What are the best ways of cutting through hype on new releases?
I tend to ignore all fanciful claims, and I’ve see so much that at this point it’s very hard to convince me that what you’re offering is really new and exciting… sometimes, I get more excited about value sets or mini sets. I do enjoy new formulas from brands that have been hitting it out of the park but temper my excitement knowing that there are so many good formulas out there that even being better is merely incremental!
— Christine
One word: Temptalia.
No pressure or anything, Christine, but my “first line of defence” is coming here for your reviews. Then I follow up, when possible, with seeing/testing/trying “in-store”.
Honestly I don’t give a d**n about the claims. I watch review videos with full day wear tests and read your blog. I don’t really buy blindly unless I’m a huge fan of the brand -> aka any Burberry powder products.
I first consider the brand; if it’s a brand that has an established reputation, and/or I’ve had a good experience with it, I’ll definitely investigate further. If it’s a pop-up/new/indie brand, especially one not available in-store, I’ll typically ignore it completely. That said, if the color story/shades really call to me, and are truly unique, I’ll occasionally take a chance. Most recently, I finally delved into Melt Cosmetics, but only after several years of waffling. Before that, Lunatick Cosmetics Labs, but only the contour book, as none of the other products seem worth the effort to order online (although the shipping time is incredibly fast!).
Next, I look at the color story. If it’s a larger palette, I consider how many shades I’ll actually use. I try to avoid palettes that have only 1 or 2 “standout” shades, but I do get sucked in occasionally, especially with “collections” (UD is good at this, LOL!)…
Third, collection’s/collaborations rarely suck me in, unless it’s a real standout. NARS is good at this, although I’m glad I didn’t impulsively pick up much from the Warhol collection; the Man Ray collection at least had amazing packaging, so those were well worth what I paid. Also, I happen to be a big fan of NARS, so I new what to expect.
Easy. Just wait for the actual reviews and live swatches by trustworthy bloggers and vloggers. I look here and one other written site for actual reviews and truthfully written user experiences. Also, I go in never buying into the fairly unproven claims of “24 HR wear” foundation or mascara, because I don’t know anyone who is in there right mind who would ever want to put those ridiculous claims to the test!
Just curious, what other written site do you check? Always trust Temptalia first.
I let at least a month or two pass before I buy anything from a new launch. I just really don’t like buying anything at peak hype.
I rely on those who have more knowledge, especially when it comes to skincare and chemistry. Labmuffin and KindofStephen and Science Based Medicine are great resources. Cut through the hype and the claims.
For makeup I come here and I have a few bloggers and vloggers that I trust.
The best way of cutting through hype on new releases is to wait for a review here on Temptalia!
I am not really tuned into hype on social media anyway, so I wouldn’t have a clue.
Reviews here are the best.
I believe nothing the brands say. I look for swatches and reviews from Temptalia, Phyrra Nyx, and other trusted reviewers.
Testing, testing, and reading reviews. Thanks to you and a few others I follow online in this industry, I feel that I easily cut through hype by ensuring that the product does what either the company says it should or what I want it to do. That doesn’t mean that I haven’t purchased something sub par due to a pretty packaging, but not often.