LET ME SPEND MY MONEY SO YOU DONT HAVE TO……
One of many things that improve as you get older is not to take the beauty industry that seriously. You understand that beauty editorial of the next batch of “must have” products are normally funded by spend on advertisement in the magazine, free products etc. I know many people in the industry and most of those beauty writers have never even tried the products and certainly not for any length of time. Of course some of these beauty buys may deserve cult status so I decided to try some at my own expense. I get so annoyed at the dreams we are sold as women and spend a lot of money on products that don’t live up to the hype. This is completely unfunded unbiased approach and I have tried each one for 6 months and the following did not work for ME and in some cases made matters worse !
LASH SLICK £14
Glossier’s first ever mascara. Promises to lift,curl,sculpt, lengthen and enhance the look of your natural lashes. This brand was only launched in 2018 but Vogue Magazine featured it heavily and I attended a Vogue afternoon to launch the brand to its customers. Now, I understand the brand likes the no make up , make up look that I advocate for us older women but with mascara you really do want it to make a difference. What is the point of a mascara that looks natural ? You may as well apply a little vaseline. I have naturally long lashes but I personally felt that I still had to apply several coats to make a difference on any of its promises. After so many coats my eyelashes were so brittle and hard that it had the appearance of a cheap mascara . The price was fair but then it is expensive if it does not work. Nothing still beats Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara and I have tried practically every one on the market.
PILLOW PLUMP £10
Soap and Glorys offering from Boots is well priced if you want to try it yourself. I so wanted this to work as I would love plumper lips without resorting to filler. So much so I have now tried this for a whole year in the interest of science. Claims to help increase the skins natural levels of hyaluronic acid ??? It has a real tingly feeling to trick you into thinking something is happening but alas no, no ,no. Normally menthol is the ingredient that causes the tingle. The lip gloss is very sticky and the smell is sweet and cloying quite nauseating. This product is aimed at teenagers, I feel but those in search of the miraculous claims made by this product ……..don”t bother . NO PLUMPER LIPS !
OLAPLEX No 3 £24 (100ml)
Consistently overhyped by beauty editors this ‘Hair Perfector’ probably was the worst product I have ever used. Claims that this product seeks out broken bonds in the hair (by chemical,thermal and mechanical damage) and repairs them restoring compromised hair to former glory. Well my hair started lovely and became dry and brittle after using this ‘hair perfector’. Even my hairdresser noticed but told me to carry on with the treatment for 6 months as it takes time to work but my hair just got worse and was drying it out so I abandoned this one before the 6 months is up. Have read several reviews for this product that have said exactly the same. Strange considering the claims. An expensive mistake.
VIRTUE THE POLISH £19
A leave in hair conditioner that claims to smooth hair and eliminate frizz and lock out humidity. Sorry to choose another hair product but this is one of the fastest growing parts of the beauty market with hyped up prices to match the hyped up claims. Would not normally spend £19 on a hair conditioner but as someone whose hair frizzes up at the first sight of humidity or rain really wanted to try this product much loved ……by beauty editors. Considered a cult beauty product. Oh dear it did not “tame,calm or transform” there are very mixed reviews but general consensus seems to be not to blow dry but leave to dry naturally so good for curls. But if you want a sleek smooth glossy look do not use this just use Moroccan Oil works every time on wet or dry hair ! My go to product.
COVER FX BLURRING PRIMER £30
Want “skin perfection” then give this a miss. May work on younger skins but as you know I am not a lover of primer on more mature skins but this one claims to “instantly minimise the appearance of fine lines to create a super smooth flawless airbrushed look”. No. It drew attention to my fine lines making them LESS fine . A light cc cream on its own will give you a more flawless look. Although I will point out Cover FX do use healthy vegan free ingredients they say. But pricey. Marie Claire Magazine rated this as the best primer for radiance and primer. But I disagree . Maybe for a younger oily skin this would be great but to all my followers don’t waste your money on this one.
So there you have it my fellow stylelistas I hope I have saved you some money this week. These five products are all currently high on Beauty Editors lists and consistently win awards in all the magazines. But I would encourage you to read INDEPENDENT reviews from genuine consumers like this one. Be careful you are not reading reviews sponsored by the actual Company or retailer designed to sell you these dreams in a bottle.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: BUY THE SMALLEST SIZE TO TRY OR EVEN ASK THE RETAILER FOR A SAMPLE SIZE. EXPENSIVE DOES NOT EQUAL EFFECTIVE ON THE CONTRARY THE CHEAPER MORE NATURAL PRODUCTS ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE. SEE PREVIOUS ARTICLE ON COCONUT OIL !
JOJO xxxxxxxxxx