I tend to have a mixture of both high-end products and drugstore finds in my makeup bag, and for the most part I'm happy. But are there certain products that you should stay away from? Here's the top 10 list of the worst:
Why it’s worst: This antiquated formula fails to provide sufficient UVA protection, has an unpleasant texture, and not a single shade looks like any woman’s skin color anywhere in the world.
2. Cover Girl Clean Makeup
Why it’s worst: A dated formula that spreads unevenly and looks pasty on the skin. It comes in mostly terrible colors and contains several potent irritants that give it a strong, medicinal fragrance.
3. Physicians Formula CoverTox Ten50 Wrinkle Therapy Concealer
Why it’s worst: Where to begin? From the over-the-top claims to the needle-like packaging to the spotty coverage and matte finishes that somehow manages to creep into every large pore and wrinkle, this is simply awful.
4. Cover Girl Cheekers Blush
Why it’s worst: This powder blush has a terribly dry flaky texture that applies unevenly, creating a blotchy appearance and the fragrance, oh my goodness!
5. Boots No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder
Why it’s worst: With a texture that feels dry and waxy at the same time, this difficult-to-apply powder looks heavy on skin and the shades are mostly too pink or peach.
6. Maybelline New York Shadow Stylist Loose Powder
Why it’s worst: Despite clever packaging and a smooth application, this loose powder eyeshadow tends to flake endlessly even if you dab off the excess from the sponge applicator (which isn’t a good way to apply powder eyeshadow anyway).
7. Rimmel Professional Liquid Eye Liner
Why it’s worst: The long brush makes application trickier than usual but the real Achilles heel is the formula: it takes far too long to dry and smears easily.
8. Wet ‘n’ Wild Eyeliner Pencils
Why it’s worst: For less than one dollar, these need-sharpening pencils are the rare cosmetic instance where you really do get what you pay for. The creamy texture stays that way, which invites smudging and smearing all day long.
9. N.Y.C.(New York Color) Lippin’ Large Lip Plumper
Why it’s worst: Quite possibly the world’s most irritating lip plumper, this shimmer-infused lip gloss plumps lips with several potent irritants, including cinnamon, peppermint, and a menthol derivative. Ouch!
10. Rimmel Volum’ Eyes 5X Volume Comb Mascara
Why it’s worst: We generally praise Rimmel’s mascaras and their best ones are beauty steals—but not this one. The comb applicator deposits way too much mascara and trying to smooth out the globs results in a huge mess. Who wants clumpy, spiked lashes?
Thanks to Paula Begoun for the info!