Multi-purpose products have been around for awhile but have recently gained more momentum. My very first recollection of a multi-use product is shampoo and conditioner in one. This was invented way back maybe in the early 80’s? What brand was that? Anyhow, I never was down with that (how can that possibly work anyway?) and that is probably why I cannot get down with that now either. Because, I don’t believe it actually can work as well as it could as separate products. How can it? Can it work in a pinch…yes. Is it the best choice of product to use when not in a pinch…no.
I do applaud beauty companies for trying new things. They have to be creative and constantly invent new products so that they can continue to grow and sell more product. However, as somewhat of a knowledgeable consumer, and I am not a trained professional, I can see past the initial ‘oh that’s a good idea!’ and once thought through, come to the conclusion it really isn’t that good of an idea.
And here’s why.
There is no way that a product can work most effectively for 2 completely different parts of our body or face in the manner we need it to for that specific part of our body or face. Ok, that reads a bit confusing. To clarify, for example, every different part of our face needs something different in ingredients and results than other areas. Did that clarify lol?
To help explain what I mean, let’s look at some some 2 in 1 products on the market:
– liptstick and blush
– eyeshadow and lipstick
– eyeshadow, blush and lipstick (3 in 1)
– foundation and concealer
– hair and body wash
– shampoo and conditioner
Ok, let’s take the first one lipstick and blush. Our lips need quite emollient products. Our cheeks don’t need emollient products. If the product is emollient, that would mean the blush could be sticky (and stick to your hair) or too balm-y looking, or if it isn’t emollient, putting it on our lips will make our lips look and feel dry and crack-y and kind of flat-looking. Not to mention, I can’t see the staying power would be great and think that it would fade pretty quickly in both areas or the opposite and stain badly in both areas. This is because the ingredients cannot effectively capture both of these completely different needs of our face. It just can’t.
Now, let’s talk about the next one, eyeshadow and lipstick. Really? This one baffles me. There is no possible way I am putting a product on my eyes that also goes on my lips. Call me crazy, but that just feels a bit strange to me. But beyond that, I already know the eyeshadow will totally crease within no time (if it’s too emollient) or your lips would be totally dried out within no time (if it wasn’t emollient). I again, cannot see how that can work or help you look your best throughout the day with everything creasing, fading or cracking.
I won’t go through the entire list above of why these 2 in 1 products can’t work, because I think you get the idea.
The main reason for writing this post is to point out and for you to be aware of some maybe not so obvious holes in this idea and help you, as the consumer, be wary of the hype because if it doesn’t work like you are hoping it will, you won’t use it and you have wasted your money.
Final Thoughts
I am not saying that every single 2 in 1 product is an absolutely terrible idea, but common sense should help you question whether the results will be what you expect them to be. There are some recent 2 in 1 products I would be willing to give a go which are:
– serum and concealer
– serum and foundation
I see these as different than my list above in that they are working on the same area of the face and mix skin care in with a product rather than a product trying to do dual-action-duty. I will try one of these and put up a review if it works and I would recommend.
All the best and until next time…
