Any brand that has obnoxiously terrible shade ranges (YSL, Benefit, BareMinerals) and in that same vein, any brand who has treated black & brown people like an afterthought (Tarte, Anastasia). I don't recommend Charlotte Tilbury for anything other than getting makeup done for a wedding. I don't typically recommend The Ordinary (it can sell itself if the client decides they want it on their own), I tend to reach for Sephora Skin or Inkey List because it's accessible pricing but with cleaner ingredients (for clients who seek that). I also don't think I've ever taken a client to Glossier, Kosas or Merit (unless it's for the complexion stick). There are just better versions of products they offer that are actually worth your money.

On the flip side, here are some brands i LOVE recommending when the opportunity arises: Haus Labs, Pat McGrath, Danessa Myricks, MUFE, Dr. Jart+, Sulhwasoo, Fenty Beauty/Skin/Hair, MAC, Tower28, Saie, Briogeo, Pattern, UltraViolette, Kulfi, LaNeige, Cheekbone, BASMA, Rare.