loove all your videos ✨by your and your sister's reaction I'm suspicious of this influencer brand launch thing 👀if I see an Abbey brand I'm sending my CV right away
Your chat about not buying beauty products on credit was actually really good. I have done this in the past and I really regret it. It’s easy to get in over your head!
A lot of us were influenced heavily in the past. Companies pay a lot of money in marketing and advertisements because they know it will come back to them a million fold. They play on insecurities, who knows probably some subliminal messages in there. I see the very young falling for it all now. Tweens needing Drunk Elephant. Why would they even think that?
I left a comment about it in one of my videos… Here in Brazil, the type of video “comprinhas de autocuidado” (literal translation being “self care small haul”) is very popular and give a lot of views! I was getting kind of irritated with the fact that these girls were promoting, even without actually saying “do the same I’m doing”, women to buy new stuff literally every video they posted! Like, I get: every person’s hygiene/ beauty restock needs is different. Some might find what I purchase for my personal use too much. But the thing is that almost ALL of their videos are hygiene/ beauty hauls! I did the test and asked my small audience (which I’m grateful to have btw, but just acknowledging) what they wanted to watch… This kind of haul had one of the most (if not the most) votes out of the other options! I did the video and, not shockingly, it got way more views than my average!! Also, it brought a lot of new subscribers, so I fear them expecting me to make my channel 80% beauty haul and becoming “ghost subscribers” (which, as far as Ik, is worse than not being subscribed). You know what’s funny? I used to watch this girl’s channel (sometimes I still watch) and her channel is mostly this kind of haul. Once these people came in and they started to call her out saying she shouldn’t be only posting and promoting point/endless buying… I didn’t comment about that (neither agreeing or disagreeing) and, instead, decided to observe… She posted a few videos that weren’t those hauls and, believe me, but these people weren’t there to watch (even though it was still self care related)! They called her out, but they themselves proved their point (her non beauty haul videos have significantly less views than her average)… Is it a her problem? Is it the viewers problem? Is it both side’s problem? Regardless, the very moment I posted my video I left and pinned a comment telling people to not be pressured to buy those things just because I was doing so (and to buy if they themselves feel like they needed it or wanted it, as simply wanting is also valid, as long as you use that product and don’t waste it with no reason). Also, linking my reply to the point of your comment, I my self am trying to not buy these things on credit, so I guess I chatted about that on my pinned comment too. Of course, I left my affiliate links (as I’m a young adult student and that helps), but told that they could buy wherever was more convenient/ better for them! Now I’m trying to come up with ways to convert those haul viewers into my other video viewers, and I’m guessing that means I’ll have to deliver smaller hauls in my non haul videos, till they get interested enough in my vlogs to watch it regardless if I’ll have a haul that day or not! Unfortunately that’s just how it works, but as many things in life, I guess that’s something I’ll be (if God wants to) able to handle and “win” in the end of the day (regardless of how “winning” actually looks like, in this case)! Sorry to make it long, but your comment was actually great, so I thought to add with it!
I think the whole inflation is a scam. Reasons, if any are even given are bullshite. We are constantly being lied and manipulated out of our money and rights.
@@anjunatuna I agree with you on the grocery stores. lol I check out now at regular grocery stores and noticed my receipt is starting to resemble Whole Foods!
I wish hair dressers wouldn’t fear monger inexpensive hair products if they don’t know the science behind it. Hair stylists had me convinced I could only buy expensive hair care products to get good quality. Thank god for Abbey, I’ve saved so much money since discovering her videos
The funny thing? Some 20 or 30 years ago, professional brands weren't easily available to everyday folks. They were exclusive to hair salons and couldn't be sold at large.
I am a hairdresser and worked on retail commission and Because of abbey and the knowledge she opened up to ME…: I no longer have the conscience to harp on other brands clients use or what works for THEM. The hair industry is such a scam as far as marketing and I agree with abbey-don’t even get me started on “natural hair care” which is a brand I work for- I will literally tell clients to go to CVS next door and get Loreal 😂
Definitely… I mean I adore my stylist she’s a goddess at hair and is such a wonderful person but in the span of about 2 minutes she told me not to use sulfates and silicones and then recommended Redken Volume Injection (which has both sulfates and silicones in it). Luckily I’ve been watching Abbey for ages so I know the misinformation about sulfates and silicones ahaha I think a lot of them need to update their training in terms of product recommendations and science…
I have a theory that stylists do this because that's what's taught in beauty school. Those schools are sponsored by professional hair care brands, so obviously they're gonna push their opinions on their students. Cosmetology school has to be restructured.
Regarding Dupe Culture: Here’s a point to consider (which maybe you didn’t even think about): As someone who doesn’t live in the US (and I don’t travel there often), it is sometimes VERY hard to get the original product OUTSIDE of the US, because the brand does not have a distribution network OUTSIDE of the US. That’s why some brands which have access (and a distribution network) to the market in that particular area, see an untapped niche for a specific product within that market. Here’s an example- Glow Recipe has been around for YEARS in the US (it’s been around so long- it’s basically passé in the US) and literally the Sephora in POLAND just got it last month. But they didn’t get the whole product line, just limited products. Same thing with Glossier. Glossier is not even available in Poland. And it’s not just these random brands. Many high-end makeup brands may have limited availability in certain regions or countries, leaving consumers without access to popular products. By producing dupes, other brands can fill this void and ensure that individuals worldwide have access to a diverse range of makeup options. This approach promotes inclusivity and allows consumers from different geographic locations to enjoy trending beauty products.
I'm probably not the only one, but I don't care about dupes because I will not spend my money on high-end products. I want to know about good products, regardless of whether they're a dupe or not.
Or it’s absurdly expensive. With money as tight as it is these days, I can’t judge anyone for buying affordable alternatives for ridiculously high prices items.
totally agree. also live outside the US and where i live we don’t even have sephora. many brands and products aren’t available here so we NEED the dupe options that are. from essence and catrice, for example. which are popular brands here. i do think some dupes go too far in that they’re genuine copies in packaging and style, like mco beauty, but from a consumer standpoint, i’ll always love a dupe.
I am with you. It is used in other spaces I follow too, and it drives me nuts that everyone is obsessed with everything, but next week they are obsessed with something else 🙄
My hot take is that I hate hearing influencers, especially mega influencers, doing dupe content solely for "the poors". The constant, "Well since not everyone can afford XYZ here's a shitty alternative I clearly don't like and you'll never see me use again but it's soooo good for you since you're poor and I have it linked below!" Like not everyone wants less expensive options because they "can't afford" the OGs but for me personally, I think it's irresponsible to spend 3 or 4 times the price on something I can get for way cheaper that works well for me. For example I love Shop Miss A and they have a $1 slim brow pencil that I LOVE and since I go through them so fast, why on earth would I spend $10, $15, $20+ on something like that?! I'm not poor, I'm just trying to be finacially responsible.
@@COgirl394 my take is as long as we aren’t judging teenagers for wanting the Charlotte tilbury aesthetic so they buy Mco dupes. Yes they want the packaging and yes that’s ok. They have been advertised to incessantly by brands who know they can’t afford their products. I won’t judge high end consumers as long as they don’t judge broke teens wanting a slice of that aesthetic even if they can’t have the actual status symbol.
Everything in our lives is a dupe, ex cars, appliances, phones, medication... everything. There is a reason why patents expire, so that companies don't have a monopoly on the market. This also drives innovation. I know makeup is considered a creative outlet but they shouldn't be exempt from being "duped".
People being defensive about it don’t realise that their defensive response is av result of the marketing working on them. They’re defending their status symbol purchases. They don’t want daggers to have a pretend Charlotte tilbury powder even though they’re constantly being advertised to by high end brands. Instead of hating on Mco, they need to take a sec and think why it is successful. Maybe if we had less predatory marketing it wouldn’t be soo successful.
I have seen products from CT that are dupes for 2 of my favorite brands from the eighties/early nineties. Let’s all beware of backing up “newer” high end brands. I’m almost 60 and can tell you some of the 21st century high end brands are actually duping companies from 30-40 years ago.
People seem to w mostly upset about the dipping of packaging rather than product. Why is that? I think it’s because they feel that their high end purchases are somehow cheapened. They don’t want anyone to have lookalikes because they didn’t pay a premium. I think those people should think shot how their status symbols are leading their emotional thinking over this.
Re: influencers talking about new products. I’ve seen some influencers who will do kind of first impressions/try on hauls, and then later do kind of quarterly update reviews to talk more in depth about how the products performed in the long haul. I think that’s the most helpful combo - getting to see what’s new and interesting and get their first thoughts, but also getting to see their thoughts on them later.
I agree that the brand should include this info on the packaging, but for products you've already bought, you can buy pH test strips online to test them for yourself if you'd like to find out :)
@elena7520 that's a good idea! Unfortunately, many ph strips that can be bought online aren't a high quality and can be off by a fair bit. I also wish I didn't have to buy a product to know the ph, but still - it's a good idea (:
Regarding dupes… how are dupes any different from off brand products. For example, Charmin toilet paper and the Kroger brand version toilet paper? The packaging looks the same but one is a cheaper version of the name brand.
I can see the point from both sides, however, this has been going on for decades in the business world with consumer products. The Internet just made the information more accessible. I usually find one thing that is different in nearly every dupe I have used. Sometimes It's better to go with the original when other times a copycat will do just fine.
Love this analogy. I think the difference is there isn’t a thousand videos discussing toilet paper and it’s similarities to other toilet papers brands. The audience may be just bored or finding something to complain about.
For the first point, the whole point of a dupe is to be a copy. a DUPlicate. Something so similar to something higher end that it DUPES people into thinking it IS the "better" brand. I'm not arguing for the ethical standpoint, but being a copy is the exact point of a "dupe"
Never go into debt to buy makeup or beauty products/accessories! This seems like such an obvious statement. Thank you from this 55 year old who was trained from a young age that we don’t buy things we can’t afford. Period.
I’m 30 and 100% agree. I wish I could tell myself this 10 years ago but I had to learn the hard way and now I don’t buy any thing beauty products, clothing or home items I don’t have the cash for it’s just not worth the stress
i personally like "dupes", for example elf does it very good. especially bc their dupes also work great. i hate "dupes" though that are based on smaller businesses, like revolution has done before. i also dislike "dupes" where only the packaging is the same, but the actual quality is poor.
@@Madamchief oh so sorry to hear. i personally cant use any cleansing balms bc they always break me out. i have to stick with micellar water. i love their cream blushes. so easy to blend and so natural looking. the lash xtndr mascara is also really nice. i also love their lip shine products. i generally like their cream products a lot. and i tend to avoid their foundations, eye shadows etc.
@@Madamchiefhave you tried the Bliss one (drugstore/Walmart etc.) or Clean it Zero Balm - Original, pink jar, or blue jar (Ulta)? Those both work really well and don’t contain linalool!
@@YenShively no I haven't tried any other yet. This one was the very first 😵 I'm willing to try others for sure. The tinted sunscreen I use is hard to wash off with just cleanser
Every time there’s a new trend it reminds me of the Josie and the Pussycats movie where they’re all receiving subliminal messages through music about what to buy next. Except TikTok is the music lol
That Australian brand is basically giving people in Australia a chance to try aome products that they probably don't get. You have to remember you can go to Ulta and Sephora etc. Even here in London we have 1 Sephora... in LONDON! We don't have Milani, Patrick Ta, Mario etc. We just get to see all of you reviewing products and wish we could join in. Even the Natasha Denona stand in a prestigious department store like Selfridges is pretty lackluster and has hardly anything. You need to understand it feom the perspective of not having the choice thag you do.
I live in Australia and I can tell you we have plenty of choice! we have our own version of Sephora that’s called Mecca and in my opinion is so much better than Sephora
I’m in Australia and I can buy ANY of the products I want. Mco is not being fair and their products are NOT as good as the real brands so it doesn’t help people at all….
I think everything in makeup is a dupe. I mean, Helena Rubinstein made the first mascara in a tube (it was in cake form before) and then everyone copied it. Nowadays we're just seeing the dupes in real-time, so it seems shady. JMHO 🤷🏻♀️
THANK YOU! I've been trying to explain this to everyone...what brand doesn't have a liquid foundation, a concealer, a pink blush, a black mascara? I mean seriously...LOL
Yes! The influencers clicking their nails on products so so annoying. Also when they put their hands under their chin at the end and make weird faces that they think are cute. All the same and just seems NOT genuine. Ick.
I see a video on eyeliner, then buy 4-5 eyeliners in different colors to try and then hate the formula.😪 I've learned, if I'm interested, to write down the product,, wait till I need it, rewatch the video/review, decide if I still want to try, then buy one. If I like the formula, then buy it in other colors. I love your videos and trust you implicitly. This was a great video! Keep being you, you are awesome!!! Many blessings!!!💖💖💖
I feel similarly. Especially with new launches. Take note then wait for the hype to die down then see if people are still using and recommending it. Or sometimes in a category that's rapidly expanding it will turn out people are recommending a similar product from a different company. And if it's something that's just another new launch from a company who churns them out then wait and you might be able to snag it on sale.
I don't care about dupes or copy's. If it is not a patented or copyrighted piece of artwork or product than it is fair game.... People who are going to buy an expensive product or going to buy that expensive product because of the name on the product.... Charlotte tilbury as an example, puts out mediocre products at expensive prices, and those that are loyal to the brand are going to buy it... I have no loyalty to that brand I think their products are mediocre for the price. and elf makes absolute copies all the time.... But if it's good, I'll buy it from elf. Because I have no interest . I'm not buying a Charlotte product. Because it is not worth th CT price . but sometimes it is worth it at the elf price point. People who were going to spend the money. Are going to spend the money. As far as cosmetics, don't care fashion, I think that's a problem, because that's an actual design of something new.... But as far as a blush or formulated hair product....... I don't care. The design of packaging. I kind of understand as an issue. . But those that are looking for dupes. And low cost were never going to purchase the expensive product anyway
The packaging dupe means you have an uncanny valley version of a status symbol. I own CT lipstick and Nars afterglow and have absolutely no problem with Mco making packaging dupes. I know that it makes Done people who have been recently advertised to products they vent afford a little bit happier. Ideally we wouldn’t have such rediculous things as status symbol foundations but here we are.
The pattern of influencers releasing products is why I curate my channels & viewing habits. No, not everyone should create a product. The waste of products in the clearance section is proof. Products should solve a problem, not create one. Thank you, Abbey! 💖
I might be by myself where I really like Makeup Revolution 🤷🏾♀️ Elf copies higher end products ALL THE TIME but yet no one ever complains about them...
fair. some brands are just people’s favourites. revolution has had some shady business going on the last few years though. but their products really aren’t all as terrible as some people make them out to be.
yeah exactly they’re copying higher end products… not stealing from small brands and ultimately making more money than the original brand. elf’s target audience probably doesn’t earn them as much as milk makeup and others. makeup revolution’s much larger consumer base allows them to actually steal ideas and nobody realizes it’s a “dupe” whereas with elf everyone buys it BECAUSE it’s a dupe.
The products on credit thing really struck me, along with the "not everything has to be affordable". I was raised to never buy something you can't afford right at that moment, and it's served me well - but also made me miss out on SO much. Having said that, it's not really missing out if I survived without the item before and afterwards. Having said THAT, you can't take money with you and it's good to enjoy things while you're here. So it's a real Catch 22 for me sometimes.
Definitely don't put makeup on credit. It's a waste and ultimately it'll trickle over to other areas of life and cause debt. The amount of women who spend thousands on makeup, blowouts, nail treatments, clothes shopping, brunch, etc but have 30k+ credit card debt is astounding. People need to live within their means.
Also have to use that small brand theory to pet food. So many people want to jump on the boutique brand foods and trends without realizing there are no vets, scientists or nutritionists involved in the development.
Regarding "giving everything a name" culture: It was fine at first but now it's ubiquitous, and that's what makes it annoying. Not every single nail color or makeup color scheme needs a nickname.
Dupe culture: The economic theory that supports brands charging extortionate prices is the same economic theory that supports dupes. It's literally part of the theory, it can't (consistently) be unethical*. 🤦♀ *assuming we only adopt ethical theories. A more precise word would be "rational."
@@Wintermetal I feel you! To clarify, my point is a logical and theoretical one, so it's not context dependent. Obviously the theory I'm referring to is capitalism, which supports the idea of brands setting their own prices. If one is committed to that idea, they are a proponent of capitalism. Part of capitalism is the balance between IP and Antitrust laws. Dupes are protected by IP because although we may "feel" that it crosses a line, enforcing stricter IP laws/relaxing antitrust laws can lead to bigger problems. Clearly makeup isn't that deep but the revised laws would have to apply across the board and can pose issues in other industries (re: values of a capitalist economy). The only way out is to reject capitalism, which also means rejecting that high end brands can set their own prices to begin with. Hope that helps!
@@Wintermetal I feel you! Allow me to clarify; my point was a theoretical/logical point so it's not context sensitive. The economic theory I'm referring to is capitalism, which is what allows (high end) brands to set their own prices. Simply put, if we support that idea, we're committed to this theory (vs a planned economy). Most importantly, capitalism involves a balance of IP protections and antitrust/competition laws. With makeup it isn't that deep, but these things have to apply across the board. In other industries, this balance is consequential. Relaxing IP protections can/has lead to some big economic problems. I hope that makes sense.
My hot take is that my holy grail items are really only a miniscule better than other products. What I mean is the difference between my favorite mascara and my third, or even 8th favorite mascara, is probably like a 20% difference in performance, if that makes sense.
To the second point, I don’t think being overwhelmed with influencers sharing so many products they love is related to the viewer not loving beauty; it’s more so about not knowing who we can trust. The average consumer doesn’t have the same disposable income as popular influencers, and if they’re promoting a product as being the best ever, we want to be able to take their word for it. An example I have of this is a creator on tiktok I recently unfollowed. She has gorgeous hair and multiple times a week she’s promoting a different hair care brand, stating it’s her FAVORITE line or it made her hair look the BEST EVER. That tells me she is agreeing to do deals with anyone who offers and is claiming they’re all her favorites. How are we to know which products she actually likes versus which ones she’s claiming to like because they’re paying her?
Let alone influencers receive free products. The last time I remember an influencer causing a commotion because of a bad review was Alyssa Ashley x Subculture palette. We could see the palette was bad, but every other Influencers promoted that thing as the 9th wonder of the world and threw Alyssa under the bus. The people followed suit in bashing Alyssa because ABH can do no wrong. The truth was only recognized when people that bought it said it was bad.
I hate when the companies don't disclose the percentage of the actives in their products! It's so irritating.. I also hate when they make fishy claims about their product (for example "repairing the hairstrands in 3 uses" and "makes hair grow faster"). And lastly.. I hate that they're using the inflation as an excuse to get richer and raise the prices in a ridiculous manner. I'm also sick of the nail clicking and "sexy" poses that influencers do when they're trying something on.
Great video Abbey. Though I agree some influencers don’t really use products they tout, I love and recommend your channel because you do. Specially hair when you post updated wash routines I can literally see you using a new product like Epres that you recommended. I often comment on instagram when I see people that have questions that they should check out your CZcams video on Epres or K18 because you are thorough and you try to talk to the creators or company representatives to clarify or answer questions. I have always been impressed with that. Even for your mascara comparisons you showed pictures and stated why you like 1 more than another but as always it’s different strokes for different folks so people need to pay attention. You are upfront about your oily scalp and if a person has a drier scalp, certain things you love will not work for them. Ultimately people need to do their own trail and error, but I find your reviews so helpful to figure out what to try. Thanks for being you! ❤
I'm sick of hyaluronic acid being in everything! It's like the corn syrup of beauty ingredients. Every item I ever bought that felt like it was drying, even though it said it should be moisturizing, has HA. Even on damp skin with moisturizer and oil applied after left my face feeling dry. I also tried vitamin C serum. It was brand new from a company claiming it makes it in small batches because it's so unstable. As the day progressed, I noticed a metallic smell on my hands and what could only be coming from my face. I googled it and a lot of people have that complaint. It was literally oxidizing on my face. So why, if an ingredient is so unstable and hard to work with and package, do these companies promote vitamin C? Also, I wonder why people would say that in combination with sunscreen it does wonders for your skin? I’d also be interested to hear about product lines launched by dermalogists. I was interested in trying Dr Idriss’ line but it’s not cheap.
I object to paying extortionate prices for brands especially when it only takes about 10-20% of that cost to make the product, why should l use my hard earned money to make these companies very very large profits for ripping their customers off.
What I can't stand is when content creators call makeup products or any item 'SHE.' I'm like what is up with these people. Do they have a vision problem or do they honestly believe a lipstick etc are human🤦Call the item by its normal name. How hard can that be. I've noticed most of the American YT I used to watch have this annoying habit. Even you do that Abbey. What's worse is the UK YT are now doing it and it sounds so ridiculous. I've unsubscribed to so many.
If a high-end product can be duped at a cheaper price, the product deserves to be duped.🤷♀ As a consumer, I am paying the premium for a better quality. A badly performing knock-off of a luxury product is not going to convince anyone who is actually planning to use the product. Of course packaging and branding adds to the experience. As consumers, we can decide if we want to "feel" like a charlotte tillbury customer or an elf one. I do feel bad for smaller/indie brands, but it is business 101 to develop a moat or a not easily copy-able differentiator before launching your business.
As someone in the industry, there are parent companies that own many brands. Many drugstore brands are owned by companies that own luxury brands. In some cases the *exact same product* is sold in three different levels of packaging at three different price points. *Packaging* is often the most expensive component of a product.
I think people are defending these brands because they feel possessive over their s status symbols and don’t like that the existence of formula and packaging dupes cheapens the products they spent $$$ for. I have the Nars tinted balm that Mco duped in both ways and I don’t care, I hope the people who buy the Mco feel a bit boujee.
I live in Australia and Mcobeauty is even controversial here! I used to be conflicted but to be honest, the brands they're duping are even more expensive in Australia than they are overseas and with the rise in cost of living I no longer feel bad about buying some of their products (that are actually quite good). The only people I see genuinely getting offended are other influencers 🤷♀
Honestly dupes aren’t a problem they’re spread out on multiple platforms not just makeup. It happens in everything literally everything!! From high end fashion to hair styling tools … literally everywhere so they need to get over it
I do incentivized reviews and here’s the deal. 1. You want to keep getting free product so you toe the line on how you word negative reviews. 2. You are super thankful to be given a free product so you are a little biased. 3. Many incentives reviews I read sound generic and like they didn’t even try. I ALWAYS filter them out.
Yeah I was an honest reviewer and then Influenster stopped sending me things lol apparently toeing the line is quite important which is crappy in my opinion bc it just confirms that you can’t fully trust the incentivized reviews
Abbey, I bought the Pantene Pro-Vitamin Essence Daily Repair Mist! I'm really liking it (and the smell is amazing), but I'd love to hear your thoughts! The packaging looks so high end, too! I got it for $24. It's like a water mist supposedly packed with B5.
I’m a lot older than your average subscribers and I just want to say that young women need to stop wasting their valuable money on all of this stuff. Use sunscreen daily and a little inexpensive lip gloss and eye shadow. Please please please stop wasting your money on the never ending quest for a miracle in a tube or plastic pot. Smile and be happy and confident in your value. One day you will regret all the money you threw down the cosmetic drain. Have you ever noticed that you never really look better or different after you apply all those expensive products? Or that the constant barrage of new miracle beauty products never ends? Don’t be a a casualty of the cosmetic industry marketing. You are worth more than that.
Along with nail tapping, the aggressive, physical slamming of products to make noise. What are they? They come across as 13 year olds impressed they can make noise for attention.
I'm tired of content creators continually disparaging the FDA regarding sunscreens. I remember spf 4 and sunTAN lotions compared almost no sunSCREEN lotions pre-FDA regulation (1978). We didn't have healthy choices and we are paying the price in skin cancer.
I've seen a couple derms say no to the rosemary oil for hair growth and Lab Muffin recently did a video ripping that one paper that supposedly is the basis for all this. As for hair serums like vegamour, I've seen a derm say the thing that people need to pay attention to is the description of what the products do and not what the advertising says. They may be good for scalp health but they aren't for growing hair like minoxidil. I'm of the opinion that stores/brands are price gouging because they can (even if you believe in supply chain issues). I've heard that supermarkets are definitely doing this and have been called out about it.
I agree with a lot of what you said, however, I also worry about the whole beauty industry as a whole. There are people out there who honestly believe they need makeup for a host of reasons, both legit (a port wine stain on the face that prevents someone getting a job) and not necessarily needed, because the industry is trying to alter our perception on what is acceptable to look like. I get influencers need to make a living, but could stop focusing on changing our appearance to fit an outdated norm, and start by saying I like this for xxx reason, but you don’t need xxx. Or am I just living in a world in my head where doing something right because it is right is better than being on trend. Sorry, I’ll get off my soapbox, thank you so much for your content, you’ve given good advice and I respect your opinion because you never force it, you always say it’s your opinion, which is very rare and commendable.
I appreciate this take. Too many people point fingers at individuals while ignoring the context we live in that manipulates not only our buying decisions but our sense of self worth.
Very fun! You’re one of my favourite content creators because of your transparency, and honesty. Also I’m a bit dyslexic so it’s especially endearing when you mess words up sometimes
I still use L’ange products. I got my curling wand set, flat iron, and hair dryer years ago and it still works great! Not all of their hair care is great but I have shampoos and a conditioning mask that I love and are tried and true. Important to bear in mind that I only wash once a week so I don’t go through them fast. And then just a couple of the styling products I am in love with. I periodically will try other things from the drug store to see if I come across something comparable and that’s why I don’t use exclusively L’ange but the basics from them, I really do love. I just only buy them when there’s a sale so I can snag them for much less!
On "dupes": This is a part of every industry and product category. Would you have the same opinion on generic medicines? On grocery stores with their own branded products on the shelf right next to big name brands? Patents exist for a reason, and have expiration dates for a reason. If the more expensive products are worth their price point, then they should be able to stand on that quality without being affected by a lower priced and presumably lower quality version of that product. Especially if one believes that skin and hair care products can and should be "aspirational" and that it's right and good that many products are well out of the means of many (if not most) consumers.
Makeup brands be it high end or/and affordable create dupes from each other. For Makeup Revolution taking the heat only that wouldn'tbe fair. Rihanna Makeup brand duped the exact same products from Huda Beauty. Yet Huda played it classy and try to keep it calm to avoid all unnecessary issues. With the prices of nowadays, and the fact that now EVERONE knows who is duping who, the consumers have the right to go with the affordable option.
Regarding dupe culture, I usually agree with most of Abby's takes but as an influencer who recieves tons of PR, there's definitely a conflict of interest here when she's caping for million dollar companies.
I wish she (and other influencers) would put themselves in the shoes of a 16 year old with no money who watches their channel before calling packaging dupes ‘tacky’. They have analytics about who watches their channels- surely they can understand who teenagers want the packaging dupe? It’s a bit heartless to just ignore that fact.
Absolutely YES you should continue this "hot takes" series!! 😊 i very much trust your opinion. Every product I've tried on your recommendation hasn't let me down and I love that you dive into the science behind everything as that is how my mind works as well. I always love to know the "why" and how things work. Thanks again for all you do!
This. Just a couple of years ago I had no idea who Charlotte Tilbury even is and I don't care. I don't mope around wearing my Milani blush feeling inferior that it isn't Dior. A lot of people would never buy the high-end whatever even if there wasn't a 'dupe'.
Regarding the topic of big versus small brands and big brands investing in research and being able to bring new scientific developments to the market…the down side of patronizing big brands is that the big brands are conglomerates and with private equity owned brands buying up small brands, the pressure to squeeze profit out of the brand by reformulating the product, substituting cheaper, lower quality ingredients changes the product. It’s no wonder consumer trust and loyalty is low. The industry behavior and influencers who will sell anything adds to fear, uncertainty and doubt and confusion.
So a 'drugstore' brand charging $20 for a really good foundation is unacceptable but a high-end brand charging $60 for something mediocre at best is ok? I think influencers could maybe stop perpetuating the myth that nothing in the drugstore could be as good as anything in Sephora. Unless you're wearing a sign nobody can tell how much you paid for that blush you have on.
I absolutely agree with your take on copying Small Businesses. Just not right. I get the desire for products at different prices, but someone could package different at least! Do t copy exactly the same way!
For small indi brands yes. For bug brand like Dior- no. They make money off denying people their products by pricing them out- but still marketing to them, to add to the hype and exclusivity and luxury. Those people might still want the boujee feeling. We shouldn’t judge them for buying the Mco Dior blush or lip oil dupe because they like it for the packaging. They were manipulated by the beauty industry and beauty influencers to feel that way in the first place.
OK That is not about you Abbey, but my impression is that the influencers show so many different products every week... but some products might need a few weeks or even months for you to really feel if it is good for your skin or your hair... so it seems so artificial that they can say OH THIS FACE CREAM IS AMAZING because perhaps they only used like one single time... sometimes a product is good at first but no good after a while... and makes me also think... skin needs ROUTINE... and skin care takes time to be mesured... so how can they tell?? I wonder which product they REALLY use at daily basis...
I saw some some meaningful eye contact about influencers coming out with their own brand. 😉 I’ve been wondering if you would do something in haircare. Love all your content. You’re my go to for product recs. Keep it up!! ♥️♥️♥️
Hey Abbey, I doubt you'd see this buttttt if you do you have to listen to this podcast "science vs" on the episode called "skin care, is anti aging a scam" it goes into depth about big brands doing " clinical research" however most of these brands are paying to have their results skewed
I’ve seen that, another excellent aussie export along with Mco 😂😂 it really stuck with me how companies advertise to brands ‘want to make these impressive claims? We can back you up!’ And it’s just basically borrowing results from a study on sorbelene that it smoothed fine lines, just because of the glycerin and other basic ingredients. But the bottle says some exotic flower or science sounding molecule.
You can't expose the beauty industry without talking about the racism. The transatlantic slave trade was the foundation and birth of capitalism, and capitalism is what is fueling the issues you discussed in this video. Racism gives white people power and that means white people need to be the ones giving up that power. As someone from the BIPOC community, we need white people. I know it's uncomfortable but you're either racist or anti-racist. The idea of being "not racist" is racist because that allows the systems you benefit from to exist and oppress people of color. Being able to ignore, or not even think to talk about racism is white privilege. I understand that this channel is focused on beauty products, but ignoring the blatant racism brands within the beauty industry is only perpetuating racism, which you benefit from. As a fellow Minnesotan I have absolutely loved your channel and you have helped me so much, and I hope you can understand that this comment is from a place of love and trust that you will understand, support, and stand by people of color.
Love this video! And I have used Pantene Volume Shampoo for years. After hearing that Pantene was bad for my hair for years, I started trying other shampoos but keep coming back to Pantene. It really cleans my oily hair and leaves it so soft! Thank you for allowing me to feel good about it!! Love your honesty! I know that if you say it, I can believe it. ❤
Waaaaaay back, decades ago, Pantene was sold in department stores, from the glass cases. I remember the first time trying the shampoo while hanging out with a friend who babysat for someone who had it in their bathroom! I loved it! I felt very special using it. Fast forward from the 70s, I haven't used it for years because I avoid certain ingredients. Would I maybe like it if I tried it? Maybe! Personal choice.
Several takes on the hot takes: Expensive products are not automatically better ... I can think of two **very** expensive skin care lines (La prairie and Sisely) that have worse formulations than drug store products that are 1/10 the price or less. I'm happy to support small, indy companies ... but I read the labels and have enough background to know what I'm reading. Yes, a brand that supports BIPOC or LGBT+ or woman shea nut farmers is doing a good thing, but if you're not adding preservatives to your body lotion, I won't buy it. As long as a fragrance product has a safe base formula, it's 100% subjective. I will never buy Sol de Janeiro products, not because of their quality, but because I don't like sweet foodie scents. If you do, fine, I won't pass judgement.
I recommend products from brands that "dupe" to my senior subscribers that are on a fixed budget. They can't spend their tight budget on $100 foundations! Believe Beauty has a great foundation for $5.99. A $9.99 eye shadow palette can produce the same look as Natasha Denona. I love ND eye shadows, but to help people on a fixed budget, recommending dupes such as Alter Ego, is a great way for them to be able to afford comparable eye shadow looks. Just my take on dupes.
Regarding Olaplex and K18. I know people who love the Olaplex shampoo, or the #7 oil or the #6 leave in. I know people who love the K18 oil. The same products aren’t going to work for everyone, but if someone loves them, it’s all good. If I could find anything my hair loves, I don’t care what brand it is, or even how much it costs.
Hot take #3: I actually do trust some influencer sponsored reviews. What I don't like is having to spend money on something that was given for less than free (free product + sponsor $) to the influencer... I know that is completely irrational lol
Hi Abbey! I literally never comment on videos but I wanted to say that anything youve ever loved and recommended multiple times has changed my life. Like my bleached hair is STUNNING now where it was a dry mess before and its lierally because of you. And theres a million other recommendations you've made that have been insane for me (the double jaw clip bun....life changing). I was wondering - could you made a video on how you navigate combing self tanner and direct acids? I don't want to stop my retinol or glycollic in summer but I want to self tan my face also, since I do everything at all times to protect it from the sun. In past years i just balance out white face and dark body with makeup, but i want to start self tanning my face so i dont look like a freak on non makeup days. Thanks!!!
omg!! so happy to hear this. and let me add this to my list of videos to make! I agree I'm also torn on how to approach this since I'm about to start tanning again...
I think social media has forced companies to go at a lightning pace regarding product launches. I’m a huge participant in a niche music genre and I see this everywhere. Just like bands feeling compelled to release a 4-song EP to stay relevant, brands are doing the same with product launches. The landscape has changed, and it has led to some good things but also some bad things. Like the advent of AI, quick easy content creation because of the pressure to stay relevant and up in the algorithm.
I mean, elf pretty much goes viral specifically because they copy Charlotte Tillbury and other viral products. I would say Revolution Beauty is not as big of offender as Elf is. And honestly.. I’m fine using Elf.. but I’d also be fine using Revolution Beauty (If they didn’t suck!) 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I think the reason why drug stores are raising the prices is that some of it is inflation, but I really think it's because people are buying more drug store products now because they realize they can get good products and not spend a fortune. ❤
I feel like the reason people are so mad about labels is that it makes the product/action go viral and trendy, and thus more easily replicable (like a light form of wanting to gatekeep)
Thank you for saying what you said about credit card debt. Use it like a debit card, it’s safer online because it’s easier to dispute if you have fraud. And you get rewards! So eventually you can earn that aspirational beauty product and get it with your rewards for being responsible and treating your credit card responsibly
i totally agree with them on the ad thing unfortunately. the only ads i trust are from trusted influencers i follow like you, taylor wynn, kelly gooch & jessica braun.
This is my favorite video I’ve posted in awhile- so many lol’s 😂 I hope you love it too!! ❤
Loved it!!! ❤
More hot takes and beauty secrets videos please!!
YES! I hope you make this a regular series. Loved it!
loove all your videos ✨by your and your sister's reaction I'm suspicious of this influencer brand launch thing 👀if I see an Abbey brand I'm sending my CV right away
Your chat about not buying beauty products on credit was actually really good. I have done this in the past and I really regret it. It’s easy to get in over your head!
Totally!! I know friends who have done this too and just got swallowed by it so quickly
A lot of us were influenced heavily in the past. Companies pay a lot of money in marketing and advertisements because they know it will come back to them a million fold. They play on insecurities, who knows probably some subliminal messages in there. I see the very young falling for it all now. Tweens needing Drunk Elephant. Why would they even think that?
It sure is. I did it and I have so much now that probably things will expire before I can use them.
@@AbbeyYungyes that’s exactly right. It happened so quickly with me!
I left a comment about it in one of my videos… Here in Brazil, the type of video “comprinhas de autocuidado” (literal translation being “self care small haul”) is very popular and give a lot of views! I was getting kind of irritated with the fact that these girls were promoting, even without actually saying “do the same I’m doing”, women to buy new stuff literally every video they posted! Like, I get: every person’s hygiene/ beauty restock needs is different. Some might find what I purchase for my personal use too much. But the thing is that almost ALL of their videos are hygiene/ beauty hauls! I did the test and asked my small audience (which I’m grateful to have btw, but just acknowledging) what they wanted to watch… This kind of haul had one of the most (if not the most) votes out of the other options! I did the video and, not shockingly, it got way more views than my average!! Also, it brought a lot of new subscribers, so I fear them expecting me to make my channel 80% beauty haul and becoming “ghost subscribers” (which, as far as Ik, is worse than not being subscribed). You know what’s funny? I used to watch this girl’s channel (sometimes I still watch) and her channel is mostly this kind of haul. Once these people came in and they started to call her out saying she shouldn’t be only posting and promoting point/endless buying… I didn’t comment about that (neither agreeing or disagreeing) and, instead, decided to observe… She posted a few videos that weren’t those hauls and, believe me, but these people weren’t there to watch (even though it was still self care related)! They called her out, but they themselves proved their point (her non beauty haul videos have significantly less views than her average)… Is it a her problem? Is it the viewers problem? Is it both side’s problem? Regardless, the very moment I posted my video I left and pinned a comment telling people to not be pressured to buy those things just because I was doing so (and to buy if they themselves feel like they needed it or wanted it, as simply wanting is also valid, as long as you use that product and don’t waste it with no reason). Also, linking my reply to the point of your comment, I my self am trying to not buy these things on credit, so I guess I chatted about that on my pinned comment too. Of course, I left my affiliate links (as I’m a young adult student and that helps), but told that they could buy wherever was more convenient/ better for them! Now I’m trying to come up with ways to convert those haul viewers into my other video viewers, and I’m guessing that means I’ll have to deliver smaller hauls in my non haul videos, till they get interested enough in my vlogs to watch it regardless if I’ll have a haul that day or not! Unfortunately that’s just how it works, but as many things in life, I guess that’s something I’ll be (if God wants to) able to handle and “win” in the end of the day (regardless of how “winning” actually looks like, in this case)!
Sorry to make it long, but your comment was actually great, so I thought to add with it!
Larger brands are absolutely blaming inflation to price-gouge us. 😢 It's not just beauty, it's everywhere.
I think the whole inflation is a scam. Reasons, if any are even given are bullshite. We are constantly being lied and manipulated out of our money and rights.
Yup. It's happening a lot in the grocery world. A few brands even admitted it. Shelby Church just did a video on it.
@@anjunatuna I agree with you on the grocery stores. lol I check out now at regular grocery stores and noticed my receipt is starting to resemble Whole Foods!
This. And we take it so they will keep doing it.
Absolutely.. it's always us peasants who get the blame for everything.
I wish hair dressers wouldn’t fear monger inexpensive hair products if they don’t know the science behind it. Hair stylists had me convinced I could only buy expensive hair care products to get good quality. Thank god for Abbey, I’ve saved so much money since discovering her videos
Hairdressers should focus way more on not ruining the fuq out of our hair instead of commissions. I've been on the DIY hairdresser train for a while.
The funny thing? Some 20 or 30 years ago, professional brands weren't easily available to everyday folks. They were exclusive to hair salons and couldn't be sold at large.
I am a hairdresser and worked on retail commission and Because of abbey and the knowledge she opened up to ME…: I no longer have the conscience to harp on other brands clients use or what works for THEM. The hair industry is such a scam as far as marketing and I agree with abbey-don’t even get me started on “natural hair care” which is a brand I work for- I will literally tell clients to go to CVS next door and get Loreal 😂
Definitely… I mean I adore my stylist she’s a goddess at hair and is such a wonderful person but in the span of about 2 minutes she told me not to use sulfates and silicones and then recommended Redken Volume Injection (which has both sulfates and silicones in it). Luckily I’ve been watching Abbey for ages so I know the misinformation about sulfates and silicones ahaha
I think a lot of them need to update their training in terms of product recommendations and science…
I have a theory that stylists do this because that's what's taught in beauty school. Those schools are sponsored by professional hair care brands, so obviously they're gonna push their opinions on their students. Cosmetology school has to be restructured.
Beauty brands not disclosing percentages of ingredients drives me mad!
omg same. TELL ME how much retinol is in this damn moisturiser pls 😭😭😭🥺
Absolutely!
Yess. Alice had a really good explanation on why they don’t tho. Maybe in her most recent video? Can’t remember
@@rhileynnna who’s Alice?
@@ShivNox might be alice in the rabbit hole
Regarding Dupe Culture:
Here’s a point to consider (which maybe you didn’t even think about): As someone who doesn’t live in the US (and I don’t travel there often), it is sometimes VERY hard to get the original product OUTSIDE of the US, because the brand does not have a distribution network OUTSIDE of the US. That’s why some brands which have access (and a distribution network) to the market in that particular area, see an untapped niche for a specific product within that market. Here’s an example- Glow Recipe has been around for YEARS in the US (it’s been around so long- it’s basically passé in the US) and literally the Sephora in POLAND just got it last month. But they didn’t get the whole product line, just limited products. Same thing with Glossier. Glossier is not even available in Poland.
And it’s not just these random brands. Many high-end makeup brands may have limited availability in certain regions or countries, leaving consumers without access to popular products. By producing dupes, other brands can fill this void and ensure that individuals worldwide have access to a diverse range of makeup options. This approach promotes inclusivity and allows consumers from different geographic locations to enjoy trending beauty products.
Interesting, love this POV
I'm probably not the only one, but I don't care about dupes because I will not spend my money on high-end products. I want to know about good products, regardless of whether they're a dupe or not.
If the dupe is a complete rip off, the dupe company should give the original company a cut of the profits. That would solve that problem.
Or it’s absurdly expensive. With money as tight as it is these days, I can’t judge anyone for buying affordable alternatives for ridiculously high prices items.
totally agree. also live outside the US and where i live we don’t even have sephora. many brands and products aren’t available here so we NEED the dupe options that are. from essence and catrice, for example. which are popular brands here. i do think some dupes go too far in that they’re genuine copies in packaging and style, like mco beauty, but from a consumer standpoint, i’ll always love a dupe.
Well, lets not forget, many of these are owned by THE SAME companies, anyway.
The profit is ultimately going to the same bank.
Not Mco I believe it is Australian owned not part of a big conglomerate
that makes you sleep better at night? Absolutely not true
Using the word Obsessed , every influencer says this so much it means nothing anymore . That and Not Mad at it are used so much it means nothing .
I hate the phrase "it's giving"....
And why is everyone calling inanimate objects "she" ? Weird.
I am with you. It is used in other spaces I follow too, and it drives me nuts that everyone is obsessed with everything, but next week they are obsessed with something else 🙄
Yes! You can't be obsessed about everything. Definitely makes me roll my eyes 👀
I hate that everyone says it has “all the things.”
My hot take is that I hate hearing influencers, especially mega influencers, doing dupe content solely for "the poors". The constant, "Well since not everyone can afford XYZ here's a shitty alternative I clearly don't like and you'll never see me use again but it's soooo good for you since you're poor and I have it linked below!" Like not everyone wants less expensive options because they "can't afford" the OGs but for me personally, I think it's irresponsible to spend 3 or 4 times the price on something I can get for way cheaper that works well for me. For example I love Shop Miss A and they have a $1 slim brow pencil that I LOVE and since I go through them so fast, why on earth would I spend $10, $15, $20+ on something like that?! I'm not poor, I'm just trying to be finacially responsible.
I am totally with you on this, but then I have to remind myself people can buy what they want to buy. And then I think yeah, but how ridiculous.😂
@StarleighMae: You can choose to watch influencers who are not like that. There are PLENTY who are not like that at all.
@@violetviolet888 I agree. I'm not saying all do it. I'm just sharing my hot take.
@@COgirl394 my take is as long as we aren’t judging teenagers for wanting the Charlotte tilbury aesthetic so they buy Mco dupes. Yes they want the packaging and yes that’s ok. They have been advertised to incessantly by brands who know they can’t afford their products. I won’t judge high end consumers as long as they don’t judge broke teens wanting a slice of that aesthetic even if they can’t have the actual status symbol.
Shop Miss A has a few hits. Good for them that it's possible at that price point
Everything in our lives is a dupe, ex cars, appliances, phones, medication... everything. There is a reason why patents expire, so that companies don't have a monopoly on the market. This also drives innovation. I know makeup is considered a creative outlet but they shouldn't be exempt from being "duped".
People being defensive about it don’t realise that their defensive response is av result of the marketing working on them. They’re defending their status symbol purchases. They don’t want daggers to have a pretend Charlotte tilbury powder even though they’re constantly being advertised to by high end brands. Instead of hating on Mco, they need to take a sec and think why it is successful. Maybe if we had less predatory marketing it wouldn’t be soo successful.
Great responses here 💯
I have seen products from CT that are dupes for 2 of my favorite brands from the eighties/early nineties. Let’s all beware of backing up “newer” high end brands. I’m almost 60 and can tell you some of the 21st century high end brands are actually duping companies from 30-40 years ago.
which products?
Oooh. Can you give examples? I love 80s and 90s makeup
Replying because I'm intrigued and want to know which defunct 80s & 90s products/brands are being duped by companies now.
People seem to w mostly upset about the dipping of packaging rather than product. Why is that? I think it’s because they feel that their high end purchases are somehow cheapened. They don’t want anyone to have lookalikes because they didn’t pay a premium. I think those people should think shot how their status symbols are leading their emotional thinking over this.
Ooh please! Do tell @wendyd1229.
Re: influencers talking about new products. I’ve seen some influencers who will do kind of first impressions/try on hauls, and then later do kind of quarterly update reviews to talk more in depth about how the products performed in the long haul. I think that’s the most helpful combo - getting to see what’s new and interesting and get their first thoughts, but also getting to see their thoughts on them later.
If I could afford an Hermes bag, I wouldn’t spend my money on an Hermes bag. What a waste.
I hate haircare not providing the pH of a product! Especially if you claim to br pH balanced
I agree that the brand should include this info on the packaging, but for products you've already bought, you can buy pH test strips online to test them for yourself if you'd like to find out :)
@elena7520 that's a good idea! Unfortunately, many ph strips that can be bought online aren't a high quality and can be off by a fair bit. I also wish I didn't have to buy a product to know the ph, but still - it's a good idea (:
Regarding dupes… how are dupes any different from off brand products. For example, Charmin toilet paper and the Kroger brand version toilet paper? The packaging looks the same but one is a cheaper version of the name brand.
We each have a choice whether to buy or not.
Interesting!! hadn't considered this
I can see the point from both sides, however, this has been going on for decades in the business world with consumer products. The Internet just made the information more accessible. I usually find one thing that is different in nearly every dupe I have used. Sometimes It's better to go with the original when other times a copycat will do just fine.
Exactly
Love this analogy. I think the difference is there isn’t a thousand videos discussing toilet paper and it’s similarities to other toilet papers brands. The audience may be just bored or finding something to complain about.
I am glad I am not the only person who can’t stand incessant nail clicking against products. It drives me insane and I can’t watch creators who do it.
Worst trend ever. Drives me crazy. I immediately click to a different video, if someone does that 😆
For the first point, the whole point of a dupe is to be a copy. a DUPlicate. Something so similar to something higher end that it DUPES people into thinking it IS the "better" brand. I'm not arguing for the ethical standpoint, but being a copy is the exact point of a "dupe"
Never go into debt to buy makeup or beauty products/accessories! This seems like such an obvious statement. Thank you from this 55 year old who was trained from a young age that we don’t buy things we can’t afford. Period.
I’m 30 and 100% agree. I wish I could tell myself this 10 years ago but I had to learn the hard way and now I don’t buy any thing beauty products, clothing or home items I don’t have the cash for it’s just not worth the stress
Most people buying dupes to save money were never going to buy the original in the first place. No money lost for the original company.
if the original never existed there would be no dupe. WOW
i personally like "dupes", for example elf does it very good. especially bc their dupes also work great. i hate "dupes" though that are based on smaller businesses, like revolution has done before. i also dislike "dupes" where only the packaging is the same, but the actual quality is poor.
Which elf products do you like? I tried their cleansing balm and I'm totally allergic to it☹️ It has linalool
@@Madamchief oh so sorry to hear. i personally cant use any cleansing balms bc they always break me out. i have to stick with micellar water.
i love their cream blushes. so easy to blend and so natural looking. the lash xtndr mascara is also really nice. i also love their lip shine products. i generally like their cream products a lot. and i tend to avoid their foundations, eye shadows etc.
@@AnnaAnna-st2je ooo very nice. Thanks for the tip 🤓
@@Madamchiefhave you tried the Bliss one (drugstore/Walmart etc.) or Clean it Zero Balm - Original, pink jar, or blue jar (Ulta)? Those both work really well and don’t contain linalool!
@@YenShively no I haven't tried any other yet. This one was the very first 😵 I'm willing to try others for sure. The tinted sunscreen I use is hard to wash off with just cleanser
Every time there’s a new trend it reminds me of the Josie and the Pussycats movie where they’re all receiving subliminal messages through music about what to buy next. Except TikTok is the music lol
Such a good movie!
That Australian brand is basically giving people in Australia a chance to try aome products that they probably don't get. You have to remember you can go to Ulta and Sephora etc. Even here in London we have 1 Sephora... in LONDON! We don't have Milani, Patrick Ta, Mario etc. We just get to see all of you reviewing products and wish we could join in. Even the Natasha Denona stand in a prestigious department store like Selfridges is pretty lackluster and has hardly anything. You need to understand it feom the perspective of not having the choice thag you do.
I live in Australia and I can tell you we have plenty of choice! we have our own version of Sephora that’s called Mecca and in my opinion is so much better than Sephora
@@MatildaAnderson-f8v I’d love to visit Australia just so I could experience Mecca.
That's totally fair but then why send PR boxes to all of these US influencers without even asking if they want it? 😂
@@AbbeyYung I think they are an awful stuck up brand they literally disgust me
I’m in Australia and I can buy ANY of the products I want. Mco is not being fair and their products are NOT as good as the real brands so it doesn’t help people at all….
I think everything in makeup is a dupe. I mean, Helena Rubinstein made the first mascara in a tube (it was in cake form before) and then everyone copied it. Nowadays we're just seeing the dupes in real-time, so it seems shady. JMHO 🤷🏻♀️
THANK YOU! I've been trying to explain this to everyone...what brand doesn't have a liquid foundation, a concealer, a pink blush, a black mascara? I mean seriously...LOL
@@UnpurrfectRobyn EXACTLY! 😅👍
Yes! The influencers clicking their nails on products so so annoying. Also when they put their hands under their chin at the end and make weird faces that they think are cute. All the same and just seems NOT genuine. Ick.
Yes! So stupid!
Simple solution: Don't watch them and select ""don't want to see this channel" so you never see it again.
Agreed 👍
@@violetviolet888I’ve blocked channels before, reported ads, downvoted, etc. guess who still sees all this crap because it’s paid adverts? 🤦🏽♀️😒
Yes!
I see a video on eyeliner, then buy 4-5 eyeliners in different colors to try and then hate the formula.😪
I've learned, if I'm interested, to write down the product,, wait till I need it, rewatch the video/review, decide if I still want to try, then buy one. If I like the formula, then buy it in other colors.
I love your videos and trust you implicitly. This was a great video! Keep being you, you are awesome!!!
Many blessings!!!💖💖💖
I feel similarly. Especially with new launches. Take note then wait for the hype to die down then see if people are still using and recommending it.
Or sometimes in a category that's rapidly expanding it will turn out people are recommending a similar product from a different company. And if it's something that's just another new launch from a company who churns them out then wait and you might be able to snag it on sale.
I don't care about dupes or copy's. If it is not a patented or copyrighted piece of artwork or product than it is fair game.... People who are going to buy an expensive product or going to buy that expensive product because of the name on the product.... Charlotte tilbury as an example, puts out mediocre products at expensive prices, and those that are loyal to the brand are going to buy it... I have no loyalty to that brand I think their products are mediocre for the price. and elf makes absolute copies all the time.... But if it's good, I'll buy it from elf. Because I have no interest . I'm not buying a Charlotte product. Because it is not worth th CT price . but sometimes it is worth it at the elf price point. People who were going to spend the money. Are going to spend the money. As far as cosmetics, don't care fashion, I think that's a problem, because that's an actual design of something new.... But as far as a blush or formulated hair product....... I don't care. The design of packaging. I kind of understand as an issue. . But those that are looking for dupes. And low cost were never going to purchase the expensive product anyway
The packaging dupe means you have an uncanny valley version of a status symbol. I own CT lipstick and Nars afterglow and have absolutely no problem with Mco making packaging dupes. I know that it makes Done people who have been recently advertised to products they vent afford a little bit happier. Ideally we wouldn’t have such rediculous things as status symbol foundations but here we are.
Greedflation is very much 💯 corporate greed.
👏👏
100%
The pattern of influencers releasing products is why I curate my channels & viewing habits. No, not everyone should create a product.
The waste of products in the clearance section is proof. Products should solve a problem, not create one.
Thank you, Abbey! 💖
Yesss such a good way of putting it
I might be by myself where I really like Makeup Revolution 🤷🏾♀️
Elf copies higher end products ALL THE TIME but yet no one ever complains about them...
fair. some brands are just people’s favourites. revolution has had some shady business going on the last few years though. but their products really aren’t all as terrible as some people make them out to be.
Elf doesn’t market their stuff as dupes and they don’t copy other companies’ packaging.
@@susancoyotesfan completely incorrect. a lot of their output lately has been dupes. haven’t you seen what they’ve released?
yeah exactly they’re copying higher end products… not stealing from small brands and ultimately making more money than the original brand. elf’s target audience probably doesn’t earn them as much as milk makeup and others. makeup revolution’s much larger consumer base allows them to actually steal ideas and nobody realizes it’s a “dupe” whereas with elf everyone buys it BECAUSE it’s a dupe.
@@susancoyotesfan Benefit is suing them the court case just started (it's over the mascara)
The products on credit thing really struck me, along with the "not everything has to be affordable". I was raised to never buy something you can't afford right at that moment, and it's served me well - but also made me miss out on SO much. Having said that, it's not really missing out if I survived without the item before and afterwards. Having said THAT, you can't take money with you and it's good to enjoy things while you're here. So it's a real Catch 22 for me sometimes.
Definitely don't put makeup on credit. It's a waste and ultimately it'll trickle over to other areas of life and cause debt. The amount of women who spend thousands on makeup, blowouts, nail treatments, clothes shopping, brunch, etc but have 30k+ credit card debt is astounding. People need to live within their means.
Also have to use that small brand theory to pet food. So many people want to jump on the boutique brand foods and trends without realizing there are no vets, scientists or nutritionists involved in the development.
Regarding "giving everything a name" culture: It was fine at first but now it's ubiquitous, and that's what makes it annoying. Not every single nail color or makeup color scheme needs a nickname.
You’re totally right. And it’s always the “____ girl” trend. The whole adding “girl” to every trend is so childish. I AM A WOMAN AND NOT A GIRL. 😊
i think people just like imagery and it’s fun, but it’s also marketing which is inherently kind of evil in a capitalist economy
Dupe culture: The economic theory that supports brands charging extortionate prices is the same economic theory that supports dupes. It's literally part of the theory, it can't (consistently) be unethical*. 🤦♀
*assuming we only adopt ethical theories. A more precise word would be "rational."
People eliminating the context from this situation are just putting the blinkers up to about realising they’re the emperor with no clothes. 😂
But it’s unethical when big brands rip off small businesses? The math ain’t mathing.
@@Wintermetal I feel you! To clarify, my point is a logical and theoretical one, so it's not context dependent. Obviously the theory I'm referring to is capitalism, which supports the idea of brands setting their own prices. If one is committed to that idea, they are a proponent of capitalism. Part of capitalism is the balance between IP and Antitrust laws. Dupes are protected by IP because although we may "feel" that it crosses a line, enforcing stricter IP laws/relaxing antitrust laws can lead to bigger problems. Clearly makeup isn't that deep but the revised laws would have to apply across the board and can pose issues in other industries (re: values of a capitalist economy). The only way out is to reject capitalism, which also means rejecting that high end brands can set their own prices to begin with. Hope that helps!
@@yara-um6tx it won't let me tag you in my other reply, but I wrote a reply above that might clarify.
@@Wintermetal I feel you! Allow me to clarify; my point was a theoretical/logical point so it's not context sensitive. The economic theory I'm referring to is capitalism, which is what allows (high end) brands to set their own prices. Simply put, if we support that idea, we're committed to this theory (vs a planned economy). Most importantly, capitalism involves a balance of IP protections and antitrust/competition laws. With makeup it isn't that deep, but these things have to apply across the board. In other industries, this balance is consequential. Relaxing IP protections can/has lead to some big economic problems. I hope that makes sense.
My hot take is that my holy grail items are really only a miniscule better than other products. What I mean is the difference between my favorite mascara and my third, or even 8th favorite mascara, is probably like a 20% difference in performance, if that makes sense.
To the second point, I don’t think being overwhelmed with influencers sharing so many products they love is related to the viewer not loving beauty; it’s more so about not knowing who we can trust. The average consumer doesn’t have the same disposable income as popular influencers, and if they’re promoting a product as being the best ever, we want to be able to take their word for it. An example I have of this is a creator on tiktok I recently unfollowed. She has gorgeous hair and multiple times a week she’s promoting a different hair care brand, stating it’s her FAVORITE line or it made her hair look the BEST EVER. That tells me she is agreeing to do deals with anyone who offers and is claiming they’re all her favorites. How are we to know which products she actually likes versus which ones she’s claiming to like because they’re paying her?
Let alone influencers receive free products. The last time I remember an influencer causing a commotion because of a bad review was Alyssa Ashley x Subculture palette. We could see the palette was bad, but every other Influencers promoted that thing as the 9th wonder of the world and threw Alyssa under the bus.
The people followed suit in bashing Alyssa because ABH can do no wrong.
The truth was only recognized when people that bought it said it was bad.
I hate when the companies don't disclose the percentage of the actives in their products! It's so irritating.. I also hate when they make fishy claims about their product (for example "repairing the hairstrands in 3 uses" and "makes hair grow faster"). And lastly.. I hate that they're using the inflation as an excuse to get richer and raise the prices in a ridiculous manner.
I'm also sick of the nail clicking and "sexy" poses that influencers do when they're trying something on.
Great video Abbey. Though I agree some influencers don’t really use products they tout, I love and recommend your channel because you do. Specially hair when you post updated wash routines I can literally see you using a new product like Epres that you recommended. I often comment on instagram when I see people that have questions that they should check out your CZcams video on Epres or K18 because you are thorough and you try to talk to the creators or company representatives to clarify or answer questions. I have always been impressed with that. Even for your mascara comparisons you showed pictures and stated why you like 1 more than another but as always it’s different strokes for different folks so people need to pay attention. You are upfront about your oily scalp and if a person has a drier scalp, certain things you love will not work for them. Ultimately people need to do their own trail and error, but I find your reviews so helpful to figure out what to try. Thanks for being you! ❤
Thank you so so much! xx
I'm sick of hyaluronic acid being in everything! It's like the corn syrup of beauty ingredients. Every item I ever bought that felt like it was drying, even though it said it should be moisturizing, has HA. Even on damp skin with moisturizer and oil applied after left my face feeling dry.
I also tried vitamin C serum. It was brand new from a company claiming it makes it in small batches because it's so unstable. As the day progressed, I noticed a metallic smell on my hands and what could only be coming from my face. I googled it and a lot of people have that complaint. It was literally oxidizing on my face. So why, if an ingredient is so unstable and hard to work with and package, do these companies promote vitamin C? Also, I wonder why people would say that in combination with sunscreen it does wonders for your skin?
I’d also be interested to hear about product lines launched by dermalogists. I was interested in trying Dr Idriss’ line but it’s not cheap.
I object to paying extortionate prices for brands especially when it only takes about 10-20% of that cost to make the product, why should l use my hard earned money to make these companies very very large profits for ripping their customers off.
YES with the nail tapping. So many people do it that it's impossible to avoid, but it's sooo irritating.
What I can't stand is when content creators call makeup products or any item 'SHE.' I'm like what is up with these people. Do they have a vision problem or do they honestly believe a lipstick etc are human🤦Call the item by its normal name. How hard can that be. I've noticed most of the American YT I used to watch have this annoying habit. Even you do that Abbey. What's worse is the UK YT are now doing it and it sounds so ridiculous. I've unsubscribed to so many.
If a high-end product can be duped at a cheaper price, the product deserves to be duped.🤷♀
As a consumer, I am paying the premium for a better quality. A badly performing knock-off of a luxury product is not going to convince anyone who is actually planning to use the product.
Of course packaging and branding adds to the experience. As consumers, we can decide if we want to "feel" like a charlotte tillbury customer or an elf one.
I do feel bad for smaller/indie brands, but it is business 101 to develop a moat or a not easily copy-able differentiator before launching your business.
As someone in the industry, there are parent companies that own many brands. Many drugstore brands are owned by companies that own luxury brands. In some cases the *exact same product* is sold in three different levels of packaging at three different price points. *Packaging* is often the most expensive component of a product.
I think people are defending these brands because they feel possessive over their s status symbols and don’t like that the existence of formula and packaging dupes cheapens the products they spent $$$ for. I have the Nars tinted balm that Mco duped in both ways and I don’t care, I hope the people who buy the Mco feel a bit boujee.
Alot of us, particularly curlies,love the K18 conditioner. Same with the Detox shampoo and the oil. Waiting for them to come out with stylers!
I live in Australia and Mcobeauty is even controversial here! I used to be conflicted but to be honest, the brands they're duping are even more expensive in Australia than they are overseas and with the rise in cost of living I no longer feel bad about buying some of their products (that are actually quite good). The only people I see genuinely getting offended are other influencers 🤷♀
Honestly dupes aren’t a problem they’re spread out on multiple platforms not just makeup. It happens in everything literally everything!! From high end fashion to hair styling tools … literally everywhere so they need to get over it
love your channel!! thank you for being so honest and helpful! you’re amazing🩷🩷
Awww yay so glad! Thank you ❤
I do incentivized reviews and here’s the deal. 1. You want to keep getting free product so you toe the line on how you word negative reviews. 2. You are super thankful to be given a free product so you are a little biased. 3. Many incentives reviews I read sound generic and like they didn’t even try. I ALWAYS filter them out.
Yeah I was an honest reviewer and then Influenster stopped sending me things lol apparently toeing the line is quite important which is crappy in my opinion bc it just confirms that you can’t fully trust the incentivized reviews
Abbey, I bought the Pantene Pro-Vitamin Essence Daily Repair Mist! I'm really liking it (and the smell is amazing), but I'd love to hear your thoughts! The packaging looks so high end, too! I got it for $24. It's like a water mist supposedly packed with B5.
It's funny to hear you say "way back" when the 2000's was a drop in the bucket, cause my "hay day" was the 1970's. It trips me out sometimes.
You and your sister have the same voice!! I thought it was your prerecorded voice reading the message 😅
I know, I thought it was AI!
I’m a lot older than your average subscribers and I just want to say that young women need to stop wasting their valuable money on all of this stuff. Use sunscreen daily and a little inexpensive lip gloss and eye shadow. Please please please stop wasting your money on the never ending quest for a miracle in a tube or plastic pot. Smile and be happy and confident in your value. One day you will regret all the money you threw down the cosmetic drain. Have you ever noticed that you never really look better or different after you apply all those expensive products? Or that the constant barrage of new miracle beauty products never ends? Don’t be a a casualty of the cosmetic industry marketing. You are worth more than that.
Along with nail tapping, the aggressive, physical slamming of products to make noise. What are they? They come across as 13 year olds impressed they can make noise for attention.
This!
Thank you for the time stamps!
I'm tired of content creators continually disparaging the FDA regarding sunscreens. I remember spf 4 and sunTAN lotions compared almost no sunSCREEN lotions pre-FDA regulation (1978). We didn't have healthy choices and we are paying the price in skin cancer.
I've seen a couple derms say no to the rosemary oil for hair growth and Lab Muffin recently did a video ripping that one paper that supposedly is the basis for all this. As for hair serums like vegamour, I've seen a derm say the thing that people need to pay attention to is the description of what the products do and not what the advertising says. They may be good for scalp health but they aren't for growing hair like minoxidil. I'm of the opinion that stores/brands are price gouging because they can (even if you believe in supply chain issues). I've heard that supermarkets are definitely doing this and have been called out about it.
really like having your sister in the vids ❤
yay! me too
No. 1 rule for money: If you don't have the money for something, you can't buy it. Never go in debt
I agree with a lot of what you said, however, I also worry about the whole beauty industry as a whole. There are people out there who honestly believe they need makeup for a host of reasons, both legit (a port wine stain on the face that prevents someone getting a job) and not necessarily needed, because the industry is trying to alter our perception on what is acceptable to look like. I get influencers need to make a living, but could stop focusing on changing our appearance to fit an outdated norm, and start by saying I like this for xxx reason, but you don’t need xxx. Or am I just living in a world in my head where doing something right because it is right is better than being on trend. Sorry, I’ll get off my soapbox, thank you so much for your content, you’ve given good advice and I respect your opinion because you never force it, you always say it’s your opinion, which is very rare and commendable.
I appreciate this take. Too many people point fingers at individuals while ignoring the context we live in that manipulates not only our buying decisions but our sense of self worth.
Very fun! You’re one of my favourite content creators because of your transparency, and honesty. Also I’m a bit dyslexic so it’s especially endearing when you mess words up sometimes
hahaha I love that!
I still use L’ange products. I got my curling wand set, flat iron, and hair dryer years ago and it still works great! Not all of their hair care is great but I have shampoos and a conditioning mask that I love and are tried and true. Important to bear in mind that I only wash once a week so I don’t go through them fast. And then just a couple of the styling products I am in love with. I periodically will try other things from the drug store to see if I come across something comparable and that’s why I don’t use exclusively L’ange but the basics from them, I really do love. I just only buy them when there’s a sale so I can snag them for much less!
You are killing it will the sass lately and I'm here for it 😂
😂😂😂😂
Everything old is new again.... 😂😂😂
On "dupes": This is a part of every industry and product category. Would you have the same opinion on generic medicines? On grocery stores with their own branded products on the shelf right next to big name brands? Patents exist for a reason, and have expiration dates for a reason. If the more expensive products are worth their price point, then they should be able to stand on that quality without being affected by a lower priced and presumably lower quality version of that product. Especially if one believes that skin and hair care products can and should be "aspirational" and that it's right and good that many products are well out of the means of many (if not most) consumers.
The clicking of nails also makes me nuts! Can't stand it & it's just a dumb thing to do.
I KNOW RIGHT
Same!!!! It enrages me. What is the purpose of this
Makeup brands be it high end or/and affordable create dupes from each other. For Makeup Revolution taking the heat only that wouldn'tbe fair. Rihanna Makeup brand duped the exact same products from Huda Beauty. Yet Huda played it classy and try to keep it calm to avoid all unnecessary issues. With the prices of nowadays, and the fact that now EVERONE knows who is duping who, the consumers have the right to go with the affordable option.
Regarding dupe culture, I usually agree with most of Abby's takes but as an influencer who recieves tons of PR, there's definitely a conflict of interest here when she's caping for million dollar companies.
I wish she (and other influencers) would put themselves in the shoes of a 16 year old with no money who watches their channel before calling packaging dupes ‘tacky’. They have analytics about who watches their channels- surely they can understand who teenagers want the packaging dupe? It’s a bit heartless to just ignore that fact.
23:58 and we wonder why price conscious consumers are going to Asian beauty brands ?
Absolutely YES you should continue this "hot takes" series!! 😊 i very much trust your opinion. Every product I've tried on your recommendation hasn't let me down and I love that you dive into the science behind everything as that is how my mind works as well. I always love to know the "why" and how things work. Thanks again for all you do!
yay! so glad to hear that xx
I bought my L'ange heat brush 4 years ago and I love it. It's still going strong. I like it better than a hot iron straightener.
Many consumers would not even know about these so called copies if influencers didn’t make dupe videos so influencers are part of the problem
This. Just a couple of years ago I had no idea who Charlotte Tilbury even is and I don't care. I don't mope around wearing my Milani blush feeling inferior that it isn't Dior. A lot of people would never buy the high-end whatever even if there wasn't a 'dupe'.
Regarding the topic of big versus small brands and big brands investing in research and being able to bring new scientific developments to the market…the down side of patronizing big brands is that the big brands are conglomerates and with private equity owned brands buying up small brands, the pressure to squeeze profit out of the brand by reformulating the product, substituting cheaper, lower quality ingredients changes the product.
It’s no wonder consumer trust and loyalty is low. The industry behavior and influencers who will sell anything adds to fear, uncertainty and doubt and confusion.
So a 'drugstore' brand charging $20 for a really good foundation is unacceptable but a high-end brand charging $60 for something mediocre at best is ok? I think influencers could maybe stop perpetuating the myth that nothing in the drugstore could be as good as anything in Sephora. Unless you're wearing a sign nobody can tell how much you paid for that blush you have on.
I absolutely agree with your take on copying Small Businesses. Just not right. I get the desire for products at different prices, but someone could package different at least! Do t copy exactly the same way!
Exactlyyyy
For small indi brands yes. For bug brand like Dior- no. They make money off denying people their products by pricing them out- but still marketing to them, to add to the hype and exclusivity and luxury. Those people might still want the boujee feeling. We shouldn’t judge them for buying the Mco Dior blush or lip oil dupe because they like it for the packaging. They were manipulated by the beauty industry and beauty influencers to feel that way in the first place.
For a second there at the end I thought you were launching a brand, and hot take, I would love that
I would love if you could review Jenifer Anistons brand “lolavie”
I’m loving their hair serum.
Yes, the process from idea to shelf is called commercialization and there are massive departments devoted to this process
OK That is not about you Abbey, but my impression is that the influencers show so many different products every week... but some products might need a few weeks or even months for you to really feel if it is good for your skin or your hair... so it seems so artificial that they can say OH THIS FACE CREAM IS AMAZING because perhaps they only used like one single time... sometimes a product is good at first but no good after a while... and makes me also think... skin needs ROUTINE... and skin care takes time to be mesured... so how can they tell?? I wonder which product they REALLY use at daily basis...
I saw some some meaningful eye contact about influencers coming out with their own brand. 😉 I’ve been wondering if you would do something in haircare. Love all your content. You’re my go to for product recs. Keep it up!! ♥️♥️♥️
Right!? What was that face about, Abbey? What ya got coming to us? 👀
She always said she wouldnt come out with her own hair care line, because it defeats the purpose of her videos on trying other hair care products
Agree with the finger clicking on packaging. I cannot stand that! . Glad others are as irritated by that.
Hey Abbey, I doubt you'd see this buttttt if you do you have to listen to this podcast "science vs" on the episode called "skin care, is anti aging a scam" it goes into depth about big brands doing " clinical research" however most of these brands are paying to have their results skewed
I’ve seen that, another excellent aussie export along with Mco 😂😂 it really stuck with me how companies advertise to brands ‘want to make these impressive claims? We can back you up!’ And it’s just basically borrowing results from a study on sorbelene that it smoothed fine lines, just because of the glycerin and other basic ingredients. But the bottle says some exotic flower or science sounding molecule.
You can't expose the beauty industry without talking about the racism. The transatlantic slave trade was the foundation and birth of capitalism, and capitalism is what is fueling the issues you discussed in this video. Racism gives white people power and that means white people need to be the ones giving up that power. As someone from the BIPOC community, we need white people. I know it's uncomfortable but you're either racist or anti-racist. The idea of being "not racist" is racist because that allows the systems you benefit from to exist and oppress people of color. Being able to ignore, or not even think to talk about racism is white privilege. I understand that this channel is focused on beauty products, but ignoring the blatant racism brands within the beauty industry is only perpetuating racism, which you benefit from. As a fellow Minnesotan I have absolutely loved your channel and you have helped me so much, and I hope you can understand that this comment is from a place of love and trust that you will understand, support, and stand by people of color.
Agree. There’s no way she didn’t get at least one comment talking about brands shade ranges
Love this video! And I have used Pantene Volume Shampoo for years. After hearing that Pantene was bad for my hair for years, I started trying other shampoos but keep coming back to Pantene. It really cleans my oily hair and leaves it so soft! Thank you for allowing me to feel good about it!! Love your honesty! I know that if you say it, I can believe it. ❤
Waaaaaay back, decades ago, Pantene was sold in department stores, from the glass cases. I remember the first time trying the shampoo while hanging out with a friend who babysat for someone who had it in their bathroom! I loved it! I felt very special using it. Fast forward from the 70s, I haven't used it for years because I avoid certain ingredients. Would I maybe like it if I tried it? Maybe!
Personal choice.
So many things you addressed that drive me crazy! Thank you!
Fun video, thank you! I love how you kept it lighthearted while still expressing your views, that can be a hard balance! Loved it
yay! so happy you enjoyed xx
Several takes on the hot takes:
Expensive products are not automatically better ... I can think of two **very** expensive skin care lines (La prairie and Sisely) that have worse formulations than drug store products that are 1/10 the price or less.
I'm happy to support small, indy companies ... but I read the labels and have enough background to know what I'm reading. Yes, a brand that supports BIPOC or LGBT+ or woman shea nut farmers is doing a good thing, but if you're not adding preservatives to your body lotion, I won't buy it.
As long as a fragrance product has a safe base formula, it's 100% subjective. I will never buy Sol de Janeiro products, not because of their quality, but because I don't like sweet foodie scents. If you do, fine, I won't pass judgement.
I recommend products from brands that "dupe" to my senior subscribers that are on a fixed budget. They can't spend their tight budget on $100 foundations! Believe Beauty has a great foundation for $5.99. A $9.99 eye shadow palette can produce the same look as Natasha Denona. I love ND eye shadows, but to help people on a fixed budget, recommending dupes such as Alter Ego, is a great way for them to be able to afford comparable eye shadow looks. Just my take on dupes.
Regarding Olaplex and K18. I know people who love the Olaplex shampoo, or the #7 oil or the #6 leave in. I know people who love the K18 oil. The same products aren’t going to work for everyone, but if someone loves them, it’s all good. If I could find anything my hair loves, I don’t care what brand it is, or even how much it costs.
Hot take #3: I actually do trust some influencer sponsored reviews. What I don't like is having to spend money on something that was given for less than free (free product + sponsor $) to the influencer... I know that is completely irrational lol
Love k18 which is very different oplex I love shampoo conditioner mask and oil I’ve gone gone to red back to blonde in over a year k18 saved my hair
I will immediately stop watching anyones video who taps their nails on products. I have Misophonia and that’s a huge anxiety trigger for me.
I've had a product that got swiped. Yes, it's sudden death sometimes.
Can you please review the L'oreal professional range?
Hi Abbey! I literally never comment on videos but I wanted to say that anything youve ever loved and recommended multiple times has changed my life. Like my bleached hair is STUNNING now where it was a dry mess before and its lierally because of you. And theres a million other recommendations you've made that have been insane for me (the double jaw clip bun....life changing). I was wondering - could you made a video on how you navigate combing self tanner and direct acids? I don't want to stop my retinol or glycollic in summer but I want to self tan my face also, since I do everything at all times to protect it from the sun. In past years i just balance out white face and dark body with makeup, but i want to start self tanning my face so i dont look like a freak on non makeup days. Thanks!!!
omg!! so happy to hear this. and let me add this to my list of videos to make! I agree I'm also torn on how to approach this since I'm about to start tanning again...
I think social media has forced companies to go at a lightning pace regarding product launches. I’m a huge participant in a niche music genre and I see this everywhere. Just like bands feeling compelled to release a 4-song EP to stay relevant, brands are doing the same with product launches. The landscape has changed, and it has led to some good things but also some bad things. Like the advent of AI, quick easy content creation because of the pressure to stay relevant and up in the algorithm.
A dupe is a copy. That's the point.
I mean, elf pretty much goes viral specifically because they copy Charlotte Tillbury and other viral products. I would say Revolution Beauty is not as big of offender as Elf is. And honestly.. I’m fine using Elf.. but I’d also be fine using Revolution Beauty (If they didn’t suck!) 🤣🤣🤣🤣
The small brand vs big brands thing is in my world as well. Mainly pet foods.
I think the reason why drug stores are raising the prices is that some of it is inflation, but I really think it's because people are buying more drug store products now because they realize they can get good products and not spend a fortune. ❤
I feel like the reason people are so mad about labels is that it makes the product/action go viral and trendy, and thus more easily replicable (like a light form of wanting to gatekeep)
Thank you for saying what you said about credit card debt. Use it like a debit card, it’s safer online because it’s easier to dispute if you have fraud. And you get rewards! So eventually you can earn that aspirational beauty product and get it with your rewards for being responsible and treating your credit card responsibly
i totally agree with them on the ad thing unfortunately. the only ads i trust are from trusted influencers i follow like you, taylor wynn, kelly gooch & jessica braun.