To an extent, yes, they absolutely do. Both by knowing what’s coming out to knowing the second it’s launched on a website, you might feel more compelled to buy an item that seems like a winner right away in fear it will be sold out if you wait. On the other hand, it does enable everyone to do a little more research before clicking “checkout.” Maybe you’re totally in love with this lipstick, but you decide to do a quick google search for a review/swatch and turns out, it sucks majorly, so that puts a downer on purchasing it. Overall, I think it encourages, though.
— Christine
Actually I find the opposite really–I’m less likely to buy stuff on impulse now because I usually wait to see if it’s actually good before buying. The only time I impulse buy is when I already know something is good.
I totally agree with this. I think it benefits both consumers and cosmetics companies, when the bloggers do a good job of reviewing.
I agree. Before making a purchase, I look for reviews from people who have earned my trust aka Christine 🙂 I also look for other readers with my skin type, etc. and see what their experience has been with the product. I feel like I can trust the information here more than on the seller’s website since I don’t know if they filter the comments they post to sell more products.
I don’t know if this has saved me money as much as it has helped me to spend my money on higher quality products that have a greater chance of providing the results I was hoping for when making the purchase. I realize there are countless bloggers but by narrowing it down to a couple who I feel have the expertise and integrity I’m looking for…I truly believe I can trust the information and education I receive. Thank you!
Same here! I think beauty blogs actually discourage impulse buys for me, because I’m less likely to be persuaded that a product is good at the counter.
I don’t think they do, not really. I mean, yes, I get to see what’s coming out and decide what I want, but I’d say reading blogs encourages me to wait a bit so I can see a swatch or three (depending on lighting), read a review or two, and get a sense for what people think of a product before I go buy it. Since I tend to buy mostly high-end makeup, I don’t want to waste my money, so I’m much more likely to research before I buy.
I’ll impulse buy if it’s really cheap and I’m like “eh, what the hell”, or if I know the product is good (again research) and it’s there and saying “Please take me home” but I’ve never read a blog and run out of the house to buy something.
I find myself buying *less*, actually, since reading beauty blogs. All of my purchases in the last year have (for the most part) been actually thought out, as opposed to wandering around Sephora, and grabbing something just because it’s pretty. I actually find myself looking at older products that I haven’t used in a while, because I find they are very similar to items on my list, and I can take my time buying it. I also don’t really stray from a handful of brands or products, so I can read reviews all day, every day, and unless it “wows” me, I won’t bother. The same goes for brands that are take too much effort to shop for. I also used to make more frequent trips to Sephora, and always had to walk out with *something*, but now I read blogs to see what’s out there, and am able to put together a list of what I *really* want.
@xamyx I’m chuckling about “wandering around Sephora and grabbing something just because it’s pretty”.. Oh, I’ve been there far FAR too many times and I have to say Christine’s blog has put a complete end to that. I rarely set foot physically in Sephora anymore, and do most of my buying on-line where I’ve saved specific items to my shopping list based on reviews and research.
I am kicking myself that I didn’t follow beauty blogs earlier to be honest. I believe I do make some impulse buys for fears of losing out on LE products or collections, or just because I get really excited about a product, but I am much happier with my purchases overall and feel I have greatly expanded my makeup repertoire in a very positive way. I’m simply not buying the same colour blushes or eyeshadows time and time again and I’m not getting sucked into every MAC launch like I used to and then feeling let down. Your swatches, Christine, help me a great deal because most beauty sites fail completely on this score in my opinion. On the other hand, I do find myself hankering after many, many things where before I would just be completely ignorant of their existence. I have also been introduced to independents: OCC, Limecrime, Sugarpill, Sleek come to mind since you do not see these folks on Sephora or in the department store. So, overall, I would have to say a definite yes.
@wwendalynne Totally OT: I hear OCC is coming to Sephora this September! And yes, I completely agree with you on wishing I’d followed beauty blogs earlier!
i totally agree with you Christine. It encourages that almost “feeding frenzy” around certain products, thank goodness this doesn’t happen with EVERY product, but it feels like it happens often enough! I mean to think about something like MAC’s Stereo Rose or Ripe Peach, the UD Naked Palette (at first), the list can really go on and on…
At first I was like what you said in your comment Christine but now I find that I’m less impulsive now with so many beauty blogs weighing in on products. And just looking at the new products and swatches satisfies my cravings. Kinda like window shopping.. but online for makeup! LOL. Funny analogy I know. But overall, I do extensive research before buying especially because I’m on a student budget.
Never. If there is something that I’m thinking about I’ll look on a few different blogs to look at the swatches but it usually only sways me to not buy it.
I think beauty blogs tend to make me want makeup more, and they definitely increase my craving to drive to Sephora or Nordstrom to buy makeup, but I usually don’t buy that much and I don’t act on my shopping impulses. There’s been times when I’ve splurged a little bit because I’ve seen favorable reviews though..
No in fact. I am a compulsive beauty addict, if I were in Paris I would spend much more, actually I spend everyday even some minor products or things ! I love blogs, swatches, it’s really interesting to read about brands we don’t have here too but if I never go on holiday there is a good reason for that : I definitely spend too much !
Yes, that is why cosmetics companies reach out to bloggers! They have vast influence. Nevertheless, I read beauty blogs because I used to go to the counters a couple times a month to check out new releases– now I only buy products I have read reviews for, and I can do things like search for dupes and cheaper alternatives. I probably spend more than I should on cosmetics, but I think reading beauty blogs like Temptalia has helped me get a better bang for my buck. And I rarely return products these days.
I think it helps me rule out things I was gonna buy because I thought to myself “I’m gonna buy that right now just cause I think I love it!” then I read I blog just to see a swatch and get a second opinion or whatever and often I end up feeling like I don’t love it as much and don’t NEED it. I do ninety percent of my shopping online so blogs help tremendously to get a better feel for the product than just the one a seller would want you to have, if a product really is great and lives up to its hype people will talk!!
Definitely. Although I find it is directed to things that only have good reviews. For instance, for MAC’s Heavenly Creatures I was going to pre-order about $500 worth of the collection on ebay from a buyer but after reviews convincing me they weren’t that good, I waited till they came out in store to decide for myself. I finally swatched them and decided to spend my money on other products instead, products I knew were good and that people raved about. Worthy products.
For me it’s the opposite. Since I discovered beauty blogs, I rarely buy makeup by impulse anymore (at least nothing high-end). I usually check swatches and reviews for anything over $20 before I buy it. The only exception are limited editions from brands I trust – if I see something I like I buy it immediately before it’s sold out.
They absolutely encourage it…especially when it comes to LE products, ”holy grails” and ”hypes” I have enough makeup for my entire life XD What I stopped doing is to buy things that look like the ones I have, lets be real Gold Rose from sleek looks exactly the same as Orgasm and even if it doesn’t who’s gonna tell the difference….??
What an honest answer indeed, Christine! It takes some character to concede your site encourages impulse buying.The “tempt” in temptalia is pretty clear, but I think everyone is much better off with your site because of your candor and your objectivity in the face of brand hype.
It’s actually the opposite for me. Beauty blogs have made more options available. So someone like me, an insane, borderline-OCD, perfectionist, I’ll want to try everything before committing to the “best” product. For example, I’ve literally sampled and tried 60+ foundations so far and have only purchased the full sizes of TWO of them. See what I mean? In my mind, the more different products that different beauty blogs “rave” about, the more I’m compelled to try.
And with that in mind, it’s really a wonder that I’ve actually found 2.5 (1.0 + 0.5+ 0.5 +0.5) HG products in THREE different categories (brow fillers, foundation, powder contour) . 0.5 denotes that I THINK it’s an HG product, but I’m still on the lookout for something better. The 1.0 means that I am absolutely in love with that product, and unless it’s discontinued (which mine is unfortunately!!) I won’t even consider alternatives. I know, I’m crazy.
@John 3D you are me with foundation…i’ve tried so many. i need a new one and it’s soooo painstaking
@MIRIANV
Lol! I guess that’s good and bad.
What type of skin do you have? Can you describe what qualities you’re looking for in a foundation? Because I keep thorough records and notes on the foundations I try, perhaps I can give you some good recommendations! Though I’m sure you’ll still want to try them all anyways! xD
@John 3D I have dry/combo skin depending on the weather and it’s fair to light. I want a foundation that feels like second skin, looks natural, but offers light-medium coverage. I loved the diorskin nude natural glow, but it OXIDIZED ON MY SKIN. went on flawless and then turned orange. 🙁 woe is me.
@MIRIANV
Okay, well you have the opposite skin type as me; I have very oily skin and I prefer a medium-buildable coverage, matte finish foundation. So, based on my records, I’ll have to give you the worst rated ones, since they tend to be quite dewy in finish, provide less than medium coverage, and not have much longevity. I’m sure with your skin type, you’ll be able to pull these off beautifully, and just set with a little powder to increase wear-time.Have you tried any of these:
Lancome Photogenic Lumessence, Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (though this might dry out your skin due to the alcohol content; but it isn’t all that great at oil-control either), Estee Lauder Futurist, and the Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid.
Also the Illamasqua Skin Base, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk (has alcohol), as well as of course the new YSL Touche Eclat foundation.
I have not tried the new YSL yet, but it seems appropriate for what you’re looking for. If you’re truly fair, say less than NC15, you might have difficulty finding a shade in the EL Invisible and the Chanel VL Aqua, but go see if you can get a match anyways. Good luck! Get samples and make sure to exfoliate properly with an AHA to minimize any dry skin. 🙂
@John 3D i’ve tried a good amount of those. i think i will try and get samples of the ysl and armani this weekend! thank you so much 🙂
@MIRIANV Have you tried NARS’ Sheer Glow? On me, it’s like my skin but better. It’s the oddest foundation I’ve ever tried as it starts out hideously and you’re wondering, “NARS, just *how* could you make something so heinous???” Then, 12 minutes later, wow…. it transforms into a totally diff. look. It’s hard to explain. At first, it just lies on the skin but it really needs to be warmed up by your body’s natural temperature, I guess. It is best put on with your hands, not a brush. (They say so, flat out, which is why it doesn’t come with a pump, though you can buy one from NARS separately if you really want it.)
Sheer Glow doesn’t hide things like a freckle but, despite that, it does offer a lot of coverage somehow. It somehow binds and melts into the skin to create a smooth, natural look that actually gets better and better with time. It’s genuinely *does* create a little glow but without any oily sheen. While I used to prefer fully matte or semi-matte foundations, they tend to give a bit of a kabuki look. Not this one. It’s my new love in foundations. It’s supposed to be light to medium coverage that you can build up. (The “sheer” part of the name refers, oddly enough, to the glow and NOT at all to the coverage which is semi-matte.)
When the MUA at Sephora tested it on me (and you really need someone to do proper colour matching as I thought I was perhaps 2 other shades than what I turned out to be), she put 3 diff. foundations on my face. Laura Mercier, NARS and Dior. LM and Dior oxidized faster than you can say; NARS not only survived the 100+ degree heat and humidity, but it just looked more and more natural with every hour I wore it. I find the way it works utterly baffling but I love how it makes my skin look. LOVE!
@John 3D @MIRIANV Did you like the Armani Luminous Silk foundation, John? I have to say, I thought it one of the worst foundations I have ever used, if not THE worst. It just lay heavy and flat on top of the skin no matter how much I tried to blend it in. Almost like thick goo. It also oxidized on me into dark brown and my skin soon looked a bit oily or greasy. (I’ve got combo/normal skin.) Worst of all: it magnified EVERY. SINGLE. pore on my face. Not just the pores that are a bit big on/around my nose or cheeks; I’m talking pores I’ve never seen before and are normally fine like above my lip area or my forehead. I’ve never — ever — experienced something like that. I felt as though I were wearing a thick mask on my face. I’ve tried the other Armani foundation too and while it wasn’t bad, it was nothing special. But at least it didn’t make me feel like I was wearing pancake makeup from the 80s.
@MIRIANV
Haha, well you have certainly tried a lot then! I figured you haven’t tried the Photogenic or Futurist, since NO ONE seems to talk about them. But I guess you have. 🙂 Anyways you’re welcome, and I’m sure even without my help, you would have eventually tried those two foundations anyways.
@Kafka @MIRIANV
I didn’t mention the Sheer Glow because it seems more like medium-buidable coverage on me, and it’s so hyped that I was pretty much certain that she’s tried it. But yeah, it lasted about 1 hour (with beautiful coverage and finish) on me, so I can’t use it. 🙁
@Kafka @MIRIANV
The finish of the Armani really looked skin-like on me, but like the Sheer Glow, I was a greaseball by lunchtime. Also, I think you might have gotten an expired sample/bottle or something? Because if I remember correctly, the texture is very blendable and fluid. The inclusion of quite a bit of alcohol supports that theory, since alcohol is an excellent solvent and in combination with the surfactants is what allows the various silicones and emollients to be less viscous. So yeah, maybe you accidentally tried the Designer Cream foundation? Idk xD. But yeah, if I had dry/combo skin, I think I would quite like the Armani Luminous. But alas, I don’t. On a side note, not even the Armani Lasting Silk lasts long enough on me.
@John 3D @MIRIANV Sheer Glow lasted one hour? Yikes. You poor thing. I’d be very frustrated in your shoes if all these things barely lasted. As for the Armani Luminous Silk, I don’t think it was an issue of an expired bottle or sample. My sister had some similar problems and, in addition, it made her break out like hell. She rarely breaks out, particularly as she has dry skin. Also, Wwendalynne said almost the same things about it as I did and about how it just lay on the skin. (Actually, much, much harsher things, if I recall correctly.) I had better experiences with Armani’s Designer Lift but still wasn’t enormously impressed. But, hey, everyone is different and I know some people on Makeupalley love Luminous Silk like nothing else, so I’m really happy it’s working for you. We all need that perfect foundation, right?
Totally OT, you know what did impress me quite a bit? La Mer’s foundation. It’s a bit thicker than I’d like or than is practical for the revoltingly high humidity here but I actually went… “Wow. What a look!” You may want to get a sample of that because it seems like pretty full coverage, has a very creamy texture (in a good way), but blends in wonderfully and leaves a lovely finish. I didn’t try out my mother’s bottle enough to know about breakouts but I was very impressed by the overall look it gave me on the 2 occasions when I did use it. But if you’re very oil-prone, maybe it would be too creamy for you? In any event, I just thought I would throw the idea out there, if only for you to add to your vast knowledge or to your lists for your blog. 🙂
@John 3D @MIRIANV Ooops, just read that you *didn’t* like the LS either. Sorry, I have no idea why that part didn’t sink in right away. I really need to stop multi-tasking when I post. Please accept my apologies. Have you found your HG foundation then, John?
@Kafka @MIRIANV
Yeah, both the LS and SG just couldn’t work for me. xD As for the La Mer foundation, I can’t imagine having to pay that exorbitant of an amount for foundation. So I don’t even try anything over $60, the two exceptions being Chanel Lift Lumiere (when I first started out in makeup), and the Guerlain Gold (because Christine raves about it so much). As for an HG foundation, if you look up to my original comment, I said that I had “0.5” HG products, and foundation happens to be one of them. I *think* I’ve found an HG item, but I’m still trying out the rest of the products I sampled, and I have new ones that I want to try. But yeah, it’s good enough where sometimes I just kind of want to give up this quest and just stick with this one.
It’s the new Lancome Teint Idole 24H foundation. It’s provides medium-buildable coverage, holds like iron (10+ hours) especially when combined with the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer and powder, while actually giving a satin-matte finish to the skin; quite natural. Furthermore, the blending is quite easy due to the slightly creamy and almost velvety texture. I have much more time to blend than the previous version of the Teint Idole, which is fantastic. And the price isn’t too bad: $44 at full retail price. I can always pick it up at the 20% off F&F sale at Sephora, or wait for a GWP at one of the counters for extra bang for the buck. Furthermore, it mixes into my sunscreen elegantly; it’s just very versatile. Also, it (surprisingly) doesn’t accentuate dry skin as much as several other foundations I’ve tried. So all in all, the TI 24H can do a lot and I’m “quite” happy with it. 🙂 What about you? What’s your HG?
@John 3D Ooooh, it sounds lovely. “Satin-matte,” natural looking, velvety texture *and* long-lasting! You make *me* want to try it! LOL. I’m always so happy when people find a product that is HG (or, in your case, may hopefully be HG) — something that gives them great joy and makes them feel endlessly pretty/handsome. YAY for LI 24h! As for me, I’m not sure there is any product that is HG, foundation wise. Actually, there are very few products *in general* that I would give an A+ to and that I could classify as HG. (So far, only 2 Ole Henriksen serums and NARS’ Copacabana Multiple. Maybe Outlaw and Cactus Flower blushes.) But I really do like the Sheer Glow. A LOT. So much better than the MUFE HD foundation that I was using before! To be honest, I was a bit surprised to learn that Sheer Glow was a much talked about (indeed, “hyped”) product because no-one I know IRL wears it, talks about it or even seems to know about it. Even on blogs like this one, I hear so much more about other foundations/brands. I actually wish SG got a lot more love. LOL. Anyway, fingers crossed that the Teint Idole turns out to be “The” one and only for you! 🙂
Beauty blogs certainly increase the temptation but then they temper it because you first want to see how the product performs before you rush out to purchase it.
It’s the opposite for me – I never buy on impulse anymore (unless it’s like, a drugstore nail polish for £1!) I always wait and check as many reviews and swatches as possible before I buy. Beauty blogs have actually made me more responsible with my money – I don’t spend tons on stuff that I end up not liking or not suiting me anymore!
I think beauty blogs encourage buying but at the same time they provide great source of information on dupes, on potential flaws in a product, on special offers or sales.
Yes and no. Indeed, I have purchased a LOT more makeup since I’ve started reading beauty blogs and looking at youtube tutorials because it has made me more and more aware of products I’d never have heard of otherwise (a perfect example, though not the only example, is the entire Tarina Tarantino line of products). So while I think I do buy more – and often on impulse – I think my purchases, for the most part, are more informed, so I’ve avoided buying some disappointing products. But it is like the kid in the candy shop – I think the fact that I am seeing more products and hearing more about them does, indeed, make me want more stuff than say, 20 years ago, before beauty blogs existed.
I’d say they introduce me more often to products I wouldn’t otherwise have checked out, but generally when I hit Sephora I have a general idea of what I’m looking for. I do buy on impulse occasionally, but really only when it comes to lower-priced items. For higher end, I tend to my research first.
I’m not a big impulse buyer by nature. Blogs definitely encourage me to buy more (a lot more >_<), but not quicker. Even with mac collections, I let most of them go even though I’m initially very excited for the ones I like. I just don’t enjoy that “must buy now (at full price, lol)” feeling that they promote. And blogs have helped me make more intelligent purchases. I’ll usually research products or look up a swatch.
Great answer! For me, it is also a mixed blessing. It makes me aware of products I otherwise wouldn’t have been aware of. But… I always had a tendency to impulse buy cosmetics. Now, my impulse buys are going to be well-researched and I will get more bang for my buck. Take yesterday – the Balm Nude Tude palette was on Hautelook. I impulse bought it BUT I did so after I double checked the reviews and they were all supremely positive. Same with the UD 15th anniversary pallete. I paid full price, but I knew it was worth it based on reviews.
You are definitely my worst enabler, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 😉
It definitely does! But it’s a chicken and egg situation. I don’t know whether I read beauty blogs to justify my shopping, or shop to justify spending so much time reading beauty blogs!
I agree with you on both points. For example, if I know something is coming out, I’ll look at your website to see if you’ve reviewed it (especially makeup since I am super finicky about that), and if I still like what I see then I’ll buy it.
At the same time, sometimes a product is reviewed that I would have never seen before, and I jump up and go “Yep, I need this!” (most of the time, I actually do, haha) With nail polish, I don’t do this as much, especially with new collections. I am such a weird person about having dupes that I usually research if something new looks exactly like a color I already have.
Yes, absolutely. I started working at a job located right next to a Sallys Beauty (I have a huge China Glaze/Orly stash) around the same time my interest really began to pique in beauty blogs. I cannot tell you how many bottles of nail polish I have that I absolute just *had* to get from a blog recommendation or swatch and after it was home I realized that I didn’t really like it. It took me a long time but I’ve learned to be more selective before I buy- Pinterest especially has helped me in this regard because I can keep track of my own wishlist, stash, and dupe lists and know more or less what I’m looking for when I go into a store, if not only going in for a specific item.
I don’t know about *IMPULSE* buying, but I think it certainly encourages buying as a whole for those who are daily readers of a blog. A lot more buying than would otherwise occur. Yet, it’s usually more *INFORMED* buying. People can know what to steer clear of -vs- what is actually worth the money. And that applies whether it’s a Milani eyeshadow or a Chanel one. That said, I think there can be a certain…. “mob mentality” is definitely not the right term and neither is “group hysteria” but perhaps “group excitement”? A sort of small frenzy that feeds off of each other, particularly for some new items or special collections. It can be a lot of fun but, on a handful of rare occasions, then the “impulse” part really kicks in. I’m thinking specifically about those few hours when you announced the special 3-for-1 sale on theBalm’s Shady Lady palettes.
Another problem is that seeing new products daily can lead one to think that “yes, there really *is* a difference between this rosy blush and the 4 other rosy blushes I have, so I really should get it!” But, to non-makeup junkies, it just seems like one is buying yet another identical blush. The nuances are either not visible *enough* nor *matter* enough to warrant the purchase, but to a daily blog reader, they’re like “But… but… it’s the new Fall collection!! My other blushes are from the Spring line and, besides, this one has a subtle gold sheen!!” Daily reviews can also open one up to a whole host of new brands and products that one would otherwise never have considered. So, one’s makeup horizons expand along with the cost.
Despite that, for the most part, the purchases end up being informed ones and a conscious, thought-out purchase. Your swatches and detailed, thorough reviews are so incredibly helpful to know what will work for one and what won’t. Without them, how can someone really know if a new blush that looks *gorgeous* would actually be a bit too yellow or too sheer on one’s own skin? They wouldn’t.
I don’t know about *IMPULSE* buying, but I think it certainly encourages buying as a whole for those who are daily readers of a blog. A lot more buying than would otherwise occur. Yet, it’s usually more *INFORMED* buying. People can know what to steer clear of -vs- what is actually worth the money. And that applies whether it’s a Milani eyeshadow or a Chanel one. That said, I think there can be a certain…. “mob mentality” is definitely not the right term and neither is “group hysteria” but perhaps “group excitement”? A sort of small frenzy that feeds off of each other, particularly for some new items or special collections. It can be a lot of fun but, on a handful of rare occasions, then the “impulse” part really kicks in. I’m thinking specifically about those few hours when you announced the special 3-for-1 sale on theBalm’s Shady Lady palettes.
Another problem is that seeing new products daily can lead one to think that “yes, there really *is* a difference between this rosy blush and the 4 other rosy blushes I have, so I really should get it!” But, to non-makeup junkies, it just seems like one is buying yet another identical blush. The nuances are either not visible *enough* nor *matter* enough to warrant the purchase, but to a daily blog reader, they’re like “But… but… it’s the new Fall collection!! My other blushes are from the Spring line and, besides, this one has a subtle gold sheen!!” Daily reviews can also open one up to a whole host of new brands and products that one would otherwise never have considered. So, one’s makeup horizons expand along with the cost.
Despite that, for the most part, the purchases end up being informed ones and a conscious, thought-out purchase. Your swatches and detailed, thorough reviews are so incredibly helpful to know what will work for one and what won’t. Without them, how can someone really know if a new blush that looks gorgeous in PR photos would actually be a bit too yellow or too sheer/patchy/ugly on one’s own skin? They wouldn’t. At the end of the day, it’s much, MUCH better to have Temptalia than not to have Temptalia.
@Kafka Absofreekinglutely!
Beauty blogs prompt me to buy items or brands that I would not have considered before. For example, I was not into Urban Decay until I saw reviews for the eyeliners here (can you even imagine that?) and my only knowledge of Guerlain was their bronzers. I didn’t know they had much beyond bronzers and perfume but their other stuff is actually great. Add in all the brands that are not mainstream but expensive like Le Metier de Beaute or Cle de Peau. I would be put off by the prices as they are not marquee names like Dior.
However, I have also cutback on buying things spontaneously and ending up not using them much. When I go to Holt Renfrew or Sephora, I don’t just buy something from Chanel or YSL or Estee Lauder because I’m familiar with the brand. I actually hold back and think about the reviews and what seems worth the money. So I end up spending the same amount but more wisely. Also I love reading about dupes, it can be a real money saver. Especially when you realize you already have it.
I’m not sure about impulse buying specifically, but it surely encourages consumption. And it does in such a strong way that even brands and companies are noticing that. Beauty blogs have become a powerful advertising weapon for cosmetic and beauty brands as it is way more effective and cheaper than photoshopped commercials with beauty models.
For me, I’ve never bought so many cosmetics and makeup products as of after I started reading beauty blogs. Most of them were definitely by impulse.Today, after having so many products threw out due to expiration date issues, I am more picky and selective when it comes to buy cosmetics.
Sorry any grammar mistakes, english is not my native language 🙂
Impulse buying, no. It’s the oposite, I see review and swatch and think before getting a products. Of course, without the blogs, I would be un-aware of a lot of product but I wont go out an get a product just because I saw good reviews and love the color. That’s just me, always thinking before buying.
Your site helps me with the “…do a little more research before clicking “checkout.” part!
Heck yeah they do.
Without blogs I would not even know about a tenth of the products on the market. This blog has prompted me to spend more makeup than I ever would on my own. Blogs encourage an atmosphere of always looking for the next best thing. I know some people go to the department store all the time to check out new releases so the existence of blogs might not make a huge difference to them in that regard, but I really doubt those people make up the average make up consumer.
For most people I think being constantly being shown new and great products encourages them to buy. And just forget it if it’s a limited edition product that also gets a glowing review!
I’m not saying this to say that people shouldn’t read blogs, being shown the latest and greatest is fun (at least I think so) and as long as readers are realistic and responsible about how much they can really afford/need then I think no harm done.
I think it all evens out. Beauty blogs and YouTube tutorials may encourage me to buy a product, but only because I have seen it on someone or read an article about it. But these sites also help to weed out bad products or those that would not suit me.
It does for my!!
It helps me be a more educated buyer so that I am happier with my purchases. Swatches make all the difference to me (especially since I do most of my shopping online). Yeah it helps fuel the buying fire… but it also helps me avoid the crap and make my money count.
Not at all for me. It prevents it. Beauty blogs make me want things, of course, but only when I’m informed and see how good they are.
Your site and others like yours help me find out whats available (even if its only available in USA) and i see if i can find them here In the UK
I don’t think beauty bloggers create the hype as much as the individual companies do. I don’t know if I spend less due to beauty bloggers, but I know Christine saves me a ton of money on products that aren’t worth my money! I feel like my money is spent more wisely, if anything. Instead of buying a lot of product on impulse, I usually wait for the reviews (most of the time, not always) and make sure it has the qualities I’m looking for in a product.
I don’t think Temptailia does for me, it more or less just lets me see what is out there as far as high end brands and reviews. However, there are some nail polish blogs and a blog with mostly drugstore makeup that is serious killing my wallet. Nail polish blogs are the worst for me. I end up going on amazon and ordering so many polishes. It is a bad habit.
I don’t know if blogs encourage impulse buying. Honestly, I’m more likely to impulsively buy makeup that I see in the store than something I see on a blog. In all reality, I can only think of a few products that I’ve seen on this blog and bought. Most of appealing products that are reviewed here are out of my price range. I can only think of maybe 3 products that I’ve seen here and bought based on reviews and swatches (ironically, one of my favorite things that I saw and bought was pretty poorly rated).
In reality, I usually tend to wait before I buy something that I see on either blog that I follow (I limit myself to this blog and Makeupandbeautyblog.com). When see something I like, I try to make sure that what it is will be unique within my makeup collection. Then I think about it and make sure I really want it. I would say that the Smoked palette is probably the most “impulsive” buy I’ve made online. I saw it on Karen’s blog first and thought I might like it. When I saw your review and swatches it sealed the deal for me. I bought the palette 3 weeks after learning about it.
I think it’s a tough call. I save money by not buying products that I don’t like the color or I think won’t work for me. I spend money when I see products I think will work for me and I OMG must have. They definitely create lemmings, but they also help me pare down my wish list.
Kind of. I can pass by a display and not ‘want.’ But if I have seen a color say in polish I really like, I am more apt to pick it up (unless it’s too pricy). The the ONLY things I do that with are polish. I don’t do any drugstore makeup anymore – tossed too much $ away on bad products. I only use 2 kids of lipsticks that don’t make my lips peel. I have tossed so many blushes in my lifetime now – no longer drawn to ‘I need this new shade.’ I know what I like. Ditto for foundation. I am big time paring down these days. Sometimes it’s just ‘enough’ to read about and see what’s new on blogs to feel I am in the know and that’s all I need. I feel satisfied with what I have already.
I don’t think so.
Maybe it’s because I keep my wallet tight because I’m saving up for vacations or maybe it’s because I read the reviews to see if I want them and look at the price range. Rather, some of the reviews on the Mac products here prevented me from buying because I am unsure what people will react and how this will affect me buying the product and then selling them overseas. I think beauty blogs help reaffirm if we should buy the product and if the payoff is good, even if we don’t agree.
I’m guilty of impulse buying with or without beauty blogs. I think I might make better decisions after reading your reviews however. I had never thought about variations of quality within a brand so your information has been enlightening. I’m a big time make up junky.
I could see how they would, but for me, they do exactly the opposite. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m wary of buying something that I haven’t looked up reviews for. There have literally been times where I see something cool in Sephora, pick it up, put it down, pull out my phone, do a search on Temptalia to see if you’ve reviewed it, then re-assess if I really want to buy it.
YES! But I’m a huge buyer too so… I don’t know if that’s because of it. I think that with time though you learn to choose your purchases better.
I actually have found it to stop impulse buying! Now i always look for swtaches and reviews before buying and most times the swatches do not live up to the greatness I imagine for the product. I have saved tons of money since joining beauty blogs.
No, Christine, I don’t think that beauty blogs encourage spending as much as they encourage spending wisely. If you say that a product is good, I’m more likely to buy it, but I own no Metier de Beaute, Tom Ford or Burberry products. If the premise that your positive review of a product was enough to tempt me to seriously consider purchasing something, wouldn’t I have bought at least one item from one of those brands? I think it’s an individual decision how we spend our money.
I think it varies depending on the product – if I like something that I see on a blog and the accompanying text states that it’s LE or only available certain places, I’m more apt to pull the trigger. But at the same time, I’ve looked at swatches and said to myself “no WAY will that work on me” and decided against buying things.
In my opinion, I feel like if anything Youtube does that to me, more than Temptalia. The videos feel more personal, and when a person tells you “get your booty out there and get it” or they tilt their head back, roll their eyes back, sigh and say “this is such a beautiful color” or “oh my gosh, don’t you just love that?”. With Christine, she gives you so many dupable colors with the difference in color bases and textures. If I am considering on trying a new foundation I always go to the Foundation Matrix to find out if the coverage will be what I need, and the shade that will best match. She does swatches, gives honest opinions if something is worth it or not, photographs her whole face with the product, I just love her whole presentation on a product. Or “if you already have ‘this’ you might not need ‘this'” I think whenever I go to the MAC counter I understand the MUA’s are trying to work hard to meet their sale’s goal, but everytime I try something they always look back at me and say “that’s a beautiful color on you”. I didn’t catch onto it at first, but when I suspected it I picked a lipglass (Luster) and it was a glitter lime green color and I got the same response. That confirmed my suspision. So now I’ll try it on, go home and see how it looks throughout the day, how it feels and make my decision. I can just go on and on about this subject but in the end I think it’s how important your money is to you. If you are careful about your money, you will do the research before buying something even if it’s Limited Edition. If you don’t care about racking up charges on your credit cards or are fortunate in having tons of money you will impulsively buy things whether they feature it on a blog, Youtube video, or a MUA from a counter.
@NeutraKris lol Let me go browse.
@TrueBeautyFiend What do you think? lol
@MorenaBarbee I agree with her as in general. I don’t think it’s like that for everybody. I used to buy a lot of stuff before I even knew
@TrueBeautyFiend Yep! Blogs just introduced me to new brands. *shrugs*
@MorenaBarbee Yep! & I like the swatches ahead of time.
@TrueBeautyFiend Swatches!!!
@TrueBeautyFiend Swatches just help confirm my purchases. lol
@MorenaBarbee Basically!
@MorenaBarbee blogs existed.
I love reading this blog out, its real very much fascinating and also seems to be real great job would say.
I’d have to agree. I think they do encourage impulse beauty buying but on the flipside, I think it helps beauty lovers make “smart” purchases. If I’m lusting after a product that I’ve heard raves about, the first thing I will do is check out beauty blogs and youtube and read review after review. There have been products that I’ve wanted to purchase and then seen swatches and they are terrible! So yes they do encourage the buying, but at least they give you the opportunity to be smart about what you’re purchasing.
Oh, absolutely. Do I find out about products I’d probably never look at otherwise, want them because of great reviews, and then hunt them down? Yes, that happens. Do I also get a lot of great research from beauty blogs, and does some of that research stop me from purchasing something because of a bad write-up? Sure. More often than not, it makes me want more in general, but I still don’t have the money for some of the brands reviewed — so I make educated decisions about the brands I can afford thanks to the write-ups here.
Not for me. I actually read blogs for research and reviews. If a product has enough good reviews, I will then go view it in person to see if I still like. If I think it would actually get good use as a part of my makeup collection, I put it on my wishlist. This gives me time to think it over instead of wasting unnecessary money on something that will be thrown into my “unused” drawer. So overall, I’m not much of an impulse buyer!
it used to encourage impulse buying, but not anymore. Plus I think I sorta know better what I want or what would look better on me than before 🙂
Not really…
This year at my school they switched from textbooks to laptops (of course they do it senior year so I only get one year to enjoy it) meaning that I am constantly here and other beauty blogs. I want to be a makeup artist, so I buymakeup pretty often anyway, but since around three weeks ago, I’ve ordered eight Too Faced eyeshadows, three Urban Decay lipsticks, two Sigma brush kits, the Tarte Carried Away collection, two Benefit collections, and Stila Kitten eyeshadow. Not to mention I picked up two MAC lipsticks, a few Revlon Lipbutters and a gloss, and the Wet n Wild Comfort Zone palette. So YES, I definitely do think they encourage impulse buys..unfortunately. My wallet hates me. 😉