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Home » Interesting Discussions » Your Say: What products work for others but not for you?

Your Say: What products work for others but not for you?

April 5, 2011 Paris B 91 Comments

“Why doesn’t this product work for me?”

“Why does your shampoo make my hair feel drier?”

“You said this cream is so good for you but when I tried it I broke out!”

“I tried the products for acne skin/pigmentation but saw no improvement!”

Sound familiar? 🙂

Why does it work for you Cate?

Its a common lament when we are faced with advertising and the multitudes of products out there, many of which do the same thing. Raves from bloggers don’t help and let’s not even talk about the mind boggling array of products in department stores and drugstores or pharmacies. Just step into a pharmacy and leave, with your mind reeling and a bag of stuff in your hand.

I feel that way everytime. Every single product out there claims to be the best in its field, and we read platitudes and raves about this product and that product online. But have you tried them and gone… “meh!”In the case of skincare, its not unusual.

Skincare is something quite individual. A raved product might work for someone but not for others because our skins are different. We could share the same skin type but there are other factors we may not be aware of that might tip the balance. Lifestyle, work, stresses all play a part and so while product A might be a winner for me, it might just bum you out.

In my case, products loved by many like Asience Deep Nourish/Inner Shine hair care, Lancome Genifique serum and Teint Miracle liquid foundation were meh on my part.

So let’s share – What products work for others but not for you? What products have been raved about everywhere in ads and on blogs but which you find only so so or even worse, broke you out?

Paris B

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About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

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91 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. Hanny says

    April 5, 2011 at 8:36 am

    Mine is a situation on the reverse skin-care wise, I think. Clinique products don’t work on most people I know, they say that it’s too harsh, but for me, I can’t live without them!

    As for makeup, I don’t get why people say that Dr. G BB cream is so “thick” but the coverage was meh for me… >.< I need my Revlon Colorstay, hehehehe ^.^

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 10:48 am

      I haven’t tried Dr G BB cream but I’m one of those for whom the Clinique 3 step doesn’t work. The rest of the Clinique line works fine though and I do have some faves from there 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sandra says

    April 5, 2011 at 8:58 am

    As far as I remember, these three items made me broke out:
    1. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion
    2. Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Face Wash
    3. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (thank god it is just a sample!)

    Hey Hanny! I love Clinique’s makeup remover & liquid facial soap – just that I found cheaper replacement for it (Hada Labo AHA/BHA face wash & Biore makeup remover). 🙂

    Reply
    • Hanny says

      April 5, 2011 at 9:13 am

      Ahahaha. I haven’t tied the makeup removers from Clinique, but the 3 step system is my absolute must have! I’m rather afraid to change skincare, though. >.< But yeah, as far as makeup removers go, I swear by Shiseido's Perfect Liquid (not available in Malaysia though. I get my aunt to get it for me whenever she's in China).

      Here's a link:
      http://7012317.blogspot.com/2011/01/hg-shiseido-perfect-oilliquid.html

      Reply
    • Lee says

      April 5, 2011 at 9:24 am

      Which makeup remover? The eye and lips remover doesn’t work for me at all, and it stinks my eyes! :p

      Reply
      • Sandra says

        April 5, 2011 at 10:49 am

        oops! I mean the cleansing oil >.< I never tried the eye&lips remover.

        Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 10:50 am

      Hey Sandra, the EL ANR broke you out possibly because it has hyaluronic acid too! Some people may not realize it but they could be sensitive to hyaluronic acid 🙂 Glad to know Biore makeup remover worked for you. That broke me out!

      Reply
      • Sandra says

        April 5, 2011 at 11:04 am

        Yeah, Biore work just as good as Clinique. I tried Neutrogena cleaning lotion (after reading your review) but unfortunately, it sting my skin 🙁

        Reply
        • ParisB says

          April 5, 2011 at 11:20 am

          Oh boo! The Neutrogena one was lovely! But since I broke out from Biore I guess we’re even 😉

          Reply
  3. J the Chocoholic says

    April 5, 2011 at 9:08 am

    I remember (yearsssssss ago), Body Shop tea tree oil facial wash etc was just ok for me but recommended it to a friend and it worked wonders for her – acne became very noticeably less and redness almost completely went away.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 10:51 am

      Eeps! I’m one of those for whom the tea tree oil face wash works! 😀 I don’t use it anymore but I liked it for controlling problem skin 🙂

      Reply
  4. syeang says

    April 5, 2011 at 9:26 am

    Pb, perhaps you should continue using the SK2 essence. i broke up the first time. the SA told me that would happen . but after 2 weeks i have crystal clear bright skin. only setback…the $$$$

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 10:52 am

      Actually I started breaking out and my skin went to hell after 2.5 bottles of the SK2 essence. This was a few years ago. It was fine and working well initially. I haven’t dared to go back and try it 🙂

      Reply
  5. xin says

    April 5, 2011 at 9:29 am

    the SKII miracle broke me out like mad too! first i used hand to pat, then they said not like that. so i used cotton pad to apply, still broke out like mad! so, i have really given up. another product is the The Bodyshop Vit C Booster which worked like a charm for bee but also broke me out like mad

    Reply
    • Ros says

      April 5, 2011 at 10:24 am

      Yes. Yes. Me too.
      I tried SKII after hearing lots of raves and braved myself to go to the counter to get a set of sample based on my skin analysis.
      And I developed some rashes on my face. It is that bad. Oh well. Luckily I did not buy on impulse, and got myself the samples instead.

      Reply
      • ParisB says

        April 5, 2011 at 11:08 am

        Wow glad you caught it in time with the samples. Imagine if you’d bought full sized products – it’ll have been such a waste of money.

        Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 10:54 am

      For the TBS one it might be the crazy amount of silicones in there. It didn’t break me out but I’ve stopped using it because I disliked the film on my face. As for SK2 its a common complaint!

      Reply
  6. tt says

    April 5, 2011 at 9:30 am

    La Mer. Made me break out super, super bad. I actually tried it a year apart, but nope, 2nd round of trying was just as bad as the first.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 10:54 am

      I used the Lotion. It was working great for about 2 months and then well to hell. Never been very sure what happened 😛

      Reply
  7. Jenn says

    April 5, 2011 at 9:31 am

    Biore sunblocks. Cheap and good but unfortunately it broke me out! >..<

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 10:56 am

      I haven’t tried Biore because its one of those watery types that I dislike for the dry papery feel on the skin. I do hear lots of good things about it though.

      Reply
  8. Cynthia says

    April 5, 2011 at 9:32 am

    Skincares are definitely individualistic. Lol… Many people do raves about how miracle is SK2 miracle water, cream and etc. I tried once using my mum’s and it doesn’t broke me out but my skin turns red and itchy. Turned out that I am actually allergy to pitera. So I am definitely not in the hype of catching up the miracle.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 10:57 am

      Yikes! Glad you worked that out quickly. Since its supposed to be a yeast extract, its entirely possible that you could be allergic to that!

      Reply
  9. Lee says

    April 5, 2011 at 9:37 am

    Hmm, would it be weird to say that I don’t actually do that (recently)?

    I’m way off the bandwagon of “yes please, I would like to try that which works on X or Y”…I think knowing your own skin is still the most important criteria, then, buy what suit your needs (whitening, hydrating and so on). Sorry I might sound snobbish but I really don’t like to be “one of the crowd”…

    Hence, one should always request samples from the beauty counter!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 10:59 am

      I wouldn’t say you’re snobbish. You’ve attained skincare nirvana, where you know just what your skin needs and wants and you deliver 😉 I’m in the business of experimentation but within limits. I’ve worked out what my skin doesn’t like so I tend to not play too much with those ingredients. Or if I do, I pay close attention and stop the minute I start breaking out 🙂

      Reply
  10. lynne says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:03 am

    i have huge pores so i’m always on the lookout for pore minimizing products. The Estee Lauder Idealist which has been raved (practically to death) made my skin feel nice and smooth but did nothing for the pores, while the Vichy Normaderm serum in the green tube did absolutely nothing for me despite being called a drugstore dupe of the Idealist.

    As for eye creams, the Estee Lauder ANR eye cream (yes I am still an Estee Lauder fan) gave me clogged pores around the eye area. sad.

    SK-II seems to be working fine (have been trying it for a month or so), no adverse reactions but not quite a miracle. I’m hoping that patience would pay off so fingers crossed. If not then it becomes yet another ‘meh’ skincare product that I would have to get through for the sake of finishing it.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 11:02 am

      Hope the SKII works for you! Although if it does, you may not like the big hole in your pocket hehe 😉 I confess I liked Idealist and the Vichy essence, both of whoch worked well for me 🙂

      I do find that keeping skin well hydrated helps with the pore problem so do pay attention to that too!

      Reply
    • Huay Mei says

      June 7, 2012 at 3:01 pm

      I used Estee lauder Idealist and it break me out like mad. Estee lauder ANR works wonder for me.

      Reply
  11. chsilvi says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:11 am

    For me, all skincare product from Lancome make my skin worsen…dunno why. I’ve tried some, the serum, toner, moisturiser, all make my skin red and burn. Right now, I use Cellnique products. they work pretty good for my skin, so i’m happy with it 🙂

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 11:03 am

      Glad to know you found something that works for you! As for Lancome, I’d venture that it might be fragrance that’s affecting you. Their products are crazy heavily scented, no matter how well it works for me!

      Reply
  12. juan says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:12 am

    right now, my ultimate favourite is the rose d’orient balm from decleor worn at night. man… it makes my face look slicky but leave my skin super soft and smooth the morning after. it’s a must have for me.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 11:05 am

      Mmm… Sounds delish! I shall not be tempted! 😉

      Reply
  13. Sweetspring says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:24 am

    I have been trying out SK II essence as well! But using it for 2-3 months, I really see no difference, my skin is not any more ‘crystal clear’ than before, even though its nice to put it on after cleanser before moisturizer. It works for my sister though, she had acne redness before and now she has better skin haha!

    Another product is the StriVectin-SD eye cream which I read alot of online. Doesn’t work on my fine lines under the eyes, or prevent them (the fine lines still kept coming!). But its moisturizing I guess, beware of smudged mascara though!

    I’m currently trying out Mario Badescu products to see if all the raves are true. Its basically a skincare line that apparently works wonders for acne prone skin. I have some old spots on my cheeks due to one day’s out in the sun + dehydration (a very bad combo) during summer here >< It hasn't been a miracle overnight, but I did notice some difference so far!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 11:10 am

      I’ve heard that Mario Badescu’s line does work very well for acne skin. I don’t have that problem anymore (thank goodness) but it’ll be good to know if it really works.
      Streivectin SD does work for me hehe… But I prefer using the Estee Lauder ADvanced Night Repair eye serum which I know doesn’t work well for some either!

      Reply
  14. Jasmine says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Generally, big-brand stuff just break me out. All the SK2, Dior, whatever, my skin barely tolerates moisturizers. It’s not that they’re really ‘breaking me out’ – my skin is perpetually studded and congested, I think I’m allergic to a lot of ingredients. Expensive or cheap it makes little difference.

    The best stuff on me are the most natural ingredients like rose water, chamomile essence, aloe vera gel … you get the idea. It’s not that they’re fantastic, rather they disrupt the usual flaring up and sensitivity. These are the same stuff that others find ‘meh’ and lacking in effects, but for me it prevents the usual crisis!

    I’m trying to steer away from skincare, but I’m still very interested in a good sunscreen. The Loreal or Vichy stuff that you raved about just doesn’t absorb into my skin and is terribly itchy on me. 🙁

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 11:19 am

      Hey we all have different skintypes and yours does sound very sensitive. There are lots of brands now that have more natural ingredients and are less complex but so long as whatever you’re using suits your skin, keep at it!

      As for sunscreen, you might benefit from the Marie Veronique one which is natural. I do confess to having quite resilient skin that does seem to thrive on chemicals hence many products don’t react on my skin. If they do, you can bet its pretty drastic! 🙂

      Reply
  15. uruz says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:43 am

    Oil control products never worked for me. I have tried high end to low end pharmacy brands and none worked. Most of the time these oil control products just dry up the skin n leave a temporary matte finish that lasts a couple of hours then it’s back to normal. I can’t believe I fell for statements like “prolonged use of product XXX will help make skin less oily”.

    The only oil/shine control product that really worked for me is the Shiseido Men Anti Shine Refresher. The product doesn’t have out of this world claims. It just says that it has powders n mica that help absorb oil n reflect shine. Pity though that Shiseido Malaysia has decided not to sell this locally anymore.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 11:24 am

      Ah pity about Shiseido not bringing in the line. And I think your observation of oil control lines is quite accurate. The oil control element seems quite temporary for most.

      Reply
  16. lemon says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:59 am

    Shiseido sunscreen used to break me out ,but, recently, I see a change in my skin, it loves the suncreen and does not break me out like last time. Maybe my skin changed as I aged….;-P

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 11:21 am

      Or maybe its given up fighting since you insist on using it 😉 I’ve never tried Shiseido sunscreen but I’ve heard a lot of good things about it! I think I shall give it a go once and for all 🙂

      Reply
      • lemon says

        April 5, 2011 at 11:48 am

        yeah, I am using Anessa, there are different version, try to ask the SA to recommend. Its SPF50+ . The one am using is blue bottle, it is lightweight and absorp fast. A little goes a long way…;-)

        Reply
        • ParisB says

          April 5, 2011 at 11:58 am

          Yep! That’s the one I hear is really good. Very tempting to give it a go. And you’d hear about it if I do! 😉

          Reply
  17. Ling says

    April 5, 2011 at 11:21 am

    Shu Uemura cleansing oil and sunblock break me out! And Estee Lauder brightening sun block too!!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 5, 2011 at 11:26 am

      Ohh!! Finally someone who has the same problem I have with Shu Uemura Cleansing oil! Every single formula from the brand breaks me out too!

      Reply
      • carina says

        April 6, 2011 at 12:14 pm

        wahahahahah….shu eumura cleansing oil works well on me… 😉

        Reply
  18. Stacey says

    April 5, 2011 at 11:57 am

    SKII facial treatment essence breaks me out, even with 2 days of usage…how to persist and try for 2 weeks? =/

    btw is it supposed to have a musky smell? mine does..

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 6, 2011 at 3:05 pm

      From recollection, there certainly is a smell to the SKII essence and breaking out immediately isn’t quite the best way to make someone stick to a brand eh?

      Reply
  19. carol says

    April 5, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    count me in too! shu uemura cleansing oil turned my face into a volcano eruptor! if thats the word to describe. lol! they told me never to be stingy with the quantity. 4 pumps at least. and i use 4-5 pumps but still… and kiehl’s acai moisturiser breaks me out too 🙁 not to mention countless sunblock/sunscreen and bb creams.

    and everything from loreal! from beauty products to shampoo! gosh! am i too hard to please?? lol!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 6, 2011 at 3:06 pm

      haha… there’s life outside of those brands you know, just have to dig around till you find it 😉 I break out from Shu Uemura cleansing oil, but my skin plays well with other brands, mostly cheaper ones so I just stick to those 😉

      Reply
  20. rinnah says

    April 5, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    Had a bad experience with Biotherm moisturiser once… just one application and I started developing tiny pimples all over my face. Never went back to the brand again. 😛

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      April 6, 2011 at 3:07 pm

      Eeks! That’s drastic! I didn’t react to the normal green gel, but I reacted to the pink and blue ones. Strange.

      Reply
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Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

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