Its that time of the year again where I try to save you guys from wasting money, time and heartbreak. I am amazed at how frequently I end up with these downers. But after reading this hopefully you wont have to.

Read the Vol.1 of this series here.

1: Maybelline Clear Glow BB Cream

500 INR for 18 ml

My problem with this product is the limited shade range.The darkest shade 01 Nude is also not good enough because if you are slightly on the wheat-ish side- which most Indians are, you are bound to look ashy (perhaps that’s what Maybelline means when they claim it brightens your skin- LOL- JK!).

BB cream is supposed to be skin care plus make up in one and this one is just a runny version of a foundation. It is not hydrating, leaves a white cast, does not blend well, smells terrible and is way to costly for the amount of product in the tube. (Maybelline, I know you can do better than this!) Skip this and go for this one.

4: Shahnaz Hussain Nano Sunscreen Gel

290 INR for 100 grams

I thought since its a gel it will not have a white cast problem and Shehnaaz Hussain does some other products that are really nice so I was depending on the brand and those (too good to be true) claims written on the front. But alas, it was an epic fail!

It makes the skin terribly sticky, funky smell and SPF 20 is way too low for the Indian sun. It does contains parabens and silicones. Generally I am not the one to waste stuff, but I just could not use this one and now its due to expire. A complete waste of money. Skip this and try one of these.

3: Maybelline Lip Smooth Color Bloom | Pink Blossom

Cost: 180 INR for 1.7 grams

I mistakenly purchased this thinking it was a transparent lip balm. So the experience began with a shock when it changed color. But that apart it is not at all moisturizing! When you first apply it, there is some moisture which quickly disappears and leaves this awful pink color which does not come off. Now the worst part is when the moisture goes away you tend to reapply and when you reapply the pink color darkens even more giving the lips a completely unnatural and loud look! It fails on the basic claim of moisture and for me it fails yet again on the color front.

4: Dr Morepen Gubb USA : Soothing Eye Treatment Gel Mask

Cost: 140 INR

I cant even…! The elastic that secures it around ones head broke as soon as it was opened. Moreover they were so stingy with the length it would never go around an adult human’s head! It was packaged so deceivingly that there was no way I could see this metal end that they used to secure the tie before opening the outer plastic cover.

The gel is in a very plastic-y feeling textured cover which irritates the skin near the eye! I popped it in the fridge and then placed it on my eye … either I am really hot or this good for nothing gel has no capacity to remain cold! Big BIG BIGG FAIL!!!

5: Nykaa So -Matte Lipsticks

Cost: 399INR for 4.2 grams

I had so many expectations from this new launch. I got the shade Taupe Thrill which is a brown nude shade and there are 12 other shades available. They are priced very well and have a great color pay off along with sturdy magnetic packaging. But if you have a few of these lipsticks, there is no way to know the colour without opening the cap! And I am not a fan of the “Nykaa” logo! (Nykaa Folks – time for re-branding is here!)

These are not true mattes yet they are so uncomfortable to wear, after half hour or so they start feeling granular and powdery. They also contain Parabens. I am not sure if its a problem with just this shade… but it very drying and uncomfortable to wear! I had read so many positive reviews so I was surprised when it didn’t work for me. To be doubly sure I made Ms. Super Consumer try it and she affirmed that it was drying and for this price there are better options. Sigh! I really wanted this one to work.

Closing Thoughts:

Total Money Wasted: 1509 INR (plus heartbreak and shipping extra)

Clearly I am a victim of dishonest reviews ….but to be fair not all products work the same way for everyone. Hopefully this post helps you make an informed purchase decision. Tell me about your regrettable purchases in the comments and save me some grief.