More disappointing products…

In today’s post I will be sharing a few products that haven’t overly impressed me and quite frankly have been a waste of money. I have tried to give them all a chance by using them quite a few times but its safe to say they are pretty second-rate. I fully appreciate that some of you may well love these products but every skin is different and this is my opinion only :)  

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

I received sample size of this within a beauty box. I love AHA and BHA’s in all forms and I was really excited to try this chemical and physical exfoliating cleanser. As it was a sample size, the ingredients were not available on the tube itself. I used for the first and I realised my skin did not like it. After trying to give it a go on several occasions, my skin just continued to react badly to it and I couldn’t understand why. One word - Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). I finally understood why I got the usual red and bumpy rash around my mouth and chin area as opposed to ‘revealing younger-looking skin by loosening dulling build-up on skin’s surface and to help retain plumpness and elasticity needed to function as a strong, healthy barrier’- it was literally the opposite. I was left with irritation, a drearier complexion and it wasn’t a nice experience to actually use the cleanser itself. Like I have said, every skin is different and some have no problem whatsoever with SLS. I really think that the formula could do without this ingredient, it’s quite potent and it seems so unnecessary to include it (its commonly used in shampoo’s to remove the grease from your hair!).

It’s also worth noting that the chemical exfoliators used are most affective when left on the skin for a longer period of time. As this is a cleanser, you are simply washing it away before it can actually do anything for your skin. I would therefore recommended using AHA and BHA’s within toners, serums, moisturisers and peels.

This is a thumbs down from me and I have already donated it to my husband who will use up pretty much anything I give to him :)

 

Ole Henriksen Empower Foaming Milk Cleanser

This is another product I got as sample within a beauty box… hmm I see a trend here!! Its badged as ‘A unique, lightweight milk transforms into a creamy lather to effortlessly and gently dissolve all traces of dirt, impurities, and makeup, while helping preserve skin’s moisture mantel. It's infused with antioxidant-rich artic cloudberry to protect from the onslaught of damaging free radicals, omega-6 powerhouse nordic cotton extract to deliver weightless hydration, and gentle willowbark extract to smooth skin. This nourishing cleanser leaves skin soft, supple, and revitalized’….Talk about hyping it up!

My main issue is that I feel like it doesn’t clean my skin thoroughly enough, it’s awful to use around the eye area too. It doesn’t do anything for me and feel bleurgh after every time I used it. I also don’t like the consistency, it’s like watered down yoghurt and doesn’t really foam up like it claims. You may think I have high expectations from my cleanser and I would agree, I know how amazing my skin can look and feel when I use a good quality cleanser. Another point, I feel like it clogs my pores too. After using it for a few days in a row, I saw few blemishes pop up (I hadn’t changed anything else in my skincare routine). I stopped using it for a while and my skin was back in its happy place. My skin is normal to combination so I can't imagine that oily skins would like this at all. 

I think Ole Henriksen’s have some great products such as the lemon peel and truth serum but I feel that this cleanser doesn’t do them any justice. I know this range is promoted by many famous beauty bloggers but unfortunately it is a case of unnecessary publicity around a mediocre product, there are far superior cleansers to spend your £20 on.

Witch Naturally Clear Blemish Stick 

I have seen many rave reviews for this cheap spot clearing blemish stick. The predominant ingredient is witch hazel which is well known for fighting off spots. It is in stick form with a compact gel inside which you apply directly to any blemishes you may have.

The first thing I don’t like it that it is rubbish under and over make up. It makes any foundation or concealer go blotchy which draws further attention to what you already feel like is a mountain on your face! Now this wouldn’t be a problem for those who don’t wear make up but I have noticed that when the product dries on the skin, it leaves it slightly white so you can see exactly where its been applied.. Again drawing unwanted attention! Therefore I think you can only really use it as part of your evening routine or days when you aren’t leaving the house.

When you apply the gel, you really need to rub it in so the gel softens and absorbs into the skin. When I have used it on some red and angry spots, I didn't like the idea of tugging at my skin in an already sensitive area. It just felt like I was probably  aggravating if further. In terms of performance, I did see a very slight improvement in the redness of my blemishes but not much more then that. The results seem very temporary too and you have to constantly reapply throughout the day, which is not that practical given how visible the product looks on the skin. I have come across other targeted spot treatments which do the job better and quicker whilst having a better application too. So my thoughts on this are, yes it is cheap so I can't expect much, but a small bottle of tea tree oil is similar price which can be a more effective option.

Have you used any of these? What did you think? Would love to hear your thoughts and comments! 

Xoxo