The Ones I Got Wrong
One of my favorite parts of my job
is trying, and consequently recommending, products to all of you. Whether it’s something for the kitchen or skincare, a newly launched line or a tried-and-true favorite, I simply love sharing whatever educates, inspires and informs. But I’m human and I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t always get it right. But before we dive into that, let’s back track a bit first…
I personally find that the best resource for beauty products is other bloggers/influencers. I find their reviews to be the most authentic because they’re often times buying their own product, using things repeatedly {versus one time for a specific article} and they’re sharing their actual results {not stock or branded images}. However, there is a caveat. I don’t take recommendations from just anyone. I research people who have similar skin/skin issues {combination, anti-aging}, like similar products as I do {clean, non-toxic}, have similar routines and who don’t just show products only when they’re first sent to them {I want to see you using them regularly so that I know you actually use them and actually like them}.
One of the claims I hear the most about my field is that bloggers/influencers are always peddling a different product and there is no way that they can be “just so OBSESSED” with that many things. And I agree. If you’re claiming a serum is the best one ever, but then you use a new one every week, or the only time I see you use a product is for a #sponsored post, it starts to get hard to trust your opinion. To be fair, whether it’s traditional media, or a blogger, one of the things that comes with the territory of the job is constantly getting sent new product. On one hand, it’s a great perk and it allows me to discover new brands that I might not have otherwise, brands that I end up loving, buying again and again, and sharing on repeat with y’all. But on the other hand, I’ve become highly suspicious of every beauty article, whether it be traditional media or new media, because I know just how much product editors/journalist are getting sent for press coverage, for a specific launch, etc. and I also know there is no way they’re able to test that amount of products in that short of time to be able to claim something is life-changing or the best ever. I mean, how can I really know something is the “best vitamin C serum EVER” when the reality is you just had a deadline to publish an article in time for a product launch? {To be clear, this isn’t how all beauty articles are, or how all journalists or bloggers operate, nor is it an attack on journalist or anyone in media, just using different examples to showcase my point.}
For me, this means I’ve sacrificed many a beauty connection because I refuse to talk about how good something is without properly testing it for at least 30 days. It also means I buy the majority of my beauty products, sharing and tagging them without getting much besides a double-tap in return. I have no interest in posting something just for the sake of a launch {because who cares about a launch if it doesn’t actually even work??!} and I also don’t want to feel the pressure that I can’t be completely transparent and that I feel like I have to say something good just because an item was gifted.
This also means recognizing that one-size does not fit all for skincare, and what works for one might not work for another {so do your own research and take recommendations wisely}. What once worked for someone might not work now. Whether an allergy develops, or our environment changes {for me that meant moving to a drier climate}, or we’re just aging, we all have different evolving needs. Sometimes a better option comes to market. Sometimes we fall for a bad product because of good marketing. Sometimes our intentions are good but the outcome is bad. And sometimes products are just plain terrible.
With that in mind, and in the spirit of always doing my best to keep it real, today, instead of adding to the noise of “best products ever” and bombarding you with more things you “need”, I thought I would flip the script, and share some recommendations from a different perspective- things I no longer use or recommend, things that have stopped working for me, or the things that have just plain failed me. Thankfully, there aren’t a ton of them {because of my whole rigorous researching + testing routine pre-sharing}, but they do exist and I’m spilling the beans. Sorry in advance if I’ve ever led you astray with one of these things…did I mention I’m only human?!.
Bamboo Toothbrushes //
In our quest to become more sustainable and less wasteful, we purchased bamboo toothbrushes. Six months later our dentist was telling us that we had each developed a cavity. The culprit? Our new toothbrushes. Neither of us had had a cavity since we were young, it was the only thing that had changed in our dental routine, so naturally it seemed to be the only explanation. Unfortunately, I think the brustles just weren’t strong enough for a proper cleaning. We promptly switched to Quip toothbrushes, a great reusable low-waste option, and haven’t looked back since. We also haven’t developed any new cavities….
Vital Proteins Collagen //
Like everyone and their mother, I used to put a scoop of this collagen in my smoothie every single morning, something that I shared quite often on my Instagram stories. However, after a little sleuthing and an elimination test I recently realized it was the source of my daily migraines. While I’m certainly not saying this is the case for everyone {I have weird, random allergies…I was allergic to strawberries for a period of years, and I developed allergies to lavendar and spinach later in life}, this is also a reminder that just because everyone else is doing something/sharing something on their Instagram doesn’t mean you NEED to have it, too. Be aware of what you’re putting in your body, research it {not on Instagram}, check your sources {not influencers} and be sure to talk to professionals. Also….can we all just agree to stop putting collagen in.every.single.thing??! I hate to break it to you but collagen popcorn isn’t going to do a damn thing for your wrinkles. And honestly, why would you subject your tastebuds to something like that regardless??!
P.S. I haven’t tried other brands of collagen powders yet, so I may eventually try another brand to see if it’s just a brand thing, or maybe even a vegan option to see if that makes a difference {But also can collagen even really be vegan based on the source of where collagen comes from??!}, but for the time being I’m breaking up with collagen.
Coconut Oil Hair Mask //
For as long as I can remember I’ve always done weekly deep conditioning hair masks, my favorite being coconut oil. But you know what I recently discovered? It basically blocks hair from getting the moisture it needs because oil and water don’t mix {Duh!}, meaning that instead of adding moisture to your hair, it actually dries it out more. Personally, I also noticed it was clogging the pores on my head and making my back break out. Oy vey!
Coconut Oil Facial Products //
While we’re on the topic of coconut oil, I’ve noticed that many, but not all, products with coconut oil cause my face to break out, which is really unfortunate given how many clean beauty brands incorporate coconut oil into their products. The ones that seem to affect me the most are those sitting all over my face for long periods of time, such as lotions and masks, but concealers and make-up don’t seem to cause any issues. If you’re also struggling with breakouts, I’d check labels and see if coconut oil is on the ingredient list. It just may be the culprit.
Shani Darden Retinol //
I’ve used retinol products for well over 10 years, and this has always been one of my favorites. However, in recent months, any time I go to use it, my skin gets itchy, bumpy, red and peels excessively. Since I’ve used retinols for so long, I know I have the tolerance for them, but I’m wondering if living in the land of sunshine has affected how my skin behaves with them. Either way, I’ve got a whole lot of expensive retinol that I can’t seem to use any longer….