In beauty, I don’t seek out reviews since I often plan to write my own review so I try not to get in unduly influenced as much as I can avoid it happening. More expensive products would always make me want to do more research, though.
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The two things I purchase the most – eyeshadows (and eyeshadow palettes) and lipsticks.
The ones where the reviewer, whether written or on YouTube, has WEAR tested the actual product, has provided information about their own skin type and how this may have interacted with said product, and also a description of not just the “positives”, but also a description of any potential pitfalls or “negatives” that they experienced. I always need the “why’s” for everything!
I find reviews most helpful for foundations and eyeshadow palettes. With other products, reviews can be really hit and miss because everyone’s preferences and needs vary. Some “low pigment” powder products work fine on me because my skin grabs color like there’s no tomorrow. Lipstick colors react so unpredictably with my lip color — and formula changes things too — that there’s no guarantee that the color on my lips will look like anyone else’s. I mostly use lipstick reviews to check out formula and color range. I will say that MAC has generally been the brand with the fewest surprises, color-wise.
The beauty products that I absolutely rely on for reviews are eyeshadows – particularly eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks – so I can see what it really looks like (thanks to your accurate descriptions and photographs) and blushes – for the same reason as lipsticks.
As I buy many of my eyeshadow palettes and singles sight unseen I rely on you Christine to inform us about its quality, longevity, pigmentation and what the colours truly look like.
I think anything that has ridiculous claims (i.e. extreme long-wearing). Lately, eyeshadow palettes as well. It’s easy to think, “Ooo, love the colors!” but then they are trash when actually swatched/worn.
Foundation, eyeshadow, and indie products. The more expensive the item, the more likely I am to seek out reviews. Ditto for brands I’m unfamiliar with.
I love reviews! I don’t tend to buy any makeup product without a review from someone I trust. I especially appreciate your reviews for detailed, unbiased information!
Color products, foundations, and concealers (a key product for me).
Eyeshadows (singles as well as palettes) and lipstick. I tend to read reviews from different people for comparison, check out swatches etc and then make a decision.
I’ll take a review for anything! I really prefer to research potential purchases before committing to them and minimize impulse spending.