I’m not a negative person and I always like to look for the best in everything but I though it was about time I share some products that I really didn’t get on with and just were not worth the hype in my opinion. I have nothing against the brands mentioned in this post, I just personally didn’t get on with the products mentioned, that being said they may work for other people, these are just my opinions!
Mac Amber Times Nine
This palette was talked about so much when it first came out. Mac individual shadows are amazing so I though this palette was great value as you get nine shades for £25. The first thing I was gutted by was the size of this palette, it’s really seriously tiny, it’s definitely a travel size palette which isn’t really made obvious on the site! The shadows seems to have a completely different formula than Mac’s usual shadows, they’re not pigmented, there’s a lot of fall out and they just blend out to nothing. I have drug store palettes that are way better quality and 10x cheaper!
Indy Luxe Brushes
I was so disappointed by these brushes. I know so many beauty bloggers are ambassadors for this brand but I honestly was not impressed with the quality. The brushes feel light and plasticy, the brush hairs are scratchy and I just did not get on with the set I have. They’re very overpriced in my opinion. This rainbow set costs £24. The brushes are also really weirdly sized, they’re bigger than travel sized but too small to be full sized. The actual brush heads are also too big to be eye brushes and too small to be face brushes.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid
I was going to write a full review of The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid and what it did to my skin but I felt it was better to mention in this post. I was really gutted that I didn’t get on with this product as I’d heard so many amazing things about The Ordinary. It made my skin go red, extremely flaky and itchy! It took my skin three to four weeks to recover as it was so dry! It’s the worst reaction I’ve ever had to a product. I honestly wouldn’t advise trying this if you have sensitive or dry skin. I wasn’t ready to give up on the brand just yet though, I’ve since used their foundations and really liked them both. I’ve particularly fallen in love with The Ordinary’s Serum foundation!
Mac Studio Fix Fluid
This foundation majorly did not agree with my skin! It’s also a lot darker than the other Mac foundations I have in the shade NW13 and clings to every bit of dry skin I’ve got. It looks cakey when applied with a brush or beauty blender. I’ve tried mixing it with moisturiser and using it with and without a primer but nothing helps. This foundation just does not work for me.
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
I actually got rid of this which is why it’s not in the photos, I felt it was worth mentioning though. I know this is so well loved in the beauty blogger community but I find it just did not work for me. I gave it a fair shot but it just looks so muddy and orange on my pale skin. When I treated myself to the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow palette it just proved to me how much Hoola wasn’t working for me so I gave it to a friend with a more tanned complexion.
It felt so strange to be writing such negative things, I normally only share the positive products that I love! Please let me know if you liked this sort of post and if you’d like to see more in the future?
To be honest I think “negative” (this wasn’t negative at all, just honest!) posts definitely have a place in blogs – a lot of the products we hear about all the time are so expensive, and with all the positive stuff about them you get the sense that you’re missing out if you haven’t given them a go…which gets very pricey!
Agree on the Benefit Hoola – I still use it, (because I can’t face throwing it away) but there are definitely better products out there for pale skin!
Great post, would definitely like to see more like this 🙂
Isn’t it sad when you have such high expectations and your bubble is burst! 😭 x
Mac Studio Fix Fluid doesn’t work for me as well. It’s so cakey when I apply with beauty blender. And I hate this product. Thank you for sharing this post!
I have the Burgundy Times Nine palette and I don’t think they worth the hype. The quality is not that good, I still use it but I’m a little disappointed. I also bought two single eyeshadows from MAC and I still don’t like the quality! xx
Carolina’s Makeup Life
I feel like people often get swept up in all the hype, so much so that it blinds perceptions and we just agree with the majority’s opinions. I’ve always felt the Hoola bronzer was on the orange side, and I’m someone with very warm, yellow undertones! This is a great post idea xx
Great post, I totally agree when it comes to the MAC foundation!
Interesting to see the reality of some of these products!
I am so glad that I stumbled upon this post. I had the MAC Amber Times Nine palette in my cart at ULTA but promptly went and removed it after reading this! And bummer, I have heard such great things about the Ordinary Skincare line, I haven’t tried anything for myself but I hate that you had such a bad reaction to the Salicylic Acid Solution. Thanks for sharing! xo
It’s nice to see an honest review of really popular products that I see raved about all the time! I’ve been so close to trying the Indy Luxe brushes but I definitely won’t be now x
A lot of people like that foundation but I didn’t like it either :/ I don’t know why, it just doesn’t work for me 🙁
http://sayeedahsparkles.com
I’m sorry these didn’t work for you. I’ve seen that Mac palette and reviews have been pretty hit or miss. I don’t think I’m going to bother. I’ve never tried their foundations. http://www.mrsqbeauty.com
Such a shame to see these didn’t work out for you!
Love love love your photography!! X
I thought I was the only one with a bad Hoola experience- it was far too orange for me too!
Gabija, everylittlethingblog.weebly.com
Hi, the Indy Luxe brushes look fab, so bright and vibrant colours and a great design. I don’t think I will treat myself following your review.
I totally agree with you on the hoola bronzer! It’s so muddy on me and when I tried the hoola lite, it was waayyy too orange on me! I started using the Pixi bronzer and I’ve been loving it.
Ah I hate when you’re super excited to try a product or it’s so hyped up but doesn’t meet expectations. I’m glad you made this post though, like the honesty! I’ve used a range of Mac products, I can’t remember the name of the foundation I tried but it so drying! One product I was very disappointed with. Thanks for sharing! X
It’s such a shame about these products but I’m glad you’ve shared them!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk / http://www.foodandbakertravels.co.uk
I’m so surprised about all of the products you’ve listed! It’s really disappointing when a product doesn’t meet your expectations though 🙁
I love these types of posts; you’re not the only one who I’ve heard say the Indy Luxe brushes aren’t brilliant. They’re a brand I’m extremely wary of tbh! I’ve heard loads of things about the Hula bronzer – I mainly see it on YouTube, shame you don’t get on with it! xxx
Nice to get some honest thoughts on these products, especially since I was looking into buying some things from Ordinary.
-GG
http://www.girlingamba.com
Really enjoyed this post – I always like to hear opinions that aren’t positive because they offer a bigger perspective and show that no product is perfect! 💛
Emma | emmadrury.com
I hate having high expectations and a product not meeting them!! Mac foundations in general are horrible for me, and Indy luxe brushes I always thought have seemed lesser quality for their price! Sharing bad opinions feels weird on my blog for me too, but I recently did an empties post with some bad opinions and quite enjoyed writing it! 😊
I love reading these sorts of posts and not feeling like the only one who just didn’t see the hype haha! Lovely <3
Morgan // http://www.justmorgs.com
Interesting to read about the MAC Studio Fix Fluid – I’ve used the compact version for years and was considering trying it out, so it’s refreshing to read about it from a negative point of view! I always find it more interesting to read than positive ones, great post! xx
This is such a useful post! It’s good to read good reviews about new or unknown products, but I think it’s even more interesting to talk about products that don’t work for us 🙂
I was going to try the Salicylic Acid from The Ordinary, but after your review I may choose something else as I have sensitive skin too.. I’m glad I saw you post lol x
Kirsty
http://www.corinneandkirsty.com
So refreshing to see a post like this! I personally get on with the Hoola – but a serious shame about the brushes, especially at £25 you would have thought they would have been decent quality!
Sarah | http://www.sazsinclair.com xx
I was tempted to buy a times nine palette by MAC, but I didn’t like how tiny the pans were. Also I’ve heard so much about Indy Luxe brushes, but after reading this you’ve tempted me away from them!
– Chloe
chloetommo.co.uk
xoxo
Them brushes look so pretty, it’s a shame they aren’t as good as some people have said they are. Especially for that price! I think sadly other people making them sound so good, can bring a hype about it and make you want to buy it, so it’s really helpful seeing this side of things too. Your photos are always amazing by the way! Xx
https://allaboutamy.uk
Such a shame about the Amber Times Nine palette, it looks gorgeous! I also find that The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid makes me skin so dry and irritated- I too have heard so many glowing reviews but it just doesn’t seem to do much good for me!
Tara x
http://taradaniella.com/
I love posts like this! I also find a lot of MAC stuff isn’t as good as it used to be, or maybe it’s that there is so much competition now both high end and drugstore that they can’t keep up! Shame about the salicylic acid from The Ordinary though! I’ve heard such good things xxx
I ordered a times nine palette (I think the burgundy) for my friends birthday and I was so disappointed with how small they are. I thought they were like the usual full pans!! x
I think MAC Studio Fix Fluid definitely works better on oilier skin – I used to love it even though it smells super gross haha! Oh and I definitely agree about Hoola, it’s just not great xx
So sorry these products haven’t worked for you! I’m not too sure about MAC eyeshadows, but that does look like a really great palette, so it’s a shame about the quality xx
Hannah | luxuryblush
I love Hoola but I can definitely see how it could be too dark for a lot of people! I’ve heard similar things about MAC palettes, they’re so small it’s a rip off. Love this post!
http://www.beautyfromkatie.blogspot.com
The Indy Luxe brushes sound so annoying! Imagining having brushes too big for my eye & too small for my face.. thats annoying! Have you tried out/wanted to try out the Hoola Lite bronzer? I know some people who dint get on well with the Hoola really liked the Hoola Lite, just a suggestion? 🙂 Also I really wanna try something from The Ordinary range xx
https://thetypicalbeautyblog.wordpress.com
I always love the look of these brushes to! sad to hear they aren’t the best quality! Also glad I didn’t buy the acid as I have super sensitive skin and it was on my list of items to try by them
That’s such a shame about the Indyluxe brushes — they’re so beautiful and would look so amazing on my vanity, but if they don’t work well, there’s no point to them! And I hate when you expect a full-size product and get something tiny :(.
xx
Emily
Found this really interesting to see whether products are actually worth the money and hype!!
I haven’t tried many of these products so it’s great to have a heads up! I was thinking about trying the Salatic Acid by Teh Ordinary but as I have very dry and sensitive skin I’ll definitely give it a miss.
Harriet | Shake This Town
I love hearing about how things didn’t work out. It’s not negative, it’s just why it didn’t work for you.
Cora ❤ http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
It’s a shame you didn’t like the Mac foundation, that’s one of my favourites! I’m not keen on that Mac palette either though. X
Kate// itskaterose.com
At least those brushes are going to be pretty on photos, right? I love these type of posts, wish more bloggers would do them. xx
I love the MAC Studio Fix foundation it’s one of my favourite high end foundations, it’s such a shame it didn’t work for you. It’s so interesting to see what products don’t work for some people, great post!Xx
Most of us get so caught up in the hype and end up spending money on expensive products. Thank you for sharing. Think we need more posts like this one as this was very helpful.
Sabah || http://www.womanishaffairs.org
I think it’s really refreshing to read honest reviews that don’t glorify products 🙂 I’m glad you kept trying products by the ordinary! I haven’t had any bad experiences yet (I’m using the hyaluronic acid and their primer) 🙂 Great post! S. xx
Oh my god! I can’t believe what happened with the Ordinary Skincare…that’s such a shame 🙁 xx
Jacqui – allthingsjacqui.com
Refreshing to read an honest review. I’m not a fan of Benefit Hoola either, WAY too orange on my pale skin. I’m still going to give The Ordinary Salicylic Acid a try though, will be interested to see how it turns out! xx
I love posts like this, shows we are human and can’t like everything! I don’t get the hype about those brushes either, they don’t look great :/
Hannah @ The Northern Writes | http://www.thenorthernwrites.co.uk
I love hearing about products even if they didn’t work! I can see Hoola not working on lighter skin tones, while I can use it, it’s definitely not meant for all skin shades!
XO Jen
Loved reading this post! I too was very disappointed with that Mac X9 palettes, I couldn’t believe how tiny they were! X
Ahh those brushes!
I’ve kinda fallen out of love with that MAC foundation. I agree it can look a bit cakey sometimes.
The worst thing for me is buying a product that just doesn’t work at all! I bought the estee lauder double wear foundation and I’ve used it twice, I hate it and it cost me around £30! I have to say that I use the Hoola brozer but I do want to try the Charlotte tilbury one x
those brushes are so freakin cute tho! so sad they are trash
Aw. Too bad they didn’t work for you. They seemed nice though 🙁
I totally agree with the amber palette as I bought it for my kit but hardly use it!
Amina xx | www. AliandHer.com
Always love your posts. I have to agree with the mac foundation, I thought it was okay but for the price totally not worth it xx
http://www.katelovesx.co.uk/?m=0
Thank you for such an honest post. As great as it is to hear about the positives of an item/product it’s important to hear about the downsides sometimes as well.
I’ve tried the mac amber times 9 palette too and it’s probably the palette in my collection that’s been used the least, there’s just nothing WOW about it. I also agree about the sizing £25 and the tiniest circles of colour, a bit of a rip-off!
I have to agree with the Mac foundation, it made my skin feel horrible and dry, however havent tried any of the other products yet.
Heather xox || http://www.xhighlandbeauty.co.uk
The Hula Bronzer is so overhyped on YouTube it’s ridiculous. I have used bronzer that are just as good with half the price tag. I was really pumped to try The Ordinary but now, not so much…
God I have to agree with you about the Indy Luxe brushes. Not only do I not rate them but I got so sick of seeing them. It seems like everyone is an ambassador and though that’s great for them, it just floods my timeline with discount codes and pictures of the same brushes.
As pretty as they are you can pick up dupes on eBay and Amazon and they are MUCH cheaper!
(Also, your photography is so good it makes me want to cry!)
http://www.loubeeloublogs.blogspot.co.uk
Everyone seems to love Mac eyeshadows but personally I think they aren’t worth the price! Xx
http://Www.coleoftheball.com
I have very pale skin as well and I am with you on the Hoola Bronzer! I found it was so dark and orange-y which was a shame because everybody seemed to rate it so highly x
Claire | clairesyear.com
I was exactly the same with the Benefit Hoola bronzer! I love Benefit products but also found the Hoola bronzer to show up very muddy and look patchy and dirty on my skin. I’ve found the Hoola lite to be better on my skin but haven’t bought the full sized one yet,
Zara xx
Oh no! I have an unopened bottle of The Ordinary’s SA sitting in my bathroom cabinet right now… wonder how it will work out for me. Also, nothing wrong with a negative viewpoint in cases like these: they sold it, you paid for it, and these are the problems with the products. Thank you for the honest reviews!
Shame about those brushes, they are so lush! But very useful post, I enjoyed the read 🙂 x
Ah I’m really disappointed to hear the MAC x9 isn’t that great! I’ve had it on my wishlist for agessss! But glad I know now as I’d much rather invest my money elsewhere! really enjoyed this post! x
whatevawears.co.uk
It’s good to hear about products that don’t really hype. Feels honest and truthful x
I honestly *love* posts like these – it’s only in my later years as my skins become a little more temperamental, that I’ve decided to spend more on money, and there’s so many reviews of high-end products that simply rave about them that it’s such a breath of fresh air to read balanced reviews about hyped products. I would have totally invested in the MAC palette, but how cheeky that it’s more ‘travel sized’. I had the exact same issue with Hoola bronzer – the pics of me in my early twenties were really something 😂.
I need to read more about The Ordinary company – I loved your post about their foundations so disappointing to hear the salicylic acid didn’t quite live up to the hype!
Also dammmm girl those flatlaaaays!
Kate x
http://www.findingkate.co
There nothing wrong with writing about what didn’t work for you 🙂 anytime I write a review, I try to be critical and honest so I always find a negative cause rarely are products perfect. Great reviews!
Most of these were on my lust list, but we have such similar skin that I have taken them straight back off! Mac foundations have always given me horrible breakouts and itchiness (they’re not bad, I just have super sensitive skin), and I didn’t like the benefit hoola bronzer either. It looked too muddy on me too. 🙁 xx
Loved this post! Other bloggers opinions can really help when looking to purchase new products xx
Jamie | http://www.jamies-corner.com
Those brushes look so stunning, it’s such a shame they aren’t that good.
A Sparkle Of Grace
Great post! I was thinking the same thing about the Indy Luxe brushes. To be honest, I find them really tacky-looking. About the Studio Fix Fluid, it used to be my favourite a few years back but when I tried revisiting it last year, I just hated it.
Nicole | The Glam Surge
I almost just ordered the Hoola Bronzer so glad I came across this post, I have a skin tone similar to yours!!! Just saved me some cash haha xxx
That’s a real shame about The Ordinary Salicylic Acid!
Little Luxuries By Lynsey
I agree with everything you said about the Mac foundation and the Hoola bronzer and thanks for the heads up on the Indy Luxe brushes…il stick to my Bobbi Brown ones xx
I think that about Hoola!! So orange on my pale, yellow toned skin! Loved this post babe xx
I love how you wrote this, even though it was a “negative post” I think you informed in quite a positive way. It’s really interesting to read these posts as I am a teenager who doesn’t always want to spend lots of money of makeup, unless I know it’s worth it. I also have sensitive skin so it helps me to look out for products that might irritate me.
Abby x | https://teenagehomedder.blogspot.co.uk
It’s so hard to tell from photos the actual sizes of products, Shame the Mac palette was smaller than expected.
I’ve only tried one product from The Ordinary and that’s the moisturising Factors cream which I really like, I’ve read lots of good things about the salycilic acid but I guess we are all different and not everyone will have the same results. At least it didn’t cost the earth, That would’ve been worse! I too have hoola bronzer but it’s not my go-to, it’s a very flat colour I find. I’m really lusting after the CT filmstar glow. Sounds and looks so good.
Lovely idea for a post.
Samantha x
http://thebeautyspyglass.com
Like you said, don’t give up on the ordinary they have some amazing products! X
I actually really like these kinds of posts as it gives another side to products that are so hyped in the blogging community. I think I’ll be avoiding the salicylic acid from The Ordinary as I have particularly dry skin!
The Indy Luxe brushes do look so cheap – I’d be interested in them if they were around the £10 but £24 seems steep for them! I loved the MAC Studio Fix Fluid but I have oily skin – I can definitely see it being horrible on drier skin xx