Brand & Products I'll Never Review - Boring, Over Priced, Overhyped!

[@Suedetussy]

I love how you remember your time as a student and therefore are not ready to spend absurd amounts of money on skincare, even though you could afford it now. I really appreciate that modesty.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Thats how you can tell a person who learned the value of money & how to prioritize spending. Vs the person who had to live frugally for a while & now believes they deserve the most extravagant everything.

[@annnee6818]

I'm the same and I'm probably a lot older than James. Being poor stays in your bones. Even if you could afford to spend 160 on a CE Ferulic serum, you won't because your brain just goes "that's stupid overpriced"

[@NavilleT]

@@annnee6818 I wasn't exactly poor nor am I rich now but I would not pay that much for a serum, that's just ridiculous

[@annnee6818]

@Naville It is, no doubt. It's a ludicrous pricepoint. But even if you can afford it, you kinda don't wanna, for that exact reason. I could afford it now, but won't buy it

[@NavilleT]

@@annnee6818 exactly. It probably costs less than 1/4 of the price to manufacture

[@HeyyyEverybody]

I'm a freelance writer and brands are always offering me gigs writing positive reviews for their products. I don't trust online reviews now.

[@ashleyc723]

I’ve started noticing that there are what appear to be large groups of similar reviews for products in these short time frames. I’ve noticed it with similarly worded positive and negative reviews on Sephora most recently. I wouldn’t have thought much about them but they were products with which I am very familiar and they were bizarre; many would have repeated themes that just really didn’t apply to the product, if that makes sense? I don’t trust reviews anymore because of that string of connectivity that just didn’t make sense within the context of the product.

[@JamesWelsh]

Yeessssss I found out recently from an ex conde nast writer that 99% of their ‘best beauty products’ articles were 100% undisclosed sponsored 🙃

[@kelsey9384]

This is truly sad

[@maryeckel9682]

@@JamesWelsh all magazines do that and have done for years. Pay to play.

[@raha5527]

I wonder if they also use AI to generate positive reviews... I've found that nothing is better than testers in the store and samples. Because even with very honest reviews, the reviewer's body chemistry, environmental factors, etc are never going to be exactly the same as mine.

[@boglarkabaksay3523]

Thank you for yelling out the MARKETING KEY WORDS IN ALL CAPS in the CT product descriptions, truly impeccable 👌

[@JamesWelsh]

Had to be done 🫢

[@amandajordan6813]

I agree. That was funny 😂

[@maryeckel9682]

Is "DAHLINGS" one?

[@Jo-razz]

I was laughing out loud. I was gifted for Christmas an expensive skin produce that I would not buy. I used it, & when it was done, I was scrapping with a q-tip to get the last of it. I was so sad I was done. Because I know I would not spend that much per-month. 😅

[@becbrown212]

I had a gift set of L'Occitane skin care and it was the same. So sad when it all ran out😢

[@sabbyful]

I was seeing a dermatologist for my wedding and she gave me discounted skinceuticals. Within a week my skin turned around. I remember being at a funeral and going to the bathroom to fix my teary makeup. I was sad but still thinking DAMN my skin looks good. Customer for life.

[@infoManiac-rf5db]

​@heeeq0 vitamin C can have that effect.

[@juliewilliams40]

If Charlotte Tilbury would charge $20, I'd try the products. Anything that is over $20-25 is out of range for a lot of people. I'm 58 years old and definitely on a budget! I want to look as good as possible, but it's not worth giving up other things I need!

[@terimorris6394]

Same here but to be honest her market are rich and celebrities so she doesn’t give a crap if most of us can’t afford her products. Also there are a lot of dumb impressionable women of all ages that get into debt just to use her products.

[@Queenofmercuryretrograde]

It is! I'm looking at a £33 serum (🥲) from a k-beauty brand and decided that it'd look pretty on my wish list. I've seen it cheaper and still new on Vinted though 😅

[@spillinda]

One of the things I respect and appreciate the most from James its that he really excels at getting to the bottom of the skin care marketing aspect of the skincare community. Dermatologist and cosmetic scientists explain the science of why ingredients work, the derms talk about the effect and how to care for the skin, and James is one of the people who knows and explain to us all the ways were getting marketed to. he truly is an expert in that part of the skincare community, and I value his input so much!! ❤❤

[@Suedetussy]

Yes, his videos have extra value. I don’t watch him for the skincare products reviews, but for his very friendly and soothing personality and his intelligence. He could talk about cars, insurances, sports, anything - i would still watch his videos. (Actually, i am not really into skincare. I‘m only a regular viewer due to the factors named above. 😄)

[@Irenee_vx]

Agreed this is why I’ve been watching him for a number of years now

[@essisofia]

I used to hear working in fashion industry that when Charlotte Tilbury actively worked as a makeup artist years ago - her go-to moisturiser to prep was Nivea cream, you know the one in blue tin. So a lot of rumours were when she came out with the magic cream that it was just glorified Nivea lol

[@gina5432112345]

Huh that’s interesting. I would have thought it would be the soft crème as the blue tin version is more ‘solid’

[@marinebiowh0re458]

I work at Ulta and was given the CT moisturizer and cream to try it for the CT event. When I tried I thought that it felt and smelt exactly like Nivea and it makes so much sense now. Don’t get me wrong, it feels and works fine but it really is just glorified Nivea.

[@Claudia.Norese]

Nope, this is completely false and delulu, Nivea in the blue can cannot be a dupe for everything, you already used that card for the La Mer, i mean, we get that most people wanna dream that Nivea is a dupe also for Cartier and Rolex, but come on.

[@essisofia]

@@Claudia.Norese ok chill - what is the point of your comment here? throw shade at people wanting dupes or just simple as discussing products you don't like. i suggest you try the nivea cream on your toast before commenting something so out of context

[@FLOridaM.o.m]

James saying “our philosophies just don’t align” with the weight of a thousand anvils crashing down on a brand is very entertaining to watch and legit made me laugh out loud because of how much was layered in the delivery of that one line and look to the camera. Genius

[@durimahin3157]

As a KZbin beauty category viewer from like almost 7-8 years. This video gives me a break and a sigh of relief from all the overwhelming overconsumption 😢❤ Thanks jamesss,❤

[@MoreJoy79]

Skinceuticals is an amazing brand that I used when I got it for 60% off while working at a plastic surgeon's office. I could never afford them at full price.

[@TrueImmortality]

Wild story about high-end skincare: I received a Sunday Riley product entirely for free because a Doordasher delivered it to my coworker instead of their boba tea. Coworker had bad skin allergies so never tried new products. I got the eye cream that is bomb and I'm on the same bottle a year later 💀💀💀 Best 90 dollars I never spent lol

[@lovinglife419]

Their lactic acid serum is a dream! My skin looked so good during the pandemic lol

[@amber7ison]

I admire you being real about spending. Even if I hit a point where I'm outrageously wealthy (haha) I couldn't see myself spending $165 on a serum.

[@raerohan4241]

I think I can see myself spend $165 on a serum (just because you use so little at a time that they last for so long + they pack so much into so little) but I'd be more hesitant spending that on a face wash, for example. They're barely on your skin, and asides from making sure they have gentle surfactants, there's not much more you can do to improve on them. And there are already tons of affordable face washes that do that, so yeah. There's no face wash out there worth $25+ at the absolute max

[@moonshineaudios5740]

@@raerohan4241me too. Even as I am now, I could spend any amount as long as the high quality is GUARANTEED. I hate buying something and it’s cheap quality or just not good for my skin, or not worth the money. That guts me more than purchasing, which is why I don’t buy expensive things because majority are just hiking up the price of average or even cheap fast-fashion things just for the heck of profit.

[@mimiluau]

Agree on the Augustinus Bader rich cream. I got it in the cult beauty advent box and was HOPING to hate it. It is unfortunately fantastic… game-changing at settling my super reactive, acne-prone skin and improving too dry or too oily or too textured, no matter how many reviews I try to watch convincing me it’s overrated. My usually problem skin never looked so good as when I used it. To my shame, I have paid for another bottle after spending money trying and failing at finding dupes that delivered the same results.

[@mifnp8887]

Agreed. I love AB. ❤ Their moisturizers are everything (and I wish they weren't because of the price!). I also LOVE a do-it-all serum by Saint Jane. It's extraordinary!

[@pao1462]

Skinceuticals is the only brand that actually prices their products correctly, yes they are very very expensive but at the same time they are the most researched and studied to the point where their vitamin c serum is the most stable out there. Research costs a lot of money and I don’t think I will be able to ever buy a skinceuticals product but I do admire them for the science behind the products

[@marietay]

Skinceuticals vitamin c is the gold standard in terms of benefits, not in stability- It lasted me 3 months, but also did my Naturium vitamin c serum- And Skinceuticals irritated the hell out of my skin. I don't blame the product, thou- My skin is a moody bitch. But my point is that Skinceuticals stability is not different.

[@shannon701]

​@@marietaywhat do you mean by stability? Without context your statement is meaningless.

[@Leleche]

You know, I'm not even "into" skin care. Or even buy many skin care products... But I love putting a James upload on and just feeling good and having a break from the world for 15 minutes lol. Thank you James💓

[@DMoz13]

I'm in total agreement with you on Charlotte Tilbury. I bought their setting spray and it's okay but I prefer ELF. It seems to work better on my skin and it is way less expensive!

[@adrianna_z_art]

My first setting spray is from CT and it's making my makeup look really bad... Like I walked into a drizzle 😅 will try ELF

[@alicialynnette9889]

Milani make it last is also a good one. I only use the tilbary one if I'm applying a lot of powder. It's too dewy for my taste

[@Leslie_S]

I loved SkinCeuticals serums. You are absolutely correct that it’s hard to spend the money on them. One of the spas I worked at as an Esthetician we could get a a decent discount and my skin never looked better.

[@synthychemucyo9619]

I rarely comment, but I just wanted to say, I love how honest you are when it comes to products being straight up expensive and where as you may be able to afford them, you don't run and buy them. I always hear your voice when I'm choosing products to try 'expensive doesn't always mean it will work better.' Just like the videos you do showing affordable products that are alternatives to the expensive ones 👏🏾 Your videos have taught me how to care for my skin better. Thank you James ❤

[@imsleepy6211]

Yes I love this too. I feel like James is the type of person people who are just ordinary people / students go to for skincare advice because we can actually afford what he reviews. I love when he reviews a product and say it’s on the pricy side and then gives a good dupe suggestion. There’s something so inherently wonderful about that.

[@mizzymo64]

Thank you for this. Even though I'm probably her target market, Charlotte Tilbury as a brand has always rubbed me up the wrong way and I never really understood why. Now I know.

[@jujutrini8412]

The minute I saw the very first Charlotte Tilbury advert I knew I would never buy any of her products. 😂😂😂

[@bonniejosavland3227]

Have you heard her text ads Darlliinngg😳😭💩

[@MariaCarabin]

Same! And I’m a POC and find her too expensive.

[@jujutrini8412]

@@MariaCarabin I don’t understand. What has a person’s colour have to do with it?

[@RedLilith666]

Why is everything about skin colour with you people

[@Cait491]

Love how you stay genuine , it's always so refreshing. Thank you , James 💜

[@paula5540]

I'm relieved every luxury product I tried on my skin just ruined it, broke out and gave me some kind of allergy. La Mere made my skin look like I put margarine on my skin and I had lots of pimples that took me a while to get rid of.

[@lipstickzombie4981]

Proud budgetarian here as well. I've never had severe reactions to most mass market brands and I intend to keep it that way.

[@raerohan4241]

The thing is that even if a cheaper product doesn't work, at least you're not heartbroken about it. Luxury, on the other hand...

[@CobraDove1111]

La Mer literally with mineral oil as a second ingredient..... What an absolute scam and a joke!

[@lookitsgrandma]

Versed Auto-Save serum replaced SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic for me and works the same. For $25, I'm sold for life. I have tried deluxe samples of some of Charlotte Tilbury's skincare and something broke me out badly, either the Magic Cream or Elixir or both. It was actually impressive.

[@augustsunshinegirl]

Timeless is good as well!

[@lookitsgrandma]

@@augustsunshinegirl I've been meaning to try Timeless, especially the toner sprays.

[@lollitapopple3149]

Ive tried ferulic serums before & always had flares of my rosacea, but the elemis pro collagen EM cleanser solved this problem for me

[@blazingstar9638]

Looks like a bunch of people in the comments are mentioning Charlotte Tillbury and the video has only been up 5 min😂

[@trishamarie]

Because her skincare is ridiculously expensive and it smells awful 😂😂😂 Sincerely, a customer who loves her makeup and has received some large samples of skincare in my makeup orders!

[@violet1moon]

@Trisha yeah I got a sample of her miracle whatever cream and the scent alone made sure I was never gonna spend money on it. It is sticky, overscented and overpriced.

[@ralphandleosmom9075]

I have found my people. I hate the miracle cream too. Too fragranced and made my skin itch.

[@ktea8687]

Of the samples I’ve tried of Charlotte Tilbury skincare I’ve found it’s ok but nothing special nor worth the price tag. I’d prefer they stick to make up.

[@Melanie-sj8mm]

I have to admit I love Augustinus Bader, too. Especially the Eye Creme and the Soothing Cream. And looking back at my student years I am happy I can afford those products now. It took a lot of effort and time to get there.

[@amberknowgood]

Great video. It’d be awesome if you’d do a dupe video for the most loved/hyped products of these brands!🤩

[@wrv6927]

Hey James, you know I am not a student but I live in Ecuador which means, daily life is quite expensive. This means that a $40 product is already an investment in my skincare routine, I really appreciate your point of view and down to earth reviews.

[@wrongwayannie1856]

#1 I have to thank you for suggesting The Ordinary Glycolic toner for the underarms! I have used it once and haven't had to wear deodorant, doesn't sting and was super easy to use (and inexpensive!!) I have super sensitive underarms and they've been that way my whole life. Took me years to find a good anti-perspirant/deodorant that didn't burn me. I ended up using men's Old Spice, have used it for many years. I can't shave my underarms much due to the sensitivity so I like to gently exfoliate 2 times a month to get rid of residue. Now I can kind of let my underarms rest. THANK YOU!! #2 Where is your (I believe right hand) other ear plug? Are you missing one? Anyway, love you (and your brothers!!)

[@cherylseagraves3884]

Also sensitive underarms and Old Spice is one of the few things I can use!!! I tried Native thinking natural might be better and that ish broke me out so so bad!!

[@jujutrini8412]

Thanks for this. I will have to try it. I tried using a “natural crystal” anti-perspirant and had the worst allergic reaction to a deodorant ever. My skin was so sore I had to go to the Dr.!

[@cathygiuliana9089]

James I tried that mist from Caudalie years ago. You are so right it was like spraying mouth wash on your face! I love this for years I couldn’t figure out how to describe that junk! Thanks so much for your review! I laughed so hard😅as always your reviews are spot on, on the money! I’m 71 yrs old and love your channel! Sending you a big Grandma hug!🥰🤗

[@trishamarie]

I always read the one and two star reviews before I buy any product. I don’t trust five star reviews when the person was gifted product and lies so they keep getting more free stuff. Elf skincare gives me a neck rash and reading one star reviews showed me I wasn’t the only one. I have come to terms with the fact that I am always going to age and that there is no product, no matter the price that is going to change that. I will stick to my low cost to mid range skincare. I would love to try Skinceuticals, but my wallet says no unless I am getting instant, very visible results.

[@cherriesvu]

i defo start with the negative reviews and work my way up!

[@carmen.g440]

Sunday Riley was literally caught getting their employees to write fake positive reviews. I do not trust any positive reviews I see anymore either! And I will never purchase from a brand I find out is doing that

[@tartnouveau3652]

I also feel like if the product is free people are still biased, because they didn’t pay for it. I definitely would view a moisturizer differently if I got it for free vs if I spent 40 bucks on it.

[@arcybarrios]

I tend to read from 3 stars up. I find the 1 and 2 stars are not very constructive

[@TylerLouBlack]

I used to sell a lot of Augustinus Bader in Harvey Nichols and SpaceNK. It really does work. The TFC8 is a compound of a number ingredients which are naturally produced within the skin and when added through a moisturiser is basically enhances the cell turnover within the dermis. It sends a signal to the subdermis and makes it work harder to make sure the newest skin cells are always on the surface. Its not a crazy anti ageing or life changing product but it makes your skin look the best as it could.

[@katie3657]

I know. I use it & it absolutely works. It's worth the money to me

[@MoonxChildxInphy]

Idk retinol does the same thing. Retinal also does the same thing.

[@jin97465]

Interesting! I didn't know this brand

[@terimorris6394]

Retinol is better and much much cheaper, don’t need the luxury products to achieve good skin. I rather use my retinol and save the thousands I would spend on expensive products and have a complete face lift when I’m older !

[@carinawulff1673]

I really appreciate your philosophy on the brands you will review / recommend. I recently stumbled upon a "Most Used Skincare of 2023" video by a very well-known long time influencer who RAVED about a Dior serum that is $800(!) and Cle de Peau moisturizer that is $1,200! I was STUNNED when I looked up the products and saw the prices. I hadn't watched many of her videos in the past, but that video made me never want to watch another video of her's going forward.

[@kararookie]

Anytime a brand used the word elixir it always makes me think of “pirelli’s miracle elixir” from Sweeney Todd

[@ceryswilliams9308]

James thank you so much for saying about the high prices and that you keep thinking back to before you were a youtuber, because I honestly think for most people they can't afford to spend more than £20 per skincare product but so many influencers just say omg you need this £90 seremban or whatever without a second thought to what most people can afford so thank you so much for being someone who actually thinks of that ❤❤

[@lilwhirlwind3950]

I would love to hear about your thoughts on Sulwhasoo skin care! I personally use Laneige, which I think is good enough and already at a heavy price point. But I see people raving about Sulwhasoo too, which I feel is a bit overhyped? Their prices are pretty premium, and I hear that it’s because it has great ingredients to help with anti aging. I’m aware they’re both under the same parent company, Amore Pacific. Love your content as always ❤

[@katiebearz889]

I think a couple of their products are worth it they’re first aid activating serums used in conjunction with one of their toners, I’m not sure which one but if you read the description on the first eight serum it will tell you which product to use it within those two are magic together, The rest of the brand not worth the money in my opinion and I’ve tried a lot of their products. Laneige is owned by Amore Pacific, they also own Innisfree, three different brands all at different price points Amore Pacific being by far the highest then LANEIGE than Innisfree but if you look at the formulas a lot of the formulas are very very similar and I love some of the Amore Pacific products Siri huge company that owns a lot of brands those are just two notable ones they have a missed that is 0% water which is unheard of that’s incredible although they shrunk the bottle and raised the price they also have an amazing cleanser although over priced at $95 but on the flipside it is free has some great cleanser it’s great mask and I love the Lynette cream skin mist as well as just the regular toner I don’t find most of the other brand to be worth the money like the other two brands are. I also guess I didn’t know that Amore Pacific also owned Sulwhasoo, but good to know, Thanks, I know they own a lot of brands I just was unaware that they only one of them but it makes sense but any day of the week a special in regards to moisturizers eye creams anything like that I would buy Amore Pacific and you don’t have to buy their gold line top of the line anti-aging in the silver packaging that moisturizer is great the serum is great the eye serum is great and the silver packaging wine give or take his price like between $75 and $125 so also cheaper than Sulwhasoo

[@lilwhirlwind3950]

@@katiebearz889 yes, I remember comparing Sulwhasoo ingredients with Laneige and they looked similar, besides Sulwhasoo having more premium ingredients such as ginseng and Pearl powder extract (if I’m not mistaken) to name a few. I use a lot of Kbeauty brands as a southeast Asian and most of them work well for me 😊 I just really wonder if Sulwhasoo is worth the price, considering most Asian/Kbeauty skincare brands don’t charge that high, besides SK II 😆

[@SAYoung15]

I find Sulwhasoo overly fragranced and overall underwhelming

[@lilwhirlwind3950]

@@SAYoung15 I get you! Something about Kbeauty and their fragrances 😞 my skin isn’t THAT sensitive, so I have no issues, but almost all Kbeauty skincare brands I’ve used has fragrance.

[@melindagenitempo2359]

I live ginseng for well aging and Sulwahsoo formulates very well.

[@chr_ltte]

There’s luxury and then there’s charging silly amounts just because you can. If I had a brand I’d want all people to be able to buy my products without guilt or stress. Skincare should be fun x

[@Galworld761]

It should be effective. I have other things to do. I don’t want useless products crowding my life. I want potency.

[@chr_ltte]

@@Galworld761 yeah I know that but I just meant that if you’re buying skincare you should enjoy the thought of it and it shouldn’t feel like a chore or a waste of money

[@xenialiashko]

got a cleanser from Caudalie from my advent calendar this year and fell in love with it. Now I want to try more things from them.

[@jasyw]

I absolutely love Sunday Riley, especially ICE and Tidal. Life changing moisturisers for me that got me really into skincare. Luna was my first ever retinol product too. Will I buy them again now? Probably not. Perhaps on a heavy discount? Yes. One of the perks though is that it made me get into japanese, and now korean skincare (which is how I found this channel too eventually!). After trying so many different korean brands, I honestly don't see the need to pay over $60-80 (I live in Asia, we got import tax on everything) for a moisturiser anymore. For the same price I can get 4-5 different korean skincare products.

[@samanthabailey451]

I love you and your videos. I like to watch you while I'm grumpy, my mood always turns around. Your brother is wonderful, as well. Thanks for being so funny and sarcastic. And truthful.

[@redacted9060]

I love how you focus on price points for everyone!! ❤ I also have to say, I made the daggum mistake of trying the Augustinus Bader rich cream, and OH my stars!!! My skin freaking lovessss it!!! 😩😂It’s just so so good!!!

[@listori4858]

Honestly I tried all types of brands throughout the years with my problematic combo oily acne prone skin and for some reason the cetaphil gentle cleaner and cerave moisturising lotion work well on me, probably because they're pretty basic products but they're keeps my skin pretty happy so far.

[@everogersdownunder1242]

I've been influenced a LOT in Australia from ppl in the USA to buy Charlotte Tilbury makeup - nor skincare. There's SOME products that we do buy as they work so well but are expensive. E.g. the wands (contour, blush, highlighter), also her pressed powder for undereyes, her setting spray, her matte bullet lipsticks, etc. There's quite a few good Cult faves in the makeup side.

[@TrueImmortality]

The Instant Look of Love pallette really is awesome. The eyeshadow feels like butter. It's so smooth.

[@Icesismarie]

I went out and bought the Charlotte tilbury magic cream due to my favorite streamer who had similar skin issues as me and honestly it is my favorite it is ridiculously expensive but truly would buy it over and over again ! I mean if I found a cheaper alternative I’d go but this works for me and my dry skin just thought I’d share as a real consumer

[@myaduro]

👍👍

[@NRoseM127]

Yes I love love love the magic cream. I hate the high price but will buy it on discount lol. It works so well with my skin.

[@pandorah1801]

Same!!

[@P0oki3]

Ugh I love Augustinus too! I absolutely cannot afford ANY of the products though. I got some of their products in a beauty box and fell in love. Just like you my skin looked fabulous until I ran out.

[@nancymccormick7567]

Wish I could afford it too!!

[@JamesWelsh]

It’s too good 🥲

[@eleanorjenks7874]

I have really struggled with their products. Both the calm and light cream kept bringing up little pimples and the toner (although an excellent exfoliating toner) was too strong for me to use more than once a week and I’d rather use my Medik8 retinal. I agree with their lip balm: great packaging but that’s all. Their cleanser is very good and I was quite impressed with their shampoo (samples). Their face creams for me are just not worth the money for me.

[@P0oki3]

@@eleanorjenks7874 the only thing I was able to try is the face cream and my face was glowing after the first time. Loved it!

[@clandestinecoherence]

same, i wish i didn’t love it so much

[@Ohdeerohman]

I love that even when talking about products you dont necessarily like? You talk about them with grace and respect, & still preface that even though you wouldn’t use them or like them? The viewers might. Like that’s so lovely :( you are a treasure, I don’t really buy new skincare often because if I find something that works for me; I settle and never seek anything more out lol but you have influenced me a bit and let me tell you: my skin has never looked better. I’m turning 23 this year and my biggest concerns are signs of aging and reducing the size of my pores and your videos have helped me so much. I am now obsessed with looking at ingredients and even though I don’t really try new products? I am not kidding when I say my favorite past time is going to my local walmart and reading skincare ingredients 🥸 anyway, youre the bees knees!

[@haileylewis422]

OMG! I used to be obsessed with the sunday reily brightening enzyme water cream. I got a sample in a beauty subscription box and repurchased the full size a few times. It worked really well for me but the price point became an issue.

[@bohemianraptor89]

Actually I have tried Sunday Riley, Caudalie and Elemis and they are amazing like Tatcha. The products were pretty good on the skin. I have very dry skin and the products worked with reducing the dryness.

[@CobraDove1111]

That Charlotte Tilbury description with the CAPITALIZED words EMPHASIZING every single BUZZWORD is beyond CRINGE!

[@victoriastargle2929]

It’s very on brand for charlotte tho lol she’s just like that

[@evakurl]

Oh, and I love your point about repurchaseability! I can spurge on something once,but what does matter, if the next month I can’t buy that same cream? I’ve just splurged on some Tatcha products, they are about to arrive, and I’m really having second thoughts…😢

[@ayuadams]

Augustinus Bader is REALLY good. Great thing is it's a one and done product. Get either The Cream or The Rich Cream whichever suits your skin type. The moisturiser is all you need on your face to see results and improvement.

[@emilyteacher236]

I believe Peter Thomas Roth would fit into this category! I've bought a set of their cosmetics because it was on sale and tried some of their most famous products, vit C included. And it didn't change anything for me. I do like its luxurious touch, though! Won't be rebuying,too expensive to just feel nice and see no effects. Great video, I looooove your British accent ❤

[@phoebetsau9635]

Love your honest reviews and opinions about the brands but here are some of my opinions of some products that I have/had used of these brands: Charlotte Tilbury are really overpriced for their skincare line (their makeup line is nice tho). The only skincare product I would rave is the Magic Cream because it does make your makeup look nicer if use it under but it is so pricey as a moisturizer and I already found substitute for it. There are 2 must have items for me from Skin Ceutical: the B5 and CE Ferulic. I have used them for over 10 years. I know it’s a little overpriced so I did tried finding substitutes in the mean time but nothing could beat their formulas. Like I tried La Roche Posay, L’Oréal, Drunk Elephant, Inkey List, Niod, The Ordinary. Their B5 are always too thick and don’t absorb well. Always pile up my makeup and come out with white rubber residue once I applied foundations. Their Vitamin C are not absorbed as good as the Skin Ceutical. And the CE Ferulic is proven works on me because my face is at least 1-2 shades lighter than my body but of course I use sunscreen everyday. I tried some other serums from Skin Ceutical too but those are something that u can skip at that price point. Just the B5 and CE Ferulic are my necessary actives. I don’t care about Caudalie and Sunday Riley. I tried one or two products of each brands but no difference made on my face. I used Elemis as my first skincare routine (shame to say I didn’t start skincare until mid 20s). It worked wonder on me and transformed my skin. After a few years, I found some better brands and started using actives so I stopped using them but their cleansing balm is still the best. It’s the only product I’m still using from Elemis. Augustinus Bader: I heard so much good thing about it but I never tried them because it’s way too expensive. I use 1 or 2 products from La Mer but Augustinus Bader even costs more than La Mer. Hopefully I will feel comfortable to try them soon.

[@ALifeOfSonder]

I'd love you to do a faves list of Everything balms/moisturisers, aka the one tube or tin that you can carry around in your bag that can do skin/lips etc to supplement your at-home skin routine when out and about.

[@Jlrc13]

The space nk advent calendar had an Augustine bader face oil “sample” and I calculated it was worth around £70! I haven’t used it yet but I’m dreading falling in love with the product and being sucked into spending £££

[@JamesWelsh]

That was my exact issue with this brand 😭 it’s one of very few expensive brands that I thought was worth it 😭

[@Queenfairypants]

Nah you can get an oil that will work exactly the same for a much more affordable price.

[@nataliehall3874]

I got the Rich Cream in a goody bag and then in an advent calendar. Damn you Cult Beauty - it really is the most amazing cream I've ever used.

[@cheyennestraight12]

Listen Linda, I'm writing this at the beginning of the video so I don't know what you say about ELEMIS.... But that makeup removing balm is my fav! It's too expensive (so I get it on discount when I can) but I literally love it!

[@rachaelicious2u]

It’s so so good. It seriously has no business being that good.

[@zuleymacatherine]

I was gifted some Elemis products and have to say that the face wash is my favorite and I actually have repurchased it several times. I wait until is on sale, but if I were to recommend something for you to try it will be the "Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash" I went to look for the name so you guys know which one. 😊

[@jujutrini8412]

Elemis is good. I have really sensitive skin and it’s one of the few brands I can use without having a skin reaction. I hate that my skin likes the brand because it’s too bl@@dy expensive! 😂

[@ccccm9447]

Hi!! Can I ask how you guys are able to get gifted products?! I always see reviews from people who received it as a gift and I’ve been dying to know how you guys do that haha

[@mjgsuperincredible382]

20:31 that inhale/exhale made me feel relaxed! I love your honesty!

[@biancafister2009]

I love your channel so much! I really enjoy all your K beauty recommendations! ❤❤

[@c.f.2414]

I was sooo hoping you would say something bad about Augustinus Bader 😂😂 now buyed the cream right after your video and made myself a birthday gift. Hopefully i dont regret the $$😭

[@velocitygirl8551]

I looooove Elemis … I’m 47. When you’re an older woman, their resurfacing face pads are GOLD!

[@ashleyc723]

I love the skinceuticals ce ferulic. It pairs so well with a thick day cream and it is the only vitamin c formula that doesn’t piss off my rosacea prone skin. If you have rosacea and find something that works and doesn’t irritate, branching out to a different product is like Russian roulette with your skin so I tend to just keep dying inside a little more each time I buy it. I did try the Augustinus Bader eye cream and it was pretty underwhelming for my dry under eyes. I’ve had a much better experience with the skinceuticals a.g.e. Complex.

[@ElleAlexandria]

Yes I have rosacea too and really love skinceutical products, especially the vitamin c.

[@sumu052]

Skinceuticals ce ferulic is the only vit c that I visibly see a difference with. The price is ridiculous but it is amazing

[@shedontcare]

Exactly this, the Vit C is top notch and has visibly given me results like no other so I will fork over my hard earned money to them 😬

[@MsLipstickZombie]

The caudalie premiere cru line is 100% worth a review. Some of the best products I have ever used are from that line ❤

[@Cancerjuly13x]

Me too I love caudalie love love their Radiance Serum and my favvvv is their Resveratrol-Lift it works fr fr ❤❤ I'm here cause I wanna try the charlotte tilbury skincare line but I don't know because right now I'm using la mer rn so i finish what i have left from lamer but smells like strong men's cologne it affects my breathing cause I have asthma so do you know if charlotte tilbury have a strong fragrance ?.❤

[@annahiggins4510]

Love your long chatty videos, you’re really the best ❤

[@nicolaspencer-hughes675]

I have used elemis for many many years, if I move away from it my skin does not like it and I end up going back to it, as for expense I usually get it when they release the collections on qvc which is usually a great saving 🖤

[@stankybee]

Got my boyfriend into watching your videos and he loves your suggestions! Thanks for all the help :D

[@onimendez7735]

I always enjoying listening to you James! Also, I giggle everytime you've said "Coodalie"😄 (it's pronounced as in "au pair") thank you for brightening up Sunday afternoon. 💜 🖤

[@JamesWelsh]

Ahhhh haha like cor-da-lee?!

[@onimendez7735]

@@JamesWelsh 😊 no r though, more like "caw". Love your content!!!

[@victoriamoore8649]

Love that you use another French word to explain the pronunciation! 😆 James, it’s just as in ‘oh’

[@onimendez7735]

@@victoriamoore8649 yes, you're right. 😊

[@fifilebelle4126]

👏 I applaud you for doing this video and giving us your honest opinion 💕

[@ralphandleosmom9075]

I’m with you on these brands with one exception. I didn’t like the Bader rich cream until they reformulated it. And now it’s so good. I get all the free Sephora samples when they have them and finally broke down and bought a full size bottle. I tried multiple other rich creams before deciding it was more wasteful to keep trying other creams that didn’t cut it. I use the Victoria Beckham by Bader primer too and it may be even better. The primer is for day use and the rich cream before and after tretinoin at night. I would stay clear of the VB serum though. That was pretty much just flushing money away. I haven’t tried and don’t intend to try the other Bader products.

[@skybleu1961]

I like the VB primer too in the am and the AB rich cream in the evening. I try to buy when Sephora or Cult Beauty has a discount of at least 20%

[@Khadijahsmama]

Charlotte Tilbury is great when it comes to foundation and concealer. For skincare there are other great brands

[@binkao2938]

I hated the primer and foundation I got from her, but I love the lipsticks and cream shadows

[@Khadijahsmama]

@@binkao2938 for me it’s the other way around. But I have the T-zone skin type. For eyeshadow I love morphe, urban decay, and huda beauty

[@salmah12311]

Sunday Reilly - Juno oil is FAB for dry skin or even oily but might just need 1 drop or half a drop. Also I don’t understand these brands charging SO much for skincare especially in today market. Anything over £50 is ALOT for skincare in my book when you Korean skincare/ others sell for half the price and twice as effective.

[@missyscarborough1301]

I am a loyal SkinCeuticals user but that’s not to say every product I use is SkinCeuticals. There were plenty of times in my younger years, I too, would never have dreamed of paying $182 for a Vit C product let alone that plus $100 serum plus $150 moisturizer … and these are just my morning products. But, I’m not that taught youthful gal anymore. At 50, with several years of menopause under my belt, I hands down need products that WORK. I would agree that most people with young bouncy skin don’t need to spend the price of SkinCeuticals. But I need the heavy hitters and while I have less active hormones, I have a little more disposable income than I did when I didn’t need the products anyway.

[@lucasreda5280]

I love that James did an American accent when impersonating the queen reacting to the Sunday Riley product placement, but it was opened by the one British queen of the season LOL!

[@ethanboen6980]

I love watching you do your skincare in your videos when talking about anything 💛

[@sgtmjrplumley5735]

I was dying when your eyelids got stuck together 🤣 Like wheezing laughing out of no where. Thanks for the laugh

[@Meow-Meow501]

I got Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream in an IpsyX 3 years ago, and fell in love with the texture. I despise the price but have never found another product that exactly replaces it for me so I still purchase it. The closest product I have found to it’s texture is the CosRX Moisture Power Enriched Cream, though it is unscented.

[@Iminsideyourwall_]

The closest texture to charlotte tilbury is literally Nivea lotion I was so disappointed 😢

[@AKbaby89]

It's so weird how some sites allow fake reviews, and others don't. I found an indie brand rum by a 19yr old who makes everything by hand (lipgloss, lip scrubs, body butters and body scrubs). She does one or two restocks a month, and yesterday was her big restock and I noticed on her March gloss that she launched yesterday, there was like 12 reviews from the same person saying the lipgloss smelt and tasted like poop. I told the brand owner, but they can't do anything about it, so now there's a ton of fake reviews on a product that was only sold yesterday. But then Sunday Riley can fake all their reviews for years. I don't get the US, it seems like nothing is ever looked into

[@Femmedenoir]

I would LOVE if you could do a video on “professional grade” skincare. The most popular ones like skinbetter, skin ceuticals, Epionce, alastin etc. also would LOVE a review on biologique Recherche. The crazy expensive line Kim Kardashian was using. One moisturizer is like $800 though so idk how doable that would be. Either way, love the content!

[@alexandrathearmy8464]

Nothing could be expensive like la prairie ($995 moisturizer) and I don't know if it's true or not,but I think Hermes (yes,the birkin brand) is coming out with skincare and imagine how pricey that shit will be.

[@souka-sama9655]

Always love how genuinely honest you're ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@myaduro]

💕💕

[@rachelingrisano9055]

I use Bader and I love it. I first bought it off of Poshmark to really decide if I liked it. I get nothing but compliments from ppl about my skin and I do feel the difference. I only use it when I am not using Tretinoin..to make it last longer but I still see the difference.

[@romana.in.wonderland]

I do not love scents in skincare and noticed that a lot of the mentioned brands carry a quite strong smell. I have had oppurtunities to test samples or splurged on Tilbury (oldfashioned packaging, smell!), Elemis (that stupid balm smelled strongly and was greasy but did not remove mascara), Claudalie (scents!) ... I use Korean skincare and the very basic yet for me effective Niacinamide Serum by the Ordinary.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

My apologies, James, for some past fussing. I am still mad mad mad at brands for taking ingredients off packaging, but you really are a very responsible youtuber with solid ethics. You and Robert have both been mentioned a lot recently as people swap suggestions for ethical, truthful influencers who are also charismatic and entertaining. Lol not that you are too worried, but I am glad I realized how much integrity you have.

[@HannahJ611]

Feeling v called out as my skincare routine has been basically just Sunday Riley Good Genes, A+ Retinoid and the Caudalie vinoperfect serum (and moisturizer and spf obvs) since I got my first grown up job in college 💀 I will say 99% of the benefit for me is I have super sensitive skin (tbh picky skin is probably a better term) and it does not recover well when I mess with it so I’m willing to just slap on what works. I also definitely spoiled myself going with the fancy stuff as my first foray into skincare because it really does work and I’m in too deep now.

[@rantygobshyte8219]

I bought the Charlotte Tilbury cream bronzer precisely because Wayne Goss shat all over it - he said it was a funny green colour, and as I’m a bit olivey, I thought I’d give it a go. I quite like it , it’s a good colour on me , but I’m not tempted by much else. I’ve got palettes in Beautylish lucky bags and they’re nice, but I wouldn’t have chosen them myself

[@soksannkhem6961]

I’m 40 and back then in my 20s I thought expensive was better oh hell no. Back then social media was all about sponsorships. Now I feel like social media platform helps me to get where I’m at. More honest then before. My skin has never look better and the products nowadays are affordable in skincare. Advanced and the price is good. Drugstore has come a long way. Oh and Korean skincare damn affordable. I tried skinceutical, La mer, Sk II, Sunday Riley, Lancôme, Estée Lauder, to name a few. The drugstore has done so much better or Indie brands even. There is a few expensive brand I like SkinFix from Sephora. Thanks James love your review! Yes I’m tired of the reviews with gifted memo.

[@raeb84]

I only recently tried out the Caudalie brand - missed the clay mask thing, I guess because I hate clay masks. Their Premier Cru moisturizer is so nice. Thick and rich and didn’t break me out at all, made me look like a glow worm. I like that you can just buy the refill too. However, it’s like $120 in the US, and while I could afford it I just haven’t been able to make that purchase. During a sale though, I think I would for sure. The pink eye cream was also really nice, and the Vinopure gel cleanser. I did buy the cleanse, wouldn’t use it every day (think it has salicylic acid in it), but isn’t stripping for me.

[@Hauntingghoulia]

Allegedly Sunday Riley is in a lawsuit due to not disclosing an ingredient on their Good Genes. Allegedly the ingredient is #4 on the carcinogen list. On the flip side, I really do like CT skincare and find it’s great for my day time routine.

[@siobhann729]

James! What are your thoughts on the brand Skyn Iceland?

[@melissavangulck8658]

I have been resisting buying the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic for a really long time…$208 Canadian for 1 bottle!!! If it was just a one time thing I MAYBE could justify it, but my worry is it will turn out to be that one magical product I’ve been searching for and will then continuously have to keep repurchasing it!!! 🤦‍♀️

[@vivianescobar4620]

Do it! 😂

[@melissavangulck8658]

@@vivianescobar4620 you’re evil!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@carmengrauwels]

The Augustinus Bader Rich cream has been doing wonders for my skin, specialy in winter months I bought an adventcalendar specialy for this cream Calendar was priced at 85€ 24 products And was my best disission ever in this category

[@Willcaro333]

I got a “deluxe sample size” of the Rich Cream from Augustinus Bader in a holiday Revolve advent calendar and even though I have oily skin and this is in no way a product that is truly correct for my skin type, I wanted to use it so bad because I wanted to participate in the luxury experience because I can’t afford the brand otherwise 😂

[@bifabija]

i had the same experience with Caudalie face spray, my face burned, I never bought anything else from the brand. I also tried Augustinus Bader, it worked fine, my skin looked great until for the first time in my life I got eczema, took me a while to figure it out but it all went away when I stopped using any of their products (I kept using hand cream and lip balm for a long time because I really liked the products).

[@julielongmakeup]

I found out about the purito centello un scented serum. Apparently it’s full of peptides that work very well.

[@JutaStokes]

I love this serum and still recommend it as a good one, especially for sensitive skin. But then I tried the Cos De Baha Peptide Serum and that's now my ride or die serum. I put it in my old Purito bottle though, because I hate using droppers and that Purito pump bottle is fantastic. The Cos De Baha serum is sticky because it's high in glycerin, but it's fine because you put moisturiser over it. Have you tried the Purito Centella Unscented Eye Cream? It's 30ml, super cheap, full of Peptides including argireline, and feels so lovely going on.

[@whiskey_pink_42]

I can absolutely the practically built in resistance to super expensive skincare you’ve carried with you. HOWEVER, you’re in a unique situation where you can access premium brands and be one of the few influencers we know we can trust. That and the use of Afterpay, Klarna, etc, makes those products a possibility for more people. Sunday Riley was the only thing that fixed my hyperpigmentation AND I was able to get it with the QVC payment plan. Things are more within customers reach , please help us traverse the minefield 😢

[@jocelia4622]

Hello James💞💞Happy Sunday 💞💞

[@iViaggiatoriDelGatto]

E meno male che ci sei tu perché il mondo del beauty sta diventando pazzo. I just respect you for your honesty! ❤️ Stay true!

[@kerrydoreen1150]

Yeah i dont really think fake reviews and strange product placement are the wave. I just don’t think a brand like Sunday Riley should be stooping to this level if their products are good. That’s shady. I dont like shady and i will spend my money on lots of gentle Korean skincare instead lol

[@adrianna_z_art]

Korean skincare ❤ best thing that happened to my skin after years of trying out different approaches.

[@porgdaporg1291]

Fake reviews mostly make me wonder what else they are lying to their customers about

[@kerrydoreen1150]

@@porgdaporg1291 right…

[@InABroadwayStateOfMind]

Elemis is the only one I know of in this lineup. For some reason every spa I’ve gone to used it and promoted it to me. They’re fine, but I’m perfectly happy using the French skincare products I grew up using (L’Occitane, Guerlain, La Roche Posay etc.).

[@smushles19]

can you do a video usng the skinceauticals vit c serum only (plus sunscreen, basic moisturiser) for a month and see if you see any magical results??????

[@brigitte9999]

I do like that idea but I think it would bust the myth. Or ruin James’s skin for a couple of weeks.

[@WinterGirl1969]

I love your sincere honesty with reviews. This saves me so much time. BTW Juliette has a gun has been a favorite of mine for a long time ❤

[@dianaf6333]

Ellemis and Skinceuticals does animal testing, so it's a "hell no" for me. (I would love James to review Rob's Mad About Skin line 😊)

[@teledahn7422]

Yes please. He has a sunscreen out and I'm always nervous of new sunscreen and it's effectiveness

[@ksmsk5778]

Not to defend the brand, but elemis is leaping bunny certified and they claim they’re cruelty free but pls lmk if its one of those situations where they actually aren’t. I tried to look into it after reading your comment, but its always possible to miss something. To my surprise, Elemis has been one of the best products I have ever used for my skin, but they’re super expensive and I feel that it’s strange that most people who review it online are sponsored by them. Thanks for the Rob’s mad about skin recommendation! I’ve been looking for something to replace my Elemis products.

[@dianaf6333]

@@teledahn7422 i havent used Robs sunscreen but im told its excellent and feels like the popular Beauty of Josean one, except a tad more hydrating. Im getting that next.

[@dianaf6333]

@@ksmsk5778 They arent certified by any animal welfare standards from what i know. Its because they sell in China and China requires animal testing. In their own words, 'In China, where ELEMIS is sold, all imported beauty products must be submitted for compulsory testing on a limited animal panel in government laboratories before they can be approved for sale in the country." You are so right though! The products are amazing and when I used the cleansing balm, I really loved it and was disapointed to learn they sell in China. Thank you so much for your perspective. Have a great day 🙂

[@sakurahayakawa8701]

​@@dianaf6333 so I will explain this. China only require companies to test on animals if they have a physical store in the country. If they are sold online, testing on animals is not required