DE-INFLUENCING: makeup edition 💋

Okay, so you've seen my recent de-influencing makeup reviews, and honestly, it feels so good to share what really works and what's just hype! But beyond just knowing what *I* don't recommend, how can you become your own best beauty critic? It's all about learning to evaluate products for yourself, and honestly, it's a skill that saves so much money and disappointment. Let's talk about one of the trickiest products to get right: mascara. I used to fall for every viral mascara out there, only to be let down. Now, when I'm assessing a new one, I look at a few distinct things. First, the Wand & Brush Design. Is it bushy for volume, or slender for definition? A curved wand might be great for curling, but a straight one could be better for length. My personal pet peeve is when the wand picks up too much product, leading to clumping – a common issue I've found with some waterproof mascaras, making them hard to remove cleanly. Next, consider the Formula Type & Claims. Do you want volumizing, lengthening, curling, or all-in-one? I’ve found that often, a mascara claiming to do everything excels at nothing. If you're sensitive, look for hypoallergenic formulas. The Too Faced mascara, for example, is famous for being waterproof, but for me, the struggle of removal often outweighs the benefit of its long-lasting wear. Then there's Wear Performance & Longevity. Does it smudge? Flake? Run at the first sign of humidity? I need a mascara that stays put all day without giving me raccoon eyes. And finally, Ease of Removal. This is a huge one for me! If it takes five different cleansing balms and an act of Congress to get off, it’s a no-go, no matter how good it looks initially. After trying so many, I've learned that a difficult-to-remove formula just isn't sustainable for daily wear. This critical thinking applies to all makeup. For "eyeshadow palettes," I've learned to check swatches for pigment payoff and blendability, not just pretty packaging. With "lip tints," texture is everything – if it's gritty or feels uncomfortable, like some I've tried, it won't last in my routine. And "foundations" or "concealers"? I prioritize how they blend, how they wear throughout the day, and if they feel heavy or cakey. The "Hourglass foundation," for instance, just never settled right on my skin, no matter how many times I tried to make it work. Similarly, an "eye brightener" shouldn't feel like a thick concealer, as I discovered with one popular product. Even "blushes" need to have the right blend of pigment and blendability; super sheer ones can be frustrating. Ultimately, de-influencing ourselves means getting smarter about our purchases. Ask yourself: What are my non-negotiables? What do I really need? And does this product truly deliver for my needs, or am I just buying into the hype? It’s about building a collection of products you genuinely love and use, rather than a drawer full of disappointments.