Actually Honest - skincare and makeup reviews #5

[Crumpet41]

I just wanted to pass on that I contacted the VB customer service team again this afternoon to request a refund (full or partial) or for store credit. I offered to return the foundation to them as well.

They responded to me after just a few hours and agreed to fully refund me for the foundation and that I didn’t need to return the product. No arguments . Just a we are really sorry this hasn’t worked out . Here is the refund for the foundation.

I think this is excellent customer service .

ETA - I also bought the foundation last year so it’s outside the 30 days return policy.

 

[JoeBloggs]

I use this one and doesn’t sting my eyes at all, in fact I can rub it over my eyelids if I feel so inclined and it’s fine.

View attachment 3870790

I love how much you clearly love this. Purchased 17 times

 

[WitchyGrab]

I am sure it has been said before but this thread pwps all over beauty influencers. People on here do real talk and not untrustworthy advertising.

 

[SunshineRae]

I can’t remember if I’ve said this “tip” before? I use the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser in the evening and had come to the end of the bottle and couldn’t pump anything out. I cut the bottle in half with a craft knife and Ive had another 8 nights worth of product!! So much is left on the sides and in the bottom. I do this every time now. I also cut my tube of moisturiser in half and get so much out.

 

[JE172]

The relaunched dewberry range smells nothing like the original!
90s girls don’t waste your money

 

[susan1375]

The relaunched dewberry range smells nothing like the original!
90s girls don’t waste your money

I’ve got a vial of the original dewberry oil (was my mum’s and I would never part with it. When I’m feeling down I open it and have a sniff as it reminds me of her) and you are right the relaunched version smells nothing like the original. I would have been gutted if I had bought the whole range , like I was planning to.

 

[littlepup]

Dcypherbeauty foundation is a customised formula in terms of cover, finish and colour and looks quite good though I’ve not tried it myself.

re Yuka - remember salt and water are toxic in the right quantity/wrong delivery method and so on. These apps don’t have the information or nuance to genuinely appraise products. Natural does not = safe and often the reason we have chemicals in skincare and food is to gain the benefits of a natural product in a controlled way.
Have a Google of “LabMuffinBeautyScience Yuka” and it’ll bring up her vids and the points she explains. She’s really good at debunking a lot of beauty ingredients claims in general.

 

[SunshineRae]

For anyone who’s been left with itchy armpits….

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

There’s actually a machine that has a little sensor and mixes a custom shade for you in a little pot, but I think it’s about £300

I wonder if the B&Q Valspar sample pot could work?

 

[BoogleC]

Does anyone on this thread own the VB foundation? I have tried it again today for the 3rd time and this is the 3rd time it has broken down after a few hours . Quick breakdown :-
1st time - applied spf first . Waited for the spf to absorb before applying the VB foundation using a brush. Immediately went cakey on the t zone. Didn’t sit right on the skin. Started breaking down after 4/5 hours wear and went patchy .
2nd time - didn’t use SPF and applied the foundation with fingers. Went cakey again on the t zone and like the first time went patchy.
Today (3rd time ) - used a different spf . Waited 13 mins before I applied the foundation. Used a sponge to apply. Went on really well - no cakey t zone and tbh thought “yes - I cracked it”. Looked decent for about 4 hours - checked myself around lunchtime and it’s started breaking down again - all my forehead was patchy and it had started to crease around the nose .

What am I doing wrong? Does anyone have any tips please? This foundation cost me £80 ( Black Friday). I am loathe to not use it. But I can’t get it work for me? Why is it breaking down? It looked horrendous when I came home .

I’d be inclined to reach out to the VB customer service to raise your issues and ask for their advice. At this price point I’d expect better or service to point me in the direction of how to get the best out of it

 

[cowtastrophe]

After a suggestion from @eppingforestbambi, I used ChatGPT to analyse my makeup and make suggestions on application, colours etc. I thought it might be useful for people to see the results. It's a bit long-winded but Tl:dr, I adjusted my makeup using the first round of tips, then did it again. The second answer suggested my eye makeup was 'safe' which I interpreted as 'a bit boring' so I asked it to modernise my look with suggested products and that answer is at the bottom.

I've tried most of it today and it's surprising what a difference some very minor adjustments make.

My question was 'Analyse my makeup and provide tips' then I uploaded a photo and gave my age. This was the first answer:

Overall Impression

• Your makeup is well-blended, balanced, and understated, which suits you very well.
• You’ve chosen flattering, neutral tones that work with your coloring.
• The main opportunity is adding a bit more lift, brightness, and dimension, especially around the eyes and cheeks.

Base / Skin
What’s working

• Your base looks even and natural, not heavy.
• Finish is satin-matte, which photographs nicely.

Suggestions

• The foundation appears slightly flat in the center of the face.
  • Try adding a tiny amount of luminous concealer or liquid highlighter just to:
    • tops of cheekbones
    • bridge of the nose (very lightly)
    • cupid’s bow
  • Avoid shimmer—look for words like radiant or light-reflecting instead.

Application tip

• Press foundation in with a damp sponge, then lightly buff edges with a brush to keep texture soft.

Brows
What’s working

• Shape is natural and suits your face.
• Color looks well-matched to your hair.

Suggestions

• Brows sit slightly heavy at the inner corners.
  • Try keeping the inner third softer and more diffused, concentrating definition from the arch outward.
• A clear or tinted brow gel brushed upward and outward will add lift.

Eyes
This is where the biggest improvement can happen.
Eyeshadow
What’s working

• Neutral tones are flattering.
• Placement is tidy.

Suggestions

• The darker shade sits a bit low and inward, which can pull the eye down.
  • Blend your crease shade slightly higher and more outward, toward the tail of the brow.
  • Keep the inner lid lighter to open the eyes.

Quick tweak

• Add a soft satin shade (not glitter) to the center of the lid to bring light forward.

Eyeliner
What’s working

• Clean and precise.
• Color is flattering.

Suggestions

• The liner appears slightly heavy along the full upper lash line.
  • Try thinning it at the inner corner, gradually thickening toward the outer third.
  • Consider softly smudging the outer edge for a lifted effect.

Optional

• A deep brown or charcoal can look softer than pure black while still defining.

Mascara

• Focus more mascara on the outer lashes than the center.
• A lash curler before mascara will noticeably open your eyes.

Cheeks
What’s working

• Color is subtle and elegant.

Suggestions

• Blush placement could lift the face more.
  • Apply blush slightly higher, starting at the outer cheekbone and blending back toward the ear.
  • Avoid placing blush too close to the nose.

Color idea

• A soft rose or muted peach with a satin finish will add freshness.

Lips
What’s working

• Shade suits your overall look.
• Finish is neat and professional.

Suggestions

• Lips look slightly flat compared to the eyes.
  • Try a slightly warmer or rosier tone or add a touch of gloss just to the center.
• Lightly lining just inside the natural lip line can add definition without looking overdone.

One-Minute Upgrade (Big Impact)
If you only change three things:

1. Lift eyeshadow placement outward and upward
2. Add subtle luminosity to high points of the face
3. Soften inner brows and inner eyeliner

These will instantly make the look more open and youthful while staying elegant.

FINAL ANSWER WITH RECS:

MODERN REBUILT LOOK (STEP-BY-STEP)
1. Skin Prep (This Is Half the Look) Modern makeup starts with hydrated skin.
Clean + Hydrate
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Serum (Plumps without shine)

Glow primer (optional but powerful)
• Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (use under foundation or mixed in)
Alternative: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
⸻
2. Foundation / Base (Sheer, Luminous, Even)
Avoid heavy coverage — let skin look like skin.

Best picks
• Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Soft satin, never cakey
• Alternative: Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation

How to apply
• 1 pump max
• Apply from center outward
• Press in with a damp sponge, not buffing

Targeted concealer
• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Only where needed (inner under-eye, redness)

Set sparingly
• Hourglass Veil Translucent Powder, Tiny amount, pressed — not swept
⸻
3. Brows (Soft Lift, Modern Shape)
Pencil
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Gel
• Benefit Gimme Brow+
Technique
• Front: feather upward
• Tail: slightly extended and lifted
⸻
4. Eyes (Soft Contrast, Lifted)
Eyeshadow (satin > matte)
Single-shade modern look
• Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise – Oyster Pearl or Rose Gold

Palette option
• Vieve Essential Palette
Beautiful modern neutrals for mature eyes

Placement
• Satin shade all over lid
• Slightly deeper tone only on outer third, blended upward
⸻
Eyeliner (No harsh black)
• Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal – Cocoa or Ash
How
• Press into upper lash line
• Focus on outer half
• Smudge with fingertip or brush
⸻
Mascara (Lifted outer lashes)
• Lancôme Lash Idôle
• Alternative: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

Optional upgrade
• Ardell Demi Wispies (cut in half) for outer corners only
⸻
5. Cheeks (Creamy, Lifted, Fresh)
Blush (Key Youth Step)
• Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick – Petal or Chouchette
• Alternative: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (very sheer)

Placement
• Upper cheekbone → temple
• Blend upward, not inward
⸻
Bronzer (Subtle Structure)
• Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer
• Alternative: Fenty Cheeks Out Cream Bronzer
⸻
Highlight (Skin-like, Not Sparkly)
• RMS Beauty Living Luminizer
• Alternative: Chanel Baume Essentiel
Tap with fingers — no brushes.
⸻
6. Lips (Blurred, Juicy, Modern)
Lip liner
• Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat – Pillow Talk Medium

Lipstick
• Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent – Rose Official
• Alternative: Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color
Gloss (center only)
• Dior Lip Glow Oil
• Alternative: Fenty Gloss Bomb
⸻

7. Final Modern Touch
• MAC Fix+
Light mist to melt everything together
⸻
QUICK 5-MIN VERSION (Same Look)

If short on time:
1. Glow primer + foundation
2. Cream blush + bronzer
3. One satin shadow + smudged liner
4. Mascara (outer lashes only)
5. Lip liner + balm/gloss
⸻
WHY THIS LOOK WORKS FOR YOU AT 50+

Soft focus, not flat
Lifted placement
Cream textures reduce lines
Subtle contrast keeps it modern

 

[cowtastrophe]

I can’t remember if I’ve said this “tip” before? I use the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser in the evening and had come to the end of the bottle and couldn’t pump anything out. I cut the bottle in half with a craft knife and Ive had another 8 nights worth of product!! So much is left on the sides and in the bottom. I do this every time now. I also cut my tube of moisturiser in half and get so much out.

I always do this with tubes and bottles because there’s always loads left! My finest moment was getting my husband to strategically break my glass bottle of Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter in a way that allowed me to extract the vast amount of product still inside.

 

[Crumpet41]

Coming in with another VB Foundation update. 4th try today and went down a completely different application route ( based on feedback on this thread and VB customer services). Applied skincare and spf when i woke up. Left it 30 mins sprayed my face with the CT setting spray . Left it to dry before i applied the foundation with the damp sponge again . Thought it went on well . Did not apply setting spray once i had finished the rest of the make up.

Ended up bringing in my make up bag to work in case it all went wrong again BUT.. of the 4 attempts this attempt has been the most successful. There is a bit of creasing around the nose but its minor. On my forehead - its settled a little into some fine lines but its not looking horrific. Its not patchy like it was the other day.

All that said and done - I really dont rate this foundation. It is too much hassle to apply in the morning. I don't have time to faff around on make up ( and i got up 20 mins earlier for the skincare this morning). For anyone who has mature skin, or dry patches or texture then i think you will struggle. I think its aimed a younger demographic which IMO is a stupid business decision because lets face it. Other than influencers ( who might even receive this in PR) who can afford to spend £100 on a foundation. Would have been better to create a foundation more suited to people of a similar age (i am 47 ) who might be lucky enough to have enough disposable income to buy it.

On another note - i also bought the vast lash mascara and i do think this is good. Its made my lashes look lovely and hasn't given me panda eyes.

 

[unicornshowers]

FWIW I spoke to the doctors receptionist and she said for me to go to a prescribing pharmacist as they could see me there and then rather than waiting for an appointment. The pharmacist agreed and said it looked like PD. I’d been using tea tree oil on the rash and the pharmacist said that as long as my skin was tolerating it (it is) that’s just as good as the antibiotics for it as mine was apparently a mild case. She did give me some acnecide cream to use twice a day but said it looked like it was on the heal anyway! Just posting this here in case it helps anyone else xx

 

[Mamacita]

I’m reading all the posts with such bad FOMO, I have deepset eyes and really hooded eyelids so can never wear any eye make up except mascara.
If I try eyeshadow or liner you can’t see it at all if my eyes are open and it just goes into 1 line of creased product

I'm reading thinking whether i should buy one then remember i don't even really use eyeliner you won't get me this time tattle!!

 

[kittymeowlondon]

finally did my entire skincare routine today since i got out of hospital and omg i feel brand new - fk any1 who says they are excessive etc - mine is gentle, suited to my skin and makes me feel more me when i have time to do the whole thing so yeah

 

[Bob93]

Thank you for all the SPF recs I have ordered BoJ, will see how it is!

I also ordered Geek and Gorgeous A game retinal which I've been wanting to try for a while. I didn't have the patience for tretinoin so wondering how I find a retinal.

This all isn't pairing well with the other thread I'm into on here, about doing No Spend January

 

[Also_smoke_and_mirrors]

I think I missed the ELF controversy, what’s all that about then? Not that I use any.

ELF have built themselves a reputation as a company that supports and empowers girls and women, partnering with planned parenthood, girls inc, girls network, sponsoring women's sport etc and making this a focus of their media. They recently released an advert featuring a male comedian who jokes about women victims of DV and made some misogynistic comments in interviews. He doesn't wear make up or have anything to do with make up so isn't an obvious choice for a make up advertising campaign alongside a drag queen, who is a more understandable choice, unless they are suggesting their concealer is so good it covers up black eyes.

When people called them out on using a '
comedian who is in direct opposition to their ethos and condoning DV, they made a statement that just said 'we missed the mark with this one'. Didn't apologise or take the advert down. They presumably thought rage bait would be a good advertising tactic.

 

[Nelly's mum]

Having been ripped off with fake products bought from Ebay stores - Nars, Bed Head, Revlon, nothing too fancy - I only buy online from the manufacturer or somewhere that is established that has a good reputation.
I don't trust Amazon anymore than Ebay tbh, there's so many fakes out there.

 

[cowtastrophe]

Quoting myself to say, that Hemish is a bulletproof mascara! Got me through 12+ hours woth several rounds of tears, a couple of misty rain showers and a hot room. So easy to remove.
Shoutout to the Victoria B eyeliner and Urban Decay All Nighter too - my makeup looked just as good at bedtime as it did when freshly applied (except the lippy which was gone within a couple of hours, never to be refreshed!)

Got to ask, what kind of day did you have which involved crying several times, being in the rain and a hot room.