2023’s Biggest Beauty Disappointments … So Far

So, who else has only just realised that we are almost halfway through the year? And is anyone totally tripped out by that fact? Just me? Ok. But in all seriousness, 2023 has been a massive year for new beauty for me. It feels like every week, I’m reviewing something new and amazing. And I’m made a ton of new discoveries that I couldn’t wait to share with y’all.

But every now and again, I make a discovery that is a little less than stellar. A product that just doesn’t hit right. Or a product that is just straight up bad. And that’s what I’ll be chatting about today. These five products are so far, my biggest letdowns for this year. Let’s get into it.

MAKEUP BY MARIO SURREAL SKIN FOUNDATION – $78.00
OK, full disclosure? I do feel bad having this one on the list. As I do seem to be in the minority of people who don’t like this foundation. But, this is a disappointments list. And this did disappoint me. One thing I have noticed is that the people who do like this foundation are, on average, around 5-7 years younger than me. And most of the people who aren’t huge on this are a lot closer to my age and skin type. So, when this does inevitably come to Sephora here, I highly suggest getting a sample and seeing how you go. Because it might be amazing for you. But on me, it was just so drying. It was heartbreaking because I was really looking forward to this one.

L’OREAL PARIS TELESCOPIC LIFT MASCARA – $31.99
This one, on the other hand, I can talk shit about all day! I went into this on with low expectations. And it was still worse than I thought it was going to be. I’m almost dreading which mascara is going to top this in the bad rankings. Because the Telescopic Lift was a mess. Do not recommend at all.

THE INKEY LIST OAT CLEANSING BALM – $19.00*
Easily one of The Inkey List’s most divisive products. Y’all either love or hate this one. And if it’s on this list, then you know which category I fall into. Interestingly, it’s not the texture that bothered me with this one. Though y’all are right, cleansing balms shouldn’t have chunks in it. It’s more the fact that this stings my eyes like nothing else. I also felt like I had to use a lot of product to do anything. And it still didn’t remove all of my eye makeup. As you can probably tell, I did use this up. But you won’t see it in my empties again.

NO. 7 LIFT & LUMINATE TRIPLE ACTION DAY CREAM – $49.99*
This is a more recent addition to my routine. And while I will use it up, I do have a couple of issues with this moisturiser that are stopping me from really loving it. The first I noticed straight away. The other I only discovered last week. Firstly, this pills on me when I use it during the day. Pretty badly too. It didn’t matter what I used underneath or on top of it, it pilled. So, I switched to using it at night, where pilling doesn’t bother me as much (I’m asleep). But then I noticed the strangest thing one night. My face looked straight up glittery. It was a fine shimmer, but still noticeable under my bathroom light. So, I used it day and night for a few days in a row. And sure enough, my hands were covered in shimmer from when I rubbed it into the skin. I have no idea what in the ingredient list is causing this. But I can’t say that I like it. I love me a glow. But this was too much. And the worst part is that I actually like the texture of this. Legitimately disappointing.

KVD VEGAN BEAUTY MODCON LONGWEAR LIQUID GEL CONTOUR – $38.00
I had been saving this one for a Bite Size Review (it was featured in my February/March Stash). But I may as well get to it now. This is easily one of the worst bronzing products that I’ve ever tried. And again, kick in the teeth for me because I really want to love KVD Beauty. The issue with this is that it either blends into absolutely nothing or it makes a massive, muddy mess on your face. There is no in between. And I have tried this in so many ways. I just can’t get it to work for me.

And that is a wrap on my disappointments! Let me know in the comments what your makeup misses have been so far?

Cheers and love
Emily xo