What kind of new launches are you most tempted by?
I like cohesive launches–a theme running through them where it all makes sense, and I like some variety in depth, color, finish, or undertone to be present so I feel like it could work for a lot of skin tones. I also like when a new launch’s theme seems at odds with the seasonal trend (e.g. pastels in winter) as the launch will stick out more in my mind. I tend to get excited for new, permanent products/formulas as well.
— Christine
Palettes, which is ridiculous because I have more than enough right now. I don’t tend to get excited over individual products (like lip products or eyeliners) because those aren’t something I wear on an everyday basis.
I like things that have multiple colour options if it’s a face palette (e.g. having a fair/light, medium, and dark/deep options) rather than having one palette that’s supposed to work for all skin tones (because let’s be honest, it never does).
In terms of eye palettes, I tend to like and be tempted by things that are neutral and rosy (as opposed to orangey) because I find these shades flattering and something I can easily wear to work. For example I’m reaaaally keen on the new nude palette by huda beauty, but have not been tempted at all by a palette like soft glam because I find it’s more of warm/orangey in undertone.
I agree with “cohesive launches–a theme running through them where it all makes sense, and I like some variety in depth, color, finish…” I don’t like overly gimmicky releases nor ones that are tied to most “influencers.” And of course, reasonably priced. Lines like Tom Ford, Chanel, Dior, etc. are out of my budget and I don’t even look at them.
The ‘cohesive’ and ‘theme’ used to fit Lorac beautifully, as long as you liked the product. I think that is all out the window, under Markwins. The small LA palettes, the B&tB, Pirates, etc. They tied in to LA/Hollywood and were timely. I really liked that, and suspect it is gone forever. I got the holiday palette from Ulta…don’t anyone bother….. and suspect they will not publish my consumer review. It’s average, with massive fallout (worse than baseline, lol) and looks like a take on the old, seemingly random Vice palettes. Lorac’s Pro 4 is strong, but this year has been a bust, as far as I am concerned. I like theme: Nars usually appeals, even with the out-there stuff. But I draw the line with some brands, as they are too cutesy or SM oriented or to bloody busy. The Indies have more interesting themes at present. Also, there is such a thing as sensory overload (right, Nancy?) Too much stuff and I tune out. Fenty may have done that this holiday, and the products may have suffered. MAC usually has far too much for me to process. Haven’t tuned in to seasonal MAC or all the Kylie that is plastered all over Ulta. It’s like skipping sections of the menu that don’t appeal.
Absolutely correct, KJH. Just walking into Ulta or Sephora without a clear plan and WL for that specific trip will totally BLAST my senses and make me have a panic attack or just want to make a quick exit. Especially THIS time of year. It’s too “peopley”, too much stuff everywhere, too many SA’s rushing around, etc.
On another note. Did I read correctly, Markwins took over Lorac? Gosh, I hope not! ?
yeah, in July, I think. In 18, Lorac has launched about 1/10 of their usual stuff. And, even as a familiar/LORAC/ho, the holiday palette was pretty poor. I had gold everywhere, teeth, clothing, and it did not remove easily. Smock time, omg. Not a sucky palette by any means, but rather meh for LORAC. I expect the non-series releases of Lora to be entertaining! I’d. bet that the Pro 4 was designed and formulated before the takeover, and that’s why it is ok, cohesive…. I don’t like crowds, more than I don’t like the perceptual havoc. Though online Pat McG graphics make me think migraine/seizure; fortunately, I have neither! Tend to stay out of malls from halloween through VD. Don’t like big parties like receptions, either. Whoops, gotta go. It’s not social anxiety at all. I fear I’m growing into an old misanthrope! Rather be home with the dogs, catching up on Temptalia and playing with looks or books, than bumping and jostling my way to s.t. new.
I hadn’t heard about Markwin’s taking over LORAC. That explains a few things.
My interest gets piqued when I see a launch/collection come along that has very good quality, is cohesive, but also unique to either my stash or creatively speaking. I really enjoy seeing new colorways that still mesh together perfectly, ie; ABH Subculture Palette or Nars Holiday 2018. Innovation also sparks my keen interest. As in, that New Nudes palette by Huda or newer duochrome color combos instead of the usual green/red-brown or teal/deep plum combos done to death!
I find that everyone’s idea of a successful launch is different and what appeals to me probably won’t appeal to anyone else so I think when brands offer options in different depths, shades, finishes, etc then there is something for everyone. I look at Too Faced as a prime example. I am not a cutesy type of packaging, makeup type person. I purchased Too Faced in the past for my daughter for the holidays but evens he has gotten tired of the cutesy themes. I tend to gravitate towards very luxe, high end products all year around but that is magnified at the holidays. I love beautiful embossing and luxe packaging for Christmas. Of course, the product it the most important part but for some reason at the holidays I really go for the packaging. I do like a theme and had the products inside the little house shaped packaging from Too Faced, been a better quality then I could see releasing a different “house” each year to add to the collection.
I think many brands try to release too much and their quality suffers. A few really exceptional products will trump a whole car load of cheaply thrown together products.
Lastly, they need to release inclusive products. No 3 shades of a powder or highlighter, etc. I will hand it to Hourglass as even though they cut back on the products in their holiday offerings and charge more, the sets can be used by everyone. If a shade is too dark as a highlighter for me I can still use it as a face powder, brow bone highlight, eye shadow, etc.
I’m a huge sucker for eyeshadow palettes, especially colorful ones. I also get really excited by lipsticks, especially if they have funky colors, lots of glitter, duochrome finish, or anything else that will make 90% of the population not want to wear them.
Of course any collection with a cohesive them, quality products, and great packaging will pique my interest, but that probably applies to most of us.
I get excited by collections that are small in size, but carefully curated so that all is cohesive.
I am particularly thrilled if the shades happen to be the colours I would wear – not neon, no reds/pinks/oranges etc.
Palettes, like Anastasia Sultry and similar, are most likely to get a favourable response from me.
Lipsticks that are red, berry or brown – eg the Brown Sugar range from ColourPop are my go to colours.
I am pretty partial to navy mascara as well.
Unique colors (not in my collection), definitely eyeshadow palettes, new textures, hippies this holiday season, but not too many.
lippies not hippies ha!
I really appreciate new permanent products the most and tend to avoid limited edition items. That way I can repurchase (not that I ever do) or just feel like my collection is modern