Forums > Hair, Makeup & Styling > Products you wouldn't repurchase

Makeup Artist

ShannonJennings MUA

Posts: 127

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

I am brand new to mm & still in the process of building a pro kit still & I have definitely had some hits & misses when it comes to products. I don't want to bag out brands or anything, I would just love to know what hasn't worked for some of you & why. (might save some of us a few bucks)

For me it's been the shiseido perfect foundation brush. An impulse purchase at over $50.00 aus. It just looked & felt fantastic but I can't use it for the life of me. The only thing I have used it for is buffing in cream blush or highlight & I still prefer to use my fingers.

Also the eve pearl cream hd foundations. I bought the big hd palette on the black pearl sale & I love the concealers & cream blush (omg, love) the foundation just seems to get vacuumed into pores..even on young skin. I don't get it. Maybe as I get better I might figure out how to use this one because I know a lot of artists like this one but so far it's not working for me.

How about you guys?

Dec 19 12 05:07 pm Link

Makeup Artist

About Faces-Lynn

Posts: 957

Detroit, Michigan, US

Amazing resource is www.inmykit.com

Dec 19 12 08:06 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Katy G

Posts: 286

Yucaipa, California, US

I don't have any specific items to list that I wouldn't buy again based on bad performance or not liking them. Instead, my bit of advice has to do with quality purchases and where to spend your money.

In my kit's beginning days, I had a *very* tight budget. I wasn't yet an MM member and hadn't done much research elsewhere and the makeup course I took didn't really delve into product overviews. To be budget conscious (or so I thought it was), I stocked up on eye, lip and cheek colors from drugstores. There's nothing at all wrong with those products. In fact, I like most of them quite a bit and still buy some of them from time to time. However, I wish I had been aware of Ben Nye and other pro brands and stores with pro and student discounts, like Frends, Camera Ready Cosmetics and Naimies. My dollars could have stretched a lot further had I been shopping where I can get more for my money

Also, check out Madame Madeline for lashes and Qosmedix for disposable applicators. You'll save quite a bit shopping with them instead of giving so much at pricier beauty supply chains. smile

Dec 19 12 08:50 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Tegan Lynn MUA

Posts: 511

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Yeah... I don't really have much advice about what to avoid. All that comes to mind is MUFE HD foundation... I know everyone loves it but it just seems more finicky to work with than other brands. I dunno if I'm doing something wrong or not, I'm just not feeling the MUFE love like everyone else is.

I did extensive research (almost a year of it) before beginning to purchase products for my kit. I also took advantage of companies like www.camerareadycosmetics.com that offer samples. I think the work I put into my decision making process has really helped me to avoid making any regrettable purchases.

This forum has TONS of information. Look through the threads in the FAQ section... it's a wealth of knowledge.

Some personal favourites are Yaby, Graftobian, OCC... there are lots of great products out there.

Dec 19 12 09:47 pm Link

Makeup Artist

ShannonJennings MUA

Posts: 127

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Katy Gonzalez wrote:
However, I wish I had been aware of Ben Nye and other pro brands and stores with pro and student discounts, like Frends, Camera Ready Cosmetics and Naimies.

Definitely going to try to get the "aspiring pro" discount at crc ASAP. I am so impatient though, I hate waiting for things to come but building a kit in Australia is definitely out of the question. I know everyone complains about it all the time but the prices here are insanity.

Dec 19 12 09:50 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Camera Ready Studios

Posts: 7191

Dallas, Texas, US

my advise... as an artist and a very experienced buyer of makeup.....


1)  Don't get caught up in the buying frenzy of "buy now"   don't ever be pressured into a quick buy..  if you don't have time to research the item.... just wait for the next sale

2) do your homework... Google the product, look at reviews....look at  reviews that are independent....  if you see a site where there are no bad reviews on anything...the reviews are edited and mean nothing. 

3) talk to working artists....they will tell you what's worth buying and whats not. They have made the mistakes.... learn from them.

4) Remember that most companies are built on great marketing..... great marketing does not equal a great product.....  Try to ignore the hype. Who cares if a celebrity uses such and such?  the product did NOT make them beautiful...they were born that way...the product took the credit.... remember that.

mary
www.CRCMakeup.com

Dec 19 12 10:47 pm Link

Makeup Artist

ShannonJennings MUA

Posts: 127

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Thanks so much for the (very sound) advice Mary, I really appreciate it. I  do get swept up in stores sometimes. That brush was ridiculous I am still kicking myself over it.

Think I will spend a few weeks pondering over in my kit & crc before my next haul.

Dec 19 12 10:54 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Camera Ready Studios

Posts: 7191

Dallas, Texas, US

SJenningsMakeup wrote:
Thanks so much for the (very sound) advice Mary, I really appreciate it. I  do get swept up in stores sometimes. That brush was ridiculous I am still kicking myself over it.

Think I will spend a few weeks pondering over in my kit & crc before my next haul.

what makes prices so high in Australia?    I have been bullied by stores in Australia that try very hard to get us to stop selling to Australia....I have no idea why the prices are so high there?  can anyone give me insight?  It can't be just customs charges....I pay customs charges on stuff here that I get from the UK (We don't buy anything from Australia)..it's really not a big deal...maybe 10% in customs fees at most... nothing to get too upset about.....so I don't think it's customs... what is it?

Dec 19 12 11:04 pm Link

Photographer

Chicchowmein

Posts: 14585

Palm Beach, Florida, US

Mary wrote:
my advise... as an artist and a very experienced buyer of makeup.....


1)  Don't get caught up in the buying frenzy of "buy now"   don't ever be pressured into a quick buy..  if you don't have time to research the item.... just wait for the next sale

2) do your homework... Google the product, look at reviews....look at  reviews that are independent....  if you see a site where there are no bad reviews on anything...the reviews are edited and mean nothing. 

3) talk to working artists....they will tell you what's worth buying and whats not. They have made the mistakes.... learn from them.

4) Remember that most companies are built on great marketing..... great marketing does not equal a great product.....  Try to ignore the hype. Who cares if a celebrity uses such and such?  the product did NOT make them beautiful...they were born that way...the product took the credit.... remember that.

mary
www.CRCMakeup.com

This is fantastic advice! I love ordering from CRC.com. Shipping is fast and the customer service is above reproach. smile

I second the Inmykit.com kudos as well -- fantastic resource with thorough reviews.

Dec 20 12 12:56 am Link

Model

T A Y L O R

Posts: 2990

Seattle, Washington, US

Total know-nothing-about-makeup post about to come your way, but here's what I've hated that I've bought:

-NYX HD foundation. Way too oily for me.
-Urban Decay Oil Slick lipstick. The color is absolutely awful.
-NYX black eyeliner. Greasy, greasy, greasy, and huge, very difficult to apply.

I'm sure there's other stuff, but that's just my experience. I use UD's foundation and I'm sure I have NYX stuff I like, it's just those products in particular that did nothing for me.

Dec 20 12 01:34 am Link

Makeup Artist

Dorota MUA

Posts: 82

Leeds, England, United Kingdom

I tried stock my kit in few products, and all fail /and of course it had  pulled my wallet down...:

1) Clinique foundations...I tried Supermoisture - makes face supershiny; Repairwear - is too heavy, powdery...skin looks very cacky, fake.

2) MAC gel eye-liner - it was ok - but Maybelline is much cheaper and works the same/if not better; oh and got free brush - so I got extra brush for personal use tongue

3) Benefit high beam - hard to control, often leaves irregular patches.
I personally love VIVO backed bronze - healthy glow... or if I want very light highlighting AVON highlighting pearls ( YES AVON! I am not a fan of this brand, and I think their products are crap - except Highlighting pearls and Arabian glow pearls  - as I have found that this product works best for very pale skin types! - if you don't looking for strong contouring; and I am very pale too!)

Dec 20 12 02:09 am Link

Makeup Artist

Dorota MUA

Posts: 82

Leeds, England, United Kingdom

Dorota MUA wrote:
I tried stock my kit in few products, and all fail /and of course it had  pulled my wallet down...:

1) Clinique foundations...I tried Supermoisture - makes face supershiny; Repairwear - is too heavy, powdery...skin looks very cacky, fake. entire brand have very strange shades so most of theme didn't match the skin-tones of clients and models. I use MAC face and body foundation. I love it as it's can be reapplied layer over layer if needed and skin still looks great!

2) MAC gel eye-liner - it was ok - but Maybelline is much cheaper and works the same/if not better; oh and got free brush - so I got extra brush for personal use tongue

3) Benefit high beam - hard to control, often leaves irregular patches.
I personally love VIVO backed bronze - healthy glow... or if I want very light highlighting AVON highlighting pearls ( YES AVON! I am not a fan of this brand, and I think their products are crap - except Highlighting pearls and Arabian glow pearls  - as I have found that this product works best for very pale skin types! - if you don't looking for strong contouring; and I am very pale too!)

Dec 20 12 02:14 am Link

Makeup Artist

Heather J M

Posts: 719

London, England, United Kingdom

MAC face and body
MAC studio fix fluid
Kett hydroproof (flares white under flash, rep at IMATS preferred to tell me I was stupid than acknowledge it was something they'd need to look into)
John Freida 3-day straight. The bottle leaked all over my bag and I hadn't even used it once.

Dec 20 12 04:22 am Link

Makeup Artist

Cynna Stylz MUA

Posts: 217

New York, New York, US

Create a list of what you have. Use a face chart as a start or create a spreadsheet to have a permanent list. Consider what  items will be personal and what will be professional. You want to avoid buying something you already have. I used to think I needed every shade of eyeshadow but I don't. I don't need 15 brands of black shadow. You may realize that you like to work with loose pigments more than pressed. You may like water based foundations better than silicone. So I recommend getting samples. Get lots of samples from online and from department stores. When your ready to make an investment then you will make the best decision. YouTube reviews are great too. Watch 10 reviews from 10 different people with different skin colors and skin types, male and female. 

My kit ranges from ELF, Revlon, Black Opal,  BHCosmetics, MAC, NYX, Stila, UrbanDecay, Lorac, FACE atelier, RCMA, OCC, Pixi and lots more.

I carry what I need, not what I have on a shoot. Consider the same thing when buying : "Do I need this?" ( say it out loud if you have too)

I hope this helps, Good luck smile

Cyn

Dec 20 12 07:23 am Link

Makeup Artist

Vanita MUA

Posts: 57

Seattle, Washington, US

I wished I had heard of MM or camerareadycosmetics when first building up my kit. The things I regret purchasing are the cheapo eyeshadows and blushes from Coastal Scents. At the time, it seemed like a good deal for all the colors you get, but the quality is so-so.

Dec 20 12 07:52 am Link

Makeup Artist

Tegan Lynn MUA

Posts: 511

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Vanita MUA wrote:
I wished I had heard of MM or camerareadycosmetics when first building up my kit. The things I regret purchasing are the cheapo eyeshadows and blushes from Coastal Scents. At the time, it seemed like a good deal for all the colors you get, but the quality is so-so.

This is a good example of why you need to take youtube reviews with a grain of salt... and make sure they know what they're talking about. Youtube has countless rave reviews of the coastal scents palettes... but I'd be hard pressed to find an actual working artist who would agree.

I bought the coastal scents palettes when I was only modelling (before I got into makeup artistry) based on the glowing youtube reviews... only to be disappointed by the quality. I ended up selling them to a friend after using them maybe three times.

Dec 20 12 08:15 am Link

Makeup Artist

sweetcheekscouture

Posts: 465

West Palm Beach, Florida, US

chicchowmein wrote:

This is fantastic advice! I love ordering from CRC.com. Shipping is fast and the customer service is above reproach. smile

I second the Inmykit.com kudos as well -- fantastic resource with thorough reviews.

Accidentally posted from my photographer profile sorry

Dec 20 12 08:32 am Link

Makeup Artist

Dianna Quagenti

Posts: 377

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Diorshow mascara, its just silly.  wink

Dec 20 12 09:38 am Link

Photographer

Supermodel Photographer

Posts: 3309

Oyster Bay, New York, US

https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/2242738394_4ba62a9bc8.jpg

Dec 20 12 09:45 am Link

Makeup Artist

Simire MUA

Posts: 91

London, England, United Kingdom

Sleek eyeshadow palettes i was advised to buy when i started out.

Dec 20 12 02:51 pm Link

Makeup Artist

meower

Posts: 36

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

I've wasted a lot of money, I only really started my kit about 4 months ago even still there is a lot I look at and think it's taking up space.. I regret buying some MAC products since I'm only new to the field but a few are investments and can be fun, but then again I did buy one of their brushes yesterday and could have got the exact same one from sigma.. three of them and it's just as fantastic. d:

Dec 20 12 03:56 pm Link

Makeup Artist

ShannonJennings MUA

Posts: 127

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Simire MUA wrote:
Sleek eyeshadow palettes i was advised to buy when i started out.

Bummer, I was looking into the matte one. *puts the credit card down*

Dec 20 12 06:28 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Magnolia Beauty

Posts: 56

Summerville, South Carolina, US

Givency mascaras! Whats the point of a fancy mascara wand if you only use disposables? This 30$ mascara is no better than maybelline.

Dec 20 12 06:56 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Magnolia Beauty

Posts: 56

Summerville, South Carolina, US

Tegan Lynn MUA wrote:

This is a good example of why you need to take youtube reviews with a grain of salt... and make sure they know what they're talking about. Youtube has countless rave reviews of the coastal scents palettes... but I'd be hard pressed to find an actual working artist who would agree.
.

+ 1!

Dec 20 12 06:58 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Simire MUA

Posts: 91

London, England, United Kingdom

SJenningsMakeup wrote:

Bummer, I was looking into the matte one. *puts the credit card down*

Truly underwhelming.....save your coins and go for the superior ones (Yaby, Inglot, MUFE and Ben Nye etc)

Dec 20 12 11:31 pm Link

Photographer

S de Varax

Posts: 7313

London, England, United Kingdom

I think australian prices are high to support local companies but even then the price point of aussie companies are ridiculous, you're looking at an average of a 50-200% mark up. what's considered cheap makeup products in america is considered high end here. ridiculous.
illamasqua recently dropped their prices to match those in the uk. bold move and a welcomed one.

edit/ what's never worked for me- mac brushes. expensive and I find other brands to be softer and better for application.

Dec 20 12 11:42 pm Link