I don't get products sent to me for obviously reasons; however, I am a very good judge of products due to the fact I am spending hard earned money and with the economic situation as it is the only person I have to blame for my poor choices is myself.
I didn't know until the Federal Trade Commission started mandating full disclosure of sponsorship, paid reviews, product placement, etc. that bloggers may be a bit biased in their review of a product. I trusted reviews for purchasing cars, electronics, skin care and other things in an attempt to stretch my dollar. When I paid off all debts, I started to see purchases as investments. Kind of takes the thrill out of retail therapy but one can't have everything. There are many sites I trust for reviews; however, when I do find the handful of people I trust for reviews, I take things into consideration. I had to get to know me and that made a big difference. Having someone give me their experience with a product for oily skin, which I have, will be informative; however, it won't have the same experience if their skin is normal, combination or dry. This is also the case for hair products. I've had to practically obtain a PhD in chemistry to make better choices when making purchases. I know there is a large push against sulfates, silicone, dairy and gluten. I learnt the hard way that I need silicone in my hair. I have long, natural hair that tangles easily. It's been a trial and error to find products that support my attempt to obtain relaxer free and healthy hair. I say "relaxer free" because I am not natural. I don't put 100% organic things in my body or on it. I'm sure there are chemicals in my shampoo conditioner, fruits and more. I won't tell that lie.
I encourage anyone who wants results from their products to look at several sources before deciding on a purchase. In addition, find out the return policy prior to making any purchases. I was recently  cat fished at a cosmetics counter. I failed to do what I would normally do because I was nervous. I bought a foundation that appeared to be a match when it was applied to my face in the store, but by the time I reached my flat, I realised it was not a match and the receipt stated "No Returns or Exchanges" so I can either put it in my poor purchase cemetery, or use it with another product to neutralise the difference. Looking back, I was too worried about being indecisive and the sales assistant seemed annoyed. In the store, there is fluorescent lighting, and because of my oils it oxidized to a burnt orange. I don't know why I even felt the need to buy foundation. I have yet to be satisfied. I can't find one that looks good indoors, outdoors, with and without flash that doesn't transfer to articles of clothing. If you know of any, please let me know.
So, when I make a purchase I will check a few forums. People on forums are usually really enthused about whatever the subject is and they don't get paid. There may be shameless plugs but that's rare. I also will look at Yelp, or Amazon. When it comes to vehicles, it's never 100% and it's taken me longer to decide on my next used car than any of my college majors. I'm concerned.
For cosmetic reviews, I used to trust videos and blogs, but even if the person has disclosed if it is a pr item, it may not suit me. I saw a review for a hair product that EVERYONE loves, and I hated it. But, I don't live in an area that is humid, so that could be a factor, it's quite dry and it's either hot or cold and my hair responds different to hard water and moist climates.
So, before jumping on the "next best thing" think about a few things, and do some research. The eyeshadow may swatch well with fingers, but will a brush perform the same?
xo
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Only thing missing is the yellow brick road
Advertisers have been using social media to its benefit since they figured out how to reach a larger audience for 1/32 of the price of buying ad space, commercials, billboards, radio, et al. There has been a rise in using social media "brands" to market products and services. This was an issue several years back when the FTC made it a law to require transparency when products were sponsored or given as press samples. It's rare that full disclosure happens, but it's a nice gesture.
This past week was an excellent example of what happens when you cut corners, to save money by reaching a larger audience and new demographic. Whoever thought getting "millenials" to do anything professional should observe the debacle that was the Daytime Emmy's on June 22, 2014. Apparently, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences posted a job opportunity to host the red carpet "Seeking Millenials (ages 18-35), there was only one job requirement: “Must have strong entertainment news background and/or VERY [emphasis theirs] strong social media following (300,000 followers minimum).”  Brittany Furlan, Lauren Elizabeth, Jessica Harlow, and Meghan Rosette were selected to be this year's hosts. The problem is that had the selection process been a bit more clear and the "mavens" social media platforms researched, it would have prevented the train wreck.  Brittany's response to the debacle "Jokes aren't dicks, stop taking them so hard" and Ms. Harlow is tired of the talk "At least we gave y'all a show you would never forget! and seriously? It's been 24+ hours. This is still at the forefront of your mind? There are children starving & dying!
Lauren and Meghan have been wise enough not to post on the subject. It never works to acknowledge a mishap. Olivia Pope and Associates could not have fixed this one. I don't fault the ladies for this, I blame the National Academy of Television of Arts & Sciences for a) selecting a demographic that is not the average demographic for many soap operas and daytime television. Millenials aren't big on watching soap operas because they are living their own. It's all about them right now and their lives. What's more, their audience doesn't follow them for their professionalism or lack of. They watch them for silly skits, makeup, shopping, dating and relationship advice. End of!
So, that said, I find it sad that no one from NATAS has issued a statement. It's going on 72 hours and nothing, not a tweet, not a press statement, not even a simple apology. The level of offensive statements was astounding, the lack of respect for a craft that predates many viewers, and the ageism for the requirements was ridiculous. The median of most daytime viewers is 53. An 18 year old's social media following is not likely to entertain that of a 21 year old let alone our baby boomers, so that was a set up for a fail. Did they fail to ask  any questions with respect to experience in red carpet or even professional expectations? Any rehearsal? Nope, they wanted the audience of these girls for a mere $1000 each.
What a big eff you to those who are majoring, experienced, or educated in media relations who would appreciate the opportunity to host. How hard is it to greet someone, ask who their designer is, give compliments, ask, "what they are nominated for, and find out what tricks their character or what viewers can expect next season?"
Who thought Kathy Griffin was a good idea? I've seen her stand up and that tells me, you may want to see if the ladies from The Talk, or The View would be willing to help out. I wish their was a bit of respect for the families for those subjected to the gaffe such as Tyler Christopher was considered, being that he's married to someone who bore his children and supports his craft and the character(s) he's portrayed daytime and nigh time not to mention, rebuilding after the fire in So Cal took his home. I think he had a blog about it, but I'm not sure. Admittedly, I don't keep up with celebrities, but I did want to see the show in memory of Jeanne Cooper.


xo
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source google images
So last night I pre-empted my weekly hair regime. I made friends! We played Cards of Humanity and I won, first time player *pops collar* so I got home late, and realised that the following day, I needed to get a product from CosmoProf. I went and snagged my product, realized it has new packaging, took a flier and left. I saw a beauty supply store, and as a result of online reviews, I wanted to check to see if they had a product in stock. They did, and the testers were chained to a anti theft device. It was a $2.99 product so I decided against the trouble; however, I heard a soft,  "Ma'am may I take your bag?" I didn't think anyone was talking to me, I was not carrying a huge bag, in fact, I had on a tank top, flip flops, and shorts. For me, that's naked, because I stand 160-163 cm and just over 7 stone. I had a small bag with shampoo, and one car key! I presumed they were speaking to someone with a knapsack or maybe an elderly woman. They were talking to me. I walked over and handed my bag as if I were under a spell. I was given a clip and I said that I knew what I had and they said it's to collect my bag. So I'm walking down the aisle and a woman appears from behind the counter and scares the piss out of me. "You needa herp?" I looked at her trying to figure out if she had a wand in her hand that made her appear and disappear. When I looked at her, I saw her looking toward the ceiling. This store had a security system like they were the Pentagon! They had flat screens, EVERYTHING had an anti theft tag and, I guarantee there was at least one eye on me at all times. I felt like I was in a dressing room trying on clothes in front of strangers. It was uncomfortable. I don't buy things anymore because I felt I had been better if I wrote a list of what I wanted and had the staff fetch them.
I was heated!  I opted to leave the store. They weren't going to disrespect me AND take my hard earned money!!! When I went to retrieve my bag, I said, "You expect me to trust you with my things; however, you don't return the sentiment." I wanted to picket the store, and tell every potential person to keep their dignity and not support them. But, I'm daft so if I realised this, didn't others? Why do we patronise shops like that? I mean being treated like an untrustworthy child who has a penchant for shoplifting in return for some hair? Please have more dignity. I am going to post some places like 3 Sisters or Sally's both of which I have no affiliation. I don't care if you research ways to make your own products, don't ever let someone take your money and treat you like a second class citizen, especially if, like me, you've got family who's fought for their country!
Furthermore, they will try to get you to shop by employing other ethnicities, mainly minorities, to work in the shop in order to "urbanize" the experience. Don't fall for it. No amount of hair is worth that!

/rant
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