Products I Regret Buying Vol. 2

Nothing like a good rant to get me back into the swing of things, right? Normally, mediocre products don't really manage to get me worked up - I just shove them to the back of the drawer where they don't see the light of day for another couple months... if not years. But since I'm trying to downsize my stash and stop just hoarding countless beauty products, I've been working my way through these unloved bits and bobs, and let me tell you - some of them are just absolutely INFURIATING.

 1. Wet'n'Wild Natural Blend Lip Shimmer in 104 ($0.99 for 0.11 oz) - the actual name of the shade was probably printed on the plastic wrap, as usual, but it seems to be Berry. I don't know what to say, ladies - I guess I was impressed that you could have a Natural Products Association Seal on a $0.99 lipstick. It's a glittery mess, though, and stays put for maybe an hour at its best. I could have gotten a gallon of mineral water instead.

 2. Avon Lipstick in Metallic Blush. The story of how I got this is quite peculiar; I ordered a different lipstick altogether from my mum's colleague, an Avon lady; and then, a month later, got this instead, because the one I wanted was not available (or something). I mean... huh? Again, a fruity-scented glittery mess. If someone ever describes a lipstick to you using the adjective 'metallic', just run.

 3. LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Passion Fruit ($18 for 1.7 oz). I've been looking for a more natural deodorant that's not a crystal, and Suka&Spice recommended this; I really liked the packaging and the scent, so didn't hesitate much to grab it. However, it's just not effective on me - don't know, maybe I'm just a real stinker but I can't wear this if I want to make sure I stay odorless throughout the day. Sad face.

 4. Skindinavia No More Shine Make-up Finish Setting Spray ($19 for 2 oz). A glowing review online convinced me to try this but as above, this just does not work on me - I think I might be actually getting oily even faster when I spray this on. I've tried using it a couple different ways, before my make-up, after my make-up, both, shaking the bottle for what feels like eternity; still, just doesn't work. Don't waste your money, people.

 5. Physicians Formula Organic Wear 3-in-1 Powder, Bronzer and Highlighter Trio (seems like it's been discontinued - thank God!). I got this probably two years ago when I was really into more natural products; I also thought it could be a great multitasker to take on a trip. However, the problem is that this face trio has absolutely no pigmentation, and the surface is quite hard, so even the face powder doesn't perform at all. I did like the leaf embossing, though!

 6. Stila Forever Your Curl Mascara ($22 for 0.24 oz). This was a deluxe sample I got in my Sample Society box a while back (and, on a positive note, I'm still really enjoying that subscription service!) that definitely failed to impress - for one thing, this curling mascara actually straightened my lashes, even after using a lash curler, but even more importanly, it flaked off terribly; it wouldn't even get through a short shift at work. Bleh.

 7. Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Oil-Free SPF 30 ($42 for 1.7 fl oz, mine was a Gift with Purchase). See, I even have here a sunscreen that doesn't work; no mean feat, right? This sun protective moisturizer not only feels very heavy and greasy on my skin but also doesn't shield from the sun all that well either - I've definitely got a good tan while wearing it on my chest and shoulders; well, at least I didn't burn. Not sure why this is so popular.

8. Lush Porridge Bar Soap ($6.95 for 3.5 oz). I know, it looks like a moon rock of some kind - the thing is, it feels the same way on your skin. The abundance of hard and scratchy oat grains makes it impossible to enjoy even on my feet, and the pleasant scent is long gone too. The sparse amount of soap that holds it all together is harsh and drying as well. I think that might have been my last bar soap from Lush... like ever.

Good news is that since taking photos for this post, I've given many of these products away to my family - hopefully someone will get to enjoy them... or at least will try it a couple more times before chucking away. For the rest, I'm still working my way through as a punishment for careless money-spending; no more impulse-buying for me anymore, no siree!

What has been recently added to your 'Products I Regret Buying' list? Anything I should steer clear off in the future?