When it comes to beauty shopping, Sephora is like a candy store for makeup and skincare enthusiasts. But let’s be honest: not every product on the shelf is worth our hard-earned cash. 

From underwhelming formulas to downright disastrous designs, here’s a roundup of 17 products you might want to skip, along with better alternatives that are totally Sephora-worthy!

1. Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette

• Why Skip: This one is going to be controversial as Patrick Ta is usually a genius. And an eyeshadow palette that runs the gamut of nude shades across cream and powder formulations sounds like a must-have. Unfortunately though, the cream shadows smudge like crazy—an hour into application and I have to literally go and wipe my face clean!
• Grab Instead: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette offers a lightweight creamy effect, with nude hues inspired by human skin tones from light to deep. And it offers a super grip that stays put the whole night through!

2. Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara

• Why Skip: Though it promises “out-of-this-world” volume, this mascara’s formula is quite heavy, making lashes droop and prone to clumping. Plus, the wand can make it tricky to achieve even application.
• Grab Instead: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara offers a lightweight, lengthening effect that’s both flake-free and easy to layer. Bonus: It’s smudge-proof for all-day wear!

3. Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment

• Why Skip: I normally love Tatcha but this one is a no-go. Although it claims to be a miracle for under eyes, this eye treatment has a thicker consistency that can settle into fine lines, looking cakey. It’s also tricky to apply smoothly.
• Grab Instead: Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector is lightweight with a radiant finish that blends seamlessly under makeup or on its own.

4. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

• Why Skip: This primer can cause breakouts on sensitive skin due to the coconut water and probiotic blend. Its moisturizing effect isn’t universally loved, either.
• Grab Instead: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer has a gel consistency that creates a smooth, hydrating base, locking in makeup with a refreshing finish.

5. Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

• Why Skip: While this makeup remover does the job, it can leave behind a filmy residue that can potentially clog pores, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Grab Instead: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm melts makeup effortlessly and rinses off cleanly, leaving skin refreshed without any greasiness.

6. Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Oil

• Why Skip: While the shimmer looks great in the bottle, the oil can feel sticky and transfer onto clothing. It doesn’t absorb well, leaving a tacky finish on the skin.
• Grab Instead: Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil offers a beautiful glow without the sticky residue, staying put and adding a subtle radiance to your skin.

7. Sephora Collection Mini PRO Powder Brush

• Why Skip: This brush’s bristles tend to shed and aren’t as soft, making it tricky to achieve an even application.
• Grab Instead: Fenty Beauty Face & Body Kabuki Brush features ultra-soft bristles and applies powders seamlessly, giving you that airbrushed finish.

8. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Styling Wax

• Why Skip: This wax is difficult to apply evenly and can leave a crunchy, clumpy look if you aren’t careful.
• Grab Instead: Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter has a foolproof formula that provides flexible, strong hold without flakiness.

9. Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Powder

• Why Skip: Despite its mattifying effect, it can feel heavy and emphasize dry patches, leaving a chalky finish on certain skin types.
• Grab Instead: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a classic that sets makeup beautifully without altering the skin’s natural texture.

10. Sephora Collection Solid Brush Cleaner

• Why Skip: While affordable, this brush cleaner doesn’t entirely remove makeup and leaves a residue that may build up on your brushes over time.
• Grab Instead: Beauty Blender Solid Blender Cleanser deep-cleans brushes and sponges thoroughly, leaving them soft and makeup-free.

11. Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

• Why Skip: Although it’s creamy, it can be too thick and doesn’t absorb well, especially if you layer makeup over it.
• Grab Instead: Origins GinZing Vitamin C Eye Cream hydrates without the weight, giving eyes a brightened look that wears well under concealer.

12. GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment

• Why Skip: Though hailed for clearing up skin quickly, this mask can be quite drying and too intense, especially for sensitive or dry skin types. The potent formula might lead to irritation and even breakouts in some cases.
• Grab Instead: Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask is a gentler option that purifies skin, tightens pores, and leaves you with a refreshed, radiant glow. It’s effective without stripping moisture from your skin.

13. Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil

• Why Skip: Although luxurious-looking, this self-tanning oil can be hard to apply evenly and often leaves a sticky residue that clings to clothing. It’s prone to streaking, especially on dry patches.
• Grab Instead: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops allow you to mix your custom tan with any moisturizer, giving a streak-free, natural glow that develops evenly.

14. Dr. Jart+ Shake & Shot Rubber Masks

• Why Skip: While these masks are Instagram-worthy, they’re messy to apply and don’t provide as much hydration as expected, sometimes leaving skin feeling tight rather than refreshed.
• Grab Instead: Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask is a no-fuss, leave-on formula that deeply hydrates and plumps skin without the mess.

15. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick

• Why Skip: While Fenty’s Match Stix are versatile, the Shimmer Skinsticks can be dry and difficult to blend, especially on drier skin types, leading to a patchy application.
• Grab Instead: Milk Makeup Dewy Cream Highlighter Stick has a creamy, blendable formula that adds a natural glow to the skin without any dry or patchy areas.

16. Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask

• Why Skip: Although designed to clear and exfoliate the skin, this mask can be harsh and may cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin types. Its effects can be inconsistent, sometimes causing redness or dryness without a significant payoff.
• Grab Instead: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a gentle but effective leave-on exfoliant that clears pores, smooths skin texture, and is suitable for most skin types. It’s far less likely to irritate and delivers more reliable results.

17. Becca Ultimate Coverage 24 Hour Foundation

• Why Skip: This full-coverage foundation feels heavy on the skin and can emphasize texture and fine lines, often leading to a cakey finish. It’s especially tricky for those with dry or mature skin.
• Grab Instead: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation provides excellent coverage with a natural matte finish that lasts all day without feeling too heavy or cakey. It works well across a variety of skin types and has a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Have you ever bought a product from Sephora that failed to live up to its promise? Which one?

The post 17 products to avoid buying at Sephora (and what to grab instead!) appeared first on The Beauty Gypsy.