These Brands Need To Give Up And Let Go 🙏🏻 😇

[@RobertWelsh]

Sub to my reaction channel here ! - youtube.com/@robert_reacts?si=iUkllnq_aC_w5-K7 *on my eyes* is the new avatar collection from lethal cosmetics. It’s the fire palette! 🖤

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Just wanted to say sorry for being one of dozens discussing all our faves from these brands. I think your demographic might be a bit older than you think 😉

[@goldensloth7]

gorrrrgeous colour luv

[@mitziac5300]

Your eye look is amazing! I don’t need another new palette, but you’ve inspired me to try something similar with the KISSxGlamlite palette I bought a few weeks ago.

[@lisab.1595]

The trouble with new and exciting make-up is, once you find something you really like, they turn around 6 months later and reformulate it and it's rare that reformulation works, usually they just try to cheapen the product. I rather stay with a less exciting company that leaves their products alone. You like the product, you will buy it for years. It seems now packaging is more important than a quality product. I don't want to pay for packaging, but, hey, that's me.

[@audralynR81]

Same!!

[@BrandiMattison]

I agree completely. It seems when I find a product that I like they discontinue it a few months later. Ugh! 😣

[@h0rriphic]

This! Burts Bees reformulated their tinted chapsticks a few years ago. They used to have jasmine extract in them and now they don’t.

[@SweetFaeRee]

100%

[@AnnaPxx]

Either that or it gets discontinued 😢😱

[@kell123415]

When I did my make-up degree, I was so against getting the MAC makeup kit that they asked us to order, as I was against animal testing. I emailed Illamasqua who are cruelty free and they literally matched all of the products in the kit I needed and gave me the special student kit discounts they supplied to their kits for other colleges. They literally saved me! Always appreciated them as a brand!

[@hellsmyhome8979]

Amazing!

[@VintageMemory]

I gravitate to vintage looks, so the balm's packaging is appealing to me. I hate modern packaging.

[@zabaziomalka]

On the side, I find it ridiculous when influencers are reviewing pretty average looking product, and saying stupid things like "OMG look at this package it's sooo beautiful". Girl, it's just a transparent circle with pressed product inside, chill out 😂

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

I’m not too swayed by packaging, I have a lot of opinions on over-emphasizing aesthetics anyway. But TheBalm makes my favorite lip product, so I hope they pull themselves together, as no one is duping it. I do think they lost the vintage plot a bit, my tinted moisturizer is from the Anne T. Dotes line…that’s just dumb within their context. And the Matt Hughes nonsense? It’s all too extra for no reason. I love the movie themed eye palette that I have, but it’s a perfect work travel/everyday palette, so the theme just makes it look a bit meh. Their new budget brand, pretty smart, looks fine but unnecessary.

[@bisexualantigone]

Same

[@beepboop7041]

Same but the prices are not justified anymore.

[@jo4vt]

TheBalm just started a new affordable brand that is sold at Walmart.

[@BrittanyDawson]

I still love The Balm. Their shtick may be “outdated” but their products are good products. You’re definitely right about them being overpriced though. I literally never buy anything from them unless it’s on sale. I think TooFaced is one of those brands who need to let go. They’ve changed their formulas and everything is just so childlike.

[@dawnschoeller788]

I still like The Balm, too!

[@RyanSeverance]

The thing about Too Faced is that EVERYONE has moved on---even the owners sold it and launched Polite Society.

[@puffsplus72]

They made the best eyeliner EVER. They discontinued it, so I've bought up as much of it as I can find. Every single eyeliner runs on me, EXCEPT the Balm's brand.

[@lanayrugorge]

The highlighter he showed is my favourite of all time. Bit gross but I still have the same pan from 2017 lmao so well worth the money

[@robinallen8076]

I remember when The Balm was sold at Kohl's. I love their eyeshadow palettes.💜

[@sweetiedarlingsweetie]

As an OG Stila girl (I worked for them when they still had recyclable paper packaging) I let Stila go a long time ago when the genius left the copmpany. That genius was Jeanine Lobell, the founder and pro MUA. What made Stila so unique for the time period it was launched (mid to late 1990s) was the sustainability, product innovation (the convertible cheek color brush was one of the first great cream blushes that wasn't your Nana's) and color stories. Her new brand Neen has the quality & simplicity that made Stila what it was and of course died when Estee Lauder bought the brand from Jeanine. If you loved Stila in the early 2000s, Neen has the same great color payoff, simplicity and eco-friendly packaging.

[@phyllistallent4149]

I ❤ my gerbera cream blush! I have a backup. I’ve bought other cream blushes, but the convertible cream blush is my holy grail

[@KelseyDrummer]

I have some individual eye shadows from Stila and I loved them!

[@sweetiedarlingsweetie]

@@phyllistallent4149 Oh, I LOVE Gerbera, it used to be my go-to for blonde brides! I am loving Neen's cream blush and it's very similar to the convertible cream formula (and I don't think I've found anything that comes close, I don't know what it is about that formula but it's so good).

[@kenna.b]

Oh yes the estee lauder kiss of death they really suck the soul out if every company they buy.

[@kiwipalace]

i never heard of neen! thanks for sharing

[@mels7360]

The Balm's originator just released a low cost brand in Wal-Mart called Pretty Smart. KZbinr Jen Phelps reviewed it yesterday.

[@SheilaR.08]

Yes! I saw that and am intrigued. Not sure what rock I've been living under, but I don't think I'm at all familiar with The Balm at all, but the new line seems interesting.

[@ssmith543]

It all sounded pretty good except for the mascara.

[@teri2466]

Pretty Smart has a website. I don't know if Walmart has everything.

[@rhonafox3805]

On my way to look this up - thank you!

[@THEMamaVicky]

"Way back in 2004" well let me creak over to my wheelchair 😂 and I just finished telling a story about a bar in the 80s. I'm officially ancient.

[@dawnschoeller788]

Right?!? Feeling so old now. And I love everything vintage so I like the packaging.

[@tinapuddin9923]

I'm right there with ya lol.....😊

[@Poshpepper]

Hahaha, same!!

[@hotpinkcrayolas]

I went '2004 was only a few years ago' then did the maths and felt ancient 😂 x

[@tinapuddin9923]

@@hotpinkcrayolas I know it's like I remember we partied like it was 1999 midnight 2000 24 years ago WTH but I'm actually good I'm glad I got to live life before social media

[@Clareypie]

I absolutely LOVED Ilamasqua when they first launched. I was fortunate enough to live in Leeds when they opened a shop, the MUA's were like me, gothic, alternative people and the products were so edgy but then they just became boring, middle of the road, sad times :(

[@luciagianquitto4010]

When i started watching beauty content, illamasqua was a SUPER FAMOUS BRAND especially among drag Queens, alternative influencers and alternative models.

[@bridgittetirman2645]

The last time I was in London I went to the Illamasqua store and got a compliment from one of the girls who worked there on my eyeshadow blending. I liked them before but I liked them even more after that. 😊

[@lipstickzombie4981]

They fell to the same trap that Urban Decay did.

[@samanthafairweather9186]

Beige. Every single version of beige is all you can find - whether it's lipstick, eyeshadow, whatever. Give us some nice, dark shades in jewel tones. And finding black lipstick is like finding a needle in a haystack!

[@Clareypie]

​@lipstickzombie4981 Agreed, I remember buying Gash eyeshadow and lipstick, it was one of the first decent red shadows available in Boots, I was in love!

[@sharonflowers66]

I think Lorac is another brand that seems to be on life support. Around 20 years ago their Pro palettes were all the rage, and people liked their blushes too, but you never hear anything about them anymore

[@bbkate97]

which is such a shame! I still have my Lorac palettes and they're still some of my favorite formulas, but after Ulta took them out of stores and they've reformulated and even seem to have discontinued most of their stuff on their site.

[@VeronicaVeroVero]

I still love this brand.

[@joaniedavis3290]

They were popular 8 years ago when they released their contour palette. It was literally sold out for the longest time. Their eyeshadows are better quality than most brands. Buttery and super pigmented.

[@onewhisper22005]

I mean, just because people don’t talk about it doesn’t mean it isn’t doing great. There’s lots of brands that are able to survive just on having been around for a while so being known by people who aren’t on social media and have consistently good products. Lorac is one of those. There’s a few people in my life who wear makeup but don’t love it like I do, they don’t keep up on what’s new and popular or anything like that. And they consistently buy Lorac. I love makeup but still buy Lorac. I think it’s just they aren’t releasing something new constantly so they aren’t being talked about on social media, but that doesn’t mean they still aren’t going strong 🤷‍♀️

[@shaneyofcourse]

Their eyeshadows are still amazing

[@elisa-beary]

That’s what I used to love about UD. When I first starting going to Sephora 15-18yrs ago at like 18-early 20s long before social & makeup influencers when I just went towards the display that piqued my interest I’d always dart over to Urban Decay because they were unique, artsy, sparkly & colorful when so much was neutral. I feel like that’s another brand that’s RLY lost their voice & it’s so unfortunate.

[@selenachan4230]

When pink makes you want to puke was their slogan

[@jenniferflinchum9424]

I think UD went downhill fast after L’Oréal bought them. I used to buy all of their releases and I’m pretty sure the last thing of theirs I got was the Stoned Vibes palette, which I never really used consistently. I do think the packaging is gorgeous and that might be the only reason it’s still in my collection.

[@PteradactylKat]

I have some old UD products and I was swooning about how COOL their packaging was. They’re so boring now.

[@peachesandcream22]

@@jenniferflinchum9424 I still have their Stoned Vibes highlighter.

[@TwanWu]

In this era of oversaturation I think the old school make up brands should stop pushing out new product launches, and instead shift to doing capsule collections, or themed collaborations (done thoughtfully of course). Personally when I'm shopping for new makeup online I usually go for things that sell me a certain kind of vibes/concepts, instead of just generic 'new makeup item.'

[@ajewishchristianmuslim]

right! Know your brand! Brands arent evolving for longevity - theyre just trying to keep up.

[@hifelicia615]

Illamasqua was like MAC's sexy, older goth sister. I loved their vibe! I used to collect the Stila holiday palettes until they discontinued them. They were all so pretty! I feel like Stila could be reduced to their one iconic product, Kitten eyeshadow, and let the rest of the line go.

[@lipstickzombie4981]

MAC was around since the 90's though.

[@hifelicia615]

@@lipstickzombie4981 I said "like", meaning "as if". Good grief.

[@msroxannablack]

@10:40 to answer your question…I think KVD needs to take the L and pack it in. I’m honestly waiting for the day that they go out of business.

[@RobertWelsh]

I agreee 😌

[@chrisgreek4285]

I wanted to skim through the comments to see if anyone mentioned KVD. There are a couple of nice products, but I can get the same or better elsewhere. I have been getting excited trying some new K-beauty brands, and so far they leave everything else I have in the dust (except for my Touche Eclat - I may have spelled it wrong).

[@DanielleNicoleMakeup]

Their balm foundation is one of my favs. I would be sad lol

[@anonymousperson2839]

They used to sell The Balm and Benefit at my local Debenhams (before it closed) and thought they were the same brand or like a spin off brand of each other, as they are so similar, that sort of retro 50s style poster artwork and neutral beige shades.

[@goldensloth7]

i did too!

[@lipstickzombie4981]

The Balm, Benefit and Soap&Glory have the same vintage vibe. Soap&Glory offered more than makeup that's why I gravitated there over the 2

[@lasha561]

Sometimes i feel brands launch TOO much , too soon. Its a cash grab What's wrong with 'if it aint broke, why fix it?' Lol If Stila, for example, wasn't selling those items, they would yank them. People to this day, still compare cream eyeshadow wands to theirs.. I may be in the minority but for me.. quality over quantity. 🤷‍♀️❤🇨🇦

[@LunarEleven]

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is not a mentality that makes sense in an industry with so much competition and constant innovation. If it ain't broke that doesn't mean it can't be IMPROVED on. You can stay innovative and relevant without being another Colourpop with ceaseless new launches. Why would quality need to be sacrificed because new products are added?! And who said they should get rid of their old standby products? You're just making weird points about non-existent issues. (*Not sure if you watch this channel regularly but Robert frequently criticizes brands with excessive, redundant launches so that's how I know that's not what he was suggesting. Not presuming to read his mind or anything.)

[@lasha561]

@@LunarEleven yes, I watch the channel. We are all entitled to our opinions, 'weird' or otherwise.

[@onewhisper22005]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@LunarEleven I didn’t get that from their comment at all. They didn’t say quality needed to be sacrificed because new products are added. But they said sometimes THEY feel brands launch too much, too soon, and they may be in the minority but for them they value quality over quantity. So THEY believe that sometimes when brands are so busy pushing products out so fast, sometimes quality can be lost. They would rather brands take their time and not release things as often and instead focus on making great products. They also didn’t say they SHOULD get rid of their old standby product. They never implied anyone said they should. They just said that if the brands current products weren’t doing well, they wouldn’t continue to make the. That would be costing them money for something that isn’t making them money. So obviously, the products must be doing well enough for them to continue making them. They also never once said anything about Robert suggesting brands should have excessive, redundant launches. They never said anything about Robert at all. They just said what THEY feel and acknowledged they may be in the minority in those feelings, but were sharing how they felt. From what they said, I understood it as them saying the brand is obviously still doing fine because they’re able to keep going with the products they have without constantly doing new releases. And “if it ain’t broke that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved on” - I’d argue that lots of brands have made that mistake. There’s been popular items people loved and for whatever reason the brand chose to reformulate the product to “improve” it and it ended up being horrible. Nothing like it originally was and people begging for them to bring back the original formula. And I’d say majority of the time a brand reformulates something, it’s not for the better. Most people end up hating the reformulation and begging for the original to be brought back. For example, Lancome Teint Idole Foundation. Everyone absolutely loved that foundation. But then they reformulated it and now it’s horrible and everyone constantly complains how bad it is and are mad they changed it.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Fun fact: 50s housewife kitsch was pretty much invented by Anne Taintor, a fave artist of mine…and it turned out I knew her as my friend’s stepmom years before I discovered her art! Anne was the first to collage 50s ad images with sarcastic funny sayings and now she’s sold in every middle aged lady boutique lol!

[@christinamoller4342]

Probably a VERY unpopular thought, but I wouldn't be sad to see Pat McGrath go. I feel like they recycle their products and charge outrageous prices for good but not great products. And everything they've released lately has been kinda boring.

[@sofiaoutandabout]

Controversial opinion, but I feel the same about Huda Beauty. I think they launched too much too closely together and have now run out of ideas.

[@pinagrrrr2280]

@@sofiaoutandabout Totally. I haven’t ever try really good stuff from Huda. And the way she ruined her looks with the fillers just tells me what her beauty standards are and how her concept of beauty clashes with mine

[@taylorbellsi9042]

Not unpopular at all! I think people are sick of overpriced make up!

[@AnnaPxx]

Haven't tried Pat Mcgrath's new cream blush but the plasticky packaging looks so cheap and off brand, compared to the slick glossy black of the eyeshadow palettes, powder blushes and lipsticks.

[@hillarybeautifile]

The main things I dislike about Pat McGrath Cosmetics are #1- They don't offer a professional makeup artist discount which is not to say they have to, but it's very much biting the hand that feeds you. #2- Their sales are always "Buy more, get a bigger discount". Come on now PMC! We all know your makeup is about 1000% so don't be so cheap. I recently attended The Makeup Show in NYC and PMC had a booth there. They had the nerve to be charging $20 for their colored mascaras at the same time they were $13 on their website.I pointed this out to them and they didn't adjust the price for me. Stingy ass Hell.

[@riannamaley5768]

SKKN by Kim, honest beauty (not sure if it’s popular but I never hear anyone talking about it), IL Makiage, bare minerals need to step it up or give up 😅😂

[@RobertWelsh]

Yesss I agree with all of those!

[@riannamaley5768]

Maybe even Kylie Cosmetics too. It was SO hyped and talked about for so long but I never hear about it anymore. I mean maybe she’s still relevant but it seems like her marketing is crap, it doesn’t seem like she’s truly “behind her brand” like Selena Gomez and Rihanna are with theirs. I never hear about her brand anymore. Especially Kylie Baby? What is up with that?!

[@lipstickzombie4981]

I won't be surprised if Kardashian fatigue is slowly starting to set in and their products are the first to suffer.

[@CatherynR]

My mom’s generation alone (late Gen x) might be bankrolling bare minerals at this point. She’s been a bare minerals (and Clinique) customer since…. I was born. Like. 30 years ago. I think BM is going to be okay. Lmao.

[@laylapearson]

With Illamasqua, it feels like they haven’t maintained themselves as a business. Like, their website only has one photo of a product, which might show that there are 5 shades, but the listing will only give 2 options. It’s as if it’s a part-time job that’s only being continued out of obligation.

[@MsBNoodle]

I went to look at their website it looked a bit sad and empty 😢

[@612Ghost]

Also I don't think the quality is there with them. I have one of the lipsticks and 2 highlighters and they are probably the worst cheapest feeling/looking ones I ever bought. Honestly I was recommended the brand, ordered off their official website (they weren't really a thing in my home country) and I thought I had gotten scammed lol. That's how bad it was

[@Onlythenarrowroad]

The Balm is the bomb. The founder just came out with another line being sold at Walmart.

[@spookshow6999]

Oh I didn't know they are in Walmart now.

[@ssmith543]

It's called Pretty Smart.

[@micheleandhenrycasavant386]

Dear Robert for some reason YT canceled our membership, you and 4 other membership yet we cannot find a link to reactivate. Not on a vid upload or your homepage or our manage membership. Wanted to let you know we still luv u and yours. Much and Hen

[@pod2781]

I'm adoring the bold eye makeup! I couldn't look away ⭐

[@RobertWelsh]

Thank you! 🖤🖤

[@karamasowsister]

As a vintage girlie you can NEVER make me hate the balm 🥱 complaining about vintage packaging being “outdated” is nonsensical imo because that’s the whole point!

[@natashacutmore7005]

I suppose the difficulty for brands like Illamasqua would be trying to make enough to stay viable when trends are so opposite to what you do... Finding your niche and catering to them is great, but when there are bills to pay, the temptation to try catering to a wider audience is real.

[@lipstickzombie4981]

I also noticed that many 'artistic' brands become beige bit¢h brands the moment they get bought out, some slower than others but they almost all fall to that hole. UD is my biggest heartache because of this. They even discontinued their black lipsticks which is what kept the brand alive in my eyes for a while.

[@jaqsre]

10:27 “they can even have their face pressed against a woman” 😭

[@kjc4779]

😂😂😂😂

[@LunarEleven]

The comment I was looking for 😂

[@Spoiledandsalty]

And the visual 😂

[@MorganVsTheInternet]

The Balm’s packaging is cute but doesn't give vintage makeup more like inspired by vintage makeup ads! BÉSAME does adorable vintage packing!

[@j____397]

The Blam‘s Bahama Mama bronzer is still my all time fave bronzer, it’s perfect for my olive skin since it doesn’t have any orange whatsoever! Mary Loumanizer was also my first true highlighter and I still love it.

[@redsoles174]

I remember seeing The Balm in Kohl’s and wishing I could afford it. Once I was able to afford a product or two, I wasn’t impressed with it. Feel better, Robert! 💜

[@Ok-cb5lw]

Agreed! Their highlighter was the only thing worth it imo.

[@brynbirchler183]

Omg remember the hold Stila Kitten had on us all?? Those glittery liquid eyeshadows were ALL the rage when I was in college I always pined after the Balm’s products but probably couldn’t afford them at the time. Now I’m definitely the “omg the balm I totally forgot about them” Nudestix does some nice items but it’s definitely not a brand for people who want to try new things often. Plus I feel it’s maybe a bit expensive too.

[@electricperfume7870]

I *still* think about Kitten. Talking about Stila made me think of Manny MUA (didn't he use them a ton? ol' copper lids lol) and I started having beauty guru flashbacks.

[@hair2show1031]

I STILL have that kitten with the liquid drops to make it that much more special! I also have one of the glosses with the brush! Their liners were sooooo good too!

[@sharylanne7738]

I loved Patina!

[@ChaoticAuthenticity]

Same thoughts here that Nudestix is also overpriced. Some of their products look interesting but not for their prices.

[@iamnopsycho]

As a graphic designer, I really think The Balm should update their branding. I still like their pin up aesthetic, but I wish they give it a lot more fresh look. Like the Vacation brand. Also, I like their bronzer and blushes but I have cheaper alternatives now so they really need to change things up

[@teachmetohowl]

I can’t bring myself to hate TheBalm’s packaging because I’m just such a lover of vintage. But I absolutely agree that there are ways of doing the style right where it looks less cheap, and much less childish; where it looks more “Sophisticated collector’s item”, rather than “Tacky outdated”. There’s also a place and under-appreciation for Historically accurate makeup and packaging such as that from Besame, I’m an absolute sucker for that kind of accurately reproduced piece form the past.

[@clubtonberry]

I used to live for TheBalm cosmetics. I love pin-up vintage, but the real great thing about them was that their eye shadow formula didn't inflame my eczema-riddled eyelids at the time. I moved on to other brands once they became easier to obtain here in Australia (Colourpop's eyeshadows never break me out in eczema) but I noticed most of their products are same-y now. The colours are all variations of the same shade and are quite boring.

[@H.A.-zr2wc]

Living for Welsh twins sunday 🖤🖤🖤 I can barely keep up but i love it 😂 Now back to the video

[@RobertWelsh]

😂😂 it’s a very busy day!

[@bellaleu7782]

Algorithm because I’m still fighting migraines a week later! Much love , Bella 🇺🇸

[@Browndrea]

I adore The Balm! As an NC40-42 girl, their Bahama Mama bronzer is a holy grail and I’ve repurchased it so many times over the years

[@yvielou]

Absolutely agree about Illamasqua... It was their "weirdness" that drew me to try their products in the first place. I remember visiting their store in my city when it was around and was blown away by the diversity of the staff in there...there was an employee that everyone could relate to. Their complexion and brow products are my absolute favourites...so sad that they seem to have lost their way and tried to fit in to the mould rather than continuing to break it and celebrate individuality and creativity

[@polinatalmeltzer450]

IL Makiage. All I see in their boutiques is old dirty eyeshadows swatched to the pan, some lashes and their foundation I never truly understood)))

[@lipstickzombie4981]

For a brand touting themselves to be maximalist, they can't even do the bare minimum in shop maintenance. 😅

[@mari-nahapetyan]

I still have products from The balm and I love them ❤️ i purchase most of the products when they are 50% off but i really really love them

[@AIDAGDA]

I remember the amazing stores Illamasqua had in London and Leeds and the counter you mentioned. Those were incredible spaces, loved them, even purchased one makeup for mature skin workshop once and it was fantastic. The brand used to have so much colour, textures and the nails polishes were to die for. But now it is just a lot of meh and some of the OG goodies. I want the old Illamasqua, my love for the brand is still strong

[@melioo1]

Nooooo I love the balm!! In stain blushes are amazing so long lasting & the first Meet Matt Hughes palette is so good. I love the vintage packaging as well.

[@brittanyking9902]

When Alex Box worked with Illamasqua that was when they were incredible. Their lipsticks were my favourite in college. Diablo will always be in my heart 💔

[@chtitmog]

Oh yes, I loved the brand back then! I remember watching their beautiful tutorials with Alex Box doing absolutely flawless, edgy looks. Illamasqua was so artistic, slightly goth, unusual (in a good way) - very unique and beautiful. So sad this is not the case anymore. 😢

[@ashcraft555]

I have red hair and Ilamasqua has the best brow powder that looks natural on me and isn't orange. I wish their prices weren't so high because the quality on everything I've purchased from them is fabulous.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

lol because the “vacation” aesthetic is 70s, my Gen X mind sees it and says “ewwww outdated products for senior citizens” because as a teen, so very long ago, 70s aesthetic in packaging meant it was for old people & ewwwww, even tho 70s aesthetic is stylish now and, by my own teen standards, I am an old people now. Now I’m understanding why my mom rolled her eyes at my 50s obsession…

[@jessicazaytsoff1494]

Right? I see it and can smell the coconut scented sunburns of my youth. It's not for me because I saw it the first time around and didn't like it then :) Not for me but for some!

[@rachel3527]

I think Vacation’s packaging and marketing is so well done and such a great example of a “retro” design done well

[@TheDevilChrno]

I love Stilas waterproof eyeliner pen! I just feel like it dries out too fast.

[@soofriends]

I have an old Stila liquid eyeliner pen that's like 10 years old, out of curiosity I tried it to see if it still worked. It did and looked fabulous! Yeah, I risked pink eye out of curiosity. I'm fine and threw it out after that.

[@ddmprecisi]

Feel better 💐 and get some rest

[@ts3421]

I love the balm as a makeup line 🙏🏻 their quality reflects the pricing for sure it’s amazing quality

[@alicetremea1798]

I actually love the balm so much! The packaging is whatever but every single blush and eyeshadow is beautiful! they do texture so well

[@maximumeffort78]

Oooooh agree with Stila! Beautiful products, could use a few new release heroes and exciting marketing!

[@RobertWelsh]

Yessss they have beautiful products!

[@harrietw93]

Illamasqua fell off when they got bought out by THG. Its been a steady decline since then. Such a shame bc their foundation was my go to in my early 20s.😢

[@liamvalentino903]

I came here to say this. THG have kept all but the name and driven the brand into the ground when they were out accumulating any brand they could get their hands on. I love their powder foundation and have never found another that’s as good. Such a shame

[@clairestammars489]

I really like the Balm's eyeshadow palettes. The formulas work for me. I tend to shop around for a cheaper price, wait for sales etc. I got a palette from Amazon recently for less than £10.

[@469ka37]

For me the problem with The Balm is that they sell basically early 2000s makeup in 50s packaging because it's a cute aesthetic. If they went more in the way of a Bessame where they made 50s makeup they'd be a lot more successful. But the main reason why say Benefit is still thriving while The Balm is failing even though they're essentially the same company is that Benefit comes out with products based on trends.

[@lipstickzombie4981]

Also Benefit made holy grail mascaras which are the products that need to be constantly replaced.

[@whitmg]

It makes me sad theBalm is so underrated and unpopular. The products are such good quality and actually perform. The staining powder blush? Game changer. The packaging is definitely outdated, but the formulas themselves are amazing.

[@hauntedhouse1996]

illamasqua made my favorite lip product of all time, their lip tint in Amy Black. It’s a sheer black balm that makes my little goth heart happy whenever I wear it 😭 It was limited edition but I could probably single-handedly keep that brand going if they brought it back 😂

[@forecastjanna9229]

I started buying The Balm products around 2008 - 2009 and what got my interest was the packaging. Later I sticked around and kept buying because of their formulations and most important of all: no scent/perfume in products. I have sensitive skin and very strong sense of smell, so no fragrance is important for me. Their matte lipsticks have strong mint and they burn my lips, but apart from that, I still use their powder products, especially their blushes. Nothing to rave about but they are very decent. You are right about the pricing though, it's a little bit higher than it should be. I think it's mainly because they make their products in USA.

[@drmanhattan7248]

In my opinion the way The Balm stands out among other brands is their talc-free formula and green approach towards packaging. I love their blushes and eyeshadows because of that as well as the cute vintage packaging. As for Nudestix I see them as a brand with a very bratty attitude. They delete (!) negative commets or any kind of critique from their social media and ignore requests for shades comparisons or swatches in natural light. I think INGLOT should also make your list, they are still considerably popular in Poland, which is where the brand started, and they do have nice products but almost zero sociial media presence.

[@soofriends]

I've heard they have some of the best eyeshadows, and was waiting for them to launch widely in the US, but no. There's an Italian brand that I'm drawing a blank on now, anyway, they were well known in Europe and I was waiting for them to come to the US too. That was a decade ago and I guess it's not happening. LOL

[@juliasierra-sanchez1255]

I think I love the balm because they haven't changed so I'm familiar with the products that I love and they are the same every time. They can be expensive but when they have sales, they are actually really affordable, so I wait to buy then.

[@brigettev1988]

I usually can’t stand sitting through most videos, especially lately with the long fingernail tapping on products thing. Have to say your videos are not only very informative but also very relaxing, thanks for the awesome content

[@toridisgrace]

Illamasqua were SO good about 10+ years ago. I absolutely loved everything about the brand and what they stood for and it saddens me so much that they lost their way. So many of their iconic products dont exist any more and its just sad!

[@Pinky.Fuchsia]

I used to LOVE the Balm Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter. It was the first highlighter I ever loved. I haven’t bought anything from them in years, but I still purchase Stila cosmetics, because they do have good lippies and other quality products.

[@merp951]

I always did love Stila's lip glosses 😮‍💨

[@ChichiLibra1012]

I have a lot of the Balm makeup products, absolutely love how well it works for me and the packaging is a big plus to me. Idk. And anytime I find it on sale I buy it. Just because someone else doesn’t like it or doesn’t work for them doesn’t mean you can’t like it or won’t work for you. No shade at Robert, he’s awesome. Just saying to everyone don’t get discouraged or not like a product because a MUA, influencer or someone else doesn’t like it.

[@manchitaazul99]

I love The Balm for its packaging. That's the only reason I like the brand. But they haven't released anything new in a while and it's overpriced, so... yeah, I agree with you, Rob. They need to redirect their brand. I hope those beautiful packages come back. I'm so tired of the same old minimalist packages, they're so boring!!! I love the video, Rob!

[@Pumpkinpie1980]

The Balm “Hot mama blast is by far my favorite blush of all time! I have some very high end blushers, but I always return to Hot Mama. It is like a highlighter and blush with a beautiful glow

[@soofriends]

For me, my go to is Frat Boy, but Hot Mama is in the rotation!

[@RamonaSchnauzevoll]

I still miss Illamasqua’s freak perfume and the liquid silver. and the deity highlighter is my go to for every day. a few years ago all my makeup was illamasqua, mac and stargazer, kinda miss the days of easy shopping.

[@PrelovedEmo]

I agree, the reaction channel is a fun time! 😂

[@RobertWelsh]

Thank you! 😛🖤🖤🖤

[@claireeyles7560]

You can't forget brands if you never knew about them in the first place (Illamasqua being an exception for me, because of their artistry alone). Can't speak for anyone else, but makeup for me, whether I'm doing a full vintage or modern look, has always been more about 'Do they have a foundation in my shade, does this makeup work for my skin, do they have the colour range I'm looking for, will this makeup palette work for multiple different looks, and most important, is this within my price range'. I couldn't care less about packaging, marketing hype, things going viral, and so on.

[@DG_1970]

What happened with Illamasqua was Jeffree Star. He became the hip enfant terrible and their customers jumped ship. This plus on some of the more avant-garde shades NYX came through at half the price.

[@fjorgyn7438]

The what?

[@lipstickzombie4981]

​​@@fjorgyn7438JS offered some pretty unconventional products at the height of their influencer fame, The liquid lipsticks were claimed to be eye safe and can be used as eyeliner and liquid eyeshadow. The eyeshadow palettes were uniquely packaged (Blood Sugar and Blue Blood have sturdy cases and have locks). Nyx had some unconventional releases for major international brand. Their Macaron bullet lipsticks came in some rare colors like white (used it as a budget JS Drug Lord dupe), mint, eggyolk yellow and lime. Seeing those in a drugstore brand is a huge deal since most providers of shades like that are either stage makeup companies or companies like UD, MAC and Illamasqua that are on the pricier side. Sorry for the lecture 😅

[@xMERCx]

​@@fjorgyn7438 enfant terrible means infamous for outrageous behaviour or inflammatory statements.

[@TheRonnieaj]

@@fjorgyn7438Literal meaning is terrifying child. In this context though, they’re saying Starr’s a face of the brand, and his behavior is so appalling to a lot of their core customers that they no longer wanted to support a brand that keep him. I don’t know anything about Illamasqua so I don’t if that’s true or not, but that’s how I read what they’re saying.

[@LP-ct9nk]

I read OP’s comment as jeffree star’s products were more enticing to llama’s customers so they left for him and never came back

[@claireeyles7560]

By the way, if anyone else is mourning the loss of Max Factor's original Pan Stik, and you happen to live in Australia, Kryolan makes a stick foundation called 'TV Paint Stik' which is really good and comes in multiple different shades, as well as mixer shades to help you get the best possible skin match.

[@peachesandcream22]

My mother isn't Aussie, she's from Eastern Europe, but she still has her old Pan Stiks!

[@dspight]

I always thought Balm was a cheaper knock off of Benefit.

[@alexdoe8112]

I will always love a vintage style packaging

[@SoDarnSatisfying]

Loved the Balm then and love the Balm now.

[@denisebellanich7938]

I have a single shadow from Illamasqua and it is the most beautiful shadow I have ever had in my life. I will keep it an use it until every corner has been scraped clean.

[@mariabergstrom346]

What's the name of the shadow?

[@denisebellanich7938]

@@mariabergstrom346 I couldn't tell you. It's worn off and I've had it for probably 4 years. But it's a copper/champagne with a really fine micro glitter and very reflective.

[@bridgittetirman2645]

I have two of their single green shadows. They’re so beautiful!

[@nishajay374]

@denisebellanich7938 I hope this helps, but I searched on Google for the name based on your description and I think it's the shade Maiden. Someone on a site called britishbeautyblogger did a review on it along with two other products Illamasqua came out with for a May Queen collection back in 2017 and the swatch they did of the shadow looks like what you described, but I'm not exactly an expert at these things like Robert. I'm still a newbie at makeup, so yeah😅

[@MaryJayJackson]

Hi! Tried to reply to your comment, but KZbin must've deleted it for some reason. I think the name of that eyeshadow you have is called Maiden, I believe. I looked it up online and saw a swatch of it that looked close to what you described. I'm no expert at makeup (still a newbie at this), but I hope this helps😊🫶🏾!

[@Pinkiepinkypinkiee]

I still have illamasqua nail polishes that I bought almost 10 years ago from Sephora! They still perform perfectly!

[@Tjax514]

God I still remember watchin xsparkage makeup tutorials and the two most consistent products she used back then was her Stilla eyeliner in 'sting ray' and the hoola bronzer. It was like my first introduction to the growing beauty world on KZbin.

[@patyloveswifi3724]

Omg illamasqua made the best eyeliner I’ve ever used in my life but it’s so pricey I could never repurchase. Nothing has compared since but I’m surprised they’re still holding on

[@christinamoller4342]

TheBalm just started a new brand called Pretty Smart Cosmetics that's reasonably priced. An attempt to keep the brand going under a different name? Speaking of tutorials bein g popular, would you consider doing a tutorial on eyeshadow for people who wear glasses?

[@teri2466]

Great idea! Alexandra Anele did one a while ago.

[@cheyennehinton-pryde7888]

I still find stila amazing with so many of their products. I think I like that they've not bought into the hype of new products every week and have strong staples. But I do agree their marketing could be a lot better so more people know and remember them because they really do have beautiful products. I have never seen another brand come out with anything like their eye and lip perfecter balm stick. It's the only reason I can use liquid liner.

[@roser6963]

My very first high end makeup purchase was a Stila lip balm compact. I was in love with it. It had 4 different versions of pink lip gloss. I believe a small retractable brush came with it. I loved the idea of multiple lip glosses in one compact. If they brought stuff like that back I would purchase multiples of the different color palettes.

[@AbsFabbs]

The balm Bourbon street is my favorite blush of all time. I received a sample in an Ipsy box and can’t live without it now!!!

[@brittanyfletcher434]

Not watching the England game? 😊 so happy you uploaded while my husband stares at the TV!! Illamasqua does still have this lovely eye tints, though! Love those! But it is confusing to understand how these brands stay in business without any major new releases or innovation, given the current state of the cosmetic industry! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@RobertWelsh]

I completely agree! And there’s nothing I despise more than football 😂😂

[@Jhud69]

I like the Balm’s retro gimmick and I don’t mind so much they haven’t changed most of their products - however you’re absolutely right about the price being ridiculous.

[@ElwingLuna]

Hope you feel better soon Robert! I think I used stila’s convertible colours a few years back and remember them being quite nice. Don’t think there were kids doing the dual lip / cheek thing then.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

I still have mine from 2008. I know, I know…but true red blush was so hard to find and I’ve been so so careful with it. I really need to let it go - it’s absolutely fine tho, tbh it’s just too pigmented and hard to remember how lightly I must tap. Back then, I could not get the subtle natural looking blush I wanted so I used the still sparingly, I had no idea it would last this long. Once it’s 18, I’ll make it pay rent tho! Shhhh don’t tell Robert…

[@ElwingLuna]

@@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory make it pay rent 😂

[@soyjoyy]

Vintage aesthetic is a breath of fresh air from the grey, minimalistic, "modern" packaging these days

[@kellysonallison]

The Balm! They had a location in San Francisco that I loved going to. Love their brow powder, highlighter, and their liquid lipstick (best shades).

[@lillachrissay5564]

I loved their lipsticks too, and - of course - they discontinued my favorites! 😢😂❤❤

[@puffsplus72]

The Balm's advertising/packaging may be kitschy, but their products are high quality. I still like them.

[@darija1512]

The Balm actually has some good stuff. 😅

[@jongkittae]

personally I like the old sort of comicbook/pop art/50s advertisement style of the balm and I think it's somewhat valid to bump the price up a bit if they're paying proper artists to create those designs, that said though, I've also never heard of that brand, nor do I remember seeing it in shops 😅 and personally I would not consider paying over $30 for 6 eyeshadows that seem very basic 💀 I disagree that the style is "outdated" as that seems to be the whole point of branding it that way, but as an artist, I would probably suggest some slight tweaks to their packaging to make it a little more appealing to modern consumers.

[@Brittainy89]

Ok but what happened to INGLOT? It was everywhere in the IMATS era of Beauty KZbin I feel and I haven't seen it in ages now! Honestly for me as well it's Charlotte Tillbury... maybe they aren't with everyone but for me it all looks the same and everything I have tried has been absolute shite, despite the glowing reviews. And the price point is ridiculous for the quality. To me I just feel like there is nothing exciting, and the quality not there, like I can get a nude lip liner anywhere, next. I do love Stila like you said they have some amazing products, I hope they are able to revive as far as marketing because once you try it, you will love! Their pen eyeliner is still the only one that doesn't smear on me. And their concealer (or one of them anyway) is SO GOOD!

[@Emma-se5wm]

I also feel like Charlotte Tilbury has pretty poor shade ranges and depth to a lot of their products, but it seems like they don't get called out for this as often as other brands.

[@miriams.4341]

I actually really prefer brands that focus on their quality rather than hopping on every trend. But then I don’t tend to do my makeup based on trends and more on my mood that day and which cool picture I found online I can take inspiration from.

[@atxoatmeal]

@JenPhelps just did a review of the Balm's new brand Pretty Smart. The new products seem to be priced about like Elf.

[@rhyami]

I watched her video about that brand this morning, and I have a liquid blush, bronzer, lip oil, and eyeshadow palette in my cart. I'll be ordering tomorrow once I finish putting everything else together for my grocery order.

[@carolinemiranda5438]

The visuals of Illamasqua before the whole “glass skin, soft babe” situation was majestic!!! I do very basic, simple makeup, but I adore when a brand has that daring look

[@shaleena720]

Always makes me smile when you have such bright and sparkly eyeshadow

[@glowyaf]

Honestly at this point most mainstream brands bore me to tears because they keep getting bought out and releasing boring stuff that is totally different from their initial vibe. So much of my makeup is indie brands at this point, I have some basic staples from mainstream brands but if I want an exciting product I know I can get that from an online independently owned brand.

[@debedwards1717]

There are plenty of beauty consumers who find a great product and use it forever. Believe it or not, not everyone watches beauty content on social media, so still use these brands.

[@nightgoddess9]

Robert has acknowledged this point in several other videos like talking about Fenty or Dior

[@LP-ct9nk]

It also doesn’t change the fact for the brands he’s mentioned they’ve lost relevance and you can see it in tangible ways such as reduced gondola space in stores and frequency of sales. No brand lasts forever on nostalgia and only appealing to the same group of people all the time. They need to be exciting so that new people are constantly coming in to buy their things frequently vs. old customers returning in 6 months to a year to stock up on 2 things

[@grape123]

I don’t even own anything from Vacation, and I don’t really have any interest in buying anything from them, but I can’t help but find myself looking through their products at the store for a decent amount of time. Their branding is so interesting and it really draws me in

[@francinejones2524]

Who else misses Roberts different rings that he used to wear?😕💙

[@houijda]

I actually love the balm but they really dont market themselves well. They have a great niche they need to lean into

[@SheilaMarguerite]

In love with this eye look!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤 I hope you're feeling better, Robert!

[@RobertWelsh]

Thank yoooou! 🖤🖤

[@Undefinedinc]

I worked at Sephora HQ/Kendo back in the mid 2010’s and a lot of the “top brands” back then I don’t see talked about anymore. Agree on Stila on would add Smashbox, Bare Minerals, Buxom, Hourglass, Laura Mercier, Make Up For Ever and dare I say Urban Decay. If you want to talk skincare, I’ll add Fresh, Origins, Strivectin

[@lipstickzombie4981]

I haven't been in a Sephora eversince 2019, a shop that treats me like a potential criminal won't have my money, good riddance. MUFE has presences in other beauty shops and have their own shops in certain malls as well that are surprisingly busy when night falls . MAC exiting a lot of malls in my place boosted MUFE big-time.

[@annaw27]

I hear people still talk about Hourglass and Makeup Forever 🤷🏻‍♀️