How to Make a Beauty Product Work for You Before You Toss It
We’ve all been there: you buy a new skincare or beauty product, try it out, and…it just doesn’t work for you.
Maybe it’s too harsh, too thick, or just not what your skin needed.
Before you add it to your growing pile of product regrets or throw it in the bin, here are three things you can do to make a product work for you.
And don’t worry, this advice is all about gentle tweaks- not pushing through if you’re having a genuine reaction.
If you’re experiencing any allergies, intense breakouts, or skin reactions, these tips are not for you.
That’s your skin telling you to stop and reassess.
1. Change How You Use the Product
Sometimes the issue isn’t always with the product itself, but how you’re using it.
Here’s some examples:
If a cleanser is leaving your skin tight or stripped, try using it less often (especially if it’s an exfoliating cleanser) or watering it down a bit more.
If a moisturiser feels too heavy, apply it only to the areas of your face that get dry or flaky rather than applying it all over.
The same goes for scrubs or exfoliators. If a scrub is way too harsh, try applying it using just your pinkies and very gentle pressure, so you’re not going in too aggressively.
2. Repurpose It- Don’t Waste It
This might feel a bit obvious, but don’t be afraid to use products on different parts of your body.
We don’t recommend this for expensive products (unless you’re feeling extra generous to your elbows), but it can be a fantastic switch up for that $15 bottle of toner that your face isn’t tolerating.
For exfoliants that are too strong for your face? Try using them on body blemishes, KP, or congested areas. They can also help under your arms (to manage skin build-up that causes odour), on the soles of your feet, or even gently on your scalp to exfoliate.
For thick moisturisers and lotions, they can double as hand or foot creams, or for any dry spots that need the extra hydration.
Very spoilt, but we will note in office we’ve used face cleansers that didn’t work for our skin as brush cleansers in the past- which we justify when the cleanser is less expensive than a brush cleaner.
3. Return or Pass It On
Let’s talk about returns.
We know the thought of returning a beauty product can feel awkward or intimidating, but most big retailers actually have return policies for cosmetics that don’t work for your skin.
Yes- this usually applies even if you’ve opened the product!
Which we could scream from the roof top!
Noted- there’s always a chance that the person you’re speaking to is very dismissive.
Many retail workers are discouraged from allowing returns - so you may be asked “how did you use it?” “did you try this?” - try and remember that they’re just listening to what their manager has asked, it’s not personal, and be stern with your want to return the product, even for a store credit.
You can return products at any retailer in Australia (eg: Sephora, Mecca, Adore Beauty, Woolworths, and other major beauty retailers)
Policies vary by store and how long you’ve had the product so check online first so you know what to expect.
If returning isn’t an option, consider passing the product on to someone who has a different skin type, or gifting it to a friend, family member, or even a workmate.
There’s usually someone who will happily give it a try.
Before You Decide…
Wait- before you do anything, check in with yourself: Did you rush into this purchase because of a trend or a TikTok rec?
Read: Viral Trends And How to Make Them Work For Your Skin- Not Against it
No judgement, we’ve all been there!
Sometimes the best way to make a product work is to pause, read up, and really think about whether it’s a good fit for your skin in the first place.
Research helps, but skin can be unpredictable, and that’s okay.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, you deserve products that work for your routine.
If you’re constantly tweaking or forcing a product to fit, it’s probably not the right one.
There are so many great options out there- you shouldn’t have to settle- especially because upset skin tends to compound.
But if you’ve already spent your hard-earned money, hopefully these tips will help you get a bit more use out of your purchase.
Do you have any tips for products that don’t work for us? We’re all ears, let us know in the comments below.
WRS Team x
