tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750155244181302377.post2035185065780018885..comments2024-02-25T11:35:43.071-08:00Comments on oogle makeup: Which do you prefer... wild and colourful, or naturally pretty makeup? And, are you being manipulated in your beauty choices??Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00640390178468446621noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750155244181302377.post-37585332020360362742009-01-30T15:08:00.000-08:002009-01-30T15:08:00.000-08:00Yes not sure how many are MAs etc,very vague about...Yes not sure how many are MAs etc,very vague about breakdown. But then again if you're going to work as a SA for anyone, best go where there's the opportunity to be in line for a chance to be sent on a fun fashion shoot I suppose. That's what the forum seemed to imply- that these MA were essentially dazzled by the prospect (brainwashed almost)! Plus MAC clientle are arguably more varied than say, YSL or Chanel (my guess) but ultimately who knows what the statistics say? I'm sure it can't be down to Viva Glam to the extent she was saying... I mean, really?!<BR/><BR/>I know a lot of makeup ranges do have charity tie ins, not sure off top of my head but I guess of course EL does a pink ribbon thing doesn't it, erm not sure but I know it's not completely unique as a concept. I'm not really a business brain at all, but I would hazard a guess that many companies do charity work, though perhaps in a more discreet way. Microsoft give masses to charity. Even monsters like Shell give money for 'green' causes they say, which of course is ridiculous. Basically these companies have all done the maths. Possibly when VG was founded initially it was a pure concept, but now I reckon it pays for itself and that's why they push it. All businesses have to be strict that way. I got to see the 'MAC Bible' book they give to MAs, and it was mostly all about the hard sell, techniques to push products most effectively. How to chat up a disinterested customer and so on.<BR/>- Might be more amazingly praiseworthy if, instead of having a specific range, a portion of every MAC sale went to charity... just a thought.Gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00640390178468446621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750155244181302377.post-36997430875024936042009-01-29T18:09:00.000-08:002009-01-29T18:09:00.000-08:00You know I mistyped...she was talking about the in...You know I mistyped...she was talking about the industry in general, not just MAs - average retention of 30% whereas MAC is 80% - I wonder how much of that percentage is MAs...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750155244181302377.post-86102311188465642632009-01-29T18:06:00.000-08:002009-01-29T18:06:00.000-08:00Hi there, I don't work in the makeup world. I ...Hi there, I don't work in the makeup world. I just subscribe to Wharton articles through my work's resources. <BR/><BR/>I was really suprised at the number she quoted for retention of MAs...80%. Especially with what you mentioned about them working for little return at shows. <BR/><BR/>I think it's great as well that they do have this charity. Although, I don't know of any cosmetic company who uses it as one of their selling points (I suppose this is one of the many reasons why MAC is such a successful business model, not to mention their overly done LE collections). I'm trying to think of other non-makeup related companies who use this approach but can't seem to...help?<BR/><BR/>It definitely makes sense in a broader economic way as you said. They are smart to keep this front & center using the good nature of celebrities (my guess not paid). It's a win/win situation for all it involves. As a consumer you feel good about the purchase. I'm just surprised it hasn't expanded into the other items; but then it's money out of their pockets in the end, I guess. <BR/><BR/>Yea, what is it about not recycling those, anyway?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750155244181302377.post-62082375923352879892009-01-28T20:06:00.000-08:002009-01-28T20:06:00.000-08:00Oh thank you, of course- you were my original and ...Oh thank you, of course- you were my original and first fan hahahahha! How kind x<BR/><BR/>Do you work within the cosmetics industry then? I read that article... Yes I think it's unequivocally amazing that MAC has been doing so much good, raising awareness of AIDS and helping the cause. <BR/><BR/>But notice in many ways it's the retailers who are making the cut in a more direct way- how much does a lipstick cost MAC, I wonder? And after all, it's another outlet for advertising: you save a lot of money getting a celebrity in for free, ostensibly promoting just 'Viva Glam', but ultimately promoting MAC. And a bit rude that an empty Viva Glam lipstick won't count towards your 6 empties- as if it was any less recyclable? I know, this is the bitter cynic in me! No one can take away the fact that MAC does loads for fundraising where other companies hardly pull their weight, but this Viva Glam business makes economic sense in a broader context.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps this has been more acute since EL took over in mid 90s; MAC used to give the Pro discount to anyone who qualified, for free- EL introduced subscription rate system. <BR/><BR/>Oh but really, ultimately I have to say that in that video clip, I could tell that Nancy Mahon was a lawyer!! She spoke so well and didn't ever deny VG is good for business. It was very inspiring really to hear how she is so passionate, esp the way they research who needs the money most. So I suppose the bottom line is that any charitable initiatives should be applauded.Gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00640390178468446621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750155244181302377.post-9484293829115781322009-01-28T18:29:00.000-08:002009-01-28T18:29:00.000-08:00Please count me as a fan too:) Really enjoyed read...Please count me as a fan too:) Really enjoyed reading this. It's great to read about the business aspect of cosmetics. Very interesting points you bring up in the post. You may be interested in this article I recently read at work regarding MAC http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2071<BR/><BR/>Color...I'm a neutral girl but I love color, usually on the canvas or on paper or surrounding me (just not on me;). The bottom look is fabulous. Very Queen Amadala a la Marie Antoinette or something...lol:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750155244181302377.post-80683757758912266852009-01-28T09:39:00.000-08:002009-01-28T09:39:00.000-08:00I think I totally agree... I would often prefer a ...I think I totally agree... I would often prefer a YSL product to a MAC product if they do the same thing, just becaus YSL packaging is SO much prettier and it makes me feel more like a lady to pull out a gold tube rather than a black, butch tampon (aka the MAC lipstick bullet!!) in public.<BR/><BR/>Also, I honestly think colour can actually help a face more than a natural look- I'm so glad you're getting into colour YAY!! XGailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00640390178468446621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750155244181302377.post-61969371151914673332009-01-27T16:57:00.000-08:002009-01-27T16:57:00.000-08:00I've always worn a no-makeup look until recently. ...I've always worn a no-makeup look until recently. I'm just now branching out into more colorful looks. Friends have actually told me that I should wear more color on my face, and I think they're probably right.<BR/><BR/>I only recently discovered MAC. I like the products but it irks me that they make certain products (such as the pan eyeshadows) available only in "Pro" stores or by making customers order by phone instead of online. Those are such a silly artificial barriers.<BR/><BR/>I don't believe all the hype about high-end products but I do love pretty packaging and sometimes I don't mind paying for it. :)<BR/><BR/>--laurore44Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750155244181302377.post-45412813647132905932009-01-27T13:46:00.000-08:002009-01-27T13:46:00.000-08:00Oh thank you so much Mizzworthy, you are my bigges...Oh thank you so much Mizzworthy, you are my biggest (or should that be only?) fan!! Yay!! I studied English Literature at university, so this blog makes my degree all worthwhile haha!!!<BR/><BR/>I must check out GOSH Darling, I keep hearing about it. But I bet you could make colour work, it's all in the execution!<BR/><BR/>Please be sure to fill out my poll if you haven't yet, it's the first time I've done one and I want to get some results going!! I included a few options, hope you can find one that applies? Thanks so much again! xxxGailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00640390178468446621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7750155244181302377.post-19961275445932885072009-01-27T13:36:00.000-08:002009-01-27T13:36:00.000-08:00What an amazing and thought provoking post - you w...What an amazing and thought provoking post - you write so well! I have to admit I do like MAC, due to the sheer volume of colour ranges you can get there, and the special collections, which can be hit and miss - but I have recently had my eyes opened to other brands. I love good quality makeup and will splurge on things that work, and recently branched out into NARS too... I do foray into other brands as well LOL XXX<BR/><BR/>In terms of preferences over looks, I guess I am a fan of colour, although I suppose both yypes of looks have their place. For example I'm into nude lipstick at the moment but I like to jazz that up with colourful eyes and cheeks... I couldn't do totally neutral and as much as I'd love to be able to carry of a very colourful look I doubt I could!mizzworthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16108358231405686687noreply@blogger.com