Makeup brands don't sell makeup anymore

You don’t want these products… you want the lifestyle that they represent.
Makeup Musings Playlist: • MAKEUP MUSINGS
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FAQ:
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FTC: Affiliate links are used (may start with magic.ly, rstyle.me, shop-links, or howl.me). If you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission. This video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own and always will be!

[@pauladedomenico5706]

I don’t like to wear brand names on my clothes. I don’t want to advertise their name.

[@jillmorrison9883]

THIS

[@maddie8415]

Same, I won't be a walking billboard. And I certainly won't be *paying* these brands for their merch so I can give them free advertising.

[@milapartment]

even more confusing if you have clothing from the japanese brand milk, everyone just thinks it has something to do with the makeup brand now :(

[@lovelyisabelle2028]

Yeah I am not paying to promote them for free 😅

[@alxndria1]

I hate the Rhode phone case. It would drive me crazy to not be able to lay it flat!

[@hon.ey.beeeee]

I think it might be part of the marketing that the only way to lay your phone flat is on its face, therefore displaying the rhode side and your rhode lip balm

[@kasumigoto2608]

And I think it's not comfortable for a hand to hold a phone and a balm at the same time. And overall all these Bieber, Kardashians annoy me with their showing off.

[@kate98765]

I hadn’t even though of that inconvenience yet! I guess their argument could be that people never put their phone down 🥴🥴

[@christianablaskowski]

I love the phone case 🤷‍♀️ I’ve been waiting forever for a phone case that can hold my lip balm. Also, just about any tube balm fits into the case

[@numba4ondacourt]

And it has the color of alien skin!!

[@yoonjungie]

i call this the ✨ stanley cup effect ✨ cause to this day i still don’t understand how i got gaslighted into buying a water bottle that holds twice the amount of water i usually drink. this effect also really reminds me of the lululemon and brandy melville cult followings

[@ellajay247]

Not me thinking this comment was about hockey’s Stanley Cup. My Canadian hockey fan self had to take a beat 🤦‍♀️ But I definitely agree!

[@jessabeauty917]

@@ellajay247I never made the connection in the names! 🙈💡

[@macannaud]

@@ellajay247 LOL me too- when I first heard about “Stanley Cup” a couple years ago I was thinking hockey. Now that I finally got one I must say I am not all that impressed with it. 😝

[@GONEmypurpleflapjack]

Stanley effect is why the dumbass rich guy in charge of the PWHL bought their trophy from Tiffany's lol

[@elliot_rat]

brand worship maybe

[@kentuckywildcatfan5096]

As a makeup lover in her 40’s, I think the merch is geared to a much younger audience. I have no desire to buy any type of merch from a makeup brand. Maybe I would use it if it were a free gift with purchase, but I would never pay for it. It’s very interesting to hear about, as I didn’t realize that it was such a big thing. Thanks, Kelly. Interesting, as usual!

[@Tified967]

Hey there I'm 39 so practically 40 from the UK & I abhor at the idea of wearing branded merch as well; yeah maybe a free makeup bag but that's about it. Hey maybe we can both get away with it considering we look younger than our age (judging by your profile pic) but I have no desire to. The only thing I'd be tempted to buy is the Rare Beauty tracksuit that Kelly showed as it looks super comfortable but that would be an indoor job/lazy Sunday suit! 😂

[@marielle7505]

I agree! To me, as a 47 year old, it would seem quite silly to wear a sweater with my favorite make up brand on it. I would never do that. That being said, I have never in my life have worn any clothing with visible brand name or logo on it, and I never will. I don't want to walk around as free brand advertisement and I already have my own personality, thanks very much.

[@monicapatton1405]

Agreed and they used to be free with purchase so not the most luxurious thing you could own.

[@iRinnda]

I'm in my early 30's but I feel you. I'd never buy merch from a makeup brand. Even using as simple thing as a branded makeup bags has never sat well with me; I'd rather buy a simple, brandless bag. Though I have to say, I have a feeling that influencers and social media has geared the younger generation into buying merch of many kind. KZbinr's have merch, idols have merch, the local coffee shop that just opened in your neighborhood probably has merch... It's like whatever you buy today, it has to be merch in one way or another. I don't know if it's just trendy, or do people buy the illusion of merch being somehow more ethical, in other ways sustainable, or simply "better quality" compared to the giant companies.

[@Queenofcats36]

Totally agree, and I'm 37.

[@TheClairelikescats]

This really reminds me of when we would all walk around with Hollister, Abercrombie and Aeropostale written in giant letters on our t-shirts in the early 2000s. They were selling us the "cool kid" lifestyle, kind of like these brands are

[@coolchameleon21]

omg i remember that it was seen as “uncool” to wear aeropostale logo shirts instead of hollister or abercrombie. they really had 10 year old me begging my mom to buy me an overpriced, ugly t shirt with a brand name on the front 💀

[@sabersky1134]

You forgot Tommy Hilfiger as part of those brands

[@KristensKorner]

As a ✨normal girlie✨ I have never known or even seen anyone who actually wears makeup merch like this. I feel like so many people are just saving their pennies to buy like a Saie or Merit blush, there is no way they will spring for the branded bag or whatever. I feel this is so much an online shopping/overconsumption issue (fueled by TikTok) that really the only ones participating are those who are chronically online, or getting paid/gifted them. Idk though 🤷‍♀️

[@isabellamorris7902]

I've seen maybe one or two Glossier water bottles and the occasional laptop sticker. Anecdote =/= data though, and they ARE still selling this stuff so presumably it does sell.

[@hanasoufi7340]

You’re right that it’s something you see a lot on social media, but I think the people who are paying for it are rich and living in big cities just judging from the various influencers I see online. Seems like a lot of the fashion/makeup/cool girlies who buy this type of thing live in SoCal or nyc

[@AudreyRoseBeauty]

I loved the bubble wrap pouches! Never used mine as a handbag but they’re great for all my art supplies and throwing things in a bag without worrying about it getting damaged. I wish reusable packaging was the norm.

[@disgruntledmoderate5331]

Yes! I love reusing things!

[@bryannegarver7976]

Makes me think about the free bags from Clinique, Estée Lauder, etc. Many were cute but never something I’d actually carry as a tote/purse.. I remember my mom and her Estée Lauder makeup (she swore by a certain blush from them lol) and she only wore that blush and would get a freebie makeup bag from the Marshall Field’s makeup counter when she would get her refill. That’s the 90’s version of merch lol

[@AudreyRoseBeauty]

Definitely, my mom always waited for the annual gift with purchase deal to buy her perfume. I’ve been wondering if they still do that!

[@maryeckel9682]

The clear bags were great for when I worked in retail.

[@lamp5770]

@@AudreyRoseBeauty Might not be applicable to Estee Lauder but a few years ago I went to a department store to pick up a shiseido refill and bought a primer as well and I got a makeup bag with 5 or so skincare goodies in. My cousin used to buy from clinique religiously maybe 10 years ago and she had loads of their little bags.

[@theeellebee]

Oh, the glorious days of free Clinique black honey lipstick & Estee Lauder beautiful samples

[@ImTheGirlAtHome]

I received a free makeup bag from Estee Lauder years ago, and I still use it as storage for small items today. Funny thing is I stopped buying Estee Lauder products a long time ago 😅

[@IwannabeaStarkid1]

Very well put. It is not facinating to me however. It's scary how much publicity is woven in every aspects of our lives without us even thinking about it anymore. It's distopian...

[@celinabonddatingcoach]

Perfectly put. Was going to say the same.

[@egh6510]

I agree with what you’re saying. Another KZbinr, Jen Phelps, did a similar video taking about how makeup brands are giving influencers Incentives for promoting their products, thus making them appear to go viral.

[@magpiesneedle2575]

Saw that too, very enlightening but also…disappointing ? Well, sickening is moor like it, although I think many of us had an inkling about the dodgy practices.

[@violetviolet888]

@@magpiesneedle2575 This is how America run. Doctors are given freebies by pharmaceutical companies, politicians are given money and freebies by companies, universities are funded by soda conglomerates, the list goes on and on. It's all around you, and you are the one who suffers unless you apply critical thinking. Do your research. Everything is meant to profit off of you. Learn life skills so you are not dependent on others,

[@wintermatherne2524]

The hypercapitalism is insulting, but adults should be doing their own critical thinking and informed consumerism in the first place. So the hypercapitalism is more of a symptom of an illiterate populace.Also socialism is wishy washy.

[@shironerisilk]

The idea of going from receiving merch to paying (and even fighting for it) reminded me of a situation that happened to me recently: I started to listen to the radio after YEARS and the first thing I noticed was how many giveaways from sponsors they were doing at every hour, as an incentive for people to listen to that station. Then I remembered of how some influencers keep asking for free stuff nonstop (I mean mainly asking for money and gifts directly, engagement is fine) as if we gotta pay them to consume their content. Such a change.

[@maryeckel9682]

That's ridiculous! They get paid already.

[@VanessaJuliet-ty1sk]

I have never liked being a brand billboard, and I agree that paying good money so that you can advertise someone else’s product feels even weirder… but to each their own.

[@wintermatherne2524]

That’s for people with no personal identity.

[@nnnnom]

What does to each their own mean?

[@_teen_hag_]

​@@nnnnom​it means that people are allowed to do what they want, so if being a walking billboard is what someone wants to do, let em be

[@handsoaphandsoap]

there is nothing tackier to me than someone wearing or accessorizing with something that has a brand’s name on it

[@CJM279]

This. I’ve always despised it.

[@nnnnom]

Same. I also find it annoying when peoppe where celebrities names or faces like wearing a strangers name is crazyy

[@littleprettyfairy]

⁠@@nnnnomi wear merch from creators and artists all the time bc i want ppl who also like them to know i like them as well and maybe find things in common with others. like when i wear a musician shirt its bc i like them and want others to know i like them. i dont think thats necessary weird. brands, yeah. but not people.

[@soapshipping]

Bizarre comment as 90% of clothing is like this. Nothing inherently wrong with it as long as the design is sleek + cool and the logo isn't plastered all over, which indicates they bought it because they genuinely like the design, not the brand

[@_valor]

those rare beauty dog toys are pretty cute ngl 😂 the rest I wouldn't wear out and about either, brands tend to do problematic stuff and I won't be caught dead willingly associating myself (even parasocially) with corporate greed

[@duck8049]

Same here!

[@wintermatherne2524]

But would you buy their products?

[@xjulesiscools89]

I've always hated branding on things, lol. I refuse to pay for something that just makes me advertise for a brand. This goes for clothing too. If the name of a brand is obviously on something, I'm not buying it.

[@elisa-beary]

I 💜🩷💜when you do these videos, almost like beauty psychology idk but it rly is your knack! Merch used to be a way that brands inadvertently got us to do free advertising, now people are even paying for that.

[@laurenstylish]

I found myself wanting the bag that came with the new Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild large perfume (think Merit bag but bright grass green) but I know myself I have only once in my life finished a big bottle of perfume so I went on eBay and bought a sample of the perfume and the bag, and saved ~$150 and got exactly what I wanted. Also now that I have this bag, I’m less tempted by the Merit one since it’s not as useful as I thought it would be, but I did slip into this daydream one day thinking how cool and chic, perhaps above-it-all the aesthetic is of Merit where you wear makeup but aren’t too precious about it, and I almost wanted that to the point of buying most of the line for travel - but then remembered everything else I already own and just made a little curated pouch of my own collection and am thankful I didn’t let that story bloom into an unnecessary purchase, it’s too easy to do that these days! On old-school loyalty, my 96 year old grandmother is still fiercely loyal to Merle Norman (NEVER heard the words even spoken by an influencer 😂)and I have an aunt that would only buy from the Clinique counter so it definitely feels more modern to have many brands in a collection, though I sometimes envy how easy their decisions are about what to buy!

[@alex_gallo_]

As you were talking about selling the lifestyle it reminded me of the most infuriating thing that exists (imo) in fashion. First thing that comes to my mind that represents that statement piece that represent certain status is Louis Vuitton hand bag with LV logo all over it… I hate these things - Versace, Fendi, Gucci, etc. - nothing screams more cheap than haute couture brand selling some random pieces of clothing with their logo as a print all over it. ✨Fashion✨AND people still buy them ✋🤯🤚granted they are not as popular as they used to be. Thanks for the video ❤ it was fun to watch.

[@ElinevanderLaan]

The only merch I'd like is the Vieve bath robe because it looks so cozy and I'm a homebody dinosaur 😂

[@elisa-beary]

The Rhode phone case is AWFUL!! I think it’s so ugly & I also just don’t need that, I can put my lip products many other places.

[@susier6743]

I agree with you as well it's not that prettyy.

[@SarahPaceSings]

i feel like im the only one who doesnt get the hype behind rhode. Between all the videos ive seen of their products messing peoples skin up, to the lack of personality/talent from hailey, I really dont understand how successful the brand is lol. Nothing personal to her, clearly I dont know her. I simply dont see how someone who is famous for being someones wife has gained so much popularity

[@sarahfruin6414]

Isn’t that interesting? I feel the same way, and, for reasons I have yet to understand, my little sisters LOVE Hailey.

[@Tified967]

Yup I don't get it either zero talent obviously no offence to her but propping off the back of being a wife to someone famous...

[@maryeckel9682]

She was famous as a nepo baby model already 😅

[@harvestcheddar0]

I don’t really care for her but she was a famous model before Justin. She has capitalized on her name being in the media after their marriage for sure, but she also had her own thing before him. Now she’s grown separate from him. That being said, I really find it worrisome how much influencers shape things. She will often make a trend popular and then come out with a product that fits that right away. Like she’s manipulating the market beforehand to fit her brand. Smart, but the overconsumption we see is concerning. I guess it’s been like that for years but things felt slower before. Now it’s a new thing every few weeks.

[@violetviolet888]

@@harvestcheddar0 "Now she’s grown separate from him." Really? Because they recently renewed their marriage vows and she's over six months pregnant. Perhaps it's best not to talk about others when you don't know them personally.

[@julielongmakeup]

Some people, in fact probably most, don’t care what other people wear.

[@wintermatherne2524]

I know I don’t 🤣😂🤣.

[@leslievanhouten]

The first one I remember was when MAC did a collab with Puma and there were sneakers that were colored after popular lipsticks, like Lady Danger and Crème de Nude. I def bought a couple of pairs. I also remember that the MAC artists at the stores and counters all wore really cute necklaces that said MAC. That brand was def my identity in the early 2000s and if I could have bought one of those necklaces, I would have.

[@aidak3341]

Just want to say I am loving your trend analysis/informational videos 😊

[@maryeckel9682]

I'm way too old for this nonsense.

[@Gimmetimetothinkdawg]

I’m not and I don’t like it either lol

[@eligefashion]

Lmao I feel this in my soul

[@Lisa-ve9qs]

Remembering my moms small make up collection and how special it was and me loving to play with it is so nostalgic and make up has never since felt this special because of its mass production and output in this generation

[@SandiColette]

I generally have an aversion to branded merch, but back in the day I was obsessed with the gray Glossier sweatshirt. I wore the hell out of that thing and bought a backup. I still have them, but in my defense they are probably the coziest sweatshirts I own, so I wear them around the house all winter.

[@lavoixdevelours]

They don't realize they're paying the brand to advertise for them for free, and no surprise Glossier was a big part of this. lol

[@gasparinha]

Merit knows they share a name with a cigarette brand, don't they? The lighter was a weird choice! Cranky Gen-Xer hot take: I do not care about Hailey Bieber, to the point that I'm actually angry that I even know who she is. Social media, why do you do this?!?

[@Queenmarie88]

I remember back over 20 years ago when Philosophy pushed that whole “I’m a Philosophy Girl” thing They didn’t have many make up products but I sure did love their body and skin care. That Cinnamon Buns body wash ~~~~Mmmmmmmm ~~~ and I never hear anyone say a word about it anymore. I used to give it religiously as Christmas gifts and everybody loved it and looked forward to getting it from me. I don’t even know if they make it anymore

[@charlestonscnative9083]

I remember when they had recipes written on the shower gel bottles.

[@Tified967]

I've seen some on eBay but can't speak of the expiry date lol 😂. I loved them too.

[@Queenmarie88]

@@charlestonscnative9083 yes !! I remember that too !!!

[@Queenmarie88]

@@Tified967 OMG I just went to the website and they still have it !!! The 16 oz is $24. I am going to have to order some again. It smells so delicious but then you don’t smell like a cinnamon bun when you get out of the shower lol

[@jeanetteh.9240]

QVC carries Philosophy. There are often good sales.

[@laurandersen]

Glossier used to also pack up your purchases in a reusable canvas tote when you bought from the store. Because there were only a few stores, people could resell their free tote for like $50

[@sagebeauty]

Luxury brands have always done this though. Is the difference that these newer brands are less expensive? Pricey but not Gucci expensive… Here in Australia Aldi (yes Aldi the discount store) have released sportswear with the Aldi logo all over the clothes and they’ve been marketed to Gen Z very successfully I believe. 😂

[@itsalwayssunnyd]

my sister who is gen z will add glossier merch to her wishlists, but not the makeup itself! I didn't even know they had a whole tab of just merch until I went to get her a Eid gift

[@stefanietorma5929]

We went from band shirts to brand shirts…

[@kalaniblake8699]

My mom always taught me not to PAY to advertise for companies, aka buying things that are obviously branded. I still find it kind of embarrassing when people wear things that have a huge NIKE symbol or whatever on them, like unless you got that for free why? Definitely never bought any merch from a makeup company

[@ericasalomon8776]

I work for one of the brands you mentioned where Saie stitched their name into the apparel. Now I need to look into it!

[@ken_nomz]

i love this series, please keep the vids coming!! glad to hear your take on what the beauty sphere has been looking like in the past couple of years

[@pleaseuseturnsignals9554]

Merit's corduroy make up bag is the only thing I've gone after, which was easy b/c as we all know, it came with the order. Love that bag!

[@magpiesneedle2575]

I really enjoy when you do this type of video. I always learn something.

[@cprk]

Great job, you really put effort into making your channel’s videos cover lots of different areas from try ons, rankings, brand stories, musings, etc. You research and create true content. Great job!

[@MoonlitSunflower]

I'm with you. I have an aversion to wearing a brand. The only thing I might want would be a very sleek or cool looking makeup bag. Like Jeffree Star's bags.

[@mijaj7028]

love this series

[@R.L.Maverick]

While I believe there is a niche market for the merch, I actually think it is mostly rooted in costs. The brands know that know they are going to send out PR are going to place an order for say 5,000 pieces, if they buy 10,000 pieces they may save as much as half the cost by ordering in volume. So they send the PR for free to influencers, they sell some of the merch outright, and whatever they don’t sell, they bundle and/or give away as free gift with purchases the next holiday season. The Rhodes cell phone case, IMO is one of the few merch items that defies this logic and is a strategic move to get buzz and sell lip products.

[@changveronicas]

great commentary! never thought about this topic this way!

[@tharzanne]

I really love the merch from Glossier and Saie, but like you, the brand name being front and center makes me not want to buy it 😅

[@d011p4rtz]

not me thinkin it was weird when Jeffree Star makeup started selling track suits and such

[@RachelJayne92]

Brand merch is so weird to me. I wouldn’t use it even if it were free, I sure as hell wouldn’t pay for it. I don’t want any of my stuff to be branded, thank you.

[@BuyLessJess]

Great content! Thanks for another thoughtful video.

[@ingriddryden1607]

Consumers just want to try every brand every product and find the very best in every category. No loyalty whatsoever!

[@jeanetteh.9240]

Very thoughtful, insightful video. Thanks.

[@disgruntledmoderate5331]

The only merch with brand names I have (that I purchased, because I do have some freebies) are a Dr. Pepper tshirt and hat. I bought them as a teen, and was super excited about them at the time, but as I got older... It's just, what I love about Dr. Pepper is the taste. I can't eat or drink the clothing. Lip balm, jelly beans, etc. on the other hand, I love.

[@fluteteachermarcie6283]

I keep thinking about Merit’s makeup bag-I love the color and styling! Merch makes sense to me when it’s a product adjacent item, like a makeup bag, headband, mirror, etc, but yeah, I don’t want to wear a brand clothing item.

[@maryam.m]

I have no interest in merch. I can easily let something I actually want sit in my wishlist for a year or more before I decide to purchase it, so these limited edition releases have no power over me 🤭

[@PriyaSharma-yu4su]

I am in love with your videos

[@gstang8241]

Consumerism on steroids!!! Uggg

[@amylage4054]

I love this series but seeing that giant pan in the powder does make me miss your project pan videos!!

[@mistichristensen7088]

Yes!!!! I can get ready with Kelly this morning. 💛🌻

[@hannahlapham4638]

I'm always so intrigued by this conversation. When I first got into makeup the pull of the whole glossier experience really drew me in, but I only got a few of their products because I wasn't quite over the sticker shock of makeup being more than like $10 an item. Now a few years into my makeup obsession I like the idea of having makeup only from one brand because all the packaging matches and my vanity looks so cute. But in reality I have a variety in my kit. The most recent brand that really got me is merit. The elegant minimalism, love their marketing photography, design, ad campaigns the whole thing. I finally tried their makeup over Black Friday last year and absolutely loved everything I tried. When they launched the limited edition bag I totally could not miss out lol. I did have a dress I knew I could pair it with as a clutch but I haven't had anywhere to wear it yet 😅 I just did it because I knew if I didn't buy it I would be searching on Poshmark for the next few months trying to get it and probably for more

[@tabithak5943]

Re: saie’s comment about merch and allowing us all to have an influencer moment. No. No. No. An influencer isn’t paying for their PR package and extra unrelated brand products. If they truly stand behind that moment, then toss in those extra items for free with any purchase. Or at like a certain threshold purchase.

[@maeganmchugh]

I just bought the new Glossier canvas tote bag😹it’s an awesome commuter tote bag though!

[@corinarose_]

i love a good history lesson ❤❤

[@ducky19991]

I’m neutral to logos, they don’t bother me. Everything we buy is branded anyways, makes no difference to me if you can see the logo or not. It’s not like I’m a celebrity, no one is being advertised by me 😂

[@duck8049]

Period agree

[@aaanna00]

Nice video! I feel like the merit bag and saie clothing are almost a start to a ( non merch ) fashion line next to the beauty , like couture houses with beauty. The only merch I would buy is one of the Lisa Eldridge sweaters I just don't have any of her makeup yet lol 😅 I have her book and adore it ! I feel that is a little more "regular" perhaps 😊

[@culturalresponse2447]

It took rare beauty that long (4+ years) to be leaping bunny certified and that is actually horrible, that’s why they dialed up on the cuteness with the dog toy merch.

[@maryeckel9682]

That should have been baked into the brand.

[@duck8049]

What does that mean?

[@mmc4182]

I remember the Elf x Chipotle collab a million years ago

[@skyef8600]

I remember I wanted that chipotle makeup bag so bad lol

[@jessabeauty917]

Merch is a way for us to pick and team and have a say. It’s also divisive if we choose to use our allegiance that way. I wonder what of this merch is outside sales versus being seen to influencers and calling that PR or advertising expenses.

[@daftoptimist]

I STILL use a Glossier pink pouch to carry cosmetics in my gym/overnight bag

[@make.upexperiments7269]

Kelly is still the only person I’ve seen call the phone case genius. I very much enjoyed everyone roasting it though 😂

[@larissaseals5340]

I could not agree more that brands are selling a fantasy.

[@mrsshinyside2184]

I had someone wearing a Glossier pink hoodie this week and I had to come to terms with the influencer vs consumer dilemma. I ended up settling on that she bought it, but these days you never know!

[@macannaud]

Im not loyal to just one makeup brand and don’t want to be a walking advertisement so the only merch I have are makeup bags which are actually useful and many were gwp’s. 😉

[@andreahomer9434]

As a cosmetics consumer in their 50s, I had never heard of Rhode and I have no idea who Hayley Bieber (is that the right spelling?) is. Elizabeth Arden, Maybelline and L'Oréal are my brands, but I rarely pick up the 'free' merchandise you get when you spend over a certain amount or buy a certain number of products. If it's something I don't want or need, it would just be a waste. I certainly don't wear or use apparel with brand names on. Perhaps it's a generation thing?

[@ClaudiaAlano-xp5fg]

Really interesting video!! I used to love merch when it was free and now I look at free items and think - do I need this? Although I will be buying Nikki LA Rose’s sweatshirt when it’s available.

[@gaylemayberry8104]

I have 0 makeup merch! Lol

[@DeeBeeTeeWee]

Early bird here ❤ Love you Kelly!

[@k.huelle]

I've always shied away from obvious logos and labels on my clothes, so the idea of paying for the privilege seems wild to me. The only merch I have is a sweatshirt and bag I got for free from a Medik8 event, and I only wear it at home.

[@mistichristensen7088]

I am not really into the merch thing but I understand why people are. 💛🌻

[@cecilyerker]

I want the Rhode lip gloss case because it actually has utility, it would keep my lip products from riding up out of my pockets and falling out while I walk

[@spillinda]

i recently purchased a cream shadow from merit because of the cute corduroy makeup bag they send you 😅 i like the shadow and the bag and i like that it doesnt have the brand name on it. its small and compact, i wouldve bought it if it wasnt a part of the brand but they still got my money due to merch lol

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

It can go horribly wrong.

[@simplyellenxo95]

Hmmm I’ve never experienced this myself…so I don’t have a say. But it is nice to know about this and to pay attention too.😊

[@clcarrer3038]

I don't mind buying merch, if I like it. Being able to buy something that I find cute, and that I've only seen influencers get, it's great to me. I've never gotten merch from brands (maybe a makeup bag?), so I like this idea. Now, that being said, there is NO WAY I'd wear/use something with a big logo of a makeup brand on it, I feel embarrassed by it, lol. I like merch to be understated or something I can wear/use at home (makeup bag, mirror, pjs, hair brush, etc); just not something outside (bags, sweatshirts, suitcases, etc). Not for me, I don't want to be a walking billboard. 🤷‍♀️

[@avasava7720]

I notice that I’ll let something sit in my cart for months but once I see that “Out of stock” at the bottom suddenly I have to buy it asap. Kinda embarrassing for me

[@eduferlim]

I do have some merch as makeup bags from Sephora but only because it was a gift. And these are in my room - in my purse, I rather have my cute lil handmade makeup bag

[@yensid4294]

I remember getting texts from Glossier about that pink sweatshirt. I think it cost like $60? Um no. No thank you. I've only bought your brow gel & I can achieve a natural "clean girl" look with products I already have. I'm not a Glossier Girlie & I'm not paying to advertise for you.

[@nitzeart]

I seriously cannot get behind the collabs in beuty. And you would not caught me dead free marketing a brand with their merch. I think collabs are best between like clothing or accesories and like artsy things like SanRio or maybe some movies or doll brands, because those properties you have a nostalgia attatchment to them I guess.

[@Afairynamedalix3]

I think that looks great, and simple🎉❤😂😮😅

[@MrJaminjets99]

Very intersting conversation, it has never occurred to me to look for merchandise associated with my makeup brand. But in saying that I very much looked forward to brands offering "gifts" with purchase. Estee Lauder, Lancome etc. you spend this amount and receive a pretty makeup bag with a bunch of samples and sometimes full sized products. I also agree with your opinion of being brand agnostic, I never used only one brand, but I did use to buy one foundation, one blush etc, now I literally have a collection of foundation for all occasions and climates, baskets of blush and shadow palettes. With all the brands out there with makeup artists in charge I think its hard for the Estee Lauders to compete with the Pat McGraths and Natasha Denonas out there, Indie is snatching the industry and all the Estees can do to compete is to purchase the supirior brand.

[@fussbrain9161]

I remember thinking the glossier pouch was so cheap, the snap closing mechanism broke on the second day

[@sandraserrano0107]

I just bought that new Charlotte Tilbury makeup bag because it looked so cute but that bag doesn’t fit my makeup/ skin care. My one size setting spray is too big and my face cream jars are too chunky for it so I won’t be able to use it 😅

[@soniakouma6344]

For decades in Greece all brands that did sunscreens had a tot bag for free so when you went on the beach you would free advertise what sunscreen you would wear essentially...such a waste of materials and so environment unfriendly....i hate brand merch exactly for this reason...

[@kolajenelastin]

i could probably buy smth written as maybe like saie, fenty, rare , abh, rhode even though we dont have saie and rhode in my country and i havent tried them yet. Saie is the good brand naming. The problem with them is they might seem promotional which means free stuff in the eye of the ppl who knows the brand. that would be boring.but i wouldnt wear smth like loreal, maybelline, mac or estee lauder kind of merch. i hate the rhode case.

[@alexandramunoz4551]

In Australia, we still getting freebies, but only from high end brands. E.g. when I buy my Estee Lauder foundation, I usually qualify for a pouch with travel size items, when I buy foundation and serum, I got a pouch with 7 full size products. Now when my children want to buy me a present, they take me there, they know I'll be happy for the whole year 😂❤

[@donnaamos3766]

Most brand merch to me is meh! but I do want that Saie beach tote you have there lol

[@jenniferdominguez6539]

Guys remember really wealthy people don’t have to buy brands

[@hanasoufi7340]

Honestly i feel like everything we consume now especially with social media is sold using fantasy and vibes, like music written by taylor swift wouldn’t sell if it came from an unknown artist. The music would still be good but it wouldn’t be attractive to people if it wasn’t marketed right

[@kairos-049]

I’ve been very put off visibly branded merch ever since I realized that it’s tantamount to paying a brand to be a walking billboard for them, and since that realization it’s just felt gross to me. So I’ll still buy name brands stuff if I like it and it suits my needs but I would never go out of my way to buy, say, a glossier sweater, to perform a certain lifestyle for other people.

[@cristinag3507]

I feel like Merit definitely tries to create that buyer lifestyle/persona in much the same way that Glossier did with those velvet bags that products come in that can be used as a regular bag. Like anyone in the beauty space would recognize that bag as the MERIT bag.

[@leaj3799]

This makes me feel old, as in what is old is new again. I remember in the late 70s when designer jeans became a thing and my mother’s generation would make fun of us for wanting to wear brand names on our butts. This whole video I had flashbacks to Jordache, Bonjour jeans, Gloria Vanderbilt and the infamous Brooke Shield’s Calvin Klein commercials. I think there is an element with this branding of having to be a certain (young) age to feel the need to fit in that companies take advantage of in their marketing. Of course I do remember being 12 and wearing the hell out of my Sassoon sweatshirt (ugly mustard yellow with maroon lettering) because my mother finally caved and let me get one. A company known for hair products and name for a celebrity hair stylist not for their fashion- lol.

[@Queenmarie88]

You are so cute and funny and smart. I love your channel/videos so much 😎♥️😎♥️😎