If a brand has consistent enough quality, then I’d definitely feel good about purchasing something I hadn’t seen in person. Obviously, I do that a lot, but I’m not purchasing with the NEED that it actually perform well!
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A positive Temptalia’s review of course (and maybe also positive past experiences with that brand)
If I trust a company because of past experiences.
I often buy makeup products online, sight unseen as it were. I look for generous return policies and/or products from brands that have worked well for me previously.
Unseen as in unseen? Nothing.
Unseen as in promo shot(s) or PR and un-tested/un-reviewed, then it would depend on brand reputation and/or past experience, packaging, if it’s an eye shadow palette (because yes, obviously) or if it’s something unique.
1.) Many beaming reviews from reviewers I trust, in particular, you and certian YT’ers.
2.) Excellent, accurate swatches. Again, by those I trust to provide same.
3.) Last but not least, the brand itself has a very solidly good reputation for producing quality products and has a good return policy just in case it doesn’t work out for me.
Cost, mostly. I’ve bought makeup off of Etsy. The chance of getting a review or anything off that is almost zero. If it’s not super expensive I’d be up for trying it.
Ingredients, reviews, previous experience with the brand
I do most of my makeup shopping online so things like previous experience with the brand either personal or by reputation, useful reviews with detailed information beyond I liked it (or not), an accurate and available ingredients list, a variety of swatches, the retailer’s return policy and my current willingness to take a chance are what I usually take into account.
If the Company has built a brand that has consistently produced quality products.
And….
It has to have a few great independent reviews by trusted Beauty bloggers
( Temptalia) for instance 😉 just for color , texture and application.
A positive review from you Christine! In a nutshell, I only really trust your reviews and swatches, in addition to the dupe list to see if I have similar shades already.
It would have to be carried by a retailer that ships internationally as well. I find Sephora here to take awhile to get new palettes in (if they do at all). The brand has to have a good reputation as well.
Previous experience with the brand and good reviews from trusted sources (Temptalia).
I don’t buy any makeup truly sight unseen. I mostly buy products reviewed here 😛 😛
Some, but not necessarily all, of the following: Familiarity with the brand, good reviews and swatches from trusted sources, good return policy, and trusted friend recommendations.