Jeffree Star & Shane Dawson’s Brutally Honest Review of Kylie Skin: Unveiling the Truth About Kylie Jenner’s Skincare Line

The beauty world buzzed with anticipation when Jeffree Star, the flamboyant makeup mogul and YouTube sensation, announced he would be reviewing Kylie Jenner‘s highly anticipated new skincare line, Kylie Skin. What made this event even more exciting was the inclusion of fellow YouTube personality and documentarian Shane Dawson, known for his deep dives and unfiltered perspectives. On June 2, a video hit Jeffree’s channel that promised an honest, no-holds-barred assessment of Kylie’s latest venture into the beauty industry. The internet held its breath, eager to hear the candid opinions of two of the platform’s most outspoken and influential voices, especially given Jeffree’s long-standing, often critical, history with celebrity beauty brands.

Kylie Skin, launched with significant fanfare on May 22, arrived amid immense hype, fueled by Kylie Jenner’s undeniable status as a beauty titan with her phenomenally successful Kylie Cosmetics. The skincare collection aimed to offer a comprehensive routine, from cleansers to moisturizers, all presented in minimalist, millennial-pink packaging. However, the true test of any product lies in its performance, and Jeffree, 33, alongside Shane, 30, embarked on an on-camera journey through the entire range, leaving no stone unturned. Their review was not merely a superficial swipe-test; it was a deep dive, offering genuine reactions that quickly set the internet ablaze with discussions and diverse opinions, ultimately challenging the initial perception of the celebrity-backed brand.

The duo kicked off their extensive review with the Kylie Skin Makeup Removing Wipes, a product often seen as a staple in any basic skincare routine. From the outset, the experience proved to be less than ideal. Shane Dawson, ever the relatable commentator, immediately noted, “They’re a little dry,” as he attempted to wipe away his makeup. Jeffree Star concurred, adding his own observation, “I don’t feel any burning, it’s just taking a little longer than normal to come off.” The ultimate indictment, however, came when Jeffree declared, “The mascara fully won’t come off.” This initial struggle with a fundamental makeup removal product set a somewhat somber tone for the rest of their evaluation, suggesting that the wipes might not live up to the efficacy expected from a widely promoted beauty line. For many consumers, a makeup wipe needs to be effective and convenient, and if it fails to remove basic eye makeup, its utility is significantly diminished.

Next on their list was the Kylie Skin Foaming Face Wash, a product that had already garnered attention – and some criticism – due to a previous video Kylie herself posted, showing her washing her face in a rather hasty manner. Unfortunately for Kylie Skin, Jeffree and Shane’s experience did little to assuage existing concerns. Jeffree was immediately put off by the strong fragrance, a common point of contention for those with sensitive skin or a preference for unscented products. Shane’s reaction was even more alarming. As he applied the cleanser, he exclaimed, “It’s burning! My skin’s like, burning burning. My face is sensitive.” This burning sensation, particularly from a foaming face wash, is a significant red flag in the skincare community, often indicating potentially irritating ingredients or a pH level unsuitable for delicate skin. The shared experience highlighted a potential issue with the formulation, raising questions about the product’s suitability for a broad consumer base, especially those with sensitivities, despite its claims of gentle cleansing.

The review continued with the Kylie Skin Vanilla Milk Toner. Toners are typically designed to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for subsequent steps, but Shane reported an unusual reaction. “It’s turning this a little kind of more red right here, which toners don’t really do on me,” he explained, pointing to his skin. This unexpected redness suggested that the toner, despite its “vanilla milk” designation implying gentleness, might contain ingredients that caused irritation or a reactive response on his skin. Following this, the duo moved on to one of the most controversial products in the line: the Kylie Skin Walnut Face Scrub. This particular product had already faced a storm of criticism online even before the review, with many skincare experts and enthusiasts voicing concerns over walnut shell particles being too abrasive for the delicate facial skin, potentially causing micro-tears and damage. However, in a surprising turn of events, Jeffree Star actually found himself enjoying this particular product. “It doesn’t feel harsh. It’s not hurting. It feels nice,” he commented, noting that it felt “like sugar.” This unexpected positive feedback from Jeffree stood in stark contrast to the widespread online debate, illustrating that individual skin reactions can vary greatly, even to products with a controversial ingredient profile. He elaborated that the texture felt finely milled, which might have contributed to his more positive experience compared to other, coarser walnut scrubs available on the market, prompting a deeper discussion among viewers about physical exfoliation.

The comprehensive review continued with additional key products from the Kylie Skin collection, including the Kylie Skin Face Moisturizer and the Kylie Skin Vitamin C Serum. Shane Dawson, who had already expressed various reservations, found himself equally underwhelmed by the moisturizer. “I don’t feel as moisturized as I should,” he stated, a critical assessment for a product whose primary function is hydration. He further elaborated on his general sentiment, concluding, “Everything to me feels basic, which is totally fine,” but implying that for a brand spearheaded by a beauty icon, “basic” might not be enough to justify the price point or the hype. The Vitamin C Serum provided yet another moment of notable reaction. Shane, known for his quirky and often hilarious observations, claimed it had a bizarre aroma, likening it to a common pet snack. “It smells like dog bacon!” he exclaimed, bursting into laughter, while Jeffree also nodded in agreement, acknowledging the unusual and unpleasant scent. This particular sensory experience significantly detracted from the product’s appeal, as scent plays a crucial role in the overall user experience of skincare. A product with a strong, unappealing odor, regardless of its efficacy, can be a major deterrent for consumers looking for a pleasant and luxurious routine.

As the extensive review drew to a close, Jeffree Star offered his final, overarching assessment of the Kylie Skin line. While he conceded that the packaging, characterized by its simple light pink and white aesthetic, “was cute” and aesthetically pleasing, his overall verdict remained firm: he was “not impressed.” He articulated his disappointment by stating, “I wasn’t really wowed by anything.” This sentiment underscored a deeper issue than just individual product failures; it suggested a lack of innovation or exceptional performance across the entire range. He further emphasized the practical shortcomings, explaining, “My skin didn’t feel like it was ready for makeup,” implying that the products failed to properly prime or enhance the skin for subsequent cosmetic application, which is a common expectation from a well-rounded skincare routine, especially for a brand founded by a makeup artist. For Jeffree, the aesthetic appeal of the packaging couldn’t compensate for what he perceived as a fundamental lack of effectiveness and innovation within the formulations.

Shane Dawson, seeking a definitive summary of Jeffree’s extensive critiques, posed a direct question: “So generally you think this should have been better?” Without a moment’s hesitation, Jeffree Star confidently and emphatically replied, “Yes, one-hundred percent.” This unequivocal statement cemented their collective opinion that despite the massive anticipation and celebrity backing, Kylie Skin ultimately fell short of expectations. Their candid and often harsh critiques ignited a broader conversation within the beauty community, highlighting the increasing demand for transparency and genuine product performance over mere brand association. The review served as a powerful reminder that while celebrity endorsement can generate initial interest, the true longevity and success of a beauty brand ultimately hinge on the quality and efficacy of its products. It challenged the notion that any product with a famous name attached will automatically succeed, setting a precedent for more rigorous consumer and influencer scrutiny.

The thorough and unfiltered review by Jeffree Star and Shane Dawson not only provided invaluable insights for consumers contemplating purchasing Kylie Skin but also underscored the evolving landscape of beauty reviews. In an era where authenticity is highly valued, these types of honest assessments from influential figures hold significant weight, often shaping public perception and sales trajectory more effectively than traditional marketing campaigns. The episode sparked widespread debate, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the fairness and accuracy of the critique. While some remain loyal to Kylie’s brand, many others expressed gratitude for the transparent feedback, acknowledging that such reviews are crucial for making informed purchasing decisions in an oversaturated market. Here’s to hoping that celebrity beauty brands, including Kylie Skin, will take heed of such constructive criticism and strive for continuous improvement, ensuring their products genuinely deliver on their promises and meet the high expectations of a discerning global audience.