I look for someone who has actually tried the product as it was intended, not just swatched or opened the jar to take a smell — I want someone who can really tell about the texture, wear, how it sits or looks on skin, and go through pros/cons. I expect to see disclosures near the beginning of the review/not buried.
We're here to help you make better beauty purchases that you'll enjoy and love! We recommend signing up to take advantage of personalized features like tracking products you own, viewing dupes that you already have, and more!
Here are some useful resources for you:
Curious how two shades compare to each other? Type in the shades below to get instant side-by-side swatches!
Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!
Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).
We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!
We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!
Definitely the part about disclosures being at the beginning like you mentioned ^, Christine. I certainly do wish ALL bloggers did this!
Also, I expect to hear how it applied and wore, if there were any difficulties as opposed to only the perks, how was the formula, was their fragrance. Anything else important that consumers ought to know about being included in the review is most appreciated. Most important of all, I want them to be perfectly honest and objective in their assessment of products. I definitely understand that in the end there are variables, ie; YMMV type of thing. Simply because we all have different skin types, oily lids vs dryer, easily chapped lips vs tougher lips, and so on. So I don’t expect that everything that a said blogger reviews will be identical on me necessarily. But to have a pretty good idea going in, makes an enormous difference!
I just recently figured out a way to code it so that it not a ugly paragraph in the body copy for my disclosures. But mine is easy in that it either bought or swapped for it in terms of how I get my products. I’m slowly changing my old posts to have them…. since 2012. lol
But at least you have them. Many have nothing indicating one way or the other. Especially vloggers.
Youtube should have an option like a floating ! for product/disclaimers that they can edit in the system. Make everyone involved happy. 😉
Same as what you stated. I also like an honest review. I also see what the reviewer’s skintone is like (pale, dark, cool, warm), if their lips are naturally pigmented or not, what type of skin they have (oily, dry, more mature), whether they have oily lids or not. All these things can make a big difference in how a product looks or performs on me. I also like to see swatches in natural sunlight, as that’s usually closest to true color. And if they don’t have a dupes gallery, it’s nice to see possible dupes swatched next to each other
Your reviews are my benchmark for beauty reviews!
I second that!
Same =D
I look for signs that the reviewer has actually used the product multiple times, not just once. I also expect swatches, and pictures of the product in use (ie on the face) are a plus. And of course I’m also looking for an authentic, truthful review. Words like “gorgeous” and “amazing” used more than once per paragraph are usually not a good sign!
I love your reviews. They are probably the only that professional ones out there:
– each shade described and graded separately (I’ve never seen that before Temptalia)
– each factor graded
– listed issues that can be overlooked, because the products are not always only bad or good (apply with a specific brush type, or “looks better sheer”, best for which skin type, etc.)
– and a tiny bit of personal opinion. You’ve been through so many products, that your opinion is valuable.
– longer time users opinions are also great, but bloggers rarely go into testing one product for a week or two.
Worst kind? The “it’s so cute, I love it and you need it” but no details ones. Why bother?
The worst reviews are the ones that say you NEED it, because it’s pretty unlikely anyone NEEDS makeup, so I feel like when “you need this!!!” is thrown around a lot and just builds hype 🙁
I agree that Christine reviews are the most professional. She isn’t biased, she’s honest and to the point and her format doesn’t change. I don’t always have time to read everything so I know where to look for the information I need and that’s important for me which I love that Christine makes it easy for me to quickly scan the review or delve in for more details.
Thanks, Mo! That’s part of why the Glossover is broken out and isn’t just a grade – I know not everyone has the time to READ every word I write, and more to the point, sometimes if you’re barely interested in a product, and it does just so-so, there’s really no need to read the review either! So, we do try to offer details for those who want them and a review “at a glance” for those who don’t need or want details!
First of all, I would say they need to read Christine’s blog and follow her example. This is far and away the best sight for reviews. They are consistent, measurable, include everything that I am looking for and are impartial in the sense that she is not trying to sell us anything. The amount of products she reviews and her responding to comments is unheard of in any other blog or YT video that I am aware of.
Having said that, if Christine isn’t planning on reviewing something that I am interested in I do turn to YT videos for information. I would like all of the products to be listed in the description box. On the screen is nice but when I want to refer back to something I don’t want to have to search for it. I want pros and cons, how to use the product, especially the intended use. I like cost, where it can be purchased and expected date of release. I am not hugely concerned about whether the product is sent to the reviewer or sponsored. I am not going to purchase something based solely on their recommendation but I know that many people are concerned and for that reason I think it should be disclosed both in the body of the review, in the title and the description box. When YT gurus do disclose the information there are always those that comment about the amount of sponsored videos they do or how they cannot be trusted. I am surprised any gurus will face that type of ***storm.
One word: honesty.
After you’ve seen a couple, the fakely raving ones are so easy to detect.
Ditto, it needs to be thorough. Like your reviews 🙂
I really respect when someone makes it a priority to take the time needed to try a product fully before reviewing it. I understand some are bombarded with products and don’t always have the luxury of time, but for a well informed review, I feel it’s necessary.
I can’t stand blatant infomercials, where a reviewer praises a poorly performing product, and vigorously pushes her/his affiliates link. I seek an unbiased overlook of product with brush and finger swatches, pros and cons, and a mini tutorial to see how the product performs on the eye or face. If a youtuber purchased the product with her/his own money, s/he will be more likely to review it honestly.
Well, I think you pretty much nailed it! If I want a honest in depth review I always go to your blog. I can’t agree more with you Christine. Other blogs are fun too, though, but more in a get-to-know (introductory) way: “Oh this looks fun, let me do a further research”.
Set criteria of what you are basing your review on. Less emotion and more straightforward what you experienced with that product. An understanding of ingredients and the difference between product claims and what that product really can do. The procuct felt like this… It blended like this… It lasted this long… Having a realistic expectation for a product and not being biased is a must
Simple. I come here. I am provided with sufficient detail to form my own opinion. I think a decade of experience and exposure gives Temptalia a distinctive edge. You are able to give your readership key comparative points Such as: X eyeshadows feel similar and remind me of y. The utilities such as the swatch gallery, dupe list, further contribute and enhance that overall review picture. At this point, It’s not always about whether or not I like a given product which has received a glowing review, but whether or not it fits a need or void in my stash instead of don’t buy it stupid, you already own 10 dupes.
For customer reviews on a website, I look for details like wear time, ease or difficulty of use, if any priming is required (lips and eyes), and for face products, what skin concerns the customer has or effects experienced from the product. For bloggers/vloggers, I look for all of the product details, of course, but also genuine opinions since many receive products for free. (I’ve come across some that do nothing but gush about every product and never point out any negative points whatsoever–that’s a little suspicious to me.) I’m not a big fan of first impressions, as most products can do well upon initial application and in the time it takes to make one video. If I’m going to be wearing makeup all day, I need it to be tested all day!
I’m sure there are those who overlook cons, but it is actually a common policy amongst bloggers to only post positive reviews – things they don’t like just don’t get covered, which would mean they’re being honest but there’s nothing that shows honesty to readers like a “negative” review, IMO. I think a mix of reviews that cover good, so-so, and bad products actually goes a long way to building up credibility but also gives a better picture of the reviewer – what they like and dislike, what they look for or don’t, what works for them and doesn’t.
I have a rule when I watch or listen to reviews on anything from movies to apartments to music to makeup sites and that’s to read the bad first. When I go to website and view the reviews, I filter them so the least shows up first because most likely the positive reviews will all the say the same in some aspect just worded differently but the bad ones, they will highlight problems the good reviews didn’t care about or didn’t experience. It’s how I make my choice. For ex with Colour Pop after I brought my first items and didn’t care for them, everything new they released I looked for the negative and sure enough, same issues I had going in from the beginning so they stay on my NO-Buy list.
I can certainly understand wanting to post positive reviews and simply not featuring products you don’t care for. Those reviewers can still be honest about products they like, certainly. I’m just thinking of a couple of people I used to follow who never have anything negative to say at all–not a note about packaging, one not-so-great color in a palette, a price increase, limited color range, etc. Nothing is ever an A- or below. It’s always perfect, the best ever, new favorite, and then it’s never mentioned or shown again. Those channels/blogs always make me wonder if I’m getting an honest opinion. Like you said, so-so and negative reviews, when done appropriately, really go a long way in helping me trust the person posting.
Snaps to the comment about disclosures!!
I definitely look for someone that has really put the product to the test, not just tried it on for an hour and then made their judgements. I like to know how a product wears as the day progresses and if there are any extenuating circumstances, i.e., if it was a really humid day and how that affected the wear, etc. I also really like the breakdown of how much a product is per oz / g and what the value is overall. Anything that helps to judge whether or not a product is worth buying for you personally.
Amen to what you say Christine! I couldn’t have said it better.
I find that quality review on YouTube are also harder to come by than on blogs. I know only of two who do similar work than you on YouTube… (The Fancy Face and Stephanie Nicole)
Someone who has actually tried the product, honesty, unbiased reviews like the ones you post.
Exactly…..and that’s why we’re here. Thanks a million, as always.
Yay!
I agree with every word in what you said, Christine. Some bloggers really need to learn the difference between opening a container and an actual review. And for me a review needs to be more than the same juvenile squeeing over and over in the same words and catchphrases for every product.
Also, disclosures are required by the FCC to be clearly visible at the beginning of a post. Most casual bloggers don’t even know there are FCC rules and regulations, but that’s a different vent!
I agree with you on all points. If something is sampled or tried on only, I expect to know.
Ditto what everyone has said so far. Now that I am aware, I always look where a product is made in. Including it in the review would be really helpful but also clear pictures of the box lets me know that information too. This is especially important for holiday collections, because I want to know whether they skimped on the quality or not by outsourcing.
1. Real usage. I mean I want the review to reflect days, weeks of wear, in different conditions (weather, wear time, workday vs weekend, natural vs neon light), applied with different methods. Most beauty gurus try products a day or two and give you feedback; which is irrelevant sometimes. Also, for example, they love foundations/powders/concealers that look great on camera or in photos, but in real life look terrible. I am a woman going to work 8 hours, taking a 1 hour lunch break and 1 hour commute; maybe after work I do some errands. I need a review for that, not a beauty guru wearing a product for 3-8 hours which photographs well.
2. Skin tone. I can’t remember skin tones for all beauty reviewers (maybe I’m watching for the first time) and sometimes from the camera to my laptop screen the color will not be accurate. In a perfect case, stating shade in other products. I sometimes go to store and swatch some products and I’m surprised to find the tone totally different.
3. Comparison. With multiple products. I might be familiar with other products and comparisons might help (eg. if you think that a product is hydrating and similar with a product I don’t find hydrating, that means we have different notions/needs).
4. Honesty.
I prefer reviews that get to the point. I CANNOT STAND those who talk about the product for 5 mins, then their personal life & other stuff, then the actual review. If they haven’t brought the product up in the first 2 mins (and that’s being generous on time for me) I turn it off. My pet peeve are long intros, I will immediately turn off or FF if it’s too long and most likely not visit them again.
I look for info on the make up, how to wear it, pros/cons, if they found it somewhere cheaper, shipping issues if any, quality of product and longevity.
I look for technique and explanation. Anyone calling anything during their tutorial “this thing, or that” is a no go for me. Unsanitary practices will end the video and I have to like their personality. There are 3 “top MUA Youtubers” who are popular and all that jazz who’s personalities are equivalent to that of a doorknob! I just can’t take them serious.
And finally; time. I feel a review shouldn’t last longer than 5 – 10mins anything longer loses my attention.
I’m with you on this! I either skip forward on a review or bail on it!
I am someone who has a beauty blog and writes reviews. So seeing everyone’s comments on this post really refreshed me, and motivated me to keep going and keep being honest and true on my blog’s reviews!!
I personally look for Honesty first and formost. Because if you’re going to be untruthful, I don’t have the time.
I also like to check out swatches on a different range of skintones!! I’m a “Makeup Artist in training” and as a biracial person, diversity and inclusiveness are SUPER important to me. So I HAVE to know whatever eye shadows, or powders, or lipsticks i’m buying for my kit are going to work on the spectrum of deeper skintones, as well as the lighter skintones.
I also do like to see a bit of personality in reviews, myself. I’ll use the ever lovely Christine for example, I’v been reading Temptalia daily since 2010. And while Christine is very professional, she shows a bit of her personality. Just enough that I feel like we’re friends (LOL!) I don’t want to know your whole life story in a review. But I like when a beauty blogger says in a un-biased way “I really liked this shade of eye shadow.”
I think that’s it for me though!!
I really like seeing the list of ingredients, too. That way I can tell if it contains stuff I can’t wear so I can save myself wanting to get it!!
HONEST REVIEWS! Someone who has actually tried the product (multiple times), pros/cons and swatches on darker skin. I mean if you have an African American friend it won’t hurt to ask them if you can swatch a product or two on their skin. A makeup review should be able to benefit everyone. Not just certain individuals.
First is the swatches, than if I like it I want to know if the product is really good. After that I need to know if there is something like that in my colection or if there is any dupe, so I go with the comparisons, grades are great. After all I want to know if other people like it or not and why (pro /cons)
1. Full disclosure. If your video includes sponsored content, just say it and say it up front. I think a person can be compensated for their review and still be honest, I really do. Every product out there is not for everyone.
2. Clear and stated objectives: what do you need it to do for you – and what does the product say it will do.
3. Length of review time. If you’re reviewing a foundation – two weeks is good time span. Include use of with/without primer, which primers work best, tools used (sponge vs brushes), how long does it last (whether it’s a long lasting formula or not), texture, etc.
4. Stop with all the parrot talk – no more Holy Grail (really???) and You need this in your life (just stop).
5. If possible, before and after photos (especially skin care since it can take a while to work).
Honesty and one that isn’t getting free product to do the review.
No more than Christine reviews 🙂
I look to you for product claims and if they are true. I look to you for your opinion as to the quality of products and if they perform well – and how long it lasts. I rarely ever buy a makeup product (never?) without checking to see what your rating is!
Exactly what you do Christine – you are perfect!
Someone who has worn/used the product over time, can validate their claims to its longevity or wear time.
The swatches provided are done under clear light so you can really see the colours/shades
Can offer an informed opinion about its texture and features – fragrance, ingredients, pros and cons.
Your rating system makes it much easier to judge products Christine. And your extensive dupe list makes it easier to find similar products.
Definitely disclosing whether the products being reviewed were either PR or for sponsored content purposes. I don’t mind PR since I know it’s very common, but I will look for extra opinions when I see a lot of sponsored reviews going around for a launch.
As far as actual reviews, I definitely prefer when the reviewer has taken time to wear a product more than just a few times and can give a more experienced review than a first impression. First impressions can be fun to watch sometimes, but I don’t use them to decide whether I’m buying a product. I also will look at even MORE reviews of products if it’s very hyped before I buy because I’ve bought a few too many hyped products that flopped for me.
Christine, your reviews are toe gold standard. I realize not everyone can put the same level of research & work into their reviews as you do, but I do expect a little more than a finger swatch and squealing.
I appreciate comparing the product to other similar items, clear photography and thoughts on who the product might be best for. I also appreciate thoughts on the value.
Aside from you, I enjoy the information I get from Stephanie Nicole on YouTube. Thanks for all the work you do!!
I agree with all the previous commenters about honesty & objectivity, cutting the hype, etc.
This may sound snide but I appreciate Christine’s reviews because they are well written, clear, concise, and to the point. Nothing annoys me more than trying to read a review that’s full of typos, spelling and grammar mistakes, and long winded ‘filler’ writing that is repetitive and does not add to the review. I seriously doubt any reviews where someone either doesn’t care enough to correct their writing errors or doesn’t have the IQ to do so.
I prefer Christine’s reviews because of the quality of the photography. There is nothing worse than seeing a pic that has been edited beyond believability or so poorly lit (or flashed to oblivion) that you can’t actually tell what the hue or texture of the product really is. Christine’s photos are the most accurate as far as quality.
Keep up the good work Christine!
All that you said and:
1. Someone who has actually worn the product for a certain length of time – not just for pics on Insta or that YouTube video. Especially when it comes to Foundations and wear time of coloured products.
2. Someone who has bothered to read the product description before reviewing it! Reviews which state – ah! This gloss isn’t matte enough! And this lotion (toner) isn’t hydrating enough – coz i just used it as a body lotion!! This satin lipstick isn’t good quality coz prefer mattes! This purple lipstick isn’t too wearable – especially for office!!
Okay, maybe i exaggerate – but you do get the gist, right! And mind, I have seen such reviews!
3. I appreciate when reviewers take into account the differences in skin tone, skin condition and skin age – theirs versus their viewers/readers. Oh! This concealer is excellent at hiding my non-existent dark circles!!
4. I appreciate reviews where the reviewer has broken down a palette to individual shades and detailed – be it blush, eyeshadow or anything else – while these shades are good, this one does not perform etc etc
With eye shawdows i want to see swatches on the hand and on the person reviewing it to see what it looks like packed or brushed. With face products I look for my skin type and demo and check ins through the day to see how it wears and if she likes it.
The only blog I follow is Temptalia. (And yes we all agree it’s pretty perfect.) But are any of you driven crazy by Sephora’s review as I am? The worst is they only print a few per page, so even with filtering you could spend days reading reviews. And how about the mass of teenagers and 20-somethings who comment on anti-aging products?
Honesty
I am so happy that I found this site. You go into so much depth in your reviews. You have saved me so much money – Thank you!. There is another site “The Zoe Report” that does some product testing, but not in depth. The reviews posted on the Sephora site are informative but they don’t go into depth. When I fork out a lot of money for the products I purchase I expect a pay off. That’s why I do the research before I purchase. I want to know how to apply the product, how long it wears, if it is worth the money, or if another product is just as good. You have supplied these answers and gone into detail about them. Thank you Christine!