline, as well. I have seen it advertised a lot on QVC and it looked amazing! It doesn’t give me an instant eyeliner look like it does on tv and it dried up very quickly.
Have you tried Sebastian’s Drench conditioner? It’s what I’m using now and I like it. I’m wondering how it compares to Pureology’s hydrate conditioner.
Mina
Hi Mina, Kate did a post about conditioners, and she tried the drench one. If you’d like to read it, it’s here https://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2014/09/the-conditioner-hunt/
Hope that helps 🙂
It’s hydrating but not as softening as Pureology Hydrate. It’s a little lighter too!
Thanks Kate! I’m going to try Pureology hydrate conditioner next !
I’ve found that a lot of Redken products are disappointing now. I don’t know what they’ve done. My mom is a hairdresser and Redken was ALWAYS my go to product, but recently my hair hasn’t looked at good and I haven’t changed anything (aside from taking prenatal vitamins and those are helpful).
Thanks for sharing these! I’ve been dying to try the glam glow mask – so thanks for the honest review!
Kim
http://trendkeeper.me .. HEALTHY snacks!
A few months ago I started using Bumble and Bumble products. I can’t rave about their products enough! I especially love their Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo/Conditioner and Protective Primer. Their conditioner is super luxurious and a little goes a long way. It’s a little pricey–but well worth it and it lasts!
I previously worked at a Sephora store and was able to try the glam glow mask! It wasn’t bad, just not worth the price! I would suggest anything from the Origins brand, I haven’t tried a product from them that I haven’t liked! 🙂
I have tried the glamglow mask for clearing pores and it doesn’t work well either! Just like on the adds and Pinterest, you can see all your pores looking disgustingly black when the mask is on your face but when you wash off the mask the blackheads don’t come with it. I was the sucker who paid for the full-size jar with high expectations and it has been a major disappointment. Biore pore strips still work WAY better and are WAY cheaper.
I have tried 2 of the Glamglo products and have not been impressed.
I was just as disappointed with GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment.. It was cool to look at but literally did nothing to my skin…
Hi Kate, glad to see you are doing so well and looking so good with the 2 little ones. Thanks for the time on sharing on these.. I’ve tried the Redken’s Body Full Shampoo and it is really good to my thing baby hair….. I am so happy to have found this one in France, but I had the same feeling with the conditionner…and as here it was quite prizy I have it to a friend as I had the same feeling you are describing…..
Thanks again 🙂
This is totally off subject but where did you get that bedding? I love the color!
target!
That’s too bad to here about the Glam Glow products. I’ve also heard a lot of hype about them. Now I don’t know if I’d even want to bother trying them…
http://www.theeverydaybrunette.com
I hear ya on the glamglow! The only thing I would say about the clearing glamglow, if you decide to try, is to use it as a spot treatment at night and not a mask. It will last longer and I’ve found thats the only way I really notice a difference!
good to know!
I’ve heard so many mixed reviews from friends about the Glam Glow Masks. Some people swear by it and others couldn’t stand it. I haven’t decided if I wanna give even the sample size a try but I’m kind of leaning towards no, especially after hearing this.
Also, I tend to think masks like this are more suited for people with serious acne or skin problems. I say, if your skin is balanced and feeling good, no need to put it through all chemicals and treatments.
Thanks for doing posts like this! They are just a helpful (if not more so) as posts about products you love.
Sweet Horizon
THANK YOU for writing about disappointing products!! It’s just as useful to know what *not* to buy as it is to know what to buy. Your reviews are always so thorough. Thank you Kate!
Thank you Kate, this is really helpful!! Really interesting to know about the Glam Glow products and to find that so many people agree with you too!
http://en.emoi-emoi.com/
Thanks for the reviews! I agree in the conditioner review as I have also tried that one in the past and been disappointed. The best shampoo and conditioner for both thicker hair needing a boost and baby fine hair needing volume, is Umberto volumizing shampoo and conditioner sold for about $11 at target. It’s simply an amazing product! This is coming from a girl who has searched and searched for years trying all kinds of different salon shampoos and conditioners and finally about four years ago I found this gem and have been extremely pleased!!
I totally feel ya on Glam Glow! I thought maybe it was just me or something. You HAVE to try May Lindstrom Skin Care. Oh my goodness…. they are oh so very pricey, but man do they work! They are all natural and mostly organic. May makes everything by hand herself. I just purchased the youth serum, and she added a generous size sample of the blue cocoon and the problem solver on my request. Let me tell you I absolutely loved everything… I use the youth serum twice a day and have already noticed an amazing difference in how dewy and youthful my skin looks (I’ve been using it for about 2 weeks now). The problem solver is a mask that tingles and slightly burns, but always stops short of me needing to take it off early. Lastly, the blue cocoon is very soothing to my skin when it is inflamed. One more thing, I had a terrible sinus infection last week, but no one could tell because my skin looked so good…. I’m telling you, so good!
Interesting feedback on the glamglow masks! I have heard and seen so much about them lately. I actually have a couple samples from Sephora I’ve been meaning to try.
How To Boost Your Skin’s Collagen By Supplementing With Vitamin C
http://www.getchaglowon.com
I like the Powermud Dualcleanser from Glamglow. I’ve never paid for it though (only had deluxe samples), so I’m not sure if it’s worth the money.
Thank you for letting me know I’m not the only one that thought the Tingle Exfoliate mud mask hurts! I have sensitive skin, so I though it was just me. It made me so sad!
I liked the Super Mud Clearing Mask, I haven’t tried the others. I like it because it really eats up dead skin without you feeling like you’ve been stripped. It’s exceptionally uncomfortable while wearing it though.
I also find I can use it as a spot treatment. I’ve only had a sample pot so I can’t say if if the large ones dry out too, but they dry out so fast!
I wholeheartedly agree with you Kate about the Glam Glow hydrating mask – not impressed, especially for the price! I so won’t be purchasing it again. My son who has pretty major acne issues does like the mud one (yeah – i bought 2. What was I thinking at that price?).
I noticed that the hydrating mask that you like is an overnight one. Have you tried the one Julep has out now? Not too shabby, but not a game changer in my opinion (It’s because of you that I am now a Julep Junkie. I had all intentions of just getting one box and quitting and that was about 10 boxes ago).
I totally agree about the Glamglow masks! I got a bunch of samples of the Supermud clearing treatment and the Tingleexfoliate! The supermud seriously did nothing for my skin. There was no difference whatsoever. And the Tingleexfoliate hurt so bad I couldn’t put it on for long and I feel like my skin is pretty tough. I can’t believe they charge what they do and everybody ‘loves’ them so much. I never tried the hydrating one. I was glad to know someone out there feels the same.
sorry these suck
check out my newest post
xx
Tyana
theluxedition.blogspot.com
I’m so glad to finally see a non glowing review of the Glam Glow masks – pun intended. I’ve never purchased a full-sized mask because I’m not forking $69 over for any single product! Crazy! I have tried 3 of the masks and really have found them to be nothing special. I didn’t have any issues like you did, so if someone gave them to me as a gift, I’d be fine with it — but just not worth the money to me.
Origins makes a charcoal mask that will zap zits and unclog pores at a fraction of the cost! Ole Henriksen has some really nice masks too and they’re also more affordable and often sold in multi product sets at Sephora.
I also agree on the corrector. I bought it to cover up the red on my face and it does nothing for me. I really like the bye bye under eye so I thought I would like that to but I was very disappointed. I do have a question Kate. What is the best foundation for dry and sensitive skin? I have very dry skin and I do moisturize really well. I have tried so many and none of them work. I have tried the Make-up forever HD because my friend who is a make-up artist told me about it but it was very dry and Matte. I like a luminous glow. I want to look like I’m glowing from within if that makes any sense to you.
No foundation will give you the glow side, try instead a finishing powder (loose or compact) like Makeup Forever HD powder.
I find people reactions to the Glam Glow masks so interesting. I recently purchased the cleanser which I have thoroughly enjoyed, so I considered purchasing the Thirstymud mask. Good to get some feedback!
Ciana |www.ciananadine.wordpress.com
Gosh! Thanks for the post – now I won’t waste money on those masks I’ve heard such amazing things about.
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Finally!!! Someone else who doesn’t see the hype with the Glam Glow masks. I was feeling like the only one. The tingle one does hurt the first time you use it but not the second, at least for me. As for the clearing mask, I did not a difference in the before and after. People rave about how awesome the clearing mask is and I don’t understand it. Maybe I just have the most stubborn blackheads on the planet.