Disappointing 'Beauty Classics'

As anyone who reads magazines or has an interest in beauty products knows, there are many items touted as being 'classic' or 'cult' products that we all must own. After purchasing one such product recently and being disappointed, I thought back to many items I've tried that have failed to live up to the hype.


Lipcote 

What they say: 'The original lipstick sealer and secret of lasting lipstick. A true beauty staple, transparent, quick drying Lipcote is specially formulated to perfect and protect every shade of lip colour for a smudge, feather and fade proof finish'

My thoughts: This has been around since the 50s, and is often stated to be a beauty essential. I've only just started wearing lipstick, and am still wary of smudging it all over my face so thought I'd give this classic a go. However I was not pleased: it smells like nail varnish, stings my lips despite them being in good condition and doesn't seem to make my lipstick last any longer despite following the instructions. Overall not impressed, and buying this is what prompted me to write this post 



OPI Nail Polish

What they say: 'From humble beginnings to global recognition and beyond...OPI nail lacquer sets the bar for performance and fashion'

My thoughts: Ok, this may be a tad unfair as I've only tried one OPI polish, the light grey Skull and Glossbones from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' collection. However, I was not impressed with coverage and lack of opacity (if that's a word!) With cheaper light-coloured polishes you expect coverage to be a bit thin and streaky, and that multiple coats will be needed. But when paying premium prices, I thought that despite the light colour it would only take one or two coats to get great coverage. However, it took FOUR, and even then it still wasn't as opaque as I would've liked. I guess I can't write off all OPI products, maybe I just need to try out some darker colours.



Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream

What they say: 'The all-day, all-night, all-in-one beauty secret. This remarkable cream promotes healthy skin and seals in moisture'

My thoughts: I have tried this multiple times and have never been able to get to grips with it, despite it apparently being a 'holy grail' product for celebrities and make up artists. It's supposed to be a product with multiple uses (to help protect skin from the elements, to tame brows, soothe hands and skin, give skin a dewy sheen etc etc) but to me it just feels like extra thick petroleum, which I don't really want to spread all over my face. It can be used to soothe lips too, but didn't actually do a lot to heal my sore lips in winter- I'll stick with my Blistex thanks.



Lucas' Papaw Ointment

What they say: 'Lucas Papaw Ointment has a proud history spanning 100 years. It has anti- bacterial and antimicrobial properties'. 

The papaw plant used in the ointment was described by it's creator as "the world's greatest healing agent."

My thoughts: I think this is somewhat similar to E.A's 8 hour cream- a supposed life saving product that can be used for anything. AGAIN it disappointed me. It bangs on about how it's made from the papaw plant, and I was expecting it to have a nice fruity scent or taste, but no. Like E.A, this seems like glorified, extra thick petroleum, but is quite a bit more expensive than bog standard Vaseline. And it still doesn't heal sore lips like my beloved Blistex!  I've googled other random uses for it (someone recommended using it on lashes to help them grow thicker and even on spots, which I'm not so sure about!) so I shall trial some of these and see if I can get this to work for me 

 I know these products have thousands of devoted users, but they just didn't work for me; maybe it's my skin type or the way I apply them?  

Have you tried these, or been disappointed by any other beauty classics?