The Hype vs. Reality: My Brutally Honest Beauty Product Confessions

Hey Girlfriends!

Let's have a real talk. I know we haven't met IRL, but I feel like we're close enough that I can be totally honest with you. I was decluttering my overflowing beauty stash the other day, and instead of just tossing everything into the recycling bin, I thought I'd share my unfiltered opinions on some popular products. Fair warning: some of these reviews might be a little controversial. We all know how it is – we see those perfectly curated ads over and over, and we inevitably get influenced. I’m a consumer just like you, and I fall for the hype just like everyone else. Even though I review tons of skincare and makeup, I still buy things based on rave reviews and those tempting before-and-after photos. So, if something I mention here happens to be your holy grail, please don't take it personally! This is just my honest experience.

Let's dive in!

This one's first because it's the product that sparked this whole blog post. Remember those seemingly miraculous before-and-after photos flooding Instagram? Yeah, I fell for it, hook, line, and sinker. Plus, so many of you were asking me to try it, so I figured I had to give it a go. I diligently used almost the entire jar, giving it a fair chance to work its magic. And the verdict? This is probably the worst neck cream I’ve ever used. Seriously.

Initially, the price was incredibly tempting, and it felt okay going on – a light, almost watery texture that absorbed quickly. But after a few weeks of consistent use, my neck started to feel incredibly dry and tight. It developed a crepey texture I never knew I had, making me look like I’d aged a decade overnight! I'm seriously questioning the authenticity of the hype I see in those ads. It makes me wonder if filters and clever editing are at play, because my experience was the polar opposite of what they portray. If you’ve tried this neck cream and had a life-changing experience, please let me know in the comments! I’m genuinely curious to hear if it worked for anyone. This whole thing reminds me of the La Mer debacle – remember when I said I hated it? Some of you were not happy. But I’m just being honest!

Okay, so if you're genuinely looking for a neck cream that actually delivers, this is the one. I talk about this product all the time, and for good reason. It's incredibly affordable, especially compared to some of the high-end brands that promise the world and deliver very little. But more importantly, the ingredients are fantastic. This neck cream contains a blend of gentle exfoliants to smooth away dullness and texture, combined with powerful hydrating ingredients to replenish moisture and plump the skin. If your neck is looking a little crepey, dull, or textured, this will make a noticeable difference. It won’t be like a surgical facelift, but it's the best I've found, even compared to those pricey luxury brands.

This sunscreen comes in the most gorgeous glass packaging, and I’ll admit, I totally bought into the influencer hype. It’s not a bad product per se. It has a lovely, lightweight texture and looks pretty on the skin initially. But the oiliness! Oh, the oiliness. It’s like a grease-slick, and even powdering it down doesn't fully mattify the shine. It just feels perpetually wet and oily on my skin. And for the price? Ouch. It’s expensive, and you’ll go through it quickly, especially if you’re applying the recommended amount of sunscreen. Plus, the application process is a bit messy. You have to shake the bottle vigorously before use, and the formula is so runny that it drips everywhere. For that price, I expect a more refined and user-friendly experience.

If you want a luxurious-feeling sunscreen that won't break the bank, look no further than this tinted moisturizer with SPF. It gives the skin a beautiful, healthy glow without the excessive oiliness of the Bloom Effects sunscreen. It also acts as a fantastic makeup primer, creating a smooth, even canvas for foundation. The best part? It’s packed with antioxidants, hydrators, and moisturizing ingredients, so you can streamline your morning routine. I often skip serums and separate moisturizers when I use this, which saves me time and money.

Okay, here’s the controversial one. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’ve raved about City Lips for years. I used it long before I even started creating content online. But lately, I’m just not as impressed. It feels like my lips have become accustomed to the formula, and I’m not getting the same plumping effect I used to. Plus, they keep discontinuing my favorite shades, which is incredibly frustrating.

Another thing that bothers me is the lack of transparency in some of their advertising. I’ve noticed what appears to be influencers with lip fillers promoting City Lips without disclosing their cosmetic procedures. I’m not against fillers at all, but I believe it’s crucial to be honest and upfront with your audience. It would be like me claiming you can achieve a perfectly smooth forehead just by using a certain cream when I regularly get Botox. I’m always transparent about my Botox treatments because I think it’s important to be authentic and realistic. I’ve also noticed some questionable before-and-after photos in their ads, where the “after” face appears larger, creating the illusion of more dramatically plumped lips. It just rubs me the wrong way.

So, what am I using instead of City Lips? I’ve been loving the Revision Skincare YouthFull Lip Replenisher. It has a similar thick texture to City Lips, but I find that it plumps my lips more effectively and the results last longer. It also helps to fill in those fine lines and wrinkles around the lips, which is a bonus. It’s a bit pricier than City Lips, but it lasts much longer, so it’s a better value in the long run. If you’re not a fan of thick lip products, try the Dermatology C Balm. It’s not sticky at all, feels incredibly hydrating like a balm, and even adds a subtle pink tint to my lips.

I saw ads for this microneedling kit everywhere, and I was on the verge of buying it when the brand reached out and generously sent me one to try. I was so excited! The kit comes with tiny needles and serums, and the concept is that you’re creating micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve texture and tone. But for me, it was a complete no-go. It actually made my melasma much darker. Melasma is often triggered by inflammation, and the microneedling process irritated my skin, exacerbating my hyperpigmentation. Even if I didn’t have melasma, I didn’t see any noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture or appearance. It didn’t look any glowier or tighter. Plus, I couldn't use my favorite exfoliating serum while using the microneedling kit, which further contributed to dullness.

So, what’s my go-to solution for dull, lackluster skin? I shave my face! It’s a simple, yet effective way to remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath. It’s like an instant at-home facial. I use a men’s razor – the Gillette Sensor2 Plus Pivoting Head (6) – and it doesn’t make the hair grow back thicker or darker, I promise! If you’re curious to learn more about face shaving, I have other blog posts and videos dedicated to the topic. And on nights when I’m not shaving or using retinol, I reach for the Dermalect Self Esteem Beauty Sleep Serum. It’s truly amazing! It gives my skin an instant glow and is super affordable.

So, those are my completely honest thoughts on some popular beauty products. I know some of these opinions might be unpopular, but I wanted to share my genuine experience. Let me know what you think in the comments! What are your favorite products? Have you tried any of these? And what are your thoughts on advertising and disclosure in the beauty industry? I love hearing from you guys!