I've decided to make a more concerted effort to review products that I'm using.
The amount of research that I do before I buy certain products is solely based on other beauty bloggers experience, swatches and reviews. I thought I would "add to the gene pool", so to speak.
In deciding to do reviews, I had to think long and hard about HOW to actually review a product. Reviews should be concise, and to the point, but factual and honest. Most importantly, they should be consistently rated based on a specific, standard,set of criteria.
My biggest review pet peeve? Reviews like this:
Um, I really like this product because, uh, it's pretty. And, um, it's cheap, so you should buy it." k, tnx bai.
I would love to know how that helps ANYONE! Pssht. Anywho, as I was searching for a consensus on how other beauty bloggers come up with a rating system, I ran across the website kelko.co.uk, which is a reviewing website for consumer products. I think their guidelines are pretty on point for reviewing products.
Guidelines for writing a review as written by Kelko.co.uk
-Be objective and truthful. Tell us how you really feel. Useful reviews include not only whether you liked or disliked a product, but also why.
-Be detailed and specific:
*Did the product meet your expectations
*How does the product compare to other similar products
*What features of the product do you like or dislike?
*Would you recommend the product to others?
-Stay "on topic". Keep your comments focused on the product.
-Try to keep it short.
-Don't spoil it for others. Reviews should not harass, abuse, or threaten, make false statements, defame, or impersonate
-Don't copy or otherwise infringe others' material, trademarks or other intellectual property. Reviews should include your own, original thoughts.
What do you think? When you read a review, what items are you looking for: personal experience, swatches, similar products, pros and cons? Help a girl out here.
Personally when I read a review I am looking for pictures (either swatches of the product or on face), thoughts after having tested it for a while, on how long wearing it is + what kind of skin type the reviewer has and her/his experience with it, price point and retailers/links?, possible cheaper dupes are always nice too :)
ReplyDeleteI can't stand reviews that have been written after only using the product once. Or reviews that don't include a "wear test"...just like "I recommend this because it's a lovely shade but I haven't had time to try it yet. When I do I will let you know" ahem...ok that is just pointless. ;)