Ladies, we get bombarded left and right everyday through advertising. Lately, whenever I watch TV (only terrestrial channels) I’ve noticed popular skincare brand SK-II stepping up their commercial game. I can’t watch TV without once seeing their ad for the Facial Treatment Essence of the Cellumination Pixel White essence.
I am however, quite immune to the brand, popular as it is. Nothing they say could even vaguely pique my interest or get me to use the products. I used to use the products so I can speak from experience. I just could not get into it at all which is why I wavered and looked elsewhere. Ditto MAC Cosmetics. Try as I might (and I have been trying especially hard in these past 2 years), it is not a brand that interests me at all. Sorry, lovers of MAC. I just can’t!
I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling this so I’m curious if most of you have this sort of numbness towards some popular cosmetics brands too?
For myself, SK-II and MAC are the 2 primary very big, very popular brands out there amongst the skincare users and makeup users, that I hit a blind spot with and just can’t get into.
I never bought into Bobbi Brown either. The main reason I think is because I started out loving bright colours and Bobbi Brown just didn’t have what I wanted. By the time I mellowed and started looking into neutral colours, there were so many other options out there. I did use to collect the Shimmerbricks (had so many!) and I would love to get to know more about the brand because it would appear that they have some gems in their profile but I haven’t quite sussed out what.
Recently for me, Shu Uemura has also started to hit my blind spot. I was a huge huge fan of the brand when I started out more than 5 years ago. HUGE! I had so many of their eyeshadow singles and blushes because they were just amazing stuff. But with their most recent reformulations, I just felt they weren’t quite up to the standard I was used to anymore.
Oh and there’s Chanel too. I know they have their legion of fans – blogs are afire with every new Chanel release – but I haven’t been able to drum up enough interest to even take a look until its too late and the collection is sold out (bad blogger! 😛 ) Its certainly strange, considering I used to be a huge fan of their products before this.
These are just a few of the popular brands out there that I just can’t get into. I do still keep an eye on Chanel releases because some remnants of the interest remains. But I can safely say that SK-II and MAC definitely hit my blind spot. I guess that explains why you never see much if anything from those brands on my blog 😀
Your Say: Is there a popular cosmetics brand that you just can’t get into? Is there a reason why or is it just general indifference? In my case, as far as SK-II and MAC are concerned, its just general indifference.
Paris B
Your entry gets me wondering for a while, Paris, especially SKII. I am not SKII’s user. Just like what you’ve mentioned, every time the TV is on, there will be commercials on it’s products, even in Youtube! I wonder, if the miracles as promised by the product would work or not because you know, my elder brother is a skincare junkie and he has been using SKII for almost 10 years and sometimes, I refuse to believe that it is due to prolonged use to SKII that his skin is oh-near-perfect! He used to have pimples and acnes and uneven skintone too. On top of that, I remember, when I was like 12 or 13, he complained about large pores and now, his pores are not even seen! I was tempted to try their products but somehow, I always change my mind whenever I stand in front of their counters.
Wow! It sounds like your bro could be a SK2 model 😀 Maybe you could ask your bro to share some with you and see if it works for you instead of shelling out lots of money to find it doesn’t? After all, what are big brothers for eh? hehe… 😉
I actually just clicked a tab closed that offered a MAC sale – I love MAC, but I’m getting too old (and broke) to keep up with all the collections!
I’ve never really been into Clarins (perhaps because their launches are not that big over here), Bobbi Brown (nice, but quite ‘safe’ colours) or Lancome (except Juicy Tubes).
I do have a SKII trial set in my cupboard. I didn’t think it gave good results, but I was probably too impatient.
I’ve recently gotten into some Clarins products for skincare and they are really quite good. But I think they are a bit slow with marketing. Add to that, they don’t even bring in some of the makeup here and when they do, they don’t give it much hype. Pity. Some of them are really good!
I have many that I can’t get into but I do have a few choice pieces from some. But these brands just don’t attract me much and it’s not because they have bad products, they just don’t appeal to me.
List of brands that don’t get me jumping up and down:
SK2, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Anna Sui, Benefit, most Korean brands, Aveda, Maybelline (except for a few mascaras), Revlon, Burberry (only have one lipstick), Elizabeth Arden, Shu Uemura (only like a few foundations)
There’s actually too many to list! But I don’t want to take up too much space 😉
Haha yup! I was trying to get at the brands that don’t appeal. Korean brands don’t appeal to me for the most part too! It was a bit of a waste when I was visiting Korea since I didn’t go mad at every single cosmetics shop like many other people LOL! 😀 Now that you mention Elizabeth Arden, I don’t even know where their counters are! :O
For me it’s Chanel and Bobbi Brown (although I love their concealers). Their products are so safe and sheer that just don’t appeal to me. I’ve lots interest in MAC too. Their brushes are amazing but they come out with so many collection that you can’t keep up and frankly, it has really started to bore me. Besides, I think they are sacrificing quality for quantity. A lot of their products, such as the eyeshadows, aren’t as good as they used to, and even the shades have become more ordinary and easily dupable lately..
Ooh I think so too about MAC! I think they should just pull back and go back to what they do best – good colour makeup. Their brushes are good, I will admit.
I loved reading other readers opinion Paris, great post!
I’m not really into Clinique, I often stop at their counters but I rarely buy anything, don’t know why.
I agree with everybody’s opinion about MAC, keeping up with their collections it’s just too much! xx
Thanks S – I didn’t realise how strongly some people feel about some of the brands out there! 😀 I like some items in Clinique but not the 3Step. That just does not work for me.
I’m not a big fan of cosmetics,so I never try chanel,dior,mac,bobbi brown,shu uemura cosmetics.Clinique,EL and sk ii seem to be around in every corner but I don’t feel like trying them at all,weird..
Ah and I thought you were a beauty product buff! 😛
I’m a big fan of skincare but not cosmetics coz I think if we take good care of our skin,we don’t have to use tons of makeup on the face 🙂
Ah ok that makes sense. I am an advocate of good skincare too.
A lot of brands just don’t appeal to me – MAC (I’m surprised there’s a lot of people saying the same here!), Bobbi Brown, Biotherm, Burberry (loved them when they first came out, then nothing) Elizabeth Arden and more recently, Lancome. While they’ve got gorgeous collections, it’s just left me feeling a bit…”meh”.
I know! I was surprised at the strong feelings about MAC too – I thought we’d see a lot of MAC fans out there. Maybe they just aren’t reading my blog since I don’t feature MAC hehehe… I have to agree with you about Burberry too. I was really keen on the idea of the brand when it came out but they just haven’t quite caught my imagination. The new location of the counter makes it easy to miss too, so I’ve walked past it countless times without even realizing it was there 😛
SKII on top of my list. I tried their famous FTE, it does not show any improvements on me, when feeding back to them, the SA always mentioned that I must use the whole range of their products in order to see the result…whoa, it will definitely burn a big whole in my pocket, hence it’s definite turn off for me. I’m not brand loyal, i.e. never use everything from the same brand, I like to mix & match, whichever way that my skin love it. Next, Shu Uemura, I started to use their cleansing oil few years back, then skin care, they works well on me, I must say I love their cleansing oil, the SAs are also friendly back then =), but lately, I found that their SAs are not so friendly anymore, whenever I walk into their boutique, I can see the SA’s eye with $$ which keep pushing me to buy without concerning my needs…a real turn off, I normally walk straight out with this kind of service. Anyway, this is just personal opinion. =)
I mix and match my skincare too – don’t believe in using everything from one line (except for whitening products for best effect). I had a bad run in with Shu Uemura recently too so they’re on my “less attention” list now. Pity. They used to have such good stuff!
Oh, yes!!! I like some products from Body Shop but not all!!! I find them too expensive for their worth. and, there is Lush as well which doesn’t really excite me even when I see awesome products from them!!!
yes, sometimes reformulated products don’t match up to the earlier standards!!! and, that’s just a shame.
Ooh yes! I can’t use Lush at all and going into their stores give me a headache 😛 I haven’t walked into a Body Shop shop for a very long time now. Their products just don’t interest me anymore 🙁
For me, it’s definitely SK-II. I’ve tried their Facial Treatment Essence once (one year ago), and it way just so-so for me. Not too impressed. I expected more from that price tag.
Their ads are most certainly effective, I will give them that! So many people I know give in to their curiousity just to “try”. Another one that really got people with their ads was Hada Labo. That adorable “toing” bouncy, springy cheek pat got us all! 😀
LOL. Yes, THE “toing” advert. I can’t stop laughing every time I watch it. :p
A big loud *YAWN* at MAC cosmetics. 🙂
*YAWN*
I’m into skincare and not makeup items…
Being a SK-II user for 5yrs, was very happy it, until recently… 1st it was the price increased. Then, yeah the ads on tv. Got really fed-up with the “toing-toing” and “like tofu” thingy that I’d change channel whenever it’s on… and, I blame them for the price increase and move on.
Wanted to try Guerlain (becoz of PB) but the SA at Isetan Garden was so not interested to serve me with “you can’t afford to buy” look… I was thinking maybe next time I should walk to her with my La Mer or Sisley paper bag with real stuffs in them and see if there’s a different attitute…kakaka ( half dreaming )
I’m not interested to try Estee Lauder, i don’t know why. Tried Kose in my early 20’s, didn’t do much for my skin. Then tried Clinique with same result.
I had the same experience with the SA at Guerlain Isetan Gardens. I think we met the same SA..that’s what I call “attitude problem”. It doesn’t mean you must have that ‘rich look’ to buy their stuff.. (*roll eyes*)
You know what? I think I know which SA you mean at Guerlain Isetan Gardens. I should let the management know about that, because she did put me off too. The older one was quite condescending until I indicated I was there to purchase when she became much more helpful. The younger one was so bad at doing sales, I’ll never buy anything off her ever. She just sat there looking bored at me.
Yes, the SA’s attitude and how they serve are the most important issues whenever I approach a new brand… If they don’t want my money, no prob. I’m sure there are lots of others who want and will serve me nicely for it. ^_^
Yup! No one brand is worth all the stress and heartache 😛
Tried SKII before but the product is normal, and brands such as La Mer and Shiseido are expensive products which i stay away and wun even get myself near to the counter.
Honestly? Shiseido isn’t much more expensive than many other skincare brands out there 🙂 La Mer is just in a different category altogether although Cle de Peau, Sisley and La Prairie really take the cake there 😉
i have not touch Clarins, Bobbi Brown or MAC as well, ntg really caught my eye.
As for skincare, i have to say most Taiwanese sheet mask are just so-so IMO, Korean brands skincare are still not up to mark (innisfree are not worth the try) & the sleeping packs have not worked wonders on my skin either but some brands (Nature Republic, Tony Moly, Skinfood) does produce great sheet mask though. Due to greediness, i still have Tony Moly sleeping pack and some Missha producst which i bought during travelling, hope it is worth it. So far i have great exp with the Shiseido SA that serves me very friendly,helpful & not pushy.
Its great to know that Shiseido works for you 🙂 I’ve tried a few Korean brands of skincare and makeup but I haven’t been impressed enough to repurchase anything. The sheet masks are generally ok I feel. No real lasting effects but inexpensive for a regular treat 🙂
Agree on those taiwanese & korean sheet mask…no real lasting effects but it’s definitely more affordable to pamper myself more often…haha. I’ve tried sheet mask from SK2, Shu Uemura & Kose, they are much more expenssive yet no real lasting effect for me too =(.
hahaha! I’ve tried the expensive sheet masks too and think the same way you do. I’d rather just buy a cheap one 😀
Mine are Japanese brands. I guess it’s because they’re not available in this part of the world! Then there are Lancome and Clinique. Right now, I’m still loving MAC, MUFE, Bobbi Brown (for concealers), YSL and Chanel for their lipsticks 😉
Mmm… YSL lipsticks are divine! I’m eyeing that new liquid lipstick and will need to travel just to have a look at it LOL! Or beg a friend 😛 I think Japanese brands fall under the radar of most, because they do appeal to only a particular style and not everyone likes that ethereal, shimmery look 😉
My first makeup brand was MAC and I thought the relationship would last forever but I came to a stage where I started to dislike wearing makeup that made me look like I’m wearing makeup. Get it? XD
I also started patronising Asian brands since I can identify myself to it so western brands no longer appeal to me. My makeup has always been simple, just BB cream or powder foundation with the occasional blush so I always stuck to Shiseido Maquillage, SK-II and Laneige. I haven’t exactly ignored western brands since all my lipsticks are Dior but that’s only because I thought Kate Moss totally sold it.
I would say that a popular cosmetics brands that I can’t get into is Lancome but that’s mainly because having Julia Roberts in their ads puts me off for some reason and the photoshop seems obvious. I also couldn’t be bothered with Clinique since their print ads never appeal to me. I thought it was creative and interesting but I would still prefer to see a product on a face (famous or not) to make me want to buy it.
HAHA yes yes I totally get you 😀 The Japanese and Asian brands are good for giving us makeup that doesn’t look like makeup on the skin. I really like that because its just me but better! 😀 I think most brands rely too heavily on photoshop 😛 The new Lancome ad with Emma Watson for their whitening serum put me quite off. No real person would glow like that 😛
For me it is MAC. I don’t know if it is the price, or the name, but there is something about it that keeps me from actually buying one of their products. I have heard so many fantastic things about MAC (especially about their brushes!).
Maybe someone will be able to convince me otherwise 🙂
Im not into Clinique, SK2 and Chanel. I just could not get used to these brands’ products 🙁 Too bad!!
Hmm brands that I can’t get into… Estee Lauder would be one. I just haven’t seen anything from them that I’ve GOT to have. Lush, because it makes me sneeze, Biotherm because I just didn’t have good experience with their products. I try to stay open-minded, but sometimes after some failed experiment I become a little skeptical :p
I agree with you Sunny 😀 We want to try everything but when we don’t have a good experience, it puts us off right? I do think Estee Lauder has improved in terms of makeup although I still can’t use all their skincare except the ANR which I love. I thought I might like Lush but nope. I can smell the shop from a mile away and it puts me off (thank goodness we don’t have one here yet!)
same here – SKII. i seriously do not understand why they don’t work for me yet work amazingly on already gorgeous artistes! ;P
never tried mac though. never tried laura mercier, never tried what’s that freakingly expensive marine brand… aahhh la mer.
i used to love bobbi brown’s hydrating toner. i don’t think it works that much in hydrating my skin but i love it for the simple packaging and nice scent.
Oh yeah, Laura Mercier falls off my radar too! I tried one or two products but they didn’t wow me. The tinted moisturizer is quite good though. I quite like that one.