This Not That: 2025 Skips

See the full list here.

It wouldn’t be this and that if I didn’t share the products that flopped hard for me this year. Some were victims of overhype, others personally attacked me with hives, eczema, or tried to get my reviews taken down. Here’s the hall of shame:

1. D’Alba Spray Serum

Everyone raved about this, but for me? Instant eczema flare-ups. A hard pass.

2. Gold Bond Retinol Body Lotion

Full-body hives. That’s it. That’s the review.

3. Koari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist

The mist that made me cry—literally. My eyes burned and watered for an uncomfortably long time. Never again.

4. Tie: Beauty of Joseon & Barefaced Tinted Sunscreens

Two of the patchiest, driest tinted SPFs I’ve ever used. If you want to look like you applied foundation with a sponge from 1998, these are for you.

5. Essence Mascara

I know it’s a cult favorite, but on me? Flaky, clumpy, and instant raccoon eyes.

6. Armra Colostrum

The supplement that costs everything and gave me NOTHING—except puppy farts. (Yes, really.) Really made my shit list when the owner tried to get my instagram taken down.

7. Nutrafol

Another supplement that promised the world and delivered absolutely nothing. My hair is still waiting.

8. Epicutis Lipid Serum

The stickiest serum to ever exist. Felt like honey on my face—minus the benefits.

9. Colorescience Balm Blush

So dry I couldn’t even apply it without tugging at my skin. Hard pass.

10. Dibs Duo Stick

Might have been great, but I’ll never recover from the blush falling out of the tube. Packaging fail of the year.

Final Thoughts

Not every product can be a winner, and that’s okay. These skips reminded me that hype doesn’t equal holy grail—and that my skin has zero tolerance for drama. If you’ve tried any of these (or have your own epic fails), share them in the comments. Let’s commiserate together.