Pondering
Looking at Fafi on it's own, I think it's cute. Looking at Fafi v. Barbie, I definitely feel like Barbie wins that one.
Overall Barbie had better colours, formulas and packaging. There were great, substantial colors esp: Springtime Skipper es, the BPs, Modern Ms. LS, Malibu Barbie LG, Rockin' Chic LS, Honey B and Plum Royal cremestick liners. It was just better quality (with the exception of that icky, dusty, bland pink Whistle es).
I know Barbie had the initial "wow" factor as it was the first time they did something like that, but that was tempered by the fact that they sold out of everything a nanosecond after it was put up for sale. Enter the Barbie backlash.
Fafi is cute. Don't get me wrong. I love the designs, the dolls, and a lot of the colours, esp: Fun N' Sexy LS, Totally It LG, a revamped 210 brush, Boom! nail lacquer, Rollickin' and Nice Vice Paint Pots. What I don't fully care for is the shadows, packaging, shirts, iridescent powders and the bags.
Packaging: I guess I am a little disappointed in the sticker overlays. For what they are, they did a good job, but they are stickers nonetheless and will wear off/tear as you use the product.
The quads would have been nice with a mirror inside, but then again they don't normally have mirrors and not many people carry their shadows around with them (when a mirror would come in handy). I think it would have made them look of a better quality, though.
Shirts: They're quirky, but kind of Pippy Longstockings. Barbie was better, IMO.
Bags: The minis look like they came from a toddlers dress up kit. I don't really think they brought their "A" game on these. The tote, well I think it looks like something a nana would wear with a transparent raincoat, galoshes and headscarf to the market.
Iridescent Powders: Who is really dying for more of these? Let alone three of them. I think most of us would have been happier with Beauty Powders.
Shadows: With the exception of the one veluxe pearl, the others are listed as lustres, satins and velvets, but they all look/perform so similarly. They are kind of that dusty, flat formula that MAC seems to continually put out lately. Frankly, it's a disappointing trend of theirs. It seems cheaper.
I love the marketing they do. I think the parties and promo products are fun, but they incur an expense. MAC has to make up that money somewhere. I feel like it is starting to show in their shadows. I would rather have better shadows and less launch parties.
One good thing with Fafi is that I imagine they aren't facing strict licensing issues like they did with Barbie. I think ultimately that is why they sold out so fast (with the Barbie collection) and couldn't keep up with the demand. At least with Fafi, more of us will get a chance to partake in the collection
I did end up spending a lot of money, but to be honest, if the overall quality doesn't pick up in future collections, I am getting over the MAC frenzy. I see the amount I spend on each collection lessening.
Damn....someone take away my keyboard. MAC_Whore's feelin' wordy.
