Are these products in your shopping cart? Honestly, take them out again...
7.4.2026
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
Not every product is a banger. Here are three products from my daily life as a product tester I found really underwhelming.
Color Riche Blurred Matte Lipstick by L’Oréal
L’Oréal’s Color Riche lipsticks could easily pass for perfume sticks. The lipsticks’ intense floral scent is so strong after application, I feel like I’ve taken a swig of eau de toilette. That’s a shame, because the powdery matte finish is actually quite pretty and feels light on the lips. The fact that the real-life colour 560 Rosewood Influence bears absolutely no resemblance to the product photo in the store is just another disappointment that completes my bad experience with this product.
Clean It Zero Cica-Relief Calming Cleansing Balm by Banila Co
I’ve been suffering because of this bad purchase since last November. I bought the soothing cleansing balm during my holidays in Thailand.
The product description says the balm’s been developed specifically for sensitive skin and is a variation of the original I haven’t tried yet:
Face cleansers
CHF15.50 CHF155.–/1l
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
Cleansing Balms, 100 ml
But every time I pick it up, I recoil a bit. Is it the medicinal smell? Or the soft texture? Hard to say. Still, I’ve almost got through it, as it does the job. I’ll soon be replacing this nearly empty jar with my favourite by Dr. Althea.
Perfect Airy Sun Cushion by Village 11 Factory
I’d think twice about using the word «perfect» in the name. It’s not the formula I’m unhappy with but the cushion format. The one that’s often used for Korean foundations. Now, brands are increasingly launching sunscreen products using the same packaging concept. In this case, the cream’s contained in a kind of sponge pad. You then put it on your face using an applicator. The advantage? You can reapply the cream without spilling it, using a mirror or getting your fingers greasy.
Sounds pretty cool, right?
But I have two fundamental issues with it:
- You get significantly less product (14 grammes in this case) and pay about the same as you would for a regular tube of sunscreen from the same brand. You’re essentially spending your money on packaging. If you want to apply a sufficient amount of cream to reach the specified SPF, which is 2 mg/cm, you’ll only get a few applications out of it.
- The applicator is designed for tapping motions. However, by tapping, the cream doesn’t absorb very well and leaves a white film on your skin. That’s great for sun protection, but not so much for looks.
The bottom line is that this state-of-the-art sponge requires making too many compromises for my taste. This is something I’ve also noticed with similar products from brands Round Lab and Elroel. I think I’ll stick with my regular sunscreen.
Some products are downright disappointing. In this series, I’ll be introducing you to three «beautifiers» that didn’t meet my standards. Always hoping that you’ll make better purchasing decisions than I do.
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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