So how successful was FAFI compared to Barbie Loves MAC???

[SMMY]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherryice Regarding the quality of eyeshadows, I wish MAC would do something like Urban Decay did and release a deluxe version of certain colors. Sure, you pay a little more, but the softness and pigment of the shades is leaps and bounds ahead of the regular shadows. I usually don't bother with the regular UD shades since a lot of them contain those island-sized chunks of glitter, but I'm in love with my UD Deluxe palette. The colors and texture are out of this world.

This is actually a great idea. Even MACs singles are hit and miss now. I used to order online a lot when new collections came out. But the last couple of years, I have to go in person to assess what's good and what just isn't up to snuff. I'm not talking about color, I'm talking about finish and pigment. It's gotten to the point where even if it's a veluxe pearl, you can't take for granted that the quality and pigmentation will be there. I know when I order UDs deluxe shadows that the quality will be consistent. I would certainly be willing to pay a bit more for the assurance that the quality of the shadow I'm ordering from MAC isn't a crapshoot.

 

[Shimmer]

I love the UD Deluxe shadows. I think their pigmentation and texture is some of the best I've ever used.

 

[.i.hart.MAC.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOTasFCUK So the packaging on Fafi.....is it a sticker on the actual product (like stuck on the side of the tube) or is it a plastic sleeve with a sticker on it?

it was a sleeve, but the sleeve itself was a sticker. i tried to see if i could peel the edges a bit, but that baby was stuck on! at least i won't have to worry about it peeling off.

 

[liv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherryice Regarding the quality of eyeshadows, I wish MAC would do something like Urban Decay did and release a deluxe version of certain colors. Sure, you pay a little more, but the softness and pigment of the shades is leaps and bounds ahead of the regular shadows. I usually don't bother with the regular UD shades since a lot of them contain those island-sized chunks of glitter, but I'm in love with my UD Deluxe palette. The colors and texture are out of this world.

A bit OT, but I can't wait until my UD Scratch comes in the mail! I've heard the best things about these. Although, I don't think MAC should release a 'special' line of better formulations, they should just improve all the existing colors that are crappy textures (like the Lustres, some Velvets, etc). IDK if doing a line overhaul like that is even feasible, but it would be pretty cool if you ask me.

And about the packaging, again, I think part of MAC's scheme in releasing all these collections is grabbing the largest demographics as possible, both with packaging and color/formula choices. Don't like the loud packaging or bright colors? Next month there is a new collection that is like N Collection. I just feel that the execution failed because as much as I pay for the quality, I do appreciate thoughtful, creative, and beautiful packaging.

 

[FrazzledOne]

I think Barbie was a bigger hit for three reasons. Serious Barbie collectors are going to buy anything Barbie, MAC collectors are going to buy LE items no matter what, and then there is the "general public" who will buy items because they like the product. You put those things together and there is going to be a mass buying frenzy, especially since Barbie in known wordwide and probably will be very valuable in the Barbie Collector community.

If Fafi was more widely known I am sure it would do as well as Barbie in all markets instead of places where she is common knowledge. I never heard of her until this collection came out.

I probably am not going to get anything from this collection just because nothing appeals to me. I did have my eyes on the e/s quads but I agree with .VivaDiva. and SMMY, the quality of MAC's shadows lately have been poor.

Like ms.marymac said, it probably is a good thing about using stickers for the packaging. Even if I did buy something I would feel very silly taking it out of my purse with this design. I am way past the teenybopper stage.

 

[MACosine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOTasFCUK So the packaging on Fafi.....is it a sticker on the actual product (like stuck on the side of the tube) or is it a plastic sleeve with a sticker on it?

Its a plastic sheath that is stuck to the lipsglass cover with glue, such tat u can see blotches of the glue patches through it... super duper ugly. It looks as though u actually got bored of the regular Mac lipglass packaging and decided to do some hands-on so you got some stickers and stuck it onto the tube yourself in an almost amatuer/clumsy/absolutely brainless manner. Sorry but that's what I felt. The sheath was already peeling when I opened my box! I'm returning them for palette 2, rollickin, a doll, pressed powder and maybe another paintpot and this will add on to the 200bucks that I already blew on the collection because i got nearly every single paintpot and a lot of the other suff...

 

[SMMY]

I am really hoping that the Heatherette packaging is manufactured better, as in imprinted on or at least more securely affixed to the makeup container.

 

[priss]

i think another thing to consider with the decision to use stickers is product packaging costs.

if mac went for an upgrade on packaging for all the screening and other processes used, we may have seen an increase in product costs. and, typically the higher end collection only comes at holiday, i.e. mac couture collection.

those are great to look at but i cant say they are super great sellers. 07 couture hung around on the site forever and there are tons or 06 items at my local cco store.

barbie and fafi provided a different look to the traditional packaging but kept us in the same price point-- and profit is ultimately what mac/ estee lauder is all about.

 

[landonsmother]

I honestly thought that Fafi was gonna blow Barbie out of the water but I was so wrong. I waited patiently for the release of this Fafi collection, only to be disappointed! The swatches on Specktra were promising & got me even more excited for the collection, but when I purchased my stuff, the color payoff for the quads weren't as great as I thought they would be

I got Fafi Eyes #2 because Fafi Eyes #1 isn't worth $36 for 2 new colors that can easily be duped & 2 colors that are a part of the perm line.

The highlight of this Fafi collection were the paint pots, IMO. Everyone is just crazy about them more than the collection itself.

Boo for Fafi, that's all I can say. I did spend a good $300 on Fafi, but I definitely spent more on Barbie. & I think the only reason that I spent that much on Fafi was because of the paint pots.

 

[SMMY]

Quote:

Originally Posted by priss i think another thing to consider with the decision to use stickers is product packaging costs. if mac went for an upgrade on packaging for all the screening and other processes used, we may have seen an increase in product costs. and, typically the higher end collection only comes at holiday, i.e. mac couture collection. those are great to look at but i cant say they are super great sellers. 07 couture hung around on the site forever and there are tons os 06 items at my local cco store. barbie and fafi provided a different look to the traditional packagin but kept us in the same price point-- and profit is ultimately what mac/ estee lauder is all about.

I'm confused. You lumped Barbie and Fafi together, but Barbie was imprinted and Fafi isn't. Not the same thing at all.

I think the point is that if MAC does decide to offer special packaging, it is a nice perk, if the packaging adds to the appeal of the product. Lure, Moonbathe and Barbie come to mind. In the case of the Fafi collection, because it isn't sturdy enough to withstand every day wear and tear for more than a couple of days, it actually detracts from the product's appeal. It’s a bit of a tease. Why not just skip it entirely, if it only serves to frustrate customers who purchased it?

 

[Babylard]

Being new to MAC, I was very excited about FAFI and bought quite a few things. I really like the products itself. They are colours I do not have. As for packaging, they are quite disapointing because I always thought of MAC as high-end quality products. I like the non-sticker part of the packaging like the "MAC" word and the irridescent powder picture. The sticker part however, I know it will peel off soon. My Fun n Sexy sticker is starting to come off already. It makes me sad because I treasure my MAC items.

I walked out with:
Quad 2
Fun n Sexy lipstick
Utterly Frivolous Lipstick
Cult Fave Lipglass
Totally It Lipglass
Sassed Up Irredescent Powder
Hipness Blush

I will go back for paintpots, and maybe have a look see at hightop and maybe strawbaby again. I also bought nib Quad 1 from a fellow Specktra gal who was selling it for US price which was still more than $10 cheaper than if I bought it in Canada.

I wasn't into makeup when Barbie was around, but the products were really nice. I really like the beauty powders and eyeshadows. I would have purchased springtime skipper and mothbrown and whatnot. I like the idea of inprints and the packaging is real cute. I have a sample compact of pearl sunshine beauty powder and its a staple for me. I really wish I was around for Barbie.

To me, Barbie and Fafi are totally different concepts. The only thing that's comparable for me would be quality and the different colours each collection offer. The stickers are indeed a turn off. I don't see myself using up any products and B2M ing anything, so it does bother me. However, I can see myself peeling them off and glueing them to a binder or something lol if they do come off.

In the end, the product goes on your face, not the stickers. lol. I think its a matter of preference whether you are going to enjoy using the products or not and what colours you prefer. If you don't like it, don't buy it!

 

[SMMY]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babylard Being new to MAC, I was very excited about FAFI and bought quite a few things. I really like the products itself. They are colours I do not have. As for packaging, they are quite disapointing because I always thought of MAC as high-end quality products. I like the non-sticker part of the packaging like the "MAC" word and the irridescent powder picture. The sticker part however, I know it will peel off soon. My Fun n Sexy sticker is starting to come off already. It makes me sad because I treasure my MAC items. I walked out with: Quad 2 Fun n Sexy lipstick Utterly Frivolous Lipstick Cult Fave Lipglass Totally It Lipglass Sassed Up Irredescent Powder Hipness Blush I will go back for paintpots, and maybe have a look see at hightop and maybe strawbaby again. I also bought nib Quad 1 from a fellow Specktra gal who was selling it for US price which was still more than $10 cheaper than if I bought it in Canada. I wasn't into makeup when Barbie was around, but the products were really nice. I really like the beauty powders and eyeshadows. I would have purchased springtime skipper and mothbrown and whatnot. I like the idea of inprints and the packaging is real cute. I have a sample compact of pearl sunshine beauty powder and its a staple for me. I really wish I was around for Barbie. To me, Barbie and Fafi are totally different concepts. The only thing that's comparable for me would be quality and the different colours each collection offer. The stickers are indeed a turn off. I don't see myself using up any products and B2M ing anything, so it does bother me. However, I can see myself peeling them off and glueing them to a binder or something lol if they do come off. In the end, the product goes on your face, not the stickers. lol. I think its a matter of preference whether you are going to enjoy using the products or not and what colours you prefer. If you don't like it, don't buy it!

FYI: MAC is not high end makeup. It's mid end, like Urban Decay and Bourjois (at least in the states).

 

[FacesbyNiki]

The counter that I freelanced at this past weekend, blew out their Barbie numbers with Fafi. So many people came out for that. They had a really good time.

 

[priss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMMY I'm confused. You lumped Barbie and Fafi together, but Barbie was imprinted and Fafi isn't. Not the same thing at all. I think the point is that if MAC does decide to offer special packaging, it is a nice perk, if the packaging adds to the appeal of the product. Lure, Moonbathe and Barbie come to mind. In the case of the Fafi collection, because it isn't sturdy enough to withstand every day wear and tear for more than a couple of days, it actually detracts from the product's appeal. It’s a bit of a tease. Why not just skip it entirely, if it only serves to frustrate customers who purchased it?

you are entitled to your point--- but it isnt mine. i lumped fafi and barbie in the same boat because mac did. fafi was this years valentines launch preceeded by barbie, culture bloom, wing tips, etc.

i know the barbie product was imprinted. what am i saying is that barbie products underwent one major change- the imprint. the containers themselves got the word mac screened on in white not the traditional black. each barbie product that didnt get an imprint got a sticker type application to its packaging- the barbie beauty powders for example. therefore the cost in packaging wasnt very much effected. moonbathe, and every other LE with special packaging get one change- the color of the packaging (white for moonbathe, pink for heatherette, etc).

my point is that when we see upgrades in both product and packaging we also see an increase in price hence the couture collection.


the mac training guide clearly stated that sales are the number one goal. we can be assured that if profit is the number one goal at counters then it is certainly the number one goal at corporate. no mac product is what it used to be. when i first got to mac in the early 90's you could drop a tube of lipstick 100 times before the top lost its ability to stay on.

 

[shootergirlnc]

Here's my take on the Barbie/Fafi discussion:

I'm not going to talk about stickers because it seems a lot of good points have been made towards the pros and cons on the use of stickers. I'm strictly going to talk about colors/quality.

First and foremost, I definately liked the barbie shadows better. To me, the colors seemed to show up better, not to mention they rereleased Moth Brown, a highly sought after eyeshadow before it was repromoted for Barbie. -barbie wins

As far as the lippies go, the only 2 Barbie ones I liked were Real Doll and Rockin Chick. Personally, I like Fafi's Fun n Sexy much better than Rockin Chick. It's not so bold, whereas I feel I can only wear Rockin Chick when I'm going out. I didn't see anything like Real Doll from this collection, although Not So Innocent is almost as close to my heart as Real Doll. My barbie sweetness lipglass kicks Sugar Trance's butt. (Sorry, but Sugar Trance does NOT show up on me!) I do, however prefer Totally It to my beloved Malibu Barbie. There was nothing like Cult Fave out with Barbie, and I'm in LOVE with this!-to me, it's a tie.

I think most will agree when I say the beauty powders beat Irredescent powders- Barbie wins for that.

Blushes- Although fashion frenzy is very similar to don't by shy, I feel more people will like hipness over the other blush that came out with barbie. JMO.-Fafi wins

PURPLE PAINT POT! Need I say more? -Fafi wins

Dolls-Fafi's are still on the site. Barbie sold out in minutes.- Barbie wins.

Total- Barbie 3 Fafi-2 Ties-1 To me, barbie wins. (Please note that these are just my own opinions!

)

 

[Shimmer]

The purple paint pot shows up NOT purple on me like at all. :/

 

[Babylard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMMY FYI: MAC is not high end makeup. It's mid end, like Urban Decay and Bourjois (at least in the states).

I live in Canada and MAC seems to be quite up there......... but a little more afordable and widely available than if I try to buy Dior, Benefit or Smashbox from Shopper's Drug Mart or something......... not to mention that Sephora has not quite expanded to Canada. Smashbox is ridiculously expensive in Canada and it doesn't really appeal to me. I have seen a few things from Benefit, but eh... the choices aren't quite there.

You ladies in the U.S. are so lucky, you have no idea. Your opinion of high-end is different from mine because you ahve a much better selection.

Don't get me wrong. I love Canada and I love my MAC.

 

[shootergirlnc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shimmer The purple paint pot shows up NOT purple on me like at all. :/

Oh BOO! The MA at a counter had to use a lot to get it to show up purple on me. I mean, like a pretty purple, and not "I just got punched in the eye" purple. Have you used a primer, or tried layering it? He layered mine.

 

[Shimmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootergirlnc Oh BOO! The MA at a counter had to use a lot to get it to show up purple on me. I mean, like a pretty purple, and not "I just got punched in the eye" purple. Have you used a primer, or tried layering it? He layered mine.

Looks like Constructivist on me. :/ Not really purple at all.

Which, I guess, is fine because purples are not my best colors.

 

[shootergirlnc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shimmer Looks like Constructivist on me. :/ Not really purple at all. Which, I guess, is fine because purples are not my best colors.

It's so funny to me how a color can show up so differently on people. I understand that since not everyone's skintone is the same, the colors will not look exactly the same, but sometimes the level of variance really surprises me.