topic Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com in Beauty

Changes at Beautypedia.com

sueeich — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 13:10:07 GMT

I am a big fan of Paula Begoun and have been using her Paula's Choice skincare products since the very beginning (She just celebrated her 20th anniversary.). I also was a big fan of Beautypedia.com. At the time Beautypedia was launched, it was actually a subscription service - I think I paid around $20/year for the subscription. Obviously now, it is a free service. Ever since Paula's Choice was sold, I am finding that I am more and more frustrated with them. They have been getting rid of customer favorites like their sheer cream lipstick. This was such a great lipstick and one of the few with SPF. People had been begging them for years to add additional colors to their lineup since they loved this product so much. Well, not only did they not add additional colors, they discontinued the product entirely! As far as Beautypedia is concerned, I will still consult it when I have a question about a product, but I've noticed that they removed reviews from entire manufacturers. I was at Trader Joes recently and I remember seeing Beautypedia reviews on their products. Lo and behold, they're gone. 100% Pure reviews are gone as well. They also seem to be taking a lot of time to update reviews. People will comment that a particular item's ingredients have changed and there will be a note from a Beautypedia moderator that the review is being updated but these comments frequently date back to 2015! I've lost some of my confidence in Beautypedia. Seems like everything changed when Paula sold out. So sad!

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

TY — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 17:02:13 GMT

I wonder if Beautypedia has become too expensive to maintain since it's free to anyone to use.

The last foundation I tried, a Loreal one that was highly rated on Beautypedia, L'Oreal True Match Lumi, was too shiny and emphasized fine lines when seen in daylight outdoors. It looked fine inside but not outside. Maybe it would look better on a young woman. I bought after trying it in store and reading the Beautypedia review but I got rid of it as it didn't work for me.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

sueeich — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 23:04:55 GMT

@TY wrote:
I wonder if Beautypedia has become too expensive to maintain since it's free to anyone to use.

The last foundation I tried, a Loreal one that was highly rated on Beautypedia, L'Oreal True Match Lumi, was too shiny and emphasized fine lines when seen in daylight outdoors. It looked fine inside but not outside. Maybe it would look better on a young woman. I bought after trying it in store and reading the Beautypedia review but I got rid of it as it didn't work for me.

You might be right that since it's free it's too costly to maintain. I would surely pay for a subscription again if I felt like I was getting quality reviews. And I feel the same about their reviews. I purchased a Physicians Formula foundation that was highly rated on Beautypedia as well and it was not good. The reviews used to be right on - now they don't seem to be as good.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

CoG — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:02:00 GMT

Not only have they dropped listings they've totally removed the important content of the reviews like Ingredients, they've downsized the reviews to opinionated comments about the product or the manufacturer. No useful information left! Beautypedia as we knew it is gone.

The he first change I noticed was a complete turnaround on negative comments made about competitors like Dr Denese who are now family. But now there's no substance at all.

In in the world of cosmetics we've taken a step backward to "Trust No One!"

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

sueeich — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:36:04 GMT

@CoG wrote:
Not only have they dropped listings they've totally removed the important content of the reviews like Ingredients, they've downsized the reviews to opinionated comments about the product or the manufacturer. No useful information left! Beautypedia as we knew it is gone.

The he first change I noticed was a complete turnaround on negative comments made about competitors like Dr Denese who are now family. But now there's no substance at all.

In in the world of cosmetics we've taken a step backward to "Trust No One!"

I'm so glad I'm not the only one that noticed the changes. It's been so frustrating for me. I really counted on the Beautypedia reviews for years and now I feel like I can't fully trust them anymore. And if you try to say or imply anything remotely negative on their Facebook page, they quickly delete your comment. Who can you trust anymore!!??

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

HappyDaze — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:55:19 GMT

I honestly have not really looked at it since they changed the viewing format awhile back which I think is so awful and cumbersome. I still look up ingredients occasionally but not reviews.

It does not surprise me it is going to pot-since she sold the company I'm sure she isn't going expend energy to keep it up and the new owners aren't going to pay anyone to keep it up since they give positive reviews of competitors as well. No equity firm wants that-they are there to make money not steer you towards other brands' products.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

MissSugarKane — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 04:22:32 GMT

I also haven't gone there as much since they changed the design. I don't find the site to be user friendly anymore. I am not really happy with any of her new products I have tried either and they just discontinued the line I used for years. It's a shame when good things change for the worse.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

beach-mom — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 04:45:04 GMT

@HappyDaze wrote:

It does not surprise me it is going to pot-since she sold the company I'm sure she isn't going expend energy to keep it up and the new owners aren't going to pay anyone to keep it up since they give positive reviews of competitors as well. No equity firm wants that-they are there to make money not steer you towards other brands' products.

I've been subscribing to Paula's newsletters since I was in my 20's. I didn't know she sold her company!

I'm so sick of these dedicated women selling their companies! On one hand I can say I don't blame them because of the money involved, but on the other, NOTHING is the same. The formulas change because the integrity of the products changes. New companies tend to go for quantity over quality, and in the case of Beautypedia, for sure, they are never going to post anything negative about another brand the company also owns!

All of my favorites - going way back to when Jeannie Lobell sold Stila to EL. I was one of her best customers! EL didn't keep them long, and when they started with all of the shimmery products, I was gone. More recently it's been Bobbi Brown, Tarte, Laura Geller, Mally, etc. And now IT too.

I'm trying to find lines I like that are privately owned by the creator(s). I guess smaller lines are always like that, until they do sell. I may eventually go back to Cat Cosmetics!

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

mimi5775 — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 07:15:24 GMT

@beach-mom wrote:
@HappyDaze wrote:

It does not surprise me it is going to pot-since she sold the company I'm sure she isn't going expend energy to keep it up and the new owners aren't going to pay anyone to keep it up since they give positive reviews of competitors as well. No equity firm wants that-they are there to make money not steer you towards other brands' products.
I've been subscribing to Paula's newsletters since I was in my 20's. I didn't know she sold her company!

I'm so sick of these dedicated women selling their companies! On one hand I can say I don't blame them because of the money involved, but on the other, NOTHING is the same. The formulas change because the integrity of the products changes. New companies tend to go for quantity over quality, and in the case of Beautypedia, for sure, they are never going to post anything negative about another brand the company also owns!

All of my favorites - going way back to when Jeannie Lobell sold Stila to EL. I was one of her best customers! EL didn't keep them long, and when they started with all of the shimmery products, I was gone. More recently it's been Bobbi Brown, Tarte, Laura Geller, Mally, etc. And now IT too.

I'm trying to find lines I like that are privately owned by the creator(s). I guess smaller lines are always like that, until they do sell. I may eventually go back to Cat Cosmetics!

Well said! 100% agree..had no idea PB had sold her line. How could she when she was so gungo-ho on everything to educate us and many relied on her? It's that almighty dollar..seems to win out every time! it overrides her dedication to her customers who really depended on her :/

On a diff note; BB has a new 50.00 foundation out like It's CC cushion type. NO refill and no brush of course (DUH). Why? it is the same as it says as the skin Foundation as it's named after and you get so little? I don't get it. But will assess soon to compare! goodness how they try to rip us off and jack prices up but we fall for them so we are to blame (not you lol) the masses! and myself as well can be blamed. You made me chuckle I recall 'cat cosmetic's' ...is it still around? boy that was popular such a long a time ago...makeup alley days! ha

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

Sunshine Kate — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 13:01:21 GMT

I agree Beautypedia reviews are not as "spot on" as they used to be.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

suzyQ3 — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:51:43 GMT

How could "dedicated" women sell their companies?

Because they are, just like men, in business to make the most profit that they can. Many companies even begin with a future sale in mind.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

HappyDaze — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 03:51:52 GMT

Guys she sold it about 4 years ago-this isn't a recent thing! I still love the products I've been using for years. The only changes made was with a sunscreen but other than that all my other items are so far the same. And I love the makeup items that came out after the sale like the matte shadow palette and a couple of the mascaras. I wish they'd make more makeup, actually, and found that change from the sale a positive which I rarely feel about a brand after it is sold.

I am just happy she didn't sell to a company that tests on animals like IT cosmetics and Urban Decay (and many others) did.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

sonechko — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 17:06:40 GMT

@suzyQ3 wrote:
How could "dedicated" women sell their companies?

Because they are, just like men, in business to make the most profit that they can. Many companies even begin with a future sale in mind.

Yep. Good point @suzyQ3. Most probably do. Only a few - don't. Well, unless......, unless the amount offered are so-so-so incredibly high.... they sell too!

I do respect those very-very few who do not sell their companies, regardless of the money. Those who themselves created an incredible product line, and would rather have less money, but remain the sole proprietor, and continue with it, like this company's business is a part of who they are. My high respect to this kind of talent and strong core - always.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

jazzbabe — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 03:10:28 GMT

@mimi5775 wrote:
@beach-mom wrote:
@HappyDaze wrote:

It does not surprise me it is going to pot-since she sold the company I'm sure she isn't going expend energy to keep it up and the new owners aren't going to pay anyone to keep it up since they give positive reviews of competitors as well. No equity firm wants that-they are there to make money not steer you towards other brands' products.
I've been subscribing to Paula's newsletters since I was in my 20's. I didn't know she sold her company!

I'm so sick of these dedicated women selling their companies! On one hand I can say I don't blame them because of the money involved, but on the other, NOTHING is the same. The formulas change because the integrity of the products changes. New companies tend to go for quantity over quality, and in the case of Beautypedia, for sure, they are never going to post anything negative about another brand the company also owns!

All of my favorites - going way back to when Jeannie Lobell sold Stila to EL. I was one of her best customers! EL didn't keep them long, and when they started with all of the shimmery products, I was gone. More recently it's been Bobbi Brown, Tarte, Laura Geller, Mally, etc. And now IT too.

I'm trying to find lines I like that are privately owned by the creator(s). I guess smaller lines are always like that, until they do sell. I may eventually go back to Cat Cosmetics!
Well said! 100% agree..had no idea PB had sold her line. How could she when she was so gungo-ho on everything to educate us and many relied on her? It's that almighty dollar..seems to win out every time! it overrides her dedication to her customers who really depended on her :/
On a diff note; BB has a new 50.00 foundation out like It's CC cushion type. NO refill and no brush of course (DUH). Why? it is the same as it says as the skin Foundation as it's named after and you get so little? I don't get it. But will assess soon to compare! goodness how they try to rip us off and jack prices up but we fall for them so we are to blame (not you lol) the masses! and myself as well can be blamed. You made me chuckle I recall 'cat cosmetic's' ...is it still around? boy that was popular such a long a time ago...makeup alley days! ha

@mimi5775, I had no idea that BB has a cushion compact. I agree that $50 seems steep but I think it is par for the course for cushion compacts. At least you can get a refill for $35. Although I would like to try it I will wait for one of her sales and get it from Nordstrom via a price match.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

Stargazer77 — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 03:37:45 GMT

@beach-mom I didn't know that about IT Cosmetics! I'm just floored. She was the last one I could think of who had not sold her company. You can add BE to your list of sold companies. Oh, and

Smashbox.

On the one hand, I understand the money aspect. But, on the other hand, if that were my company I don't know if I could sell it after I had worked so hard to build it up from nothing. I feel like if I made a good living I would keep it, but I don't know; to never have to worry about money again for the rest of your life is alluring and I understand that. I just wish the product integrity stayed the same.

I will say this about Mally's products...I LOVE her shadow sticks. Now, I have not tried the new ones, but I've looked at them in Ulta. The shadow stick case is made much more cheaply now. Maybe one day I will get around to trying them, if I find a sale. 25 dollars per stick is a lot.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

beach-mom — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 05:34:10 GMT

@Stargazer77 wrote:
@beach-mom I didn't know that about IT Cosmetics! I'm just floored. She was the last one I could think of who had not sold her company. You can add BE to your list of sold companies. Oh, and
Smashbox.

On the one hand, I understand the money aspect. But, on the other hand, if that were my company I don't know if I could sell it after I had worked so hard to build it up from nothing. I feel like if I made a good living I would keep it, but I don't know; to never have to worry about money again for the rest of your life is alluring and I understand that. I just wish the product integrity stayed the same.

I will say this about Mally's products...I LOVE her shadow sticks. Now, I have not tried the new ones, but I've looked at them in Ulta. The shadow stick case is made much more cheaply now. Maybe one day I will get around to trying them, if I find a sale. 25 dollars per stick is a lot.

@Stargazer77 - I've noticed a change in my beloved Mally products. She didn't have a choice about selling, and now she's the new company's spokesperson but the former Victoria's Secret makeup CEO is in charge!

When I previously said I'm sick of dedicated women selling their lines, I was being a little selfish. I meant it personally - it's affecting ME!

I guess another thing that bothers me is when the former owners act like they still have complete control. When you're demonstrating a product that has your name on it, but you are no longer in charge of your line, just say "WE brought this to you," instead of "I" brought this to you"! Don't act like we don't know what's going on!

@HappyDaze - I was shocked to find out Paula sold - and 4 years ago? Wow - I thought I was "up" on everything! I've used her products for so long, actually since she first started making them! Her one-step facial cleanser and her sunscreen are both HG's for me and I'd never be without them! I haven't noticed a change in formula, but I have noticed a change in packaging.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

HappyDaze — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 05:42:26 GMT

@beach-mom wrote:
@Stargazer77 - I've noticed a change in my beloved Mally products. She didn't have a choice about selling, and now she's the new company's spokesperson but the former Victoria's Secret makeup CEO is in charge!

When I previously said I'm sick of dedicated women selling their lines, I was being a little selfish. I meant it personally - it's affecting ME!

I guess another thing that bothers me is when the former owners act like they still have complete control. When you're demonstrating a product that has your name on it, but you are no longer in charge of your line, just say "WE brought this to you," instead of "I" brought this to you"! Don't act like we don't know what's going on!

@HappyDaze - I was shocked to find out Paula sold - and 4 years ago? Wow - I thought I was "up" on everything! I've used her products for so long, actually since she first started making them! Her one-step facial cleanser and her sunscreen are both HG's for me and I'd never be without them! I haven't noticed a change in formula, but I have noticed a change in packaging.

LOL @beach-mom I totally get where you are coming from!

And she didn't change all the sunscreens, thankfully. I still use the Skin recovery SPF and that is the same. It was the Hydralight that she changed, well, it is now "renamed" as Calm something or other and although they said it was simply repackaged but the same formula, it is not, at least not by comparing the ingredients. I haven't tried the new formula and won't- I will just stick with the Skin recovery SPF as it works great for me, even under my eyes and on my eyelids, something I could NEVER say about the multitude of other sunscreens I've tried in the past. Good stuff!

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

henderson — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 16:25:34 GMT

I've been using her products since 1995 also. I can't believe how her prices have gone up, i.e., Dark Spot Eraser. It used to be 2 oz. now it's 1 oz and a higher price. I now only purchase from her what I can't get elsewhere with good ingredients, BHA products, serums, etc. Used to buy everything she made, cleaners, toners, etc. Now only if on sale. I also put a review on her website and was shocked and dismayed to see that it was rejected because I gave a bad review about the dispenser for the hylaronic acid product, also said it was too thick. Why was I censored?

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

suzyQ3 — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 16:25:09 GMT

@henderson, I've been using PC products for probably at least three years and have always bought them on sale and/or with a promo code.

I still think that they are very much worth the price. They generally cost more than drugstore but less than high-end.

Re: Changes at Beautypedia.com

HappyDaze — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 16:53:28 GMT

@suzyQ3 wrote:
@henderson, I've been using PC products for probably at least three years and have always bought them on sale and/or with a promo code.

I still think that they are very much worth the price. They generally cost more than drugstore but less than high-end.

Agreed, @suzyQ3. I've been using some of the products for over 10 years and yes, of course, the prices have gone up just like everything else does over time, but not so substantially that it makes the products overpriced or ridiculous priced, especially given the fact that many of the items last me three or more months with the BHA liquid lasting me 6 months. How long it lasts plus the fact that I KNOW it works makes it quite the value, imo! The moment the prices get too high that I no longer feel that it is a good value I will move on as I am not a hard core brand dedicated person to the point I will pay more than what I think something is worth.

Also, I only buy them when there is a sale or promo code- I am pretty sure in the 10+ years I've bought them I've never paid full price, lol!