de influencing makeup💋 as an ex sephora employee 🖤

Having spent years working at Sephora, I gained a unique perspective on the beauty industry – from the hottest trends to the hidden gems, and sometimes, the products that just don't live up to the hype. While every product has its fans, I'm here to de-influence some items that, in my personal experience, aren't worth your coin. Let’s dive into setting sprays, for instance. I've encountered many, including that particular pink spray bottle often lauded for being long-lasting for oily skin. While it might indeed help with oil control, I personally found its finish or feel wasn't to my preference, giving it a 7/10. Then there's the gold and white spray bottle, which promised a beautiful dewy finish. While it delivered on the dewiness, its longevity was a major letdown, barely holding up for a few hours. For me, a setting spray needs to do both: set makeup beautifully AND make it last. If it's not lasting, what's the point? My advice? Look for sprays that boast both setting power and a comfortable, long-wearing finish that suits your skin type, rather than just chasing a specific look that fades quickly. Next up, lip products. That rose gold lip liner, for example, really highlighted some common issues. I found its color range to be far too pink, lacking those versatile cool tones that complement a wider range of skin complexions. Beyond the shade, it simply didn’t last on my lips and had a tendency to bleed outside the lip line. Pigment and glide were mediocre at best, scoring a 3/10. When choosing a lip liner, prioritize creamy formulas that glide on smoothly without tugging, offer a diverse range of shades that truly flatter, and most importantly, stay put without feathering or bleeding throughout the day. It’s better to invest in one or two excellent liners than a handful of mediocre ones. The most concerning de-influence for me has to be certain lash growth serums. I remember trying a gold tube product that promised amazing lash growth. And yes, it did stimulate growth, which initially seemed promising. However, the side effects were far from ideal. I personally experienced significant eye irritation and, to my dismay, dark circles around my eyes. It was a tough trade-off, and ultimately, the irritation and discoloration made it a zero-star product for me. When it comes to products near your eyes, always exercise extreme caution. Thoroughly research ingredients, read reviews from people with similar sensitivities, and patch test if possible. Sometimes, simple lash care, like gentle cleansing and nourishing with natural oils, can be a safer path to healthier lashes without the harsh side effects. From my time on the Sephora floor, a major insider tip is to always test products thoroughly before committing. Take advantage of samples, swatch colors in different lighting, and don't be swayed solely by viral trends. What works for one person might not work for you, and that's perfectly okay. Focus on what enhances your unique beauty and makes you feel confident, rather than falling for every hyped product. Your wallet and your skin will thank you!