Inside The World Of Extreme PR Unboxings And Influencer Brand Trips...

The Dark World Of Luxury 'Life Coaches' Is It Legit Or A Money Grab?
• The Dark World Of Luxu...
Inside The World Of Extreme PR Unboxings And Influencer Brand Trips...
Chapters:
Intro 0:00-3:37
Pr unboxing niches 3:38-4:04
Victoria and Samantha 4:05-12:04
Bias 12:05-12:29
How exhausting 12:30-13:10
Trippin w tarte 13:11-24:12
Massive beauty PR hauls 24:13-39:24
Micro influencers 39:25-43:11
La mer and luxury 43:12-50:44
How to spot authenticity 50:45-52:35
Outro 52:36-53:01
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The Normalization Of The Toxic Shopping Addiction And Why It's Keeping Us Poor
• The Normalization Of T...
The Wealth Aesthetic Obsession on Social Media: Fake Rich, Real Rich & Everything In Between
• The Wealth Aesthetic O...
In Defence Of Influencers are they really ALL rotten?
• In Defence Of Influenc...
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[@CaitlinPawlowski]

FOLLOWING ON FROM THE VIDEO: I wanted to include this in the video after the editing process but decided against it as it would be WAY too long otherwise I just want to make it clear that I actually understand and see value in PR as a marketing strategy and think it holds an important place, however what I DO take issue with is this over the top almost wasteful packaging, the buying of opinions (like Tarte sending people more than just makeup that could potentially sway their reviews) and these huge brands sending out PR to every Tom, Dick and Harry. I also think some influencers (not all) seem to come off completely tone deaf and I think sometimes they forget the audience watching is the reason they are on camera unboxing 50+ packages a week and able to do amazing things like fly private to Bora Bora. I also want to clarify I advocate for small businesses who send out products to a select few who are a good fit more than these large brands who send out these extravagant and sometimes unrelated packages to 100s with no real authentic alignment - it seems they are just essentially throwing out a huge net and hoping to catch some fish (I suppose because they have the money to do so) I would love to see more change in the industry and brands slowing down on these extravagant PR packages, I understand in an ever growing competitive space they may feel like they need to outdo their competitors- call me naive but sometimes I think if a product is that amazing it will sell itself and a brand won’t need to resort to outlandish tactics (like my beloved Omnilux I rave about lol) Anyway I wanted to clear that up incase maybe it wasn’t super clear in the video :) Thankyou for watching! I know it was a long one- can’t wait to hear your thoughts xo

[@vvitch-mist20]

I think the fact that companies EXPECT positive reviews is gross. I hate how brands would rather lie and cheat their customers. It's grotesque.

[@thesavvyaphrodite5806]

Welcome to the cranky old lady club.😂😂 I think PR Unboxings are definitely targeted towards younger consumers. Probably around 13 to 25....

[@vvitch-mist20]

@@thesavvyaphrodite5806 I don't get how they don't get overwhelmed. Like every influencer is like "OMG 😳😳😳. Look at this free stuff 😁 😁 guys 😜😜🥹😊"

[@Ajlatango]

Seeing these over the top gifts to influencers does not make me want to buy the product at all. If anything it makes me think “why am I the idiot spending my money which then goes to giving influencers free shit?!”

[@Julia36D]

Exactly. If they’re jacking up the price of goods so they can afford to gift all these grifters, well I don’t want to be funding free shit for influencers by paying inflated prices. I’d rather boycott in that case.

[@flyandshy00]

Same.

[@martabanasiewicz6353]

Same, you said it perfectly!

[@Sadhrita2002]

Ikr

[@makeupdoll7413]

That's why I've been saying it's wrong marketing for ages and people accused me of "envy" no, it's not envy 😅 why should I go broke while these people get richer thanks to me?! It's self respect, no one is willing to sacrifice for you so you shouldn't either! But I guess it's not bad marketing if they keep going, that means they still sell somehow 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@lynniec]

I usually quit watching KZbinrs when they start getting too big. The whole reason to watch them was they seemed like average people that you could relate to, then they morph into these greedy, money hungry hustlers, always trying sell you something. It's gross.

[@tiffanychill8219]

Yes I can't stand GLAMZILLA or Mikayla anymore!!! GLAMZILLA claimed she didn't do a review because it was bought by a LV purse LMFAO 😂😆 she is such a lier !!! Her or Mikayla won't do a review that they're not getting paid for period !!!

[@NorelleLee8]

Same. My first example was Zoella loooooong time ago. When she started, i liked her videos. But when she got big, i stopped watching because there was nothing for me anymore. It was all just rich lifestyle and out of touch things. Same with some others later on and now.

[@tuttuttut7758]

As someone who worked in marketing I can tell you a bad review will stop stuff having been send to you, or at least the volume/ popular products so I wouldn’t trust any reviews from influencers lol.

[@PawClow]

As soon as I hear the "gasp" I'm out

[@Aigra]

Places that offer free review copies of books are pretty upfront about this. You're expected to give a five stars review in exchange for the free product. They don't include the "or else ..." part but it doesn't require much reading between the lines to get it. Your past reviews will be considered when you apply for the next book after all.

[@biancameier7558]

These types of marketing strategies have the effect on me that I become disgusted with these brands and products and boycott them. This makes them less valuable to me.

[@barbarahallowell2613]

Same.

[@Rose-kj7rz]

I spent this last Christmas watching Advent calendar unboxings from luxury brands. Like Chanel. And the amount of PR and free trips and a BUTLER to influencers, while companies are putting FREE SAMPLES and bag tags and stickers and coupons and even past products that didn't sell well, in their Advent calendars that regular people pay their hard earned cash for is really disgusting. It makes me never want to trust another company for as long as I live. Or spend money in their shops.

[@arh1234]

Excellent point. I keep wanting to get a fancy niche advent calendar but I have been sadly underwhelmed on value

[@danesmcganes9118]

Right? I was into it right at first but it didn’t take long for it to gross me out. Just grotesque excess in the midst of so many people struggling? Ew.

[@anitameszaros3036]

Alexandria is the best for advent calendar unboxing. I don't think she ever recommended anything though 😂 probably the brands worst nightmare influencer. So if you ever think about buying some, watch her videos and you won't 😅

[@krdiaz8026]

Last year's YSL advent calendar was worth it in terms of what you got. Chanel was the worst. Dior was ok if you like collecting the boxes for reusing as jewelry/accessories/makeup boxes. It's a thing. People do collect Dior printed packaging since they are usually very pretty.

[@michelleg925]

This is a level of gluttony, materialism, and shopping addiction that is sad. It's overdone. People need to mature, focus on what's important in life, but what do i know?

[@blythegirl4348]

You sound like one of the more sane people out there! This younger generation is frightening! These Tik Tok people are out of their minds and these ridiculous companies throwing product at them is ridiculous!

[@fluentasperity]

LOL being on a paid trip with paid drinks, paid food, paid clothes, paid everything, ranting about broke people. What a vibe

[@lynseybowe8693]

I get suffocated just seeing all these boxes and packages. I couldn’t handle all the stuff!

[@Sebastian-fy3hu]

Seeing these people have brand trips just feels like I'm directly paying for their trips. I'd rather donate to charity to people who actually need help than someone who already has everything they need just to waste money on things they don't need

[@MissYoMaMa]

I do not want to buy from Tarte (+ others), as it appears the profits from my sale could be better used to upgrade dated formulas, develop new technologies, pay employee better, give paying customers better value, or donate to worthy causes. I do not want my sales profit to go to girlies trips to Bora Bora, or to get lavender Nikes, Hello Kitty bags and cameras… gross, just gross. Your video helped, helped me to know whom not to buy from. PR at those levels are just gross and deceiving.

[@danesmcganes9118]

Gross is the world that comes to mind for me too.

[@teresamcg431]

I wish Tarte or similar brands who offer influencers lavish trips/products would lower the price of their products for the average person to enjoy more of their products. I love Tarte, but seeing this makes me not want to use their products.

[@emiliabolsas]

Argh. I cannot function without their Maracuja eye cream. Disappointed to discover how wasteful and crass their influencer marketing is.

[@KWSHOPS]

I walked into target and their concealer was +$30?!?! I almost fell out of my shoes

[@nomanejane5766]

Why wouldthey lower their prices? Ifthey weren't doing influencer trips, the money would've been spent on tv and magazine ads

[@SYW12345]

@@nomanejane5766exactly

[@SYW12345]

@@nomanejane5766exactly!! They wouldn’t reduce the prices of products because influencer trips are part of tartes advertising budget, which helps them to sell more product

[@eleanorruffels258]

Interesting video! I wrote my master’s dissertation on beauty influencers and the qualitative research showed that people who watched influencers with large followings did so for fun and enjoyment whereas influencers with small followings were trusted and people watched them for reviews of products that they were thinking about buying (not exactly revolutionary 😅, but was interesting how clear the distinction was)

[@GetElevatedWithMe]

That’s really interesting and makes total sense! I don’t go to the big beauty influencers for reviews because they get these over the top trips and gifts. It’s been so long I’ve looked for a review from a big influencer vs a microinfluencer. Thank you for sharing!

[@BoricuaGirl69]

Your Masters Dissertation is super interesting to me. Congrats! Wish I could read it 👍🏽

[@Krystal_Kitty7]

That’s funny because thats exactly what I do in my other channel it’s small but I review things with honesty because I bought them with my money and I wouldn’t want to convince someone that’s it’s amazing when it’s not. That’s what big influencers lack is honesty

[@erika.vieira]

I would LOVE to see that! Is there anywhere that I can see the dissertation or studies associated with it? I work with a lot of smaller influencers so I think seeing this will make them feel a lot better!

[@GetElevatedWithMe]

@@Krystal_Kitty7 I subscribed!! I do self love content and psychic things if you are interested feel free to follow as well

[@abunlover]

To me, the fact that so many influencers are gifted designer bags and clothing just reminds me of how fake TikTok is. Like, it's easy to compare yourself and be like "I'm not doing as well as these other people because I don't have any designer bags, let alone this many", but knowing now that they're gifted so much, it's easier to be like, I don't actually want those and I am doing just fine. The only reason it's all over social media is marketing and fake demand, they're telling me I want something they didn't even want until a brand gave it to them.

[@AshzxQuidYT]

When I heard TikTok is a soft marketing platform that told me all I needed to know. People are not only getting free products like famous people get, but they are making high salaries showing the items. Can't knock the hustle, but it's hard to trust it. We don't need anything but food and shelter.

[@Pepper-sg5rc]

16:13 it’s giving…me watching my rich friend talk about what they got for Xmas in 8th grade

[@AerynKDesigns]

omg YES, except I was in 6thth. But YES there was this one girl that I went to her house when my mom was too busy at work to get me, and it was just a FREAKING TOUR of how rich she was and what all her parents got her and how much extra curricular activities they could afford for her to do.

[@Pepper-sg5rc]

@@AerynKDesigns OOOF i feel that

[@kamakama7778]

It’s disgusting what these companies are doing… people are struggling so much all over the world.. can hardly afford food, not to mention countries struck by war etc and seeing this is just heartbreaking

[@Sadhrita2002]

Exactly my thoughts

[@cs8712]

0:22 "they sent a literal butler to my house" I sure hope you recycle that butler when you're done with it

[@melissakyhlens1453]

🤣🤣🤣

[@AerynKDesigns]

sustainably sourced, biodegradable

[@arh1234]

​@@AerynKDesigns😬😂

[@simplyvs]

@@AerynKDesigns all-natural, no artificial chemicals (unless the butler suit is made or synthetic fabric 😅)

[@barbarahallowell2613]

😂😂😂 for the win 😂😂😂

[@lp9074]

The whole giving influencers the world in order to entice us is insane! What does a ‘brand trip’ do for us???? Never understood it

[@rwilliams9304]

They’re enticing people to try to do the same IMO

[@thuyt9497]

If I am an influencer, instead of sending "stuffs", it would be nicer for the brand to send a butler to my house to cook and clean for me for a day 😂.

[@diamondskiestravel]

We have moved from a world of opening people's minds via new inventions, books, music, art, ideas, to a world where we applaud the opening of boxes...

[@jimin8006]

It’s not age, im literally 23 and I’m over it

[@Sunshine4]

I feel like age has much to do with it, but you can see through this non-sense.

[@BeautyfromNature]

All these brands and influencers make luxury items seem so cheap!!! There is no real luxury without class, elegance and manners. Wealth is quiet, rich is loud.

[@MsKatze]

These crazy unboxings and brand trips don't make me want to buy the products at all. If anything, I feel disgusted. Between this and companies destroying their own products before trashing them, I'm like, why would I give you my hard earned money. I think it's gross!

[@TheOpy83]

I don't watch unboxings for make-up. I find them tedious and sometimes annoying. I absolutely do not relate to them. I am glad that content creators such as yourself are speaking publicly about this topic.

[@lydiaornot]

exactly!!!

[@cristyhenson4750]

Influencer marketing is probably cheaper than traditional marketing (network TV ads, magazine ads, etc.), but while the authenticity of the influencer reviews and recommendations do resonate, the authenticity is lost with the PR hauls and big influencer trips.

[@dudie5403]

Yes it is. Having an advertisement on TV during primetime can costs 10k a second or more depending on the channel and the event on tv. During the olympic games it will be more expensive then in between a random talkshow. Instead of 10k per second you can send 1000 big influencers some free goodies that will give your products a lot more exposure for a much lower cost.

[@A-is-for-accident]

Hey Tarte...So THAT is what I actually pay for with the 37 bucks for my blush 😂 I had no idea this was happening as I am too old for tiktok...

[@cappuccinogrande]

Yes. You sponsor trips for dumb influencers

[@paigemurray4946]

I remember maybe 7 years ago enjoying LV reviews and unboxings and the people doing them made a point of saying how LV never really even acknowleged the free PR. Now LV gives gifts to influencers. It is interesting how much the brand has changed.

[@Luvluxbags]

This would explain why brand new bags end up on resell sites like fashionphile

[@tashamcc670]

Thank you Caitlin for another video that hits the nail on the head. Ultimately I don’t think these influencers can be truly happy living such a materialistic, consumer obsessed existence. It’s so empty and hollow, surely at some point STUFF just becomes more STUFF…with no real appreciation for any of it.

[@patriciaa65]

Constant dopamine hits needed, never any contentment from what you already have. How much is "enough" already?

[@lisapolanski9379]

PS I found your channel when I searched "shopping addiction" because I have been there and have wasted a fortune on products and clothes. When these brands send these over-the-top packages to these influencers to push in everyone's face, it creates envy and covetousness, which is problematic. (They should run a giveaway or contest where anyone has a chance to win the product.)

[@katherinesica3215]

Great video, Caitlin. I love all your videos. I’m 71 years old and had no idea these influencers get this stuff! I clean houses for a living here in NYS. There is no way I could afford any of these things they are pushing. What a life! Technically they don’t even have to work. They could push every product out there. I feel sorry for young girls who don’t have the “look” these girls have to push products. Let’s face it…..these companies only accept them if they are hot, sexy, gorgeous, full of personality and young. Thanks for opening up a bit more of my world. I don’t like these influencers. My apologies if there are any in here. I’m old.

[@hj3130]

It's so weird how one part of the world is over consuming where as others are struggling for the bare minimum. It's no individuals fault but why can't they balance gifting with helping society as well through influencers where it sends a more positive message.

[@tonyabillings201]

I am over the PR unboxing- there is no way I am buying anything you got for free! It’s annoying to watch people get tons of stuff for the sake of getting you to buy it!! Nope. Its out of hand.

[@nomnomnom298]

I get overwhelmed when I get a few boxes delivered. I could not live like that.

[@Sumaima183]

Me also

[@Nicoled5483]

My friends have corporate jobs but have started doing micro-influencing on the side in order to pay for their weddings. It’s giving dystopian society

[@heatherhaven1268]

That sounds like the plot of a Margaret Atwood novel 😮

[@tuttuttut7758]

On the bags, if I see every influencer flexing it I don’t want it. No matter if it’s gifted or not. I just don’t want to wear stuff everybody has.

[@LifeofMC]

To be honest, my head really ached literally from watching the PR unboxing videos, lol! These packaging really have a significant impact. They take up so much space. I'm not impressed with this kind of practice because I don't accept items I won't use. It's a pity for those who might be tempted by products I show, but haven't tested and proven effective. It's so unreal for me. Nice content and eyeopener Caitlin! You're young and so intelligent! More success on your channel! I love it! 💕

[@Opiath3]

I love my little pony and the rainbow dash clip made my day! And yeah I’m honestly tired of this overconsumption and wastefulness of influencers nowadays, it’s just reached a point where you can’t ignore it.

[@greeneghost44]

I am so glad someone is talking about Darcy McQueen, what’s even worse is she got popular by hauling a TON of stuff she would buy herself, so now she’s shown she has the money to spend so she just gets sent MORE!??? The overconsumption with her drives me crazy. She buys almost every color of Lululemon scuba, the shorts, the tanks, etc…. It’s insane and I can’t stand to watch it. I had to block her. But this just goes back to the rich get richer

[@lisapolanski9379]

I'm surprised that YSL sends their products to these TikTok people. It lowers their prestige. It was hilarious to see the one woman unbox it all and pile it all together in a heap on the (dirty) floor. How is that good advertising? It was fitting though. Totally excessive. Makes one long for the days of sitting quietly and slowly turning the pages of Vogue, admiring the photography, contemplating the product. I agree, the prestige is decreased.

[@cs8712]

Poor people are the primary target for "luxury" brand marketing

[@AshzxQuidYT]

I was surprised by YSL

[@jgerald8401]

​@cs8712 as someone who worked in the biz, no they're not lol. "Poor people" pre social marketing just didn't buy expensive makeup and did drugstore products or bought at off retail stores

[@randomlyswatching9481]

​@@jgerald8401that was BEFORE as she said. Previously ysl would be ok the luxury mags ...now it's on dirty floor of some tiktok person

[@sharmisthamona1]

​@@jgerald8401used to be. Luxury on mags...now it's on floor

[@redgrok1003]

Watching this just in time when I do another semi-annual purge of my small apartment. Makes me sick to my stomach to imagine how much more clutter it would've add to my place

[@ediesaffron3593]

42:26 I’m a horrible salesperson too 😂 I’m way too honest & feel ashamed lying to people buying something that I know isn’t worth it.

[@baddie_dar]

Caitlin your videos really give me confidence because now I see that what these tiktokers do isn’t normal or even inspirational, it’s entertaining but in a dystopian way I think

[@MidnightMuse102]

I don’t think it makes me want to buy the brand but I think it makes ppl want to become influencers…I have a son who wants to be a KZbinr when he grows up. Trying to explain to him about all the things I observe as an adult but he’s a teenager so he just rolls his eyes at me. I think it’s the like reality tv the celebrity swag and it’s meant to keep us distracted & hemorrhaging money. But that’s just me 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@rwilliams9304]

Very true!!

[@Bluegirl1777]

Seeing the chick with all these pr boxes and unboxing them each day, i was bloody overwhelmed, i couldn't do this, just give me a few stuff

[@angelajeffery5488]

Thank you Caitlin for saying out loud what a lot of people are thinking and feeling 👏🏼

[@rosamadrigal5808]

In all honesty the whole influencer trend thing has gotten out of control. I totally agree with you. I couldn’t imagine bragging about living lavishly while the people who helped build me can’t even afford the products I’m endorsing. This narcissistic way of life needs to be cancelled.

[@lanaori5097]

Almost an hour long video from Caitlin? Yes, please! I really like those types of videos.

[@dudie5403]

Quite a few influencers I follow have stopped accepting PR boxes and don't really go on those brand trips anymore unless it's a brand they really really enjoy using for years and even then not all. They didn't feel comfortable anymore due the over consumption and all the clutter. There is only so much you can keep yourself, give to your friends or charity. So I thought this trend did die a bit by now but it seems it didn't. And honestly those brand trips and PR packages kind of makes me so angry. It always makes me think instead of giving over the top gifts and free trips to a select group of people you could also make your products a bit cheaper so more people can actually afford them and enjoy them too. Ohh and watching this video I realized it got even more and more extreme. But maybe that's also depending on the country. I assume in the VS there is a lot more competition then the Netherlands, UK or whatever other country.

[@randomlyswatching9481]

Uk is same

[@Maddiesmama]

That’s really disappointing that luxe brands do PR for influencers, I think it cheapens the brand. I would have never thought that LV would do PR gifts 😢

[@Moonpie90]

35:37 I've fallen in love with a lot of things I've never actually experienced (fancy houses on rightmove, the northern lights, many dogs) but never a cosmetic brand

[@miizmurrderr]

All the influencers should donate all that pr to homeless shelters or battered women shelters and stuff.

[@kham6006]

The more they send, trips etc the more we pay for the products-someone’s paying for this 😊

[@jolab.9449]

I'm loving the new angle of your content.

[@Gracieroseyxox]

I loved this video Caitlin and I would love for it to be a series ! I can listen to you talk forever

[@Moonpie90]

25:43 'I love you' about every brand is kiling me, surely that devalues it so much. No review beyond the aesthetic , no asmr or 'satisfaction' style unboxing just powering through like a kid on christmas who ate all their sweets before tearing into the boxes

[@Greatgodofcows1111]

I am glad I found your channel! The topics you talk about are honestly super insightful! :)

[@LydiaReneeDarling]

Love these longer videos from you, Caitlin! And thank you for blessing us with so many beautiful Aussie "naurs", for every one an angel gets its wings xx

[@SofiaSeesBeauty]

Micro influencer here! 😇 I love your commentary videos Caitlin and I def have some thoughts to share on this one, at least from the perspective of being a small luxury beauty influencer. 1. I don't think these brands are tone deaf at all. They are marketing to a younger audience, not us millennials and older on KZbin. This generation isn't worried as much about the economy and it doesn't feel inappropriate to them. They are young and aspirational, not bogged down by the increased prices on essential goods and having to pay for a mortgage and taxes. Everything that happened on KZbin a few years ago is getting repeated on Tiktok now for the younger crowd. These brand trips and unboxings were intriguing to us previously and now Gen Z and Gen Alpha are experiencing them and will get tired of them in due time. Brands will go where they see growth in their sales numbers so I am sure if they continue to do it, they are working. 2. Are the influencers tone deaf? Again, the ones I am seeing in this video are all very young. I find the way they talk and show the product to be rather annoying and immature. I think they are speaking to their own audience. If they were to find people unsubscribing, etc then they would stop making that content. In my experience, hauls and anything showing the NEW NEW is what gets the most views no matter what (even with more mature customers). I think there is a more classy way to do hauls and unboxings and it's not appropriate to put someone down if they are seeing more success in their business and therefore receiving free product. That comes with growing your business. The parts that don't add up are when that free stuff doesn't translate back to benefit the viewer. The products are supposed to be used for making content for the subscriber. Does a trip to Bora Bora translate back to the subscriber? For some creators yes, if their followers enjoy vlogs and unboxings but for others they don't care and that's up to the creator to decide and understand what their followers will watch. 3. I am curious how many influencers are getting THAT much PR. I receive PR a few times a week and it never comes in fancy packaging and I almost always have the ability to decline the shipment. I think a lot of this is younger Tiktok influencers who are immature and accept any little thing. For most us, PR can get overwhelming and we consider it to be a part of our job. I unbox makeup and it represents work/something I need to create content for. It seems like such a fairy tale to others to get "free stuff" but I have plenty of friends who get great perks, benefits, or company retreats as a part of their job. Trust me, health insurance and a 401k match is much better than free skincare you will never use up. I try my best to accept only what I genuinely think my subscribers would be interested in so I can test it for them. I might have to spend $400-500 to review a new collection release so it's a huge help to my channel and business if I can get some products for free. And while I applaud Samantha for declining PR and calling out all the downsides of it, she had a huge following at the time to the point where the downsides of having to wait for products to launch didn't really affect her channel. 4. Yes it's completely possible to give an unbiased review if you received the products in PR. Part of having a good relationship with a brand is them understanding that you aren't going to like everything. If a brand takes me off of their list because I gave one negative review I do NOT want to receive PR from them. Giving negative reviews is a part of being a TRUSTED influencer, which is what drives more LTV with your subscribers. Don't get me wrong, some people are biased and scared of losing PR, but it's a pretty immature thing to worry about when there are so many great products to promote and brands to work with otherwise. I think a big thing to call out here is that what you covered in your video is younger creators on Tiktok. Because the content is so short, usually there's not as much of a relationship with the creator so you don't know what to trust. It makes sense to hype everything up and create content that focuses on the over-the-top. If I kept making videos and saying everything was the best thing ever, my subscribers would see my fakeness immediately. I think on TikTok you are always at risk at being kicked out of the viral wave so perhaps there is more of a fear of losing out on the PR? Anyways, those are just my thoughts as someone who creates beauty content and receives PR! 🙃 Thanks Caitlin!

[@djshockafrica4330]

Very well put, what was missing for me in the video was WHY these content creators have so many subscribers; are they buyers or do they enjoy the entertainment value of the PR unboxings, or both

[@randomlyswatching9481]

These things have got repetitive and over the top things are always tone deaf especially in this economy

[@randomlyswatching9481]

Also you can't say people like Mikayla fit any of the points you mentioned. At this point whatever goes to her is a waste

[@randomlyswatching9481]

For your point one - many popular brands in beauty industry have gone out of biz in 2 to 3 years. It's not working for many. The thing is this isn't something that'll work for a long time. While a 401k will

[@randomlyswatching9481]

​@@djshockafrica4330most watch for fun ...they don't care or trust

[@Williams19275]

This was exactly what I was thinking. Thank you, the best vlog I've seen all year. We'll done

[@catgandini]

Such a great video Caitlin! loved this! I remember Samantha Ravndahl quitting PR! She's such a gem ❤. I get easily overwhelmed with clutter and try keep my makeup collection pretty minimal so... this level of CRAP taking up space in my room would be wayy too much lol

[@missdenisebee]

Ugh. Yeah, I’m with you here. Unboxings in general disinterest me, but the PR ones ESPECIALLY annoy me. Seeing influencers get these expensive products for free, piles of them, most of which’ll end up collecting dust in a drawer somewhere, when I’m feeling bad for spending like $60 on just ONE of them…it feels dystopian, the gap between influencers & regular people. Especially when they’re like, “oH mY gOD, tHeRe’S sO mAnY, i DoN’t EvEn KnOw WhErE tO sTaRt”🙄🙄🙄

[@rainbowsnsunshineverywhereigo]

This. Hate how I feel so guilty and can’t stop thinking about the times I treat myself to the 60 dollar product and can’t stop wishing I’d have saved it or spent it on something I ‘really needed’ instead. Like meanwhile they’re drowning in all this shit that would have us unable to pay our rent yet they don’t even use it after the initial unboxing. Unreal

[@Sadhrita2002]

Yeah

[@AnthonyKellett]

Whether people realise it or not, everything in life has a cost... no matter how how good (or 'free') it may seem. If I learned that any of my preferred brands started giving products to these people, so they'd be seen and associated with them, I'd change in a flash. Good video, Caitlin. P. S. What an obnoxious bunch of people, on that jet. One would think it was their jet, from the way they're gesturing. P. P. S. Virtually everyone featured was obnoxious. Who on earth sits there and watches those people??

[@SvDu-bb7rh]

This is so funny! 100% agree. Have been thinking about it a lot. Thank you for bringing this topic. Do brands really think that it is a good luxury PR strategy?

[@mqua4610]

This video just gets better and better!!!

[@thecreativestylist]

I agree with this on many levels. the number one I have noticed that gives influencers away is how they throw the item once they have shown it on camera. When they open a package or present an item, they speak enthusiastically and the nanosecond they finish they just throw it back, on the floor, or wherever...This gives away how much that put an act for their job...like they are actors!

[@pavithrarao5567]

I believe this video would be an eye opener for so many people who fall for these. Thanks for such an informative video ❤

[@lulu65245]

Love your longer videos ♥️

[@cjinpa5713]

No. You’re not the only one. I stay away from tarte because of this 💩. The only problem is since I don’t watch these influencers I don’t know of all the other brands doing these ridiculous things and never including actual customers. Someone asked ‘well how would they do that?’ Like it’s impossible to not send influencers. 🙄 it’s beyond obnoxious and you’re exactly right, it makes me NOT want to buy it. I refuse to buy tir tir now as well. Mikayla is like nails on a chalkboard for me. I must be too old and too realistic as well. What a shame how high some of these items are and knowing we’re paying for this extreme excess and free stuff to others truly is blood boiling.

[@angeliquemariel2916]

This was a very, very informative video thank you sooo much Caitlin!!!😊👍🏻

[@jannieschjrmann7731]

Omg, i am to old for this world, 63 years old lady, from denmark, i would never have the mony for those product, and would never by them. I dont use those lotions and other things, i just walk against the wind, then my wrinkels disaper in the wind, and i am looking like a 35 old woman, it is for free, and it is naturel..... i just saw your KZbin, just love it.

[@noracortez4612]

Love this video and I love your sincerity! Also loving your ear stack! ❤/with love from Texas 🤠

[@jilltomfohr]

I completely agree with your take. The waste is astronomical. (I loved the little interstitial videos that you used. So funny! "What if we speed it up?!")

[@Siunia1313]

Love your content right now ❤❤❤ love from Poland

[@michelledieboldpanasewicz]

Thank you, Caitlin, for putting this kind of content together. I wasn't familiar with all of the extravagant PR and tone deaf influencers, but now I am so disgusted by the whole thing. As these people are flaunting their luxury vacations and so much PR they have to throw it away, I can't help but be reminded of so much poverty in so much of our world. The expense of that LaMer vanity box no doubt could feed an entire village for a month. I am currently reevaluating the content creators I watch and the brands that participate in this extravagance are ones I will no longer purchase from. It's awful the way they price gauge their own loyal customers. If they spent less on flooding these creators with PR, they could lower their prices for the average consumer like me. Yes, PLEASE do more content like this!

[@Julia36D]

I don’t think I’ve ever been influenced by anything on a social media platform (even yours Caitlin!). I think the reason a) I don’t know you (the influencer) and I have no idea who you are as a person and whether we have anything in common and b) anything that is clearly gifted or some kind of transaction is just already inherently biased and dishonest. I have the same reaction when people are raving about a show. Edit: loving your new content Caitlin. It’s interesting and eye-opening. Keep up the good work. You’re the only influencer I watch who I feel has genuinely changed for the better; the others who apparently are no longer doing luxury seem fake.

[@krychickspp2745]

Great video!! One that happened within the last year was a Fendi event where the invited influencers were gifted a satin clutch in red with a sparkly clasp. I LOVED that bag. Fendi still sells it but you can't get it in the red colour, which was reserved solely for the influencers. I would have bought it if they'd offered it in red!! Worse, it's one of my favourite influencers and she also loves the bag, has the privilege of actually wearing it... She talks about how much she loves that bag all the time and it drives me insane!! 😅 I can't watch haul videos and even to a certain extent unboxings. It gives me major anxiety and screws with my self-esteem- while I sit in a room chock full of stuff I love. I'm so blessed, but the haul videos make me feel like I'm nothing. ❤

[@sams3015]

Very interesting Caitlin. Totally ‘low level’ but as we discussed privately my new job involves a lot of nice hotels & nice meals…I am already know the novelty is going to wear off. This is 1000x that so I can’t imagine they feel anything anymore

[@sreyphon-thill3297]

When I watched a bunch of beauty KZbinrs I also watched Samantha and I really loved her makeup tutorials. She was one of the few that I felt was actually genuine to me. Thanks for talking about this! Needed to be said The Bella edit had me die laughing 😂

[@MissPrettykitty91]

Omg please keep exposing this crazy me me me buy buy buy world we are living in! I love ur humor twist to it all 😂❤

[@BeautyfromNature]

There is nothing inspirational about an influencer sitting on the floor in her pajamas with bare feet treating a very expensive luxury bag like it's part of a TEMU haul.

[@heidi1000]

Your facial reactions during the Massive beauty PR Hauls were priceless! 🤣🤣 I can't imagine being ok with receiving that much stuff! And what to do with it all?! 😳

[@nishatkabir5902]

Hun this video is bang on! I am so fed up of these influencers flaunting PR gifts as if it’s normal for everyone watching! But more angry on people watching and liking all this! Like don’t people realise it’s cz of their views likes these people are living a life they don’t deserve! In today economic state is so insensitive of influencers or brands to shove all this in our faces! The sad reality is they are capturing very young viewers who are obsessed with beauty and luxury product and when parents cant afford they rebel and start doing silly crimes! So all this is creating future criminals 😡🤦🏽‍♀️

[@katliente]

your videos have been all over my recommended and i fucking love them all :3

[@yo-31]

I never like this type of content. You can't relate to the people any longer, specially the one with lot of boxes (PR haul) and very high value gifts. With high value gift, for sure the people will not talk bad about the brand even if the product is not good which mean they will no longer be honest. I will never buy products like Tarte for sure and those influencers robbing in the people face with inappropriate videos, they are to be ignored and insensitive.

[@PaigeTurnerASMR]

I am a VERY micro KZbinr and I LOVE when companies offer me opportunities to review their products, HOWEVER I don’t accept every opportunity I’m offered. The items I have accepted I generally like, use, and would recommend. I would hope that companies see the long term of loyal customers, rather than trendy, see ya later after 2 weeks routine.

[@StaciLeaBeauty]

I am micro too and I agree I love when companies offer me opportunities. It seems like it is one of the only ways for us smaller creators to get seen when competitng with the larger ones.

[@oliveherklozoff9398]

While i understand that PR is a marketing tool, it seems so backwards for them to be giving free stuff to people who can very much afford it themselves. Sure, higher prices can be attributed to quality etc, but when it's going towards paying for already affluent people to receive gifts on top of the monetary cuts theyre already getting, its disgusting

[@christinekellyrose9435]

You did a lot of research...impressive. excellent 👏

[@reneeklein3048]

I love how genuine you are btw … and I stopped buying tarte after I saw all they waste on brand trips

[@alysonparker1249]

I loved this video and would like to see a video on the issue that you mentioned towards the end. I am too old (45) for tiktok and watching that sh*te, it just irritates me. There is so much waste and a great example of how we are killing the planet. I would like to know how many of these brands actually fail or succeed. I am assuming they send out so many products to multiple influencers to actually get into the marketplace? It also makes me feel terrified for my kids who are 6 and 8. The crap that they already watch on KZbin (Mr. Beast, etc) is awful, and they are exposed to so much. It isn't the real world, but try explaining that to kids who don't know any different (but know it all and have zero understanding of money 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️). It is a real struggle and worry ❤

[@Septeemberpain]

You are a breath of extremely fresh air

[@taniaaponte9878]

😂😂😂The speed up unboxing cracked me up! Dear God, that’s insane!

[@YadiraStyle]

So many thoughts, I could respond in video format. Lol. In a nutshell, I agree with you. I was given a “tip” to add my contact info to my description box for sponsorship opportunities. That isn’t a gatekeeping secret for social media success, IMO. I dont think I have time to meet deliverables and stay sane at the same time. LITERALLY DECEMBER! 🤣 On a global scale, the multiple deliveries 🚚 because of the box sizes x # of influencers on top of what it takes to manufacture 🏭 the stuff. 🤯 I didn’t even know most of the influencers featured on here. 😳 😞 Great job on this research Caitlin! ❤

[@jillannjohnson2290]

I like that really young influencer who was sent anti-aging products and enthusiastically thanked the brand! 😂

[@Himawariyoung]

Your hair looks extremely healthy 😍

[@fla_girl0512]

OH MY GOSH THE TWILIGHT CLIP WAS F’N AMAMZING😂😂 I FELT THAT

[@bg3236]

Great video!! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@ellemusic.]

Holy shit the Kristen Stewart drop in like that made me HOWL! HAHAHAH That was editing perfection!!! Always love your content and keeping it real 💕

[@fatimarezigui3892]

Ur editing is EPIC

[@minachernobog]

Regarding your point about the current economic climate, I'm a 33 years old woman living in the Belgian countryside. I live alone, so everything has to be taken care of by me, myself, and I. I'm more concerned by my bills rather than where Tarte is sending some TikTok influencers. I'm out of touch with the beauty community since they moved over to TikTok. If I want an opinion on a product, I would ask the people around me. 🤷‍♀️ Otherwise, I go to indie brands now. I'm of the opinion that if someone has to shove a product/service in my face, it's probably sh*t.