Confessions of a Victoria’s Secret Employee
Cover pic: JACKSON LEE/FilmMagic/Getty Images
We all know the glitz and glamor associated with Victoria’s Secret. The models, the fashion show, the sexy clothing, the beauty products, the scandals-- these are what we automatically think of when we think of the world-renowned store.
This past summer, I worked as a full-time sales associate at my local VS and experienced all of the products first hand. Whether I was buying products for myself, selling them to customers, testing out new items or doing inventory, I got extremely up close and personal with these items and quickly learned what’s worth it and what’s not.
Without further ado, here is our guide to what’s hot and what’s not at VS.
Beauty
Not Worth It
The first item that’s not worth it is the body mists. These mists smell great and often go on sale for extremely cheap but they definitely don’t give you a bang for your buck. While working in the beauty section, I learned that the secret to a long-lasting perfume is the perfect alcohol to fragrance oil ratio. Body mists have less fragrance oil in their formulas and therefore don’t last as long or smell as strong as actual perfumes. You’ll definitely have to reapply the mist every hour or so to keep the scent around.
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The fine fragrance collection. These are actual perfumes and will last all day. I used to spray one of these on myself at the start of every shift, and they would last until I clocked out 7 hours later. This product is more expensive than the body mists, but they are definitely worth investing in. The bottle will last you longer than the mists since a little goes a long way and you won’t need to constantly reapply. These fragrances also come in rollerballs, which are less expensive but contain the same great formula. Plus, they’re portable! My personal favorite VS perfumes are Original Bombshell, Bombshell Passion, Tease, and Dream Angel (extremely underrated and so great).
Not Worth It
The VS Lip Plumper gloss. I’ll keep it real. I’ve bought this product and it made my lips tingle but didn’t plump them at all. This is just my experience, but I’d say take that $12 and put it towards a different item. There are plenty of other glosses out there that will actually plump.
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Other VS lip products! The Overnight Lip Mask (mentioned in my Nighttime Beauty Products article!) is a product that actually works wonders and is a staple in my routine. The glitter gloss is also an awesome product that I’d promote any day.
My top pick for beauty: The Natural Beauty Collection! This collection often goes on sale, so each item is usually only $12. The collection consists of body scrub, body mists, body lotion and body wash. The best thing about this collection is the scents. The aromas of Coconut Milk & Rose, Pomegranate & Lotus, Lavender & Vanilla and Cucumber & Green Tea are so amazing. The real showstopper is the Almond Blossom & Oat Milk scent. This is a newer scent, and smelling it for the first time was truly an out-of-body experience. Out of this collection, a must-have is the body scrub. I can say with complete honesty that I use this scrub as an exfoliant every time I shave and it’s 100% worth it. The tub is huge and will last for a while.
Bras
Not Worth It
The Sexy Tee bra is one I’d skip. Do I have one of these? Yes. Do I wear it? Yeah, I paid for it. Do I recommend it? No. These bras are usually the cheapest ones that VS sells and are usually on sale for $29.50. However, I got brutally roasted by my coworkers during my first month of working when I purchased one of these. Apparently, it was common knowledge with my coworkers that those bras are poorly made and just not worth it. After wearing the bra a few times, I got it. There’s a weird seam that runs down the middle of the bra which makes it look weird under a shirt. I got mine in the pushup style, and it doesn’t provide as much lift as other VS push-up bras do. The lace and fabric both simply feel like they aren’t the best quality. There are better Victoria’s Secret lace pushup bras that will last longer and look better.
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The classic T-Shirt Bra. This bra is similar to the sexy-tee but is made with higher quality material that looks and feels better. This bra is honestly slept on. VS has tons of fun and fancy bras, but this bra is an everyday staple that you can’t go wrong with.
Not Worth It
Anything that has a metal V sewed in, which is usually in the Sexy Illusions collection. I get unhappy customers returning these products all the time at the register because the V comes off within a few washes, even on a delicate wash cycle. In theory, you could hand wash these bras, but you shouldn’t have to do that just to avoid your bra disintegrating. I bought this bra, and the V came off within two washes on a delicate spin cycle.
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The Incredible Bra. This bra is very similar to the Sexy Illusion bra, but it has no metal V. The Incredible Bra also has a padded underwire, which makes it super comfy and easy to wear all day long.
My top pick for bras: The Dream Angel Collection. I can’t gush about this product enough. The bra is so soft and adds such a beautiful lift if you go with the pushup option. This collection mostly consists of lace bras and is just so pretty. The collection, like most VS collections, comes in demi, push-up, wireless and balconette styles. This is by far one of my favorite products from the entire store.
Underwear
If I’m telling the truth, I think all the underwear is worth it. VS always has the “5 for $30” promotion on their cotton and no-show underwear, and this is a really good deal considering each individual pair is usually around $12. They also have the “3 for $36” for select underwear collections such as Very Sexy, Dream Angel and Body by Victoria. You can mix and match from any of those categories.
Sleep
Not Worth It
The satin cami sets consistently get returned because they wrinkle so easily and shrink even if they’re hang dried. They’re cute on the mannequin, but will be a wrinkly mess in the morning.
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The cotton cami sets. These are so cute and comfortable. An amazing choice if you want a cute pajama set.
My top pick for sleepwear: The short cozy robe. I want to cry because of how soft these robes feel. They’re a bit pricey, so I haven’t been able to snag one for myself yet. However, you can bet I spend a considerable amount of time in the robe section just gazing longingly. A few of my flatmates have these robes and have nothing but glowing reviews.
Sport and Lounge
Not Worth It
The hoodies and sweatpants. They are super comfortable, but babe. You can get a plain black hoodie somewhere else for like $15. Save your coin. I get it if you want to get a set that specifically says “Victoria’s Secret” on the front, but otherwise-- skip.
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The Knockout Sports Bra. These are super supportive sports bras and are amazing for larger-chested girls who still want support while doing vigorous exercise. This bra is awesome because you’re really strapped in there. Even as a small-chested gal, this bra is so supportive and eliminates any insecurities I have while running.
My top pick for sport/lounge: I think these high neck strappy sports bra tops are so cute. I love how they’re longer than a normal sports bra, but cropped shorter than a typical tank. These would look amazing with high-waisted leggings. I’m obsessed.
Lingerie
Not Worth It
Shine strap garter belt. This is cute and all, but it’s the shine strap that makes it not worth it. VS has matching shine strap bras and underwear that are meant to be worn with the shine strap garter belt. Wearing the shiny belt without the full set just looks out of place. It’s not a very versatile item, and getting a matching bra and underwear can rack up a hefty bill.
The pleated babydoll. These are classy and cute, but I would still skip. I’ve been told by countless customers and coworkers that the little dress looks super unflattering on and looks like you’re trying to hide a pregnancy bump. No shade if that’s your jam, but VS has so many other lingerie options that are sexier and will give you the look you’re going for.
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The lace corset bra top. Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes. These are so cute and can even be worn as a party top if you so desire. I’ve been dying to snag one of these for so long and always get jealous when I see someone purchasing it. They also come in an unlined version if you’re going for a sexier look.
Silky flounce robes. All of my coworkers are absolutely obsessed with these. They’re adorable as a little cover-up over your outfit while you’re doing hair and makeup, but are also so feminine and cute.
My top pick for lingerie: I mostly just sell these items, but something I think is super cute is the Wicked Openback Babydoll. This definitely gives off french maid vibes, and my work bestie (shoutout Madison ily) and I always get excited when we see someone buying it.
There you have it, folks. Those are just a few of my favorite and least favorite items from Victoria’s Secret. However, these are just the opinions of one nineteen-year-old who was just trying to make a little extra money this summer. If I roasted your favorite bra-- I offer my sincerest apologies. I encourage everyone to try out these products for themselves and let me know what you think. If you try any of the products I recommended, be sure to let us know at @theedgemag on Instagram!