For me, I think about whether it’s a product that I think readers will want to know about/see swatches or reviews for, and then I consider how long it’ll take me to review when weighed against the other items I have to test or that I am considering testing.
Only if there were no other options available! I prefer standalone mirrors and my choice in applicators. Included applicators also tend to be very small, which doesn’t work for my hand size/finger size/grip abilities.
Sara Happ’s The Lip Slip feels that way for me–it’s super soothing and thick in a glass jar. That might be semi-skincare, though. I consider them makeup products for the purpose of this question, since they are used to apply it all for me, but my Sonia G brushes are always a lovely experience...
I prefer less fallout, but I don’t mind some fallout as long as the eyeshadow itself still applied well–like it didn’t sheer out, turn patchy, etc. due to the fallout.
I stick to Smashbox 24HR overall, as I find it performs consistently across products and isn’t picky about what it is paired with.
It’s more in my head than anything else, and for beauty products, I’m fortunate enough to test most of what catches my eye without having to put it on a wish list. For non-beauty, though, I keep it in my brain and then come holiday or birthday time, then I try to put a few things on a wish list...
I haven’t in a very, very long time. These days, most products are limited edition, photo quality has improved, and there are less and less reasons to keep products after they’re reviewed, so I don’t find an inventory is necessary any more.
I keep track using accounting software, so I have an idea of how much I’m spending on a quarterly and annual basis. It’s most important for me not to buy an excessive amount of product that doesn’t end up getting reviewed (because then it’s such a waste of money!).
Pretty much everyday without fail, lol! If it were by “choice” and just for fun, I think I’d definitely be wearing it three or four times a week but likely not everyday.
