Natalie Hemengül
Opinion

To hell with you! 3 beauty products that have really let me down

Natalie Hemengül
23.2.2026
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

Not every product’s a banger. I’d steer clear of these three from my daily life as a product tester.

What The Length! Extreme Lengthening Mascara (waterproof) by Essence

You and me, we could’ve been a great match, you know? After all, you’re great at creating long, deep black and neatly separated lashes. Wow! But after just one hour, you stabbed me in the back with black smudges above and below my eyes. You’ve even managed to get into the inner corners of my eyes, even if I’ve no idea how. And you were supposed to be waterproof! After three disappointing attempts, we’ll have to go our separate ways. Sorry.

My heart’s bleeding, because the brush is amazing!
My heart’s bleeding, because the brush is amazing!
essence what the length! extreme lengthening mascara waterproof (02, 02 Black Waterproof, 2, Black, Black Waterproof)
Mascara
CHF7.20 CHF720.–/1l

essence what the length! extreme lengthening mascara waterproof

02, 02 Black Waterproof, 2, Black, Black Waterproof

Supple Skin Oil by L’Occitane

Everyone on TikTok loves you. And at first glance, I get it. You exude retro charm in your glass bottle. And my god, you smell good. That’s coming from someone who isn’t even crazy about almond scents.

But when applied, it’s a different story. One without a happy ending. Your pump head is stubborn, your oil dry and difficult to distribute and work into my skin. In terms of feel, you just sit on my skin and shine. What about those 48 hours of moisture? My skin feels itchy and tight despite your efforts. Not even Vitamin E, squalene and omega-9 can save this.

What a shame, I really like the look of the bottle. Maybe I can repurpose it?
What a shame, I really like the look of the bottle. Maybe I can repurpose it?
L'Occitane Smoothing body oil (Body oil, 100 ml)
Body lotions
CHF47.70 CHF477.–/1l

L'Occitane Smoothing body oil

Body oil, 100 ml

My Soft Grain by Sioris

In this case, I think I might be the problem. We’re not a match because of two subtleties. You could be a great addition to my bathroom: I’d work some of your grainy oatmeal powder into my cleanser and turn it into an exfoliator. One I can dose myself to boot. If only it weren’t for the really unpleasant odour you give off when you start mixing with the cleanser. On top of that, you’re a bit too soft for my taste (I must’ve unconsciously overlooked the word «soft» in your name) and form unevenly sized clumps that lack oomph.

Better suited to very sensitive skin.
Better suited to very sensitive skin.
Sioris MY SOFT GRAIN scrub (Cleansing scrub, 45 ml)
Face cleansers
CHF16.– CHF355.56/1l

Sioris MY SOFT GRAIN scrub

Cleansing scrub, 45 ml

Some products are downright disappointing. In this series, I introduce you to «beautifiers» that didn’t meet my expectations. My hope is that you’ll make better purchasing choices than me.

Header image: Natalie Hemengül

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As 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. 


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