(The answer is behind the question mark.)
I have been enjoying collecting Dior’s seasonal limited-edition items in the past few years. But most of the time, I don’t have to pay for them.
It is not a secret of any sort. I am sure some people are doing exactly what I do.
All, in an extended report, will be revealed on Thursday.
Do come back tomorrow!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey PJ
I’m back again :-)
wow cant believe u get free Dior make up :O
I’m really gearing up for the japanese cosmetic haul hehe. I was just wondering about that website u recommended http://www.adambeauty.com, if u ever got any problems with custom/import tax? =]
Hi Nicola,
Thank you for stopping by again!
Still envious that you are going to Japan so soon…:)
I have been buying from Adam Beauty for about 8 times I think. Every time, on the customs declaration form, he puts down a low amount (usually 10 USD). So far, I have not had a problem with import tax. I think this is generally the case with most Adam Beauty customers (which I have noticed on makeup forums like Makeup Alley).
Do let me know if you have any more question.
Umm..as for my free Dior items…since you are in the UK, it would be very interesting to hear what you think. (You will know what I mean…)
Do pop back later! :)
Dear PJ,
Wow, how nice! You are able to collect limited-edition Dior collections for free!!! I wonder if it is available in the US as well??
Best,
BA
I don’t think it’s any secret that a large number of the more established beauty bloggers are provided with merchandise gratis, by cosmetics companies themselves in the hopes that it will lead to (hopefully favorable) reviews and press. Hell, beauty editors have been receiving this kind of treatment for YEARS. But, with magazine subscriptions/sales on the wane for some time now, and internet usage continuing to rise, beauty bloggers are reaping the benefits.
Of course, very few bloggers ever bother to disclose which items they’ve received free of charge and which (if any) they’ve purchased for themselves. The only blogger (to my knowledge) who does disclose the origins of the products she reviews is Jackie Danicki of Jack and Hill. Most bloggers, though, are far less forthcoming.
Still, if you have another method by which you obtain free beauty products, do tell, we’re all ears! :-D
Wow! Let me guess.. Are you Dior VVIP member? Hahah..
I know all your secrets *evil laugh*
hehehehe!
Dear BA,
Thank you for commenting!
As you will read later, I don’t think my way of doing it is available in the US yet. But we never know. If people ask for it, it might happen later.
Do stay tuned to find out! :)
Hello MandyPandy,
Thank you very much for commenting again!
First of all, the Dior items in the photo didn’t come from the company directly. But you have raised a point that many beauty bloggers have been discussing and I’d like to go into this a little.
Indeed, now many cosmetics companies work with beauty bloggers as well as print media, and cosmetics companies send product samples to them for review.
I, among many, review products submitted by cosmetics companies. Several months ago, I put up a notice at the bottom of my blog. Essentially, all the posts with the word “Review” in the titles indicate that the products are sent by cosmetics companies. I put this up because I believe it is always better to be more transparent.
I review these products just as I review my own purchases. But, usually, I am actually slightly more critical of the products I receive from companies.
From the feedback I get from some of the readers, it seems that they have no issue with bloggers reviewing products sent by companies as long as they feel that they can trust the writer’s voice.
I always think I write for my readers, not for cosmetics companies. So it is crucial that I remain as unbiased as I can be, and I enjoy being that way. I think people read blogs for first-hand and honest views and opinion, and that is what I enjoy providing.
Also, I always want my blog to have a more personal flavor, so most of the cosmetics items I talk about are things I buy for myself. I will always try to keep it this way. (Personally, I enjoy sharing with my readers my own beauty finds more. But I also feel worthy that cosmetics companies value my editorial voice.)
But one thing I haven’t done and won’t do is a paid review. As far as I know, most beauty bloggers don’t write paid reviews either.
In contrast, I tend to be slightly more positive with the things I buy for myself, but I am sure you can understand that it is only because I like them and enjoy using them in the first place and I want to share them with all my readers. But of course I point out the negatives so all my readers can stay well-informed. (And having you guys ask me questions obviously helps a great deal.)
I think more and more beauty blogger are more transparent now. Most of us would like to think we offer something different from the mainstream media and the more personal flavor of blogs is what we all enjoy.
One of the blogs I know that have a very detailed disclosure policy is Makeup Minute (www.makeupminute.com).
Thank you very much for bringing this up. You are a blogger as well, so it is great to hear about your thoughts.
Thank you again for commenting! :)
Hello Iry,
I’d hope so, but I am not. :)
In some countries in Asia, Dior runs VIP clubs. All the purchases are recoded and club members earn points on an annual basis. Points can be spent on some exclusive Dior gift sets. There are also birthday vouchers and gifts for the VIP club members.
But this scheme is not run in the UK with any cosmetics brand that I know…
Maybe in the future….:)
Thank you for your comment! :)
mandy I wish I was getting loads of cosmetics from beauty companies hehehe!
sadly it’s just not the case =)
Hello The Muse,
They will find you in the end! I have no doubt. :)
hehe thanks PJ!
Sure will save me a lot of money lol!
Hello The Muse,
You are welcome. Let’s see what happens!