5 over-rated make-up products and their recommended alternates

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DUBAI: I know, I know. These posts always need to come with a disclaimer, that just because these products did not work for me, it does not mean that they are bad. In fact, some of these brands are among my most loved ones, including NARS and Urban Decay.

I wanted to share some of the products that are always discussed on Youtube/beauty blogs and which I am also guilty of purchasing just because I didn’t want to miss out. They are not necessarily over-priced, and may also give you the intended results, but I feel that these products are not as good as they are touted to be.

1. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

Urban Decay Naked 2 costs USD54. PHOTO: FILE

I don’t think I got much use out of this palette at all. For the price, USD54, I find that this doesn’t offer as much variety as I would have liked. I also find the packaging a little inconvenient and bulky. I hear the Naked 1 offers the best colour variety and use, so I may just have picked the wrong one, or maybe there just wasn’t as much choice when I bought this about 3 years ago.

Recommended alternates: Tartelette in Bloom by Tarte (USD45), Urban Decay Naked Basics (USD29), any of the Too Faced Chocolate eyeshadow palettes (USD36-49)

Top: Naked Basics, Bottom Right: Too Faced Natural Eyes, Bottom Left: Tartelette in Bloom.

2. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer

Luara Mercier Tinted Moisturiser costs USD44.PHOTO: WHATTINALOVES

Oil free, SPF20 and a wide colour range – what more could a girl ask for, right? WRONG. As I have tried more and more products, I have realised that this really does not add any coverage to my skin, and does not last very long at all. For the hefty USD44 price tag, I would not recommend this to anyone going forward.

Recommended alternates: DiorSkin Nude BB Cream (USD45 for 1 oz, much better coverage), NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (USD44 for 1.9 oz, SPF30),  Bourjois CC Cream, Foundation (USD15 or below, SPF15).

Left: DiorSkin Nude BB Cream, Centre: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, Right: Bourjois CC Cream, Foundation.

3. NARS The Multiple in CopaCabana 

PHOTO: TOHOMEBEAUTY

I think I have literally never used this product. Ever. It was USD39 for 0.5 oz of product, and it is absolutely terrible. I was never sure if I should just swipe it across my face, or use my fingers to tap some on, and I think it is too late now since the product dried up very quickly! Extremely disappointing, and wrong choice of colour (by me).

Recommended Alternate: For a cream finish and similar highlight – MAC cream colour base in Hush (USD22).

PHOTO: ASCOTISHLASS

4. GlamGlow Thirsty Mud 

PHOTO: THELDNDIARIES

I had seen the Glamglow range at my local spa, as well as had read many reviews online, so I was very curious to try this. I am glad I picked it up in the 20% off sale at Sephora (USD69 for 1.7oz), otherwise I would have been even more devastated at my purchase than I currently am. I really do not understand the hype around this product, or GlamGlow in general, especially for the price.

I also bought a travel size of the Supermud Clearing Treatment (still super expensive) but it did absolutely nothing for me.

Recommended Alternates: Literally anything else. You could try products from The Body Shop (great masks and oils!), Kiehl’s or L’occitaine to name a few.

PHOTO: PRETTYPOTTERING

5. BioDerma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

PHOTO: MUSINGSOFAMUSE

OK, this is not a bad product – it does the job, but I just don’t find it as amazing as the reviews or rave around it. I find it to be a bit harsh, and I feel like some of my eyelashes come off with it when I am removing my makeup. I bought the travel size to try, and I did not find myself using it very much. It is good for days when I don’t feel like doing a full-on cleanse, but just wipe down my face with a Micellar solution.

Recommended Alternates: Simple Micellar Water (USD3 for 200ml), Vichy 3-1 Micellar Solution (USD15 for 200ml), Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil (USD15 for 200ml)

PHOTO: AMAZON 

The writer is a Strategy Specialist by day and beauty blogger by night. Based in Dubai, she blogs at Project Makeup.