Welcome to The Total Rec Ripoff Report, a series sparked by my unhealthy obsession with avoiding getting ripped off. Maybe it’s because I spent years promoting products I didn’t believe in, or it might have started during the year I lived in India, where I discovered my true calling: haggling.
Ever since, it’s hard not to feel like most things don’t live up to the hype, and paying full price stings. My solution? Get everything at a steep discount—not exactly the healthiest approach. When you’re in a passive aggressive, week long Facebook Marketplace standoff with someone three states away over a couch, it’s clear you might not be in the best place.
And when people start asking for your number at a party because they want you to help them score a new dining table at an amazing price, you realize being the town’s deal “fixer” wasn’t exactly the reputation you were aiming for. Maybe the real solution would’ve been buying less junk in the first place.
Despite my bargain hunting obsession, I’ve been ripped off more times than I’d like to admit, especially in the beauty world, where overpriced products often overpromise and underdeliver.
So let’s kick off this series by diving into some beauty ripoffs.
Before we dive in, I’ve got to admit—the beauty industry often feels like one big scam, likely doing more harm than good. It’s a toxic space, and the fact that it’s growing so quickly makes me think we’re collectively more unwell than ever. Other writers like Tressie McMillan Cottom and
break this down far better than I can, and they’re must-reads.Do I still participate in “beauty culture”? Sure, I’ve deprogrammed a lot and stepped away from things like daily makeup and cosmetic work, but I’m still complicit—after all, here I am, writing about it.
We’ll save that conversation for another time. For now, let’s see what products scream “rip off” and the surprising ones that actually live up to the hype. I asked readers to weigh in, and they didn’t hold back.
Let’s start with the rip-offs…
Clean Skin Club Towels
I almost bought these Clean Skin Club Towels after seeing rave reviews about people’s skin magically improving. I thought, There’s no way these are just glorified paper towels, right? Actually, they are. Fancy, overpriced paper towels. And somehow, people swear by them. No magic ingredient—just disposable face napkins.
I looked at the website and immediately got the “drop ship company some guy in Florida threw together over a weekend” feeling. Turns out, I was right! The founder is from Fort Lauderdale, and his main passion? Sales. I’ve met plenty of guys at advertising “masterminds” who launch little websites like this as a marketing test just to see what sticks. This one definitely took off. Pro tip: if a site has one of those spinning discount wheels, it’s usually a red flag!
The Sane Spending Option: A few years ago, my facialist gave me some solid advice—buy a 10-pack of washcloths, keep them clean, and use a fresh one each time you wash your face to avoid mildew from bath towels. Simple as that. So don’t be like me, staring at your screen, wondering if these “Clean Skin Club” towels have some secret. They’re gimmicky, wasteful, and not worth your money. Pass.
Shaving Cream
This is a hot take, and a weird flex, but here it is: I’ve been off the cream for years. My small bathroom shelf space is at an all time premium, and my boyfriend’s patience only goes so far as my products start crowding out his single bottle of Head & Shoulders and Dr. Bronner’s. A few years ago, I made the tough call to ditch the shaving cream. It wasn’t easy—nothing brings back those early “womanhood” feels like the ribbed top of a Raspberry Skintimate can.
Now, I’m a warrior in the face of oh so generous discount codes for overpriced shaving products. If only my shaving cream looked as FUN! AND DYNAMIC! as I am, maybe I’d finally reach self-actualization? Instead, I channel my inner goddess with cheap conditioner *gasp* and call it a day. And for the record, my super sensitive skin does just fine with it.
The Sane Spending Option: If you’re unhinged (in a good way), you can just use conditioner or body wash. On a “fancy” day, you can use a body oil like Neutrogena Rain for a ’90s throwback or even baby oil. Women’s shaving creams and razors? They cost more just because they’re pink and marketed to us. The other day, my niece found my travel size Venus razor and became obsessed with its cute little pink case—she wanted it so badly. So there I was, awkwardly explaining to a 3 year old that, when she’s older, she’ll have the choice to shave or not—and that she absolutely doesn’t have to. Meanwhile, my stomach was doing somersaults because, well… I do. And I do it with this ridiculously adorable, overpriced, mini pink razor that was lighting up every happy chemical in her brain! Next time she comes over, I’ll be sure to lay out all the old, crusty men’s razors for her to choose from.
Ziip, Nuface, Myolift (Microcurrent Devices)
I came across these microcurrent devices that supposedly send little shocks to your face muscles for a lifted look. It was the dead of winter, my seasonal depression was in full swing, and I was feeling pretty blah, so naturally, I convinced myself that a Ziip would be the magic cure for all my deep rooted existential issues.
I found a Ziip Halo for $90 from a woman on Facebook Marketplace who’d only used it twice. She said she just couldn’t stick with it. “Ha! It’ll be so different for me,” I thought. It wasn’t. Tools like this are such a hassle for me—you have to use them so often that they just become another chore on the to do list.
The real kicker is that these devices require a conducting gel (which is, of course, insanely expensive, and they insist you buy it from them) to get that “smooth flow” for the best lift. The golden Ziip gel broke me out and smelled like a tanning salon.
Some of my readers also had mixed feedback on these device, specifically the Nuface:
“The NuFace mini. I hated the gel. I know people use other things instead but making sure my face was clean, then smearing it with gel to use the machine and then washing the gel off was not going to happen. The instructions said you could rub the remaining gel in, but I have other products I like to use and it would have been in the way.”
Another reader found a solution:
“I figured out any water based serum/gel worked (water is the conductor) and it changed everything! “
I’ve heard and read a ton of mixed reviews about these devices, including rumors that they might even age you faster (which I’m skeptical about). What I do know is that if you have a job, kids, pets, and aren’t into high-maintenance treatments that require constant attention, this probably isn’t for you. Know thyself. It requires a lot of consistency to see long-term results. If you can handle that, major respect. I did notice a 10-15 minute lift in my brows after using it, so I could show up to an event looking refreshed—but my hooded eyelids made a slow return by the time the salad was served. Not sure that’s worth the $400 price tag.
The Sane Spending Option: Okay, maybe not completely sane, but I attended a Face Yoga workshop where we worked out our facial muscles for anti-aging. By the end, I realized I didn’t actually care about the supposed effects—it just felt amazing to release all the tension I hold in my jaw and face. The whole language around aging—sagging, volume loss, lift—is exhausting. I didn’t even know what nasolabial folds were until someone pointed theirs out, and suddenly, I felt like I should worry about mine. So instead of fixating on all the aggressive words I constantly hear about my face, I’m replacing them with just one: relax.
Lately, I’ve been driving around town with a cork in my mouth for 10 minutes to release jaw tension. It’s a great alternative to road rage—and an excellent way to freak out anyone who cuts you off, giving a real Silence of the Lambs look. Sometimes, I also lay on the floor and roll a massage ball across my forehead and even into my eye sockets. It feels amazing and supposedly provides a lift, but honestly, you’ll be too relaxed to care afterward.
Violette_FR
I asked readers about their recent beauty rip-offs, and quite a few mentioned falling for the Instagram marketing hype around Violette_FR, the brand created by makeup artist Violette Serrat. Known for her Parisian style and effortlessly cool aesthetic, Violette herself has a strong following. But despite her appeal, some readers found the products were lacking:
“All about the Instagram marketing and Violette’s style and savvy, but the products feel like drugstore stuff outside the context they create.”
“One Instagram brand that sucked me in was Violette, and the products are terrible. The blush disappears within 10 minutes of applying it, and the Boum Boum milk is just pointless. Just moisturize.”
I’ve read several accounts that the viral Lip Blur is very drying and not worth it, either…
“Omg, and their Lip Blur that went viral? AWFUL. It feathers, bleeds, and doesn’t stay on. Total junk.”
“I wanted the Lip Blur for so long when it was sold out, then finally tried it in-store and thought, ‘meh, I’ve already got products so much better than this.’ Really shows the power of scarcity—and how easy it is to get sucked in by online marketing versus trying a product in real life.”
Westman Atelier
Total Rec readers also felt slightly burned by trendy brands like Westman Atelier. A major gripe was the brand’s emphasis on sustainability, while simultaneously pushing extravagant packaging and marketing, leaving some feeling they were paying more for presentation than actual value.
“Westman makes a big deal about environmental concerns and sustainability, but the packaging is insane for disposable products. It drives me nuts.”
“The makeup is beautiful, but the packaging is super luxe. I can’t help but feel bad buying these disposable items. The skincare works out to $80 per TEASPOON—it better be a good teaspoon!”
Maybe WA isn’t a rip-off in the traditional sense—it works—but the marketing budget seems to far outweigh the product itself, and that comes with a hefty price tag. There was some defense for this brand, though, with people sharing their love for specific products.
“I’ll stick up for WA here. I love the core makeup products (vital skin drops, concealer, blush, pressed powder). They apply beautifully and don’t irritate my skin. But $80 for lipstick or branded brushes? That’s where I draw the line.”
I’d love to know your opinion on Westman Atelier.
And Now Let’s Move Onto The Good Stuff…
Red Light Masks
I scored two brand-new Omnilux masks—the face and neck versions—for 80% off on Craigslist. All I had to do was meet a guy in a Costco parking lot and spend 15 minutes listening to him (and his toy poodle) yap about his wife’s shopping habits. She had three of these masks and forgot she even bought them. I just nodded, pretending I was so superior.
At first, I was sure I’d fallen for another gimmick. But no, this product has actually delivered. I have pigmentation, and it’s helped with that, plus it’s great for overall skin texture. It’s also really relaxing in the evening. Yes, it’s a maintenance item, but it’s so simple and passive that it feels easy. I keep it in my bedside table and use it before bed, charging it once every couple weeks.
I ended up giving away the neck/décolleté version because it felt like overkill—you can use the main face mask for your face, neck, lips, hands, and I’ve even used it on my legs during winter eczema flare-ups, and it helped. Obviously, I just wipe it down after use.
Don’t just take it from me, Total Rec readers chimed in with their red light results:
“Red light masks really work! I use mine for pigmentation and skin texture, and the results are noticeable.”
“Red light works 4 sho”
“I concur about red light masks! When used consistently (I have the omnilux one) it works on pigmentation!!”
Red light therapy has solid science behind it, so it’s worth considering. But you don’t need an overpriced mask—there are plenty of panels and DIY options that work with just a bulb. Just be sure you’re using the right wavelength, because only certain types are proven to work. The super cheap lights? They won’t cut it. My friend even spent six months under a reptile heater by accident. She’s glowing… but maybe a little cold-blooded now.
Too tired to do all that research just to save money? I get it. Here’s the most thorough LED mask guide I’ve found from Goals to Get Glowing.
Too tired to read all of that? Omnilux is great—people love the men’s version because it’s larger. Dennis Gross is highly rated too, and perfect if you want to look like a creepy Marvel villain. I like having the flexibility of the Omnilux. Both will likely go on sale for Black Friday.
Jones Road Beauty
I was genuinely surprised to see how much Total Rec readers love Jones Road Beauty! It’s funny because I keep getting ads from Bobbi Brown’s son, Cody Truman Plofker (JRB’s co-founder), and I’ve been screenshotting them…
These “be your own boss, life coach, buy-my-course” ads had me this close to putting the brand on my hit list. But I’ve kind of had a soft spot for Bobbi Brown ever since I got her Teenage Beauty book. Still I was surprised by all the love this brand got, especially the Miracle Balm.
“Miracle Balm totally wakes up my face—I got a selection of colors in their mini size as my one fun Black Friday purchase last year. I had planned to give some to a friend, but instead, I’m selfishly hoarding them because I use them every day!”
“I LOVE Miracle Balm!!”
“Jones Road is phenomenal! I’m 55, and wear minimal makeup but spend a lot on skincare. Jones Road is the perfect blend of both. The Miracle Balm is amazing, and the concealer pencil is light enough to cover without being drying.”
“Jones Road products are so easy to use. The face pencil gave me immediate ‘oh you’re glowing!’ comments the day after I bought it. The barrier for entry is low, and it’s hard to mess up, which is great for someone like me.”
Let me know your thoughts on Jones Road products.
K18
I’ve been burned by the Olaplex hype and pretty much gave up on having soft hair after Redditors shamed me with, “Just stop dying it!” I figured my only hope was either becoming a health nut or splurging on a silk pillowcase. I didn’t want to buy into K18 —“biomimetic” sounds like one of those words meant to make you feel smart while getting ripped off. But against all odds, it turns out people think it’s actually pretty amazing.
From my readers:
“K18 treatments are the reason I can bleach my hair totally platinum and still have it look healthy. People can’t believe it’s my real hair.”
“K18! That stuff actually works. Shockingly so.”
“K18—Four of the stylists I represent stand by it, and they sometimes buy it full price when they aren’t gifted. Hope this solidifies it more.”
Have you tried it?
That’s it for today! A huge thanks to everyone for sharing your helpful tips. There’s even more we covered in the Total Rec chat here, including some wellness talk, which we’ll dive into next time.
Tried a beauty product that was a total rip-off or a pleasant surprise? Or curious about something specific? Drop the product in the comments, and anyone who’s tried it can share their thoughts.
Wow great article and spot on. Red light masks and K18 are truly great! I wrote about the beauty industry for many years and my thoughts have …. evolved. The hype cycle is just too fast now. There are too many brands. And too much bs
I bought the Jones Road Balm as I too have the nostalgic feels about Bobbi Brown- it’s just a container of pink grease honestly- while the color is pretty, your face looks like you put some Vaseline on it, and it feels sticky and dirty- I’ve resorted to using it for the occasional lip gloss which fades quickly - ugh 😣