As always, this isn't intended to bash any of these brands - most of whom actually make other products I love - only to share why these particular items haven't worked for me.
Nubian Heritage EVOO & Moringa Repair & Extend Shine Gel
I actually included this in my last disappointing products post (oops!) but I forgot I'd ever written about it when I gathered up this latest batch to photograph. Clearly I've held onto it for way too long at this point! To reiterate that first post, the gel itself actually performed really well the few times I used it, but I struggle with the scent. It's strong and perfumey, and lasts all day in my hair. The ingredients list only a "proprietary essential oil blend," and while it may only be essential oils, the scent is quite reminiscent of synthetic fragrance and isn't something I can tolerate. I haven't tried anything else from Nubian Heritage, so I don't know if it's just this one product or the entire line, but I'd advise caution if you're someone sensitive to scents. I can't find this exact product on the Nubian Heritage website anymore and it's out of stock from a lot of other retailers, so it may have been discontinued.
Benecos Natural Creamy Makeup
This foundation baffles me, as I just can't imagine how anyone could make it work. It's a liquid foundation with a thick creamy consistency, but it sets almost as soon as it touches the skin, making it nearly impossible to work with. Because of how quickly it dries, it's a struggle to spread or sheer out, and tends to look heavy and cakey. It also has a sickly sweet honey-like scent and - something I didn't initially realize - contains talc.
Balanced Guru Antioxidant Masque
Balanced Guru's Calming Masque is one of my all-time favorite skincare items, but the Antioxidant Masque did not leave my skin happy. The mask contains a blend of antioxidant-rich berries and spices, and it smells delicious: like cinnamon and cloves. I've noticed a pattern recently whereby my skin doesn't do well with these warm spices in products that stay on the skin, and this mask - much like May Lindstrom's Problem Solver - left my skin red, hot, and burning. I really do love Balanced Guru as a brand, so if you're usually okay with these spices, it might still be worth a try.
Everyday Minerals Soft Peach Color Corrector Stick
The color of this corrector/concealer is a fantastic pale peach, but unfortunately, it blends away to nothing. There's virtually no coverage, even with multiple layers, and any brightening or color correcting properties are very minimal as well. The ingredients are great and it's a hydrating formula, so I may give it one more try as a sheer foundation.
Juice Beauty Nutrient Moisturizer
This moisturizer is advertised as a nutrient-rich cream suitable for all skin types, but I found it way too heavy on my normal-to-dry skin, so I question if it would suit anyone other than the ultra-dry. It never seemed to absorb and instead just sat on top of my skin. As a result, it didn't work well under makeup, and even when used at night, I'd wake up with a film from the cream still on my face. I also found my face got shiny/oily throughout the day while using it, which isn't something I normally deal with.
Have you used any of these products? I'd love to know if you were similarly underwhelmed or if they worked differently for you!
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I almost bought the everyday minerals corrector but it was out of stock, after reading your opinions now I'm not so upset about that fact :D
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's not something I'd recommend, as much as I love Everyday Minerals! Definitely not one of their better products :(
DeleteI agree with the Everyday Minerals concealer - if it didn't melt into the skin so completely, it would be a much better product..in my opinion. As for the whole negative review thing - I think the way you approach them is perfect. You share why a particular product didn't "float your boat" so to speak, but you do it in a positive way. There is no brand bashing or anything like that. I tend to be one of those bloggers that posts what I love, but if there is something I wasn't crazy about, I do disclose that in my review. But, I do appreciate you doing these posts because I find them helpful! :-D Sorry for the ramble lol
ReplyDeleteThanks Sabrina, I appreciate the feedback! I did end up trying the corrector as an all-over foundation yesterday (a la RMS Un Coverup) and it worked surprisingly okay that way! The color I've got is a little on the light side, and not full coverage, of course, but other than that, it actually did make a pretty foundation :) Maybe worth a try if you've still got it hanging around!
DeleteI love your intro, acknowledging the debate and that you aren't bashing the brands! I agree, I think it's best to stay honest and share why products don't work as well as they could. It helps our readers choose their products carefully and it helps the brands change their products. I haven't used any of these products, but I used to love the Nubian Heritage hand creams! I've only tried the Juice Beauty Soothing Serum and I loved it at first but ultimately it didn't do much for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah, that's how I feel too! I haven't used the Soothing Serum, but there are other Juice Beauty products I like, so I'd definitely suggest giving them another try if you have a chance :)
Deletebummer about these! some of them sound so promising. I tried some other Balanced Guru products recently and loved them (not the one you mentioned)! Bummer it didn't work out for you. For that cream makeup, have you tried mixing a little face oil or serum in with it? Sometimes that helps blending when I'm using a palette cream makeup. :) Thanks for sharing this post ♥
ReplyDeleteEverything else I've used from Balanced Guru has been awesome, so it's very likely it's just my skin being fussy! I tend to think it would work for a lot of people :) Adding an oil/serum is a great idea - why didn't I think of that?! Honestly, I'm so over this foundation at this point that I may just call it quits, but I'll definitely remember that tip in the future, thanks!
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