Beauty Blogger Bashing!
Submitted by Sara on August 8, 2009 – 10:42 pm26 Comments
I am pretty new to the blogging scene. I have only been posting out here for the last few months. When I decided to start my blog it wasn’t for any reason than to just share my thoughts with like minded people. I never thought what I had to say was superior to anyone else or claim to be the law on any product or subject.
I blog because I buy and have used ALOT of different beauty products and brands. I purchase from drugstore to high end and yes, like any consumer have a strong opinion on most. That’s exactly what I post, my opinion. (I hope you take it for what it is)
I love some and like most things I try. I would rather try and make things work rather than returning them. There is most always something I like better or maybe less than the current item in review.
However some conversation over the last couple months around the boards and in the beauty network has really made me sad. Some have stated that people who blog and post videos, etc only post positive reviews to gain free products (to be short and not necessarily so sweet) or want more readers for the same reason. This may or may not be true for some. I honestly dont know. But please know its not true for me.
1- First of all I could care less if I ever got anything for free. My day would be no different. I would still keep up on collections, buy what I liked and share my opinion with you.
2- Second Blogging takes so much time! I didn’t realize how much goes into maintaining the site when I started it. I believe, you have to truly love what you are talking about or people can see right though it. I hope that you can see that I do in my posts! All the time I spend on here is not worth the few freebies that I may potentially be offered. The connection with you is what makes me want to keep on posting!
3- Third, I dont think all the thousands of us who post on Beauty are trying to become “the next great beauty blogger” For me its just fun and I think Blogger is truly just another makeup community where we can go to express our thoughts in our own space instead of threads on a forum.
What are your thoughts on the subject?
Xoxo! Sara
(All Cosmetic items discussed in the above post were purchased by me. Anything written is my own opinion and not influenced by any other person or company).
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I feel you! Ive been blogging for years, the blog I have now just for motnhs but still I do it for fun more than anything else.
More because there arent a lot of people I can talk to about makeup without them rolling their eyes and giving up on me haha
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I haven't been reading you long enough to judge your motivations for blogging either way, so can't comment on you. If I didn't like you or your blog, however – I wouldn't read
However – there are MANY narcissistic personalities in the beauty community on both blogger, and youtube (especially youtube)
You can spot them a mile off – millions of pictures of themselves all over their blog, or making videos for unrelated subjects, like they had a bad day, or they are sick or whatever…all attention seeking from my observations. Or the type who pose on camera – sooooo irritating, and watch themselves as they record. Yuck!
I am subscribed to a couple like this, but the advice they give inbetween the posing can be useful so I stay silent and grit my teeth through it.
I personally usually keep my thoughts on them to myself. What's the point in bitching and calling someone out on their motivations? If we don't like – noone is forcing us to read/watch…but it is there.
The freebies thing – all of us would love something for nothing. I think it's more to do with being acknowledged as our opinion counting by companies that is the motivating factor, rather than any other reason.
Just my opinion of course, but you asked
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I couldn't agree more Sara!!! This is why I did blogging too… I just want to share what I think about products that I bought. Yes it takes a lot to maintain a blog. I consider myself still as a newbie, and I do what I do because I love doing it…not for money, not for popularity. I'm glad you did this post!
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Hmm this is an interesting subject. I've been watching you tube and reading blogs for while, and things have certainly changed recently due to certain companies infultrating this arena. The beauty blogging world is a testament to consumer power and I think anyone who is given free products should review them with that in mind, otherwise it detracts from the whole point of this. The problem is not that people are being given free products, it's that perhaps some feel pressure to say good things about them.
Personally, I do not and will not endorse something I don't love. It's as simple as that.
Great post btw and I do read and enjoy your blog.
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I agree that it's very easy to spot the people who are just in it for the freebies or whatever. I have only really gotten into blogs in that past couple of months, but I've amassed hundreds on my googlereader list (covering beauty, art, food, fashion and more).
From those ones I've seen people who went from clearly doing it for the love, to posting 7 times a day with bland reviews. Not necessarily saying the products are awesome, but not really giving their true opinion either. And how can you give your true opinion of things when you're making that many posts a day?
But in contrast to that statement, there are many other bloggers who do get paid in some way for their blogging efforts and they still manage to do so while maintaining their integrity.
I don't blame anyone for making money/getting free stuff via their hobby/obsession/whatever you want to call it, but it's pretty clear when people begin to "sell out".
Without people like yourself and the many thousands of others out there, I would personally not know, understand or enjoy beauty and makeup (and a million other things I only gained an appreciation for through blogs). Thank you for your honest opinions and don't worry about the haters. It seems to be that due to the anonymity of the net people say a lot of things they wouldn't say in real life.
To me, the beauty of blogs and such is that you are able to share your thoughts and express yourself with like-minded people. I don't care if you get free stuff or not. As long as what you have to say is relevant to my interests I'm going to keep reading, Sara
xxx
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It's a shame that some people are misinterpreting the reasons for beauty blogging. Maybe 1 or 2 individuals do it for the reasons but it should be clear most people do it for their love of beauty products.
Your completely right: the time and effort required to maintain a blog or site is pretty big and the odd lipstick isn't a pay off for that lol. I also agree it's about the connection with other bloggers. Being part of a community like this is wonderful
x
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I completely agree with you! I write my blog because I enjoy it and I want to connect with people with similar interests! When I do reviews I am 100% honest on my experience, if I dislike something I will say so!! x
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I agree, blogging is just for fun! Also, people don't realise that when those people get sent stuff they reserve the right NOT to review something if they don't like it. That way the company doesn't get a bad review, but the readers/watchers don't get fooled into buying something that isn't any good.
http://icecoldlilywrites.blogspot.com/
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I'm with you on this Sara. I started blogging because makeup is what I love and I spend so much time at the various makeup counters chatting with the sa or mua. But I also starting blogging to meet people who love makeup as much as I do and learn about products that I've seen but never tried. I get excited when people comment on my posts because for the longest time, I was just talking to myself,lol.
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Who said something to you?
Just tell them to bug off!!
I blog because it's fun and somehow my blog just morth into beauty/clothes because it's what I love!
I do believe there are people who just merely make youtube videos just for freebies. Watch some of them, it's pretty obvious that's what they do. lol But on blogger? No way.
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Hmm SOME people do post positive reviews, even if the product in question has turned their skin blue and bought them out in sores but I like to think that the majority of people are telling the truth. I can always see straight through a dud review and I'll just click straight off the blog in question.
Sure, it's nice to be given freebies, lawd knows I spend enough on make up and skincare so any freebies are heartily welcomed but any brand that thinks I'm gonna lick ass in order to stay in their good books and receive even more free stuff has chosen the wrong blogger. I was happily buying my own stuff long before beauty brands caught on to how influential the beauty blogging world can be and I'll continue to do so whether I'm sent stuff to try for free or not – my blog posts are testament to that.
There was some hoo-ha last week about 2 girls who were paid to give good reviews of products they were sent. Their followers were pretty pissed off about it. All I have to say is people shouldn't be so silly to take blogs/ YT vids so literally. What works for me, won't necessarily work for you! By all means I'll rec a product cos I've tried it and it's worked FOR ME – you may not get the same results and it's up to the readers to use their common sense and decide what they will and won't try for themselves according to their skintone and type.
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It seems to be a lot of people who work on magazines that have a problem with beauty bloggers saying they can be bought etc etc.But lots of beauty editors get everything for free and I dont remember reading any negative reviews there lately.Withregards to becoming the next big beauty blogger-that,s just silly I mean it is more of a community-there are so many-I can understand someone feeling the pressure if there ambition was to be a writer(not mine-so much less pressure)personally havent gotton anything for free anyway but kudos to those who do and are taking time out of their day to try the products-I mean it might not react well with the person and the companies are getting their product out there and knownand promoted if it merits promotion.Bloggers arent parriah's.
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i completely agree with you! i don't know how other people feel about the topic and honestly, i don't care and i hope you don't either. i love all these beauty blogs simply because they are informative and entertaining (obviously). i love beauty products myself but can't possibly buy everything out there so i appreciate the reviews and always look forward to them. i'm glad there are other makeup lovers out there like me too. of course i have seen and can tell which bloggers/ youtubers do reviews and give aways for the purpose of free products and you know what- that's fine with me because that's their prerogative, their personal reason and purpose for their blog. if people don't like it, then all they have to do is unsubscribe. it's really that simple. everyone is entitled to their opinion but a little consideration goes a long way. no one needs to be mean and nasty about it. if someone has said something hurtful to you, shrug it off and don't let it affect you. some people are just innately nasty. do what you love and bring you joy!
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Thank you for being so candid on this subject as it has garnered a lot of discussion lately. I agree with all three of your points.
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100 per cent with you on this Sara. I feel exactly the same.
Blogging has given me an outlet to talk about one of my interests — with people who have a similar interest. I love the community and the friendships that are developing as a result. It's amazing to get to know people not only in the same city I live but from all over the world. Might sound sappy but true.
There are probably people out there who do this to get the freebies but I hope it's a minority. I know that the blogs I enjoy the most are those that show people's personalities, their obvious love of makeup and all things beauty.
And you're right – blogging is a lot of work. I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't enjoy it.
My thoughts are all over the place I know. I feel just as strongly about this as you.
Michelle xxxx
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I couldn't agree more with what you have written. Normally, the products that I post reviews on are the ones that I believe in and love using; thus, I write about them so I can share them to all the girls out there who might be looking for something like the products that I use. I don't get free products from anybody (not that I have to defend myself) except for the samples that sellers usually include in our orders. If I like the sample I was given, I purchase it and write a comprehensive review on it. As for the products that didn't live up to their claims, I haven't written much about them because I don't own enough mediocre products to write about. I do have a few, but I consider them worthless and a waste of my time. I might perhaps write about them eventually. But as of the moment, I enjoy writing positive things about the products that I love.
Two thumbs up for writing this!
Tish
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I am so glad you have came out and said this Sara as I am 100% with you on this.
I started my blog as I had been reading others for so long and found them to be really helpful when it came to purchasing new products. Being able to read an honest review before buying a product has saved me a small fortune so I thought I would like to share my views on products for others hoping that they would also find this helpful.
I enjoy being able to talk to like minded folk and actually build up a friendship with the people in the makeup community.
If people are in this for the wrong reason they will soon be found out. Give these people enough rope and they will hang themselves.
XxX
Lyndsay
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blogging is one of the greatest inventions!
if i need a product and don't know what brand to buy the first place i go to is a blog review, or even a vlog on youtube.
i also love the fact that i can come on here and write reviews and help people on here who need recommendations like me.
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I completely agree with you sara! I only started blogging to share my views and opinions. not to even think its going to go anywhere. Just my own little place on the internet. So dont worry we have better intentions then half of those people that say stuff about bloggers
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I've been blogging for years and people are always going to say something negative about bloggers. I've heard people on forums are saying that about people who do beauty and I think its stupid. Do they realize how much work it would take for companies to even notice bloggers/vloggers to even give them free items? Ignore them, as long as you know that your reviews are honest then that's all that really matters.
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Hi Sara! Thanks for your comment.
I must say, who doesn't like freebies? Haha. But I don't think most beauty bloggers do it for just that. I know that beauty is a passion for most of the bloggers I'm subscribed to and they're no different from enthusiasts of other subject matters.
As for me, I don't even read beauty magazines anymore. I find blogs more credible. ^^
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Hey, I tagged you on my blog
http://liptontee.blogspot.com
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Hi Sara, I completely agree with you!
This whole new world we've stepped into is really crazy sometimes. People have so much expectations for blogging, while some of us are just doing it for fun, to gain some information and put some out there. And sometimes, our lives take over and we neglect are blogs and we feel bad, haha. I know I've gone a couple or three weeks without adding a new post, but we make it work. Hope all is well with you<3
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@ Everyone! Thank you so much to all of you for responding! I really appreicate it! Im so glad you see that I am not alone in the way that I feel.
Its sucks that people have to turn something that is so innocent for most into an issue.
@ Rai- no one said anything to me. I had just been seeing some threads on the boards that made me start thinking about it…
You guys are all amazing. Thank you!
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Don't let anybody rain on your parade. Your blog is wonderful so informative and fun. Whether you have 1 follower or 100 it's nice to just talk about what you want and have an outlet for that. Whether it be a new lipgloss or a celebrities new haircut. Just have fun
People are always gonna talk.
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I agree, with all your points made. Beauty blogging should be a very close-to-the-heart thing for us makeup lovers, a little honesty is appreciated and yeah, you're right, taking photos and blogging,quite cumbersome.
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