If it is backed by a more established parent company or [insert reasonably famous person here], I don’t need as much to convince me (I primarily would gauge readers’ interest). If it’s an indie brand, then it matters what their history looks like (customer service, controversy, and so on), and I need to see readers regularly mention the brand (in a positive way).
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First of all, it has to be available in a bricks and mortar store near me. I’ve little interest in ordering from online only entities. Then, of course, I have to see how it rates here at Temptalia. And it has to be something I can sort of justify buying (I was going to say “need”, but that suggests really needing it and real, genuine need, as it not having anything even remotely similar, is rarely the case) – it has to be the sort of thing that really attracts me and that I can imagine myself using.
A good review from you! I recently bought a build your own ABH quad and I checked your ratings for swatches and reviews to decide what I should buy. I have lots of eyeshadows but this was my first set from ABH. I really like the shades I picked and they perform really well.
For sure agree with all of it. If someone I trust likes it I’m far more likely to try it. Getting to that place with Clionadh…
I have one of the jeweled multichromes from Clionadh, and two of their regular shimmers. They are fantastic but the TAT was almost 4 weeks. I think that’s too long. They have hired some people since I ordered so I hope it’s better for you if you decide to order with them.
Those multichromes look amazing hut are always sold out. I don’t mind waiting – it was 4 weeks for Kaleidos. Thanks!
Mainstream would need a good review from you. For indie brands, if I see them used and talked about by the YouTube channels I like I will look at them. I want to stay away from indies that have 4 week turn around times.
Most indie brands that have long turn over are literally maybe 3 people working on everything start to finish. But if a long wait is an issue it is definitely better to stick to companies that can deliver in a time you’re happy with rather than getting upset at a small brand over a long wait for a handmade/homemade item.
I’ve not really gotten too upset with the one person shops, but I do wish they had some better communications (usually it’s no communication) when they miss the shipping time stated by Etsy.
Usually what your reviews show, most especially for items that I’m unable to test locally. Whatever item interests me, it must have excellent reviews and fill a hole in my collection. If the item is lower priced and I’m interested in more than one product or color from the same brand, it’s likely I’ll try it out. (Sydney Grace is most recent example.)
Primarily, great reviews and praise by a respected beauty blogger and vloggers, along with their having products/shades I know that I would actually enjoy using. Another thing is that these standards apply to companies without ridiculous drama or extreme controversy. I steer clear of those regardless of quality or tempting shades!
Time: When I think of a new company, I think more like new to me, not necessarily recently launched. Because I avoid buying from brands recently launched; things are almost never good from the start and I prefer to wait the brand to mature (both in formula and customer service).
Reviews: Good quality, fully detailed and documented reviews from people I trust are most times convincing at least to try one product maybe.
Ability to try/see in stores
Good reviews, recommendations, and no drama or bad behavior. It has to have products and shades that interest me.
In a word, you Christine! I have tried so many ‘new’ brands since I started reading this blog and taking serious note of the reviews: bareMinerals, UD, City Color, ABH Sultry, Huda Smoky Obsessions and now Sydney Grace…..If the reviews are favourable here and they are the shades that I would use, then that’s all I need to know.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and I do hope you get some down time over the Christmas holidays.
Really? A good review from you!
I’ve been getting into more indie brands lately because I like the idea of supporting a small(usually very small) business and so far I’ve found the quality to be much better than a lot of big brands. But because indie brands like these aren’t in stores I rely entirely on reviews so I’ve had to find some smaller influencers who review indie brands and see how the products perform for/on them. It’s a bit more of a gamble and sometimes a longer wait but so far its been well worth it.
What is that light blue eyeshadow in the picture? :O
If they offer a product that fits a need that I haven’t’ yet found or I have little of.
Honestly, just the general vibe of the brand. Is the communication they put out appealing to me. Then, of course, what are they selling and how much does it cost? I’m totally willing to take a chance on a new brand without a ton of reviews so long as I like the looks of the products. And the initial communications – video, packaging, advertising, even PR kits, help me decide if I’m interested enough to check out the products.
There are definitely some brands I wouldn’t have noticed, like Kaleidos, that seeing influencers show off and use has gotten me interested. They are my next purchase.