Small rant: The Beauty Review Bandwagon

[LeeleeBell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbella Doesn't really matter to me anymore. One person can hate something and I still might like it and vice versa. I watch you tube and read blogs mostly to see tuts and/or to know about what has been newly launched. I form my own opinion on the product by going to look at it first.

I think that's true for most of us. But Sigma makeup brushes, 88 palettes, 120 palettes, OCC liptars, Bslap cosmetics (whatever the flavor of the month is)... etc etc are products that youtube gurus receive, hype... and are not available for most of us to "try" for ourselves.
I find it hard to believe that there are only 5 products for ALL these "gurus" and bloggers to review at the same time (or are freebies the only products worth reviewing these days?). When we see two dozen people reviewing the same thing, the same way, saying the same thing....it's overkill. At least to me....and it's not like I can go in and try it *all* out for myself at a store nearby. There are also a lot of people who are new to makeup or who live in towns/places that aren't near a Sephora/MAC/ULTA or a large mall full of cosmetics...They rely on reviews and boards to find what they might like/want.. That's why I have a problem with the hype....If they are going to do a review, at least be original/unique...say something that hasn't already been said at least a dozen times.

Quote:

Originally Posted by prettysecrets Youtube was my teacher at one point. I find lately its just boring tho. I want to see more tut.,less hauls and more ppl w/ actually talent posting $hit.

I definitely prefer seeing tuts to seeing product reviews these days. I feel as though youtube make up vids are becoming one large infomercial....A lot of people who know even less than I do about makeup are doing vids just for the sake of possibly getting free stuff. It's comical in a way...like watching kids play dress up.

 

[ms. kendra]

Ditto on more tuts and less reviews/hauls or "this months faves." Who cares??

I haven't watched any subscribed videos in about a month because that's all there is lately.

I noticed Petrilude gets a lot of feedback that he is snotty. Have any of you noticed this?

 

[sunshine16]

I really don't agree with the "If there's already 4 videos on it don't do another sentiment"
Why should a YT'er have to spend 40-60 minutes watching every other video on the topic they're wanting to talk about just to make sure they don't say something similar to save the viewer 10 minutes of their lives watching something thats already been done.
To be honest i find that sentiment selfish, if you don't want to watch a video thats already been done don't watch it, it's that simple!

Your not paying for their service nor are you being forced to watch it so what they do their videos on is their prerogative.

 

[LeeleeBell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunshine16 I really don't agree with the "If there's already 4 videos on it don't do another sentiment" Why should a YT'er have to spend 40-60 minutes watching every other video on the topic they're wanting to talk about just to make sure they don't say something similar to save the viewer 10 minutes of their lives watching something thats already been done. To be honest i find that sentiment selfish, if you don't want to watch a video thats already been done don't watch it, it's that simple! Your not paying for their service nor are you being forced to watch it so what they do their videos on is their prerogative.

I am not sure why you think it's selfish??? Are they making vids for themselves or for people who watch? Are haul videos/product review videos forms of "self expression" or are they supposed to be trying to impart information to others? Isn't the point to inform viewers? I tend to think they are for the sake of "helping" others...in most cases. So, if they are making vids for their viewers, why do they think the same info needs to be seen over and over again...why not try doing something original? Really are there only a few (freebie) items worth reviewing? I ask myself these questions and I am posing them here for discussion...and I see that I am not the only one who wonders the same thing.

You're right. I don't have to watch them. And once I see (usually 20-30 seconds in) that yet THE SAME video is being made again, I do skip over the rest of it. Just exercising my right to say that it bugs me to see reruns of infomercials and I wish there was more variety to the vids because I USED to enjoy watching them. I am not sure why it's selfish to express that preference. ... I think I have a right as a viewer

Quote:

Why should a YT'er have to spend 40-60 minutes watching every other video on the topic they're wanting to talk about just to make sure they don't say something similar

Its not 40-50 minutes at a time...it's more like 5-7 minutes a day tops...These vids/reviews don't usually come out on the same day....It feels like it sometimes though lol. If they enjoy makeup as much as I/many other Specktra members do, they are probably watching those reviews/vids daily and reading the blogs anyway. It's not like they would be going out of their way to see what's been reviewed and said. No one has to go out of their way to find out what's being hyped. It's constantly in your face.

Personally, I check two message boards and subscribe to about 40 youtube beauty videomakers, and occasionaly read 2-3 blogs (sporadically). (Now of the 40 I subscribe to, I don't watch every single video--I would have no life. Also, not all of the people I am subscribed to make vids regularly). But with all those people, I still see the same reviews and products featured constantly. Very strange to me. And with the sigma brushes some of the reviews are beyond "similar"...they are more like scripted.

 

[LatteQueen]

It's like with me ..I am on here and reading and most are saying of how great CG Lash Blast is ..I had tried that mascara years ago and it didn't do a thing for me..So on here I read how wonderful this is..really gets my lashes......this is a must have.....So I go out and invest in this product again years later and still no greatness to me..TO ME this product is up there with Maybelline's Great Lash..IT SUCKS...So to this day I am still behooved of why this mascara is so wonderful after reading the POSITIVE REVIEWS ON IT..I went out and bought MAX FACTOR'S Version of this and guess what this product IMO beats CG Lash Blast by 100 miles..But I read the NEGATIVE REVIEWS on Max Factor's 2000 mascara..
Positive reviews on LASH BLAST
Negative reviews on MAX FACTOR'S..But the negative reviews turned out to be better for me in the long run of this mascara..go figure..

 

[LMD84]

as far as youtube getting boring now i don't agree with that. i still watch videos on tutorials that i think are slightly different and original. haul videos, reviews and such i don't even bother with anymore really. it's sad to see that some people who used to do loads of tutorials now only really do hauls or reviews....

 

[rbella]

If your seeing/watching reviews that bother you, then stop watching them. You know that Julia and Tiff do honest reviews, so if that is what you are looking for, then stick with those people. Use the others for technique, etc. JMO.

 

[rbella]

As a sidenote, that is why I don't read the Colour Threads on here anymore. Every launch rocks and every product is a must-have. Just removed myself from the irritation of it.

 

[frocher]

...........

 

[rbella]

^^^Absolutely, I agree with that statement. I was just using it as an example as to how you can simply stay away from something if you feel it isn't giving you what you need.

I, too would be annoyed with the mass quantities of vids and blogs stating how great everything is, but, I just stay away from the ones I don't particularly care for. Much like the Colour Threads.

 

[Hikaru-chan]

I do agree that a fair few guru's take the piss and only review stuff they get for free in the hopes of getting more free stuff and it's blatantly obvious too. Beautychoice and Coastal Scents for example, both get constant glowing reviews but their customer service is shit and their product are not unique to that brand.
I will not mention names but certain guru's have a " I'm better than you attitude" and it comes across on screen, it's almost like we the viewers owe them something. They review a product and we should belive every word they say even though it's clearly been given to them for free, usually they will say the company's name a gazillion times and put "links in the sidebar".
Now having say that I've bought products that have been reviewed by guru's I trust and I've simply hated it, Barry M lip paint in 101 for example is the worst lipstick I've ever come across however loads of other people love it an not just the ones that got it for free, everyone is different.
It doesn't bother me if they do get free products however they should'nt just act as free marketing for certain companies that then treat the consumer badly.
PS I love Julia's YT and blog, you really have nothing to worry about.

 

[Hikaru-chan]

Dr_Girlfriend who was it that spoke to you like that? I have a fair idea of who it could be if you don't wanna post for everyone to see would you send me a PM, I'm just being nosy really but it's because I have a feeling on who it might be.

 

[chocolategoddes]

I love how this is turning into a "What I Hate About YT" thread. lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by ms. kendra Or if I get a compliment at church and someone asks me the name of the eyeshadow and I say, "It's called Baddest Bitch." Can you imagine??? It's all tacky IMO.

OMG! That's hilarious!!!
-hello, Sister Mary, how are you?
-Oh, hello my child. You look beautiful today. What are you wearing on your eyes?
-The eyeshadow is called "Baddest Bitch" and I used "Skanky Ho Bitch" liner to smoke it out.
-*gasp* Lord have MERCYYYY!

lmao irl

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedRibbon Another thing I don't get is incessant haul videos.

I especially hate it when the haul videos are just basically "Hey, look what I bought". At least, tell me about the product and what made you buy it.
I'll only watch a haul video if it's by a youtuber I trust and whose makeup I admire.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ms. kendra I noticed Petrilude gets a lot of feedback that he is snotty. Have any of you noticed this?

Yeah, he's addressed it a lot. You can tell he's just really annoyed by it all. I never got a snotty, arrogant vibe from him. He's a really cool guy, actually.

 

[rbella]

I actually liked Coastal Scents. Am I weird or something? I didn't see it from any yt, but from here. Why does everyone hate it so much? My shipping was fast and the eyeshadows are nice. Sorry, off topic, but I like it and am wondering if I am missing something.

 

[KellyBean]

Another thing that really bothers me is when gurus give products wonderful reviews, and then never actually use the products. "This stuff is amazing! My new favorite foundation!" and then in the next video "I've applied my Studio Fix with my 182..."

I saw this a lot with Coastal Scents products, and a few times with Sigma brushes.

 

[Dr_Girlfriend]

Re: Is it just me, or is youtube getting a little tiresome?

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedRibbon How rude! I had a first part of my message but it got deleted when I edited, it said something like: I remember watching a review by this girl who was saying something like "this works really well for me but it may be different for you guys because we're not all the same, and I'm not sure if it's available where you live". Someone replied saying something like "we're all different? we already know that genius, why don't you just review the product? And why do you not review stuff which is available everywhere to buy?" How rude! The owner of the channel replied in a really mature way and said that she reviewed what she liked and only took requests from people who had manners.

Good for her! I wish more of the beauty gurus would stand up to (and for) their subscribers. Also, good she stood up for HERSELF!

Just a random thought (and my apologies if this comment exists elsewhere), but wouldn't it be in the guru's best interest to review all the products they receive? If it's not so great, then say it's not so great. It would maybe be a bit tiresome but could also give their reviews more credibility.
Some people take the reviews on youtube as if they're their god given rights, most of the reviewers aren't paid to give reviews.

 

[coachkitten]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbella I actually liked Coastal Scents. Am I weird or something? I didn't see it from any yt, but from here. Why does everyone hate it so much? My shipping was fast and the eyeshadows are nice. Sorry, off topic, but I like it and am wondering if I am missing something.

I don't think people hate their products but there have been issues with the owners getting nasty with people who diss their products. That is just the jist I get from reading some various threads & seeing some YT videos. I like coastal scents stuff as well. Especially their hot pots and brushes.

 

[CreamPuffer]

Re: Is it just me, or is youtube getting a little tiresome?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elusive21 Yep YouTube is getting a bit dull for me as well. I agree that we need more tutorials (although I do like the haul videos - stilll want to keep watching those). One thing that irks me is when gurus promote products that they received for free from beautychoice and it's obvious that it's a product they wouldn't have bought themselves if they had to actually pay for it.

One word, pixiwoo. Sam and Nic are incredible, and all their vids are tutorials. Even when Sam does her favorites vids, she uses the products on herself and turns it into a mini tutorial as well. They are extremely talented, professional, well spoken, and extremely interesting to watch.

 

[lafemmenoir]

I don't rely on gurus for reviews; however, I do enjoy seeing products. Since I don't have access to prelaunch insight, I get something i.e. Temptalia and can ration my $$ appropriately. I feel bad for gurus. Yes it's their choice to make and mine to watch but you can't win. In 10 mins you really can't educate one on how to apply a full look, companies want them to advertise and many don't need the products but do so to help the company and followers, then they get hit by either the followers for shilling or the company for not reviewing to their liking.
In addition, location has a big play. Gurus in N. America have more benefits than those in other countries, i.e. a guru getting a load of press on a foreign paper but a local to that country got a small pic. Many companies realize they can grow their company just having their name out there and if you get people talking it will boost sales. People in rural towns can't get things readily so they rely on the gurus' word so if the product is crap...well they are out the money, shipping etc. and I would think the bulk of subs are young teenagers who for lack of a better word, aren't really informed.
I wish there was a "right" way, but it's all business and I try not to take it personal. I do envy the camaraderie many seem to have built with each other because of YouTube.

 

[user79]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeleeBell I am not sure why you think it's selfish??? Are they making vids for themselves or for people who watch? You're right. I don't have to watch them. And once I see (usually 20-30 seconds in) that yet THE SAME video is being made again, I do skip over the rest of it. Just exercising my right to say that it bugs me to see reruns of infomercials and I wish there was more variety to the vids because I USED to enjoy watching them. I am not sure why it's selfish to express that preference. ... I think I have a right as a viewer

Well yes, it is selfish because a video maker can make any video he or she pleases - we aren't some makeup robots that are making videos purely for the entertainment of others. It's a hobby for most of us, and while we do try to keep the audience in mind, we make videos about things that hold our own interest. So, as a viewer, you really have no "right" to dictate to anyone what a videographer can or can not make a video about. If you don't like what someone is doing, then just don't watch their videos. But, you really have no right to tell them what they should, in your mind, be doing on their own channels. Giving a suggestion is one thing, but the tone of your msg sounds like you're dictating to others what they should be doing, for your sole entertainment.


Quote:

Originally Posted by ms. kendra Ditto on more tuts and less reviews/hauls or "this months faves." Who cares??

So - just don't watch those videos? I mean what's the point on complaining about it? Just watch something else. There's enough video footage on YT to prob last anyone a lifetime. And even if you might not like those videos, thousands of others do, and watch those types of videos in the hundreds of thousands. That is their preference.

...

I'm really getting this utter sense of entitlement from some responses in this thread. Like, we're the viewers so you gurus should just do what we want you to do. Um, no. Also, keep in mind, filming a good quality tutorial, editing it, uploading it, creating a product list, blog entry for it, resizing pics, etc - honestly, it's a loooong process. Some videos have taken me upwards of 6 hours in total to create. Versus a haul or review video which might take an hour. So it's pretty darn egotistical to just sit there and say "make more tutorials". People have no idea how much time goes into it.

Also, here's a thought - instead of just coming on Specktra to complain about other online communities, saying what you don't like about it, why not do something to make it better? I'm not sure how many of the responders here make videos themselves on YT, but it's always easier to be negative and complain, rather than getting off your butt, putting some energy and positivity into something and improving something you feel needs improvement.

I'm just sick of these threads - honestly. Like someone said, it seems to have just turned into a "hate on another beauty community thread". Funny, when other communities have created threads as such being negative towards Specktra, the members here were outraged. But now to see everyone doing the same thing here is very disappointing. I always feel like Specktra is a positive place - all this hating and complaining is really not a very positive vibe. There have been some interesting responses that I enjoyed reading but yeah, now it's just turned into a hate thread.


Quote:

Originally Posted by sunshine16 I really don't agree with the "If there's already 4 videos on it don't do another sentiment" Why should a YT'er have to spend 40-60 minutes watching every other video on the topic they're wanting to talk about just to make sure they don't say something similar to save the viewer 10 minutes of their lives watching something thats already been done. To be honest i find that sentiment selfish, if you don't want to watch a video thats already been done don't watch it, it's that simple! Your not paying for their service nor are you being forced to watch it so what they do their videos on is their prerogative.

Word x 100000000000