Hello beauty buffs!
Well, you must be a beauty buff, since you’re reading this blog that’s mostly about beauty, right? 😀 I am a self-confessed beauty buff and I love all these little pampering things we have and use for our skins – makeup, skincare, shower gels…
Yet, there are some products I don’t really care for.
As I’m sure you do too!
For me, some of these are just products I don’t use, or aspects of personal beauty that do not attract me at all. For others, I’m just not fussed about them.
What are yours? 🙂
Beauty products I don’t pine for fall into roughly 4 categories.
Nail products
I used to wear nail polish off and on over the years, and although I’ve played with and found some nice formulas and colours over the years, nail polish and its ancillary products go whoosh! over my head. I no longer wear nail polish because I won’t let it stay on for more than 2 days before I want to wipe it off. So I figured, why even bother?! I’m probably the only beauty blogger out there not flaunting her nice manicures in every shot LOL. Most of the time if you do see my fingers, they’re naked 😀
Hand Creams or lotions
Related to nails but I never got into the habit of using hand creams or hand lotions. I used to use the ones by Crabtree & Evelyn but even those, I found too sticky and oily after a while. I do use a hand cream though. My favourite is the one by Clarins although I’m quite taken with the Biotherm one too after almost finishing the tube. I don’t collect nor pine for them though. I won’t use most of the hand creams out there and I’m planning to repurchase the Clarins one simply because it doesn’t leave oily marks over my books when I read in bed 🙂
Hair products
Hair is one aspect I’m very unfussy about, and even more so now that I’ve cropped it short and it looks to stay that way for a while because I love it! I love the ease of care (hardly any care bar washing!) and that it keeps me cool in this infernal heat. So I just go for basic hair care – shampoo and conditioner – and I’m good to go. Sure, I like brands like Kerastase because they do make my hair feel nicer than normal, but I’m just as happy using L’Oreal Everstrong (which is surprisingly good and cheap and I don’t even need a conditioner!) I don’t style my hair (I’m blessed with naturally voluminous and pouffy hair) and while I sometimes use a touch of hair cream or wax to hold it in place, that’s the extent of my “styling”, so I don’t really care for hair styling products either. Hair colour? Been there, done that, had ombré hair when it was known as “too skint to touch up roots” instead of a fashion statement 😛 these days, I embrace my natural hair colour and I’ll start dying when the grey hair starts to overwhelm but till then, I’m low maintenance when it comes to hair.
Body lotions and creams
I’m a right sucker for body oils but not lotions or creams. In fact, the reason I never used to apply anything on my body was because I hated the feel of body lotion and creams! Too heavy, too sticky, too oily, ick! I still don’t like them, although there are some out there that don’t feel as icky, but I’ll stick to my body oils that feel luxurious, nourish my skin and smell incredible!
So now you know why you hardly see reviews or chatter about these 4 categories of products on my blog. I’m just not interested enough although when I do come across something that’s worth mentioning, I do and I will. I just don’t chase after them nor do they interest me enough to.
What beauty products don’t you care for?
I’m sure you too have your favourite beauty categories and your not-so-favourite ones. You know mine, now let’s hear yours 😀
Paris B
LeGeeque says
February 25, 2014 at 8:38 amI’m so picky with things it’s not good 🙁 But the one thing I’ve never cared about much is hair products. I only use Pantene shampoo and conditioner. I rarely apply masks or other treatment products (I know, I hope my hairstylist doesn’t see this) because well – multi-prong reasons. 1) sloth 2) forgetfulness 3) extremely blessed with good genes for the hair. Can’t take credit for it – it’s inherited, thankfully. Left to my own devices, my hair will be frizzier than the grass in parklands in summer.
It’s the one thing I’ve learnt to not take for granted.
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 12:20 pmI love Pantene Ultra Light, which we still don’t get here! The L’Oreal Everstrong range isn’t bad too much to my surprise and although I play around with higher end hair care, I don’t mind using something from the pharmacy in a pinch either 😀 I haven’t combed my hair in a billion years. I love how short hair means lower maintenance 😀
Fiona says
February 25, 2014 at 8:43 amFor me it’s nail polish and body lotion. I’m not good with applying nail polish. Probably I’m not interested at all. I keep my nails short and naked too.
As for body lotion, I don’t like my body to feel sticky. Yuck!
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 2:06 pmHaha my sentiments exactly about nail polish and body lotion 😛 You could be right. I ant apply polish well at all and it could well be to do with disintetest.
Applegal says
February 25, 2014 at 8:54 amI keep my nails naked too, though I am attracted to pretty nails and nail polish. Partly because I think I have a lot of things to do over the weekend and waiting for polish to dry is not one of them, and also because I’m worried about the chemicals in the polish.
I use hand cream now though, because washing dishes/clothes suck my hands dry! And I don’t use gloves because I like to feel and check whether my plates are clean 😛
Ting says
February 27, 2014 at 9:50 amApplegal, I have the same reason for not wearing gloves when washing dishes!!! 😀 Just cannot imagine having to eat invisible dishwashing liquid remains… :p
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 2:09 pmCan’t live without my gloves! Well unless I want my skin to peel right off haha. But I do use hand cream too now, if only so my hands don’t age more quickly than my face. But I find painting nails a bother too cos I have to treat my nails after that since I find polishes drying so that’s part of the reason I don’t like it. Too much work!
liyeun says
February 25, 2014 at 9:18 amMe love body oils, too! Well, there are a few that I wouldnt bother using:
1. Tanning lotion
2. Nail polish
3. Phyto shampoos that dried up my hair and did nothing for my scalp
4. Fake eyelashes. Yes, they do look sexy and sultry when worn over smoky eyes, but it’s fake! LOL
Ting says
February 27, 2014 at 9:55 amSame here! The ONLY time I’ve ever worn fake eyelashes was for my wedding day. :p
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 2:10 pmOh man! Good point about tanning lotions and false lashes! I don’t get them either. I hate the feeling of false lashes and the glue always irritates my eyes. Maybe cos it’s too close to my eyes and the fumes are irritating. As for tanning lotion and bronzers, hmm… Just no 😛
Fathin says
February 25, 2014 at 9:19 amI don’t do nail polish, I love my nails look natural and besides, I can’t have my nails painted when I do my Wudu’ (ablution) for prayers 😀
Another is the product that use for cracked heels. I used to religiously apply to my heels but I noticed that lotion or body butter also worked, though might be slower. So, no more creams for cracked heels!
One more product to ignore is lip liner. I’m not good with making precise line and I like to do things quick (I took ages to apply lip liner LOL). Besides, I like my makeup not looking too perfect, hehe. So, maybe when there’s big event like my own wedding, I will be patient with lip liner, haha.
Ting says
February 27, 2014 at 9:59 amFathin, interesting to know about can’t wearing nail polish for Wudu… never known that before!
As for lip liner, I used to ignore that as well! These days I like to use a nude lipliner to tone down some bright coloured lipstick, or use lip liner as matte lipstick. It’s drying, for sure, so pat some lip balm over it. And lip liner prevents lipstick from feathering too! 😀
Cracked heels… oh dear it hurts!! I find that putting on a pair of 100% cotton socks after you apply any creams or lotion at night, and sleep in them. You will have better heels by morning. 😀
Fathin says
February 27, 2014 at 10:13 amTing, the reason why can’t wear nail polish for Wudu is the product block the water from touching the nails. So, need to remove nail polish before Wudu and thankfully, I’m not a fan of nail polish or it will be such a great hassle to keep removing and reapplying LOL
Thanks for the tip on lip liner. I saw a product online called DuWop Reverse Lip Liner (http://www.luxola.com/my/products/duwop-reverse-lip-liner). It suppose to fit all colours as it’s colorless and yet, help lipstick from bleeding. Going to try that when I get back my interest in lip liner 😀
And also thanks for the tips for cracked heels, I’ll try that, too. I usually use this tool to scrub off dead dry skin from my heels after shower (when skin get soft) then put on lotions 😀
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 2:13 pmOh yes good point about Muslims and the use of nail polish. I was told that by a friend too. Interestingly Inglot has a range of ‘breathable nail polish’ that I read would be friendly for Muslim women but I’m not sure about that! I don’t use lip liners either. It’s quite a bother although if you go for a coloured one you can also use it as Lip colour! It stays on a bit longer too 😉
Michelle Beh says
February 25, 2014 at 9:26 amLove reading this blog. As for me, I don’t really care of the body scrub or body lotion. I hate those sticky feeling as well. And another factor is that I’m quite lazy in applying body lotion after bath. Lol
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 2:14 pmAwww thanks for reading Michelle! 🙂 I’m no good with body scrubs either! When I feel in need for one I go to a spa haha 😛
Lily says
February 25, 2014 at 9:30 am1) Nail colours. My nails are naked and short most of the time. I don’t use cuticle oils, etc either. My nails are pretty much on their own >_<
2) Body creams and lotions – while I try to use it, I usually just forget about it. If my skin feels particularly dry, I'd use it for 1 or 2 nights. That's it.
3) Face oils – I know many people love this, but I'm just not into it
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 2:15 pmFace oils are pretty much love or hate but I think it actually serves its purpose better in colder drier climates or for drier skins 🙂 As for nails it Surprises me that so many of us don’t care about them much lol!
Cynthia says
February 25, 2014 at 9:41 amI guess environment changed a person habit. I don’t bother about my nails until my colleagues around me push me to do my manicure. They’re all gelish-manicure freak. Not that I am turning into one, but at least I try my best to diy my own nails :p (One week once?) Like you, I don’t style my hair as well. Am not very particular with my hair products so I do stick into one/two that I’ve been using for years and it still good-to-go.
And yes, body scrub or lotion is definitely not something I’ll be crazy about. Of coz once in a while, when my mood is good I’ll still use them.
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 2:17 pmYou could be right about being in the right environment too but I’ve been around lots of people who love nail polish but it still doesn’t sway me cos I just don’t like how it feels. My nails always feel suffocated lol! Weird right? I think it’s so hard to use body lotions here cos of the weather. It always makes me feel sticky and in need of a bath 😛
Juan says
February 25, 2014 at 9:51 amDoes mascara count? I can’t stand mascaras because my eyelashes will never curl or look longer and washing it off takes too much effort -.-
Others would be primers and bronzers. Oh body lotions too because I’m too lazy to slather them on or they’re not moisturising enough – prefer body butters instead but that too i only reach out when my legs feel super dry and I’d need to wear something sexy the next day 😉
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 2:18 pmYou know, I’ve stopped wearing mascara for a while. My lashes were feeling weak so I took a break and never went back! But when I do I like the tube type that wash off easily. Oh and I don’t do primers either. Always feels like an unnecessary extra step 😛
Dawn says
February 25, 2014 at 9:54 amI don’t really care for:
1.) Hair products: Just shampoo and conditioner, I like wearing my hair natural so not to fussed about hair styling products. And I’m lazy.
2.) Blush/highlighters/bronzers: Only own one blush, Thebalm’s Frat boy!
3.) BB/CC creams, liquid foundations: I dislike having anything slick or oily on my face! I only own powder foundation (the Revlon Photoready), but on regular days foundation isn’t part of my make-up routine. What God didn’t bless me with height, He made up with good complexion instead. HAHA.
I really love nail polish, and hand creams are a necessity for me! My cuticles dry out a lot from the washing of dishes and clothes 🙂
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 2:20 pmAwww I’m jealous of your good skin already! 😀 and just one blush? Oh dear I feel almost like a hoarder next to you hehe…
Dawn says
March 4, 2014 at 4:38 pmOh you don’t have to feel that way…
I can open my own nail salon with the number of numbers I have, stopped counting after 30. hehe!
Along with my lipstick collection. I have soooo many reds 😀
melanie says
February 25, 2014 at 9:59 amI’m not big on body scrubs. I don’t like spending too time in the shower so now I use Wen shampoo since I don’t need a conditioner afterwards. With the 4 distinct seasons in Japan I find that I need to use the heavy sticky body and hand creams in winter even though I’m not a fan of them. I like the Burt’s Bees hand salve, it’s oily but soaks in quick and I don’t need very much to alleviate my dry hands. In the summer I barely need anything since it is so humid. Another thing I don’t care for but it’s a necessity is sun screen, it’s so hard to find a formulation that is comfortable and doesn’t irritate my skin. I’m using La Roche Posay now but think it will be too heavy feeling for summer.
Paris B says
March 4, 2014 at 2:24 pmYou’re actually right about living in a country with 4 seasons, Melanie. When I visit a cold country I always find a need for lip balm and hand cream, products I hardly ever use here in the tropics. It’s just necessity not out of interest. As for sunscreen, our right La Roche Posey sunscreen will be heavy for summer. Since you’re in Japan have you thought to try the Japanese brands? They do high spf in very light textures that’s comfortable on skin. I like Shiseido Perfect UV or if you try Hada Labo whitening sunscreen as well (don’t be afraid of the name, I don’t find it whitening but I prefer the texture to the regular white tube) 🙂
melanie says
March 4, 2014 at 10:56 pmI love the textures of Japanese sunscreens but I’m sensitive to high levels of alcohol and allergic to zinc so that rules out lots of brands. It’s a shame about the Hada Labo one, I loved the texture and went through 3 bottles before I found out about my zinc allergy. I guess I’ll be going through blotting paper like crazy this summer.
Paris B says
March 10, 2014 at 7:07 pmAhh that does explain things Melanie. Japanese skincare is usually very partial to alcohol >.< I'm allergic to zinc oxide too but surprisingly my skin takes to the Shiseido Perfect UV which has zinc oxide in it, so I stick to this one now.
melanie says
February 25, 2014 at 10:01 amI also forgot, I hate lipgloss. Feels like I’ve smeared syrup all over my mouth.
Ika Roseworn says
February 25, 2014 at 10:04 am1) Hair care products. Back when I had long hair, I was extremely fussy about what I put in my hair. I’d use salon-brand shampoos, and would do light at-home treatments everytime I washed my hair. No conditioner as I believed it didn’t do much for the hair. But these days, it’s shampoo + conditioner in whatever brand, and a deep at-home treatment once a week because I colour my hair. I keep my hair short too and it’s a lot healthier these days.
2)Nail polish. Cant keep it to stay on my fingers without chipping for more than a day! I do a pedicure once in a month or so.
I’m good with body lotions because I have dry skin. Most times, I slather on petroleum jelly because there are days when only that works on my super dry legs!
Paris B says
March 5, 2014 at 6:14 pmI have to be better about the skin on my legs so good on you for taking care of it! I too have a problem with keeping polish on my nails. I always forget and use my nails to do things like dig out staples (even though I know I shouldn’t) and then I’m all “Darn it! I’m going to remove my polish now!” And I love having short hair! Best decision I ever made 😀
Teresa says
February 25, 2014 at 10:05 amIt’s not that I don’t care for them — in fact, I have a healthy stock of all of these — it’s that I’m too lazy to use it all on a regular basis! For someone who paints their nails once a month, I sure do own a metric butt-tonne of polish. One exception is hair care, like yourself. Shampoo, conditioner, occasionally a hair mask. I do have a weakness for dry shampoos and volumising products though.
Paris B says
March 5, 2014 at 6:16 pmhahaha honesty is the best policy, Teresa 😀 I think for some of us, we go through that soul-searching process, hoping that we’d actually like or be diligent enough about doing a certain beauty procedure e.g. painting our nails when in fact, we find other more productive things to do rather than sit around waiting for polish to dry. I’m way guilty of being lazy too!
Isabel says
February 25, 2014 at 10:08 am1. toners / toning lotions – they do nuts for me
2. primers – too much silicone. I don’t like feeling like being wrapped in cling film
3. hair styling products – plain shampoo and conditioner every two days and ACV to removes residue once a week. That’s it. Often, I don’t even brush my hair for days … I just run my fingers through my hair.
4. eyebrow products – the only item I have for my eyebrows is my Tweezerman.
5. highlighters and contouring products – the over sculpted people out there have scared me off such products forever and ever.
Paris B says
March 5, 2014 at 6:17 pmOoh primers! I don’t use them either mostly because I don’t like having that extra layer of product on skin. I do own quite a few though. Sigh… Oh and highlighters too! I’ve stopped looking at highlighting products because realistically I never use them. The “problem” is that highlighters are always made in such pretty designs! 😛
Isabel says
March 5, 2014 at 9:04 pmAh, do I know what you mean about pretty highlighters! Quite honestly, if I had a bottomless bank account and ever-expanding space, I’d absolutely love to collect cosmetics in beautiful packaging and one day in the far future, set up a make up museum!
Paris B says
March 10, 2014 at 10:06 pmNow wouldn’t that be fun! I love seeing how makeup evolves over the years, especially in terms of formula and packaging, and the art.
Joy Chong says
February 25, 2014 at 10:13 amPre-serum, I don’t get it. I see it as more layers, more time, more money. Why not just slap stuff on when the face is still damp?
Paris B says
March 5, 2014 at 6:19 pmHaha good point! I have tried a couple of these pre-serums myself. For the most part, although some of them did work as promised it is far too much work and sometimes, far too much product. Ultimately I think it depends on a person’s skincare routine.
Florence says
February 25, 2014 at 10:41 amMine would be body lotion and foot cream. My skin tends to dry up and I think I have mild eczema but I tend to get lazy applying body lotion. So I only apply them when my skin starts to itch haha
Paris B says
March 5, 2014 at 6:20 pmFoot cream! Guilty of not using anything on my poor beleaguered feet too!
plue says
February 25, 2014 at 10:48 ameyeshadows, eyeliners, fake lashes! I really can’t be bothered with doing up my eyes, the most I’d put on some mascara and I am happy enough.
Paris B says
March 5, 2014 at 6:21 pmOH yes, fake lashes. I’ve totally given up on them 😛 I do still like wearing eyeshadow. I find it fun and I have also found that it helps balance off my eye shape haha! But hey, you can get away with it, so good on ya! 😀
Parita says
February 25, 2014 at 11:36 amNo nail products and hand creams for me! I dont care much about body lotions either but have started to use them regularly due to skin becoming extremely dry. I cannot stand any kind of smell on my hands..
Paris B says
March 5, 2014 at 6:22 pmIt’ll be nice to have some non-sticky, non-greasy, non-scented hand creams and body lotions eh? hehe…
Wendy@BlushandBarbells says
February 25, 2014 at 11:53 amI can’t stand Pantene – it just never rinses out for me.
I don’t like matte lipsticks – I need slip!
I’m not a fan of any kind of tanning products – I wish I was vampire pale!
I also don’t like authentic BB creams – I’ve tried allll the sample sachets at the Korean beauty supplies and they seem very greasy and grey-toned, even the ones that get such rave reviews from beauty bloggers!
Paris B says
March 5, 2014 at 6:23 pmI have the same complaint about matte lipstick too! I find many formula ageing but the new formulas I’ve seen look more promising although a bit of slip is always preferable 🙂 Oh and I hear ya about BB creams especially the Korean ones. I too find them far too heavy, greasy and grey. I have all but stopped using the ones from Korea! My skin takes better to the Western incarnations even if it’s just “light foundation” or “tinted moisturiser” my skin just accepts the texture and colour better