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
trah says
I’m not the sort who’s particular on brand names, but rather on suitability. I have sensitive skin so I don’t mind buying inexpensive brands that works for me after years of use even if my purchasing power has increased. I am much more indulgent when it comes to skin care products than make-up though.
SK-II is tricky because I noticed it works only for certain people. For some people, it may work for few months but becomes ineffective afterwards or it may suit another perfectly. Since SK-II is made of yeast, my uncle gave me ‘ragi’- a special yeast to make rice wine mixed with dried chopped pandan leaves as mask when I was in high school. It worked for few months but my pimples returned, so I think I will have the same experience with SK-II.
Does anyone else use aspirin mask? I love how smooth and brighter my face look every time I do it. Are you also using any home remedies, Paris? I find avacado hair mask very messy and cucumber face mask feels luxurious during a weekend while reading a book (I do feel bad sometimes because it kinda of a waste of food, haha)
Paris B says
I used to use the Aspirin mask but no longer, mainly because I stopped having dramatic breakouts and I use other clarifying masks that work just as well 🙂 I don’t use home remedies for skincare mostly because I find them messy and not as effective as I might like. I think sometimes, that home remedies are great because they are more gentle, but sometimes, I need something that is a bit more complex for it to really work. I guess its just me – Other than working with furniture and improvising household stuff, I’m not very much into DIY skincare 😀
Lisa says
Sk II, clarins, laneige, Mac , shu uemura and lately Bobbi brown, lunasol, shiseido, kose and Dior.
Paris B says
Aww… Lunasol! 😀 They fell off my radar a while ago but got back on. Its in danger of falling back off though hehe…
Connie De Alwis says
Ehhhhh…… Most Asian brands just goes whoosh past me but the worst would be Laneige. It’s an up and coming brand but I’m yet to find anything that I like from the brand. Even the coveted hydra mask thingy was meh on me *shrugs*
However, there were brands that did surprise me ie. I never thought I’d like anything from that brand such as Ettusais and Shiseido.
Oh, Estee Lauder, Chanel and many many others whoosh past me as well.
Paris B says
Hmm Laneige is one of them too. When I try some products, I quite like it, but I don’t actively seek them out
rudi says
SKII – their FTE not only was meh for me but a big URGGGGHHH and their SAs do not know the meaning of customer service which is another big no-no to me.
Estee Lauder & Clinique – both skincare and makeup, I will not voluntarily use.
Paris B says
I had a SK2 SA look incredulous when I told her once that I was using La Mer (at that time) I don’t know if it was because of the condition of my skin then (bad) or my age but I thought it was extremely rude. I never went back to her counter.
pawprints says
I thought Laura Mercier is quite hyped up but I think you have not reviewed any of their products before? Have you tried them because I really want to know what you think of their products. And also can you please do a review on Bobbi Brown’s Shimmerbricks please? Thanks =)
Paris B says
I tend to overlook Laura Mercier personally 🙂 I have tried their tinted moisturiser and one Silk Road face palette before this. The tinted moisturiser was quite good but the colour cosmetics really disappointed me. I will try to dig out what I have left of the BB Shimmerbricks. I gave away most of mine but kept maybe one 😛
Kate says
Just like you, SK-II and MAC just doesn’t attract me haha. MAC probably cause they roll out too many products that it can be hard to keep up. Not to mention, most of it is limited edition so you’re like pressed to get it fast or not at all.
Also, nothing turns me off a brand more than the (lack of) service level of the BA, despite how many star products the brand has. 😀
Paris B says
I have to agree! I do not frequent counters where I’ve had bad service from the BAs no matter how good the products are.
Shija says
Definitely SK II, Lancome, Paul & Joe, Clinique, Kanebo, Kose , Talika – say whatever, it doesn’t bother me. But I Love Love Love Estee Lauder, Mac, Dior, MUFE, Urban decay, Chanel, Clarins, Elizabeth Arden & Too Faced. Wished could have more $$$ to buy more more goodies from these brands.. ( although i have 6 drawers full of it but still don’t get enough) :)..
Paris B says
haha join the club! I think every single woman here can understand how you feel about wanting more and more hehe… 😉
Shay says
I have a drawer full of make up and another + a shelf full of skincare. So I am not buying anymore until something runs out.
Actually I don’t have much stuff from the big brands eg Chanel, Dior, etc. I much rather go for cult products. Just to find out what it is all about. And also, most times I can’t justify the heavy price tags for them.
Recently, I have been using liquid/cream/gel makeup as I go to the gym before work. I have 2 sets of makeup pouches. One to deposit at a gym club nearer to work where I have a locker. Another I bring along in my bag to another gym club which I have no locker. Both bags contained used products. To my amazement, besides mascara, there are no products which requires replacement even after 5 months of going to the gym about 4 workdays a week.
Sigh, don’t think i would be buying any makeup (except mascara) soon. Even after I have gone through these liquid/cream/gel products, I still have the powder ones.
Lorraine says
I just can’t get into Lush cosmetics/beauty products: they promise so much for so little and I’ve tried about 10 different products from them. It’s nice to be “organic” but effectiveness should be a priority as well and their products are a bit costly :C
Paris B says
I can’t get into Lush either. The few times I went into the store, I end up with a headache. There’s only 1 item I like – Happy Hippy but I can’t brave the store for that 😛
Elaine says
I hardly buy anything from Estee Lauder & Clinique.. The products don’t appeal much to me. I am more a Japanese makeup lover and some Dior, Chanel. 🙂