The Truth According to TotalBeauty.com Reviewers: , The 6 Most Overly-Hyped Products

Health & beauty

The 6 Most Overly-Hyped Products

See which buzzed-about beauty products our readers say aren't worthy of the praise they garner

March 17, 2010 | by Audrey Fine | 78 COMMENTS

The Truth According to TotalBeauty.com Reviewers:

The glowing assessments from TV stop short with our real women. "It cleared up some zits, but it dried out my face so badly that it looked like I had burns!" says one reader. A mom chimed in to say "I bought it for my daughters and we ended up going to the dermatologist to get help with the reaction they had to it!" And another review says "I used it as directed, and it just kept breaking me out more, turning my skin red, dry, itchy, and raw. I kept using it while trying to tell myself 'It's just bringing the toxins out of my skin, it will clear up.' But, no." Still, others say that it was effective in the beginning. "At first using this product made my skin slightly dry, but it really reduced my acne. However the more I used it, the less it worked and when I stopped using this cleanser, the acne immediately came back," says one reviewer.

The Bottom Line: Whether or not the product works seems to depend on skin type. Maybe you'll get red, itchy skin, maybe you won't. Either way, you'll still have to contend with another aspect that some reviewers found troubling: having to order it and wait for it to arrive.

Next: Will "Photo Finish," the critical darling from Smashbox, get the green light from our reviewers?

SEE NEXT PAGE: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36

11 of 13

products mentioned

Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Original Formula

7.3

Philosophy Hope in a Jar

7.5

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara

7.7

bareMinerals ORIGINAL SPF 15 Foundation

7.5

Maybelline New York Great Lash Washable Mascara

6.5

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

8.2

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I have tried all off these products. While I would agree on 6 of them, I simply can not agree with Bare Minerals. I started using it almost 8 years ago. With the price, I have tried 3 other very popular foundations (both liquid and powder) but always find my way back to BM. I think the biggest thing for people to remember is that everyone's skin is so different. Just because it works for me, does not mean that it will work for you. I HAVE to use the BM Oil Control Primer with it while my sister needs no primer and my mom needs the original primer. We all use BM but in different ways because we have different needs. The most important thing I have learned is to always purchase a new product from an actual BM boutique, not Ulta or Sephora. They will let you exchange or return any product that isn't working without any problems. They will try to help you find something else that will work for you but they won't push. Not everything works for everyone and that actually understand this concept. Also, they now have 3 different forms of foundation: Original ("luminous"), Matte, and now READY (pressed). Also, the different brushes really do give you different coverage so find the one that is right for YOU.

by bride040612 Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 04:40PM Report as inappropriate

Maybelline was one that I ran out and got, and was SOOOOOO let down, I would rather wear no mascara at all.

by MissPurple Friday, January 25, 2013 at 12:43PM Report as inappropriate

A good mix of products. I too always wondered why Maybelline Great Lash mascara had such a great reputation. When I tried it myself, it was not to my liking at all.

by inthemiddles Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 07:21PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with the products here, but I believe you have forgotten one product that 'everybody' loves, yet I despise. The culprit here is OPI nail polish. Yes they have nice colours,witty names, a nice brush, blah, blah, blah, but I had chips on my nail within 24 hours! When used with top coat, chips within 48 hours!I don't cheap out on nail polish either, considering my favourite brand is China Glaze, which is only $3 cheaper. For me, OPI is only good for a small amounts of colour needed for an intricate nail design. God forbid if my opinion may be different than anyone else's.

by nailaddict19 Friday, April 6, 2012 at 11:24AM Report as inappropriate

This is so true! I have been fooled on almost all of these products lol! Proactiv and bare minerals continue to be the biggest rip-offs on the market and I will stop at nothing to get the word out about those two products because they are HORRIBLE!

by Alisunshine Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 11:04AM Report as inappropriate

What's really funny is this article bashes LashBlast, but I'm reading another Total Beauty article at the same time that swears it's a steal for DiorShow. Make up your mind (I love LashBlast).

by VV001 Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 01:42PM Report as inappropriate

I like the hope in the jar. However I like the one that's for sensitive skin. that one rocks plus it doesn't have the awful smell

by Nayeli11 Friday, February 17, 2012 at 11:54AM Report as inappropriate

Smashbox primer is WAY too expensive. I get the same effect by using, of all things, Monistat anti-chafing gel as a makeup primer! Both mascaras mentioned are lame, bare minerals makeup is awful, and the combo of chemicals will burn the top layers of your skin right off! I do like Philosophy Hope in a Jar though. I only use it as a night cream in the winter.

by queeniemeanie Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 04:38AM Report as inappropriate

There were a few of these I almost tried, now I'm super glad I didn't!

by sportimonki13 Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 03:21PM Report as inappropriate

The Great Lash is not that bad! I like it. I also bought the LashBlast but I haven't tried it yet.

by MissXu Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 05:39PM Report as inappropriate

One article says some of these products are the best, the next article says they do not work. What to believe?

by TrillianAlice Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 03:36PM Report as inappropriate

hope in a jar too expensive

by Nicole2814 Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 04:29PM Report as inappropriate

I really really liked lash blast. I had no complaints.

by andyv1217 Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 06:34PM Report as inappropriate

I heard proactiv was great till you stopped using it

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 01:45AM Report as inappropriate

I've been using proactiv for about 3 years and it cleared my acne, I do get one or two pimples but I wouldn't stop using it. I use the 3 step system but I use a different moisturizer, I just can't find the right one

by slimkitty Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 09:17PM Report as inappropriate

The bristles on the wand are too short for Lash blast. The size of tube itself has no bearing on your lashes. Its the BRISTLES that make the lashes look great. That is my only issue with LashBlast. I have ALWAYS hated Great Lash. At first I thought it was me, but everyone I know doesn't use it/hates it, and I've never had so many issues with any other masacra. I actually like Bare Minerals and Photofinish. The BM took me a while to apply at first, until I found how to get the look I wanted. No issues, just that is doesn't last long. Photofinish is good, you just don't need a lot of it. About a pea size is enough (depending on the size of your face).

by msbrown822 Monday, June 27, 2011 at 11:42AM Report as inappropriate

Bare Minerals is the biggest waste of money. Never liked Great Lash, either.

by Erin2O Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 06:20PM Report as inappropriate

Tried Proactiv.....it left my skin worse off than the way it was before. Not worth it.

by seaorchid05 Monday, June 20, 2011 at 08:25PM Report as inappropriate

I was actually about to check out a couple of these, so this was extremely helpful. Thank you!

by bukiyounahito Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 08:36AM Report as inappropriate

i love lash blast, HATE great lash.

by tokyonista Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 10:51PM Report as inappropriate

Great Lash, Smashbox Photo Finish, Hope in a Jar, and BareMinerals are all AWFUL. I can't stand any of them.

by LipglossandSpandex Monday, April 18, 2011 at 09:23PM Report as inappropriate

And what was wrong with Body on Tap? We all loved that in high school. It made your hair super soft and smelled great.

by jill_kane Monday, April 11, 2011 at 10:24AM Report as inappropriate

i guess i shouldn't use proactiv. LOL.

by yckitsmary Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 07:37PM Report as inappropriate

Great Lash is simply awful. About time some people realized it!

by pynkNymphette Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 05:48AM Report as inappropriate

I would say anyyyyyyyy mineral make up that promissed a flawless look to very flawed skin (like mine) is sure issuing a big fat lie....I get flawless finish only with cream/liquid products and i learnt how to live with that... Also i would add Airbrush makeup kits to the the over hyped list...as I have tried it and just a heart breaking experience really :( And lastly...i still would give Lashblast a try :D

by debjosh Friday, April 1, 2011 at 03:15AM Report as inappropriate

I tried using proactive and lets just say... it was a horrible expierience.

by brendag20127 Friday, March 18, 2011 at 02:23PM Report as inappropriate

Proactiv is terrible

by LittleBunny Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 07:19PM Report as inappropriate

lashblast is awesome!

by judyangel101 Friday, February 11, 2011 at 02:49PM Report as inappropriate

I agree... it is hard to wear smashbox photo finish under. It looks to cakey.

by nani Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 10:12PM Report as inappropriate

I love the wand on lashblast. It really makes it easy to spread each individual lash out and not look as clumpy. Also, I'm glad somebody is calling out proactiv for what the product really is! I've heard alot of people say it made their acne way worse. Im really surprised that Bare Minerals powder was on here!!!! I know so many people who love it and who's skin looks really great.

by kimw37 Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 05:06PM Report as inappropriate

Proactiv is skin crack! Lastblast looks like an awesome product though. I love a nice, fat wand in my mascaras.

by pynkNymphette Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 02:51PM Report as inappropriate

LOL i love that proactiv is on here. it is NOT great people! clinique 3 step skin care system is life changing!

by kenya Monday, November 22, 2010 at 08:30AM Report as inappropriate

I love lash blast! It makes my lashes full and thick. I use the one in the hot pink tube with glimmer in it, this is my go to mascara!!!!

by keley_johnson Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 10:18PM Report as inappropriate

I agree about Lash Blast.....it's an OK mascara, but the wand is way to big, the maybelline great lash flat out sucks, Hope in a jar is sooo expensive and I used it for a year (had the jumbo jar for over $100) and didn't see any change in my skin and it stinks!

by scorpi5150 Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 07:00AM Report as inappropriate

lol i LOVE lash blast, i've used great lash forever just cuz its what my mom uses and just the other day we were having that very discussion i asked her "do you use this cuz its what you've always used or cuz you like it" she admitted she'd never bothered trying anything else. LOL also I LOVE bareminerals. I admit, at first i feel like it gives me bumpy skin but i swear after several days it clears out my pores. it's like it plugs them up then draws it out, as long as i keep using it my skin feels clearer to me. Proactive works for me, but not any better than anything else i've ever used regularly. I like that it wasn't overdrying for /my/ skin but my stepsister said it GIVES her acne haha. Overall it's not a bad product but it's over priced, when I run out of my stash (yes I over-ordered to make a stash so i wouldn't run out) I'm going back to the 8 dollar products i bought before at walmart.

by LoveableNancy Friday, August 20, 2010 at 08:51AM Report as inappropriate

I found the wand on lashblas too big. Other than that - it was OK. Bare Minerals was another story. I used it for 2 years. Prior to using it I never had acne or blackheads. I had to stop using it because the blackheads on my nose and chin were so bad and my cheeks and chin were constantly breaking out! I also had to mix 3 different colors to get the right color for me ($$$$$)! In the summer when I would sweat - it would look cakey (and yes I applied it correctly! Had several make-up artists show me how) I highly recommend Color Science. It is minieral make-up like Bare Minerals but better. (The creator was the original creator of Bare Minerals before the company sold out and started using dreaded Guthy Renker for promoting. She fixed all the mistakes she makde when she created Bare Minerals. The colors are gorgeous, it goes on beautifully, has an SPF, doesn't cake and best of all....My blackheads and my acne are gone!!!!!!!

by boatbabe007 Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 09:27PM Report as inappropriate

Wow really!? Lashblast is GREAT!! If you can't make it work, you must not know how to put on mascara! And i don't know how someone could say its clumpy at all!

by bonjourchat Sunday, June 6, 2010 at 09:16AM Report as inappropriate

I buy the starter kit once a year and have NO complaints. I've used it for 5 years and it is the best make-up I've ever used.

by FAN015 Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 10:04AM Report as inappropriate

I use bareminerals everyday. i believe it works weel, but you must know how to apply it correctly. i have showed what it does by applying the system on faces of my friends and they are shocked at the difference appearance of their skin. I have even applied it to friends with bumps on their face and it had complete coverage 9once she saw me apply it correctly, she has had no complaints). The problem some may be experiencing is because they are using too much when the application only requires a small amount. The concealer brush is a magic eraser. Friends I have applied it to have gone out and bought it. The infomercial is right, but you need to watch the video or read how to apply. The lighter foundation is used for the concealer, the darker is to match your skin color. The mineral absorbs oil better than anything I've ever used. I have never experienced a caked-on feeling, larger pores, or creating bumps.

by FAN015 Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 09:58AM Report as inappropriate

what? wow I love lashblast..everything about it...and big hands? seriously? I wear ring sizes 3-7 (tiny) and Im alittle suprised that theres know-how to mascara? you poked yourself in the eye? lol yeah that was the mascaras fault....hahahah

by Red1984 Monday, April 5, 2010 at 01:43PM Report as inappropriate

I have to say I totally disagree with a few of the "results". I have been using bare minerals for about 4yrs

by vany00 Monday, March 29, 2010 at 05:08PM Report as inappropriate

I love bare minerals. I use the matte for oily skin, and all my issues are solved. I also use there mascara and I love that too! hahaha Ya, total fan!

by hgrayy21 Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 03:43PM Report as inappropriate

The writer critiquing Bare Minerals must have taken the only negative comments and disreguarded the majority of positive ones for Bare Minerals because I only see great reviews. I, myself, use it and I love it. Like any makeup, it needs a touch up halfway through the day but everyone at work tells me I have the best skin tone and then one day I came in without putting it on and someone immediately said, "your face looks different." That was proof enough for me.

by t_tiger Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 07:09AM Report as inappropriate

THIS IS A PRODUCT THAT YOU MUST USE FAITHFULY TO SEE THE RESULTS THAT ARE PROMISED. IT DOES IMPROVE YOUR SKIN TONE,COLOR EVENESS,PORE SIZE,ECT BUT AS WITH ANY PRODUCT IT TAKES TIME TO CORRECT DAMAGE CAUSED BY ENVIRONMENT,POOR PRODUCTS,ECT. I HAVE USED BARE MINERALS NOW FOR SEVERAL YRS

by phxazgranny Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:14PM Report as inappropriate

I've been using Bare Minerals for over three years and I think it's awesome. Perhaps others have had a problem with the application, buy the right brush!

by Godschild08330 Friday, March 26, 2010 at 01:50PM Report as inappropriate

i honestly disagree with people bashing LashBlast, it's a fabulous mascara that isn't hard to use, unless you don't know how to wear mascara.

by ayeshai Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 09:20PM Report as inappropriate

bare minerals is awesome and i've used it for years. just because it doesn't work for some doesn't mean it's a bad product. i'm sure for every person it doesn't work for, 3 people love it.

by Courty Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 08:43PM Report as inappropriate

There is nothing in Proactive that you can't get at any general store. I tried it 3 seperate times over the years, thinking maybe I did something wrong previously. I have had great success with the Murad line at Sephora Tried BE for years, still have and use some of the products. I remember though in the summer when it was hot, I wanted to tear my face off. You couldn't scratch your face either, of there would be chunks of it underneath your nails. Smashbox primers are great. I actually use all of them depending upon my skin and season.

by Lexxeny Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 06:00AM Report as inappropriate

To each her own. One girls trash is another girl's treasure. I myself am a Bare Essentuals girl for years and love it!

by Busygirls Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 03:28AM Report as inappropriate

I have to totally disagree with the negative comments! This is the best, most natural foundation that I've ever used! Everytime I wear I get a slew of compliments. I use the foundation in "dark" and the "tinted" mineral veil. I'm a cosmetics "junkie" but I love the Bare Minerals foundation.

by misskdc Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 11:46AM Report as inappropriate

Bare minerals is great and my skin still loks great when I take it off. And Lash Blast is great, though the best mascare I ever used is the flawless one from bare escentuals. But lash blast can be used to look natural, or extreme. It's my only MUST-HAVE beauty product. The brush is not too big, the application is easy,try it for yourself.

by breezejv Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 09:50AM Report as inappropriate

I totally disagree with the comments about Bare Escentuals Mineral foundation. I've been using it for years before all the hype and other imitations. I have broken blood vessels around my nose and brown spots which the foundation covers beautifully. People often comment on how good my skin looks. Being an older woman, that's nice to hear. I live in Florida and the product holds up well in the heat and humidity.

by ronist Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 07:32AM Report as inappropriate

I like the Bareminerals I use it,

by KathyRay Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 01:15AM Report as inappropriate

"hope in a JAR" I just knew it......... I agree

by KathyRay Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 01:09AM Report as inappropriate

I totally disagree with your review of LashBlast. I swear by this mascara. I find that it makes my lashes look HUGE with very few swipes of the brush which I think is just the right size. I also find the fatter tube and brush easier to hold. The mascara does not flake off which most of the others do. I buy it by the bulk at COSTCO so I have one evrywhere I might use it ie the car, my purse, at the office etc.

by cathschafer Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 07:01PM Report as inappropriate

I absolutely agree about Great Lash. I tried it many years ago and didn't like it. After hearing raves about it recently, I tried it again thinking something changed. NOT!

by Laura21 Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 06:47PM Report as inappropriate

I totally disagree with your assessment of Hope in a Jar. It is a great product. I think, if you do some research, you will also find that Oprah loves this product. It was on her list of favorites! I have a problem with the fact that you seem to think that cheaper means that something is a better value. The truth is, over the years I have purchased many "retail/drugstore" products, only to have to throw them away because they irritated my skin or caused breakouts. I have never had this problem since switching to Philsophy products. Your research seems faulty to me!

by macchleary Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 03:47PM Report as inappropriate

I dont agree with the bareminerals review! I have been using this mineral foundation before they ever had an informercial, when it was only available in San Francisco and on QVC(1998)and i must say this is the best mineral foundation available! I have tried every foudation out there, from the bareminerals, to the dior airbrush and also own the temptu! Trust me when I say BARE MINERALS is the BEST! The trick is in practicing the application, it takes a lil' effort to get it right!

by nellymobley Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 03:45PM Report as inappropriate

if you think tha the wand from Lash Blast is big check out the one from smashbox lash dna.that thing is huge.

by angeles Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 03:39PM Report as inappropriate

I also LOVE the Lashblast mascara...never had a problem with the wand either and I have small hands! lol...That part cracked me up. Never clumpy, and really looks great on! LOVE IT!

by Razehell Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 03:33PM Report as inappropriate

I disagree with the Bareminerals review. I was skeptical too at first but, my sister and a couple friends raved about so I tried it. It gives me great coverage and it lasts all day for me. It's light enough that you can keep adding light layers to get the coverage you want. I went back to regular makeup at my winter house cause it was already there and BOY thats when I realized I really did like the bareminerals. My old regular makeup for Walmart made my face look dull and didnt match my face as well and didnt cover acne or acne scars as well. So all in all I love and but everyone has different opions.

by cents425 Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 02:48PM Report as inappropriate

I love the Cover Girl mascara. I have tried higher priced mascaras in the past but I am in love with this one!

by jacks1144 Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 02:33PM Report as inappropriate

I have to disagree - Proactive is the only thing that cleared up my skin without having to take medicines. After spending probably thousands of dollars on more expensive regimens with no results, I finally tried Proactive - and it worked. I'm so happy with it, I would do a free infomercial for them.

by Project2012 Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 02:02PM Report as inappropriate

I disagree with LashBlast. I love it. The reason these girl's poked themselves in the eye is probably because they don't know how to put on mascara properly or their lashes are too short. LashBlast is mean for VOLUME, not length, hence the big brush. Since I already have looong lashes, I use LashBlast to thicken them up, and they look perfect. Not clumpy, crunchy, or crumbly. Great Lash, however, is absolute crap. And I'm not a fan of Smashbox Primer, but that's mainly because I don't have a need for it.

by mintyowl Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 02:00PM Report as inappropriate

I would not be without Smashbox UVA/UVB spf 15. I am 55, still blessed with near flawless skin, and this gives meet a smooth finish under my foundation. I ofter just use some concealer only after using this.

by drjudithvolpe Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 01:54PM Report as inappropriate

I totally disagree with this article on two products, the Id bare minerals and the Great Lash Mascara. I use the bare minerals powder over my regular foundation, it gives a beautiful finish and I'm 43, not 19. The Great lash is the best mascara and you can't beat the price. I've tried many more expensive brands and you can't tell the difference.

by GinaMDi Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 01:40PM Report as inappropriate

I've used Bare Minerals foundation for several years. It 's the only thing that makes my 59 yr old skin luminous. It evens out my skintone without causing breakouts...unlike some liquid and mousse makeups. Every time I experiment with something new, I get a pimple and go back to Bare Minerals and all is well. You can't even tell it's on your skin. I have oily skin and have no problems with any Bare Escentuals products. I'm a fan!

by bkyockey Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 01:16PM Report as inappropriate

I have tried several mascaras and this is the one I keep going back to. It has never burned my eyes? It doesnt glob like a lot of the new ones i have tried.

by Shurkins Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:49PM Report as inappropriate

I have used Hope in a Jar for over 3 years and I love it. I think it works great

by Teddie Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:38PM Report as inappropriate

I totally agree with the assessment of Bare Escentuals. This is a terrible product if you are over 19. I've tried to love it, but it always looks very iridescent and shows all my flaws. I don't understand all the hype about it. Even when I buff, tap, buff, tap, it still looks terrible. Wonder if the matte is any better. I am now using Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse and it's fantastic, very light, covers well and gives a wonderful smooth finish.

by angelgirl1 Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:34PM Report as inappropriate

I like Sally Hansen Lift

by grnana1 Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:05PM Report as inappropriate

Wow, I totally disagree about Hope in a Jar. I think it smells great and works fantastic!

by afknight27 Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:05PM Report as inappropriate

the mascara over the fake eye lash commercial sends my sister ointo a fit...if you have a decent product to hawk,DONT start off trying to insult our intelegence...

by leilou777 Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:03PM Report as inappropriate

It would be different if on the ads they didn't show these gals with obviously fake lashes on. It is so utterly obvious and they are trying to make people think that the mascara is making the lashes look this way. What a joke.

by zillybean Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 11:33AM Report as inappropriate

I have used this for years and it works for me. It also works for my sister. I recommended it to a friend for her son and it worked for him as well! So I would say YES this is a great product.

by sjnelson2335 Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 07:19AM Report as inappropriate

it works fine for me...

by x3lydx3 Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 04:12PM Report as inappropriate

It truly sucks!!! Nothing but clumps and burned my eyes. Byt the time i got through crying from the mascara, it was running done my cheeks

by Lorelei51h Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 12:57PM Report as inappropriate

finally an honest review about Great Lash. That mascara was horrible!

by Dulcesita Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 07:41PM Report as inappropriate

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