How do you use first impressions as part of the buying process?
I find first impressions that apply products as they were intended, like a new eyeshadow palette that is swatched and applied to eyes, useful to get an idea of how it works, how it applies, how it blends, and so on. I do like to see most of the shades in action, or else the information is only good for the shades used and may be a small portion of a palette (depending on how large it is). For things like complexion products, say a foundation, first impressions are only useful if they at least include a day of wear, but I find those types of products do not translate as well to first impressions as too often I’ve found a foundation looks great one day and terrible a week later and vice versa. I tend to find more use out of first impressions when they are positioned as that – initial impressions, so statements like “this is the best ever” aren’t thrown around either, more “here’s how this worked this time around, seems promising, etc.”
First impressions are very important to me. If the product is poorly displayed, messy (from all the handling), poorly packaged, etc., I usually won’t look further (unless it’s some extra special product that I’ve already used and know of its benefits). However, great presentation and great first impressions doesn’t guarantee a purchase, but they do ensure that I’ll keep examining the product.
I guess it depends… if I’m watching an influencer do a first impressions on a product, I tend to be skeptical because most reactions are “OMG this product is so amazing.” and then you never see them use it again or mention it again.
If I’m trying a product for the first time, I can usually tell a lot about it, but I also need a few tries using the product in different ways to know how I really feel about it and if it has a place in my collection.
I personally consider first impressions something more like `fun content` rather than actual information that would impact a purchase. Favorites videos are more likely to influence a purchase.
Indeed, I can see the color of an eyeshadow or a lipstick, the color of a concealer or foundation and if it oxidizes upon application, etc. But make-up is so much more than that; a product needs to be tested with various application methods, with various face or eye primers; also, some times just our skin can react bad. Even I have changed my mind on product after 1 month of using them and experimenting with various application techniques and products combinations.
Since first impressions selling me on any product is an incredibly rare occurrence, it really doesn’t. I count on thorough, in-depth, honest reviews *after* the one reviewing it has had an opportunity to test it in actual application, wear, functionality, etc. Now, every once in a while something like Viseart Coy or MAC Lotus Light comes along, and it’s love at first swatch!
For foundation and other base products like that, I do wait for a follow-up from the reviewer before jumping the shark. However, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, I mostly choose mine more out of word of mouth from friends and family than reviews by influencers.
Again, it depends on the person doing the first impression and how much I trust their review. I have seen plenty of YT videos that the guru will not like a product on first impression and then change their mind after using it a bit longer and the opposite is true also. I guess it all comes down to trust and experience with the person doing the review. I have to trust that they didn’t edit the film to show the product in a better light. There are few people that I trust so first impressions don’t really play into my purchasing decisions.
It depends on who is doing the First Impression video. I am pretty selective in who I watch and I don’t watch people that I think will say anything because it’s sponsored. A bad FI usually will scare me away. A good one will lead me to get a sample so I can try for myself.
I generally take first impressions with a grain of salt. I don’t put a lot of stock into them and I don’t usually rely on them for purchasing decisions. While your initial thoughts on a product can be helpful on gathering basic information, I would rather know how it ultimately performed. And I also realize it’s not going to work the same for everybody. Since I started getting into makeup a couple of years ago I’ve definitely changed the influencers I trust for product reviews and reliable information. I would say my favorite type of reviews are actually declutter videos, because I want to buy all the makeup but can’t so if I had to choose one product versus another, which one is better and why.
First impression really don’t have a bearing on my purchasing to be honest
First impressions are ones I do but trust…at all! All these youtubers claim each and everything is awesome to never hear from the awesome product again in many cases. Having already purchased a certain makeup they are describing I don’t agree with them many times especially drugstore. I much rather see swatches to check for colors staying power in a single swatch. But don’t trust either blindly only as a minimal guidance. I mostly buy on impulse I like what I see and get it especially drugstore he I research Moore since is more expensive but I have drugstore many things that I’m happy with.