Things Brands Do That Annoy Me (and you!)

[@RobertWelsh]

Watching this while laying on my bed that I made out of old eyeshadow palette’s and lip pencils

[@kai_maceration]

I actually made my entire bed frame out of nibs for my digital pen so...

[@GenXfrom75]

I'd like to see that 😂

[@dreamermassacre5539]

Love you both 🥰 the combined knowledge I’ve gotten from you two has made me so much more confident. From learning what works for my skin through James and then Robert with the makeup techniques, it’s made a huge difference in how I feel I present myself to the world.

[@pokeydot1975]

OMG....same!!!!

[@nicolemyown3643]

🤣🤣🤣

[@idaliagonzalez7945]

I really dislike companies using young models for a product that is used for older 60 plus customers

[@morgianasartre6709]

Ah yes, especially there are still those that use an aging filter on a young person and then reverse it to the retouched original and act as if it was due to their cream. Like how dumb do they think people are exactly...

[@scoobydont]

Yesssss. When I worked at The Body Shop, they aimed their Drops of Youth range at older people but only used 20-year-old models in all the advertising 🙄🙄

[@jessterflies]

I agree. it's a real shame.

[@moonprincessRN]

Agreed. This is a pet peeve of mine.

[@TheALLYISLAME]

LANCOME OMF

[@tugboatcaptainCC]

Brands don't want the responsibility of producing recyclable packaging so they are pushing unrealistic "upcycling" onto consumers. I hate it. How many bottles with a single flower in it can be reasonably placed on a shelf?

[@Orlin0]

I have to agree there. If they really believed in being e-conscious why not invest in refillable packaging or bio degradable packaging. Even encouraging consumers to return packaging is a good option.

[@scatachiel]

Agreed. In my country we already recycle most of our plastic bottles by paying like 20 cents more with every purchase - catch is that you get that amount back if you return the bottle. Works actually pretty well. Wondering if something like this could be used in other kind of packaging as well?

[@K1k1Cupcake]

74 😜

[@kris.........]

100%

[@charlotteodonnell8175]

So true. I turned my old glow recipe bottles into candles until my friends and family were all like 'pls stop. We all have so many candles now.' Another one I've noticed recently (fashion as opposed to skin care) is the claiming to be eco-conscious while also promoting a subscription based purchasing. How can you be eco conscious while still sending me stuff I don't need every month?

[@cannsmith]

I am an esthetician too and I can NOT stand when we tell brands that their mineral spf leaves a cast ant they proceede to tell us skincare professionals we need to warm it up before or they tell us no don’t add a serum/moisturizer/essence to get it to absorb it dilutes the efficacy. We’re not going to allow our clients of deeper skin tones to go about their day looking like Mark Zuckerberg surfing.

[@Selene_Rosara]

Exactly! If your SPF doesn't work for everyone then don't market it for everyone. I'm currently trying a mineral sunscreen that says, "Invisible daily sunscreen". It's not. It's a tinted mineral sunscreen hoping like hell darker skin tones don't end up with a white cast.

[@mjjulian72]

As someone who's terribly allergic to avobenzine and a couple others and needs mineral sunscreen to avoid an itchy rash, I recognize how fortunate I am to be a shade of ghost that hides the white cast. I can only imagine how challenging it must be for people with darker skin tones. What the heck do they do if they're super-sensitive / allergic? Brands really need to fix this and understand customers' needs.

[@AsiyaIammuah]

Buy black girl sunscreen. They have a mineral sunscreen.

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

@@AsiyaIammuah its a mix mineral, I need it to be purely mineral

[@ruthagnew8000]

😂😂😂 mark zuckerberg surfing 😂😂🙌🏻

[@AKbaby89]

"Babe" and "hun" honestly give me MLM vibes, so whenever someone calls me either of those, I get the ick. Like a big ick.😶

[@nikki2370]

Yessss

[@tanyapoe5490]

Yeah same. I always just think "you don't know me, be professional". This coming from a southern woman who calls everyone honey, sweety, darlin', or doll...unless I'm in a setting that dictates professionalism be used. Don't try to sell me something by trying to act like you're my friend.

[@pokeydot1975]

Yesssss.... Creepy AF

[@nicolemyown3643]

Sweetie is THE WORST!!!🤮🤮🤮

[@foxycinnamon7307]

@@nicolemyown3643 Sounds like the divas of Ab Fab!

[@stefaniagheorghiu7131]

My least favorite is “Hey, bestie”. I agree that the overfamiliarity is somewhat pejorative and I don’t appreciate it! Loved the video!

[@bobsburgers8497]

I knew a girl that said “bestie” every two fucking seconds in conversations. She was sweet but I absolutely hate hearing it now

[@peanut9633]

Since it never bothers me (in unprofessional) I always wonder if this irritation is just being overly sensitive or easily peeved or if you're actually onto something really damming, like a red flag. I wasn't mad in our "bro", "sis", or "cuz" era either, am I just a sheeple ??? 😂

[@LilyShimizu]

I tried Lume deodorant a while back and I used it precisely as I was supposed to, not over applying, and when I said on a post that it just wasn’t working for me, a brand rep tried to tell me I must be using it wrong and gave me pointers. I told them, no, I’m using it exactly as you’ve described and it doesn’t work. Please just accept that your deodorant isn’t some miracle product. Like I’m not inept I know how to use deodorant and I didn’t ask for help. I was leaving an honest review/opinion.

[@gabbanator]

You are so right. I havent purchased from them because of how they respond to consumers. Like, its deodorant, how can they be using it wrong.

[@hippopajamas]

Yes! I HATE when brands act like their products are universal and perfect. A product can't be perfect for everyone. It doesn't even mean Lume is a bad product. They literally just have to say "I'm sorry it didn't work for you!" and have that be that. I have a LOT of issues with the branding of Lume so I wouldn't purchase it anyway, but their aggressive customer service/rep is so unnecessary.

[@likeWHOAitsSonia]

I had the same experience!!

[@celestedivinity2178]

I personally just found the base scent of the deodorant to be awful. Like even if it worked, all I could smell was a mildewy fragrance regardless of my potential smells. I ended up throwing mine away.

[@shawnaferguson8721]

I tried lumes laundry soap for workout wear stank. Make the clothes stink in a different way 🤔

[@Edward_Avila]

Some of the captions on IG posts from brands like fenty, morphe, colourpop etc make me roll my eyes so hard sometimes they pop out of my skull

[@GabbieCh]

too basic

[@kimberlyvictoriavaglio3078]

Make sure to moisturize your eyeballs before popping them back in, I make sure I do.

[@_.mxggxn._]

Totally agree! Trying to hard to appeal to younger consumers. Especially when, in terms of brands like Fenty, they have pretty broad appeal across age groups.

[@Patypulido]

Thats me 24/7 😅

[@Dennden]

Did not expect to see you here! Hello!

[@rebeccaseymour5551]

I remember reading a really interesting article about upcycling. the short and skinny of it was basically that upcycling is often just delaying that item ending up in the landfill anyway. sure, you might use a bottle as a vase for a few months, even a few years, but chances are you're still going to throw it out eventually 🤷

[@GMW.artist]

I have a collection of glass Coca-Cola bottles that I've collected for 30 years from all around the world. I haven't chucked any out and never plan to!...

[@rebeccaseymour5551]

@@GMW.artist that's fantastic! And there will always be collectors of things but that doesn't mean everyone wants to hold onto every empty wine bottle 😅 which kind of what the article was about.

[@scee8474]

@Chrry Cola sounding pretty bitter there

[@xXMizzFlyPinayXx]

@Chrry Cola It's just glass bottles which are literally recyclable, chill the fvck out. It's not like they said they filled their entire house with styrofoam (which is just landfill). Out of everyone who should understand collecting soda bottles from all over the world, your name is literally Cherry Cola.

[@francescagalleri1858]

I don't like when brands or companies post memes about being broke but still making a huge makeup haul anyway. Beauty Bay do this a lot and it actually started to put me off them a bit. Not only are they trying to seem relatable and cool but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth making jokes and encouraging people to buy more shit they really don't need all the time when they're broke or should be spending the little they have on bills or other important expenses. With the cost of "living" going even higher it makes it even worse

[@olgaszumilas1471]

I also don't like when brand post memes about bad skin. "when you do skin care, but your skin doesn't care". why they post that? am I supposed to laugh that they skin care products doesn't work?

[@JamesWelsh]

Yeah I agree! I remember when a brand started using Klarna and they posted memes to advertise it like….encouraging people to go into debt basically

[@laura987123]

I don't know if this bugs anyone else but when a product is marked "sensitive" and it has a load of added fragrance in it. Fragrance isn't evil but when you have sensitive skin it's really likely that fragrance is going to be what's irritating and it often gives me a headache. I've learned to never trust the "sensitive" label and check the ingredients for fragrance before I buy anything.

[@marielle7505]

Yes! Bugs me too! If you market your product towards sensitive skin, the first thing you leave out, is fragrance! Or ingredients you don't have to label as fragrance, but still are fragrance ingredients.

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

what is this need to have fragrance, I can buy perfume if I want to.

[@laura987123]

@@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel Right!

[@laura987123]

@@marielle7505 Yes, I feel like "natural" products are bad for this like hey guys essential oils are still fragrance, and on top of that not really all that "natural" and definitely not sustainable.

[@arielruby13]

and if a lot of the product is just "fragrance" there are chances i could be alergic to it, it costs nothing extra for a accurate label with all ingredients listed. I dont know why brands make it so difficult to shop when you have lergies or sensitivities

[@AKbaby89]

My #1 annoying thing is when someone talks about a product they've never even used before/ when they act like it's their #1 secret for their skin when it's a brand new product *cough* 98% of celebrity skincare lines *cough* whew sorry, had something in my throat there🤣

[@jamiel264]

Or a product they've never used and give it a negative review based on ingredients.

[@natsl3049]

@@jamiel264 yaaaas and recommend dupes that aren't close by far. Super cringe.

[@melissat6000]

Like when Lauren Goodger from TOWIE got pranked into advertising beauty products with lead or some sort of poison in, saying she never uses the products she is paid to promote LOL

[@TheAvprobeauty]

and they have flawless skin and theyre like “I use this to make my face perfect”. yeah ok.

[@lily5952]

An immediate red flag for me is when a creator/influencer constantly promotes a big range of unrelated products. Their platform is just a constant advert for anything and everything. To me that means you are only in it for max profit, and I get it, you need money to survive, but it shouldn't be your ONLY motivation. Those types of influencers come off insincere. People rely on influencers' opinions and as such they have a big responsibility to consumers.

[@sheepylamby7320]

Agree re: “upcycling”!! This is just another way to keep the responsibility on the consumer, rather than companies. They need to make better, less impactful packaging!

[@paige8916]

Omg... brands acting like MLM's with influencers really makes me question who I support.

[@sassagrass7095]

This is a great way to put it!

[@stephanied6711]

Same

[@Avovoom]

I wish someone would make a room packed full of empty skincare bottles with individual flowers just to show how silly that upcycle idea is.

[@vickimaccallum]

Next twin video - decorate an entire room made from package 😂🤣

[@elizabethcrossley6853]

I like the idea of refills if im rebuying. All my house products i do that way. But all the little skincare bottles.. just go in the bin or recycle bin.. kinda wish they had refill options

[@GMW.artist]

Sounds like a Tracy Emin installation 🤪✌🏼

[@kelly1827]

Or holiday decor! In lots of ERs you'll see a little Christmas tree decorated with IV tubing, thermometer probe covers, etc.

[@the_Pons]

@@elizabethcrossley6853 Or even better, if more (or any really) had take back programs where you send your used bottle in, they refill it and ship it back to you. The packaging doesn't have to be recyclable, you don't have to re/upcycle it and the amount of newly produced packaging drastically decreases 😁

[@marianneshepherd6286]

When I watch charlotte tilbury do a make up tutorial and she's calling someone darling, it feels like that's part of her natural vocabulary. But in a newsletter or as part of product campaign I feel it doesn't work as well and (as you say) comes across a little patronising. X

[@JamesWelsh]

Yeah that’s exactly it. It doesn’t translate well as a brand. As a person, it seems natural. But in their marketing it feels super forced

[@drpepper7747]

Part of the thing with the Charlotte Tilbury brand though is it was very much built up based on her personal profile. I also get the vibe that she is very.... Overly involved? in their branding work. As someone working in PR, I sympathize with the brand's team😂

[@blackrosenuk]

"Petty" James is so great! I HATE it when I see brands push the "non-toxic"/clean crap movement. OR when they point out something that shouldn't be pointed out, e.g., "benzene-free" or "preservative-free" -- the first, um, wth?! the second, um, say it loud: Preservatives 👏🏼 are 👏🏼 good 👏🏼 In America specifically, the way filters and whatnot are used to promote makeup and/or skincare, if the brand is in anyway sponsoring it or the like, it pisses me off. And brands pushing up cycling is reminiscent of what many big companies have done it the past decade: they just point out the spec in the consumer's eye and disregard the plank in theirs.

[@marielle7505]

Yes! Marketing that claims to exclude ingredients that aren't supposed to be in there to begin with. Like a restaurant, marketing their steak: our steak is free of gasoline! Wtf?

[@CrochetingEngineer]

To a certain extent, the clean movement is helpful for people who are pregnant because "clean brands" often don't have chemicals across their entire brand that cause fetal defects but are safe for adults. You still have to read labels, obvi, but it makes it a little easier to see a "we don't use" page instead of checking every single product. Of course, some of it is utter bull-hockey.

[@ambersmith2612]

When brands use AAVE to market themselves saying " omg slay queen 💅💅😍😝" garbage and then not make a single product suitable for dark skin

[@MissJeriB]

ITS GIVING, good i hate it

[@chattymime]

this ^^^

[@foxwaffles]

PSA to anyone who wants to wear color lenses please make sure you know how to care for and clean lenses if you buy weeklies or monthlies, otherwise buy dailies only, you only get one pair of eyes ♥️ And never use dailies two days in a row or use lenses past their specified lifetime.

[@flame6454]

I feel attacked 😂😭

[@auntrori]

when I was 16, I wore monthlies... without removing them for 6 months. I'm now 40, and I still have scars on my eyeballs. I know it gets expensive or time consuming.......but it's serious.

[@Kyiecutie]

@@auntrori 6 months 😭😭 my eyeballs are screaming

[@auntrori]

@@Kyiecutie I was very stupid

[@emmagatewood3898]

@@auntrori One of my friends did the same thing when we were about that age. Kept the same pair of contacts in without removing for a few months 😳😂 Luckily he turned out fine, but I'm sure many others were not so lucky

[@tracybruce1489]

Ok, I am guilty of keeping SOME pretty packaging. But, I am a miniatures artist, so I have a lot of little bits to store and the pretty packaging looks better on my shelves than little plastic tubs or butter dishes. I can usually get labels off with acetone.

[@cristinaiswatching]

So interesting!

[@cristinaiswatching]

I mean the fact that you are a miniatures artist

[@karatalksaboutstuff7333]

That's awesome! Better to reuse than throw away/recycle, right? It's only obnoxious when brands act like it's on the consumers to find a new use for every package.🤦‍♀️ I've definitely repurposed some beauty product packages as planters, toy storage, travel-size containers, etc.😀

[@gpgp1841]

@Tracy Bruce me too! Because I'm also an artist😅 i actually take a lot of pride in upcycling, it's awesome but as someone mentioned this before - brands shouldn't push the responsibility on the customer to be creative regarding the packaging. It drives me crazy to call out people on not being eco while the corporations produce the worst crap.

[@BankruptMonkey]

I think the bigger concern is brands trying to market unrecyclable/uncompostable packaging as green by just calling it a diy upcycle project. They are being sneaky about plastic pollution and that's not cool. I do like to reuse packaging myself too, it's great storage for like utility closets or craft supplies, but it's definitely not display art pieces and I won't buy it even if the packaging looks cool if they are going to greenwash.

[@Diorella_scent]

I really loathe the ‘prestige’ brands flying a load of good looking, super skinny ‘influencers’ to the Maldives, Paris etc to launch yet another super anti-ageing, fly you to the moon moisturiser, and then thinking that this outrageous display of excess will encourage the average beauty consumer to empty their salary on a marble counter just to conjure up images of the Maldives or Paris or wherever. Would they just stop it, please.

[@AsaruDarkrose]

I would say that my biggest pet peeve when it comes to brands (literally ANY brand) is popping out themed collection after themed collection. "Limited edition", "special edition", "influencer edition", "nostalgia edition" and so on. STOP REMIXING YOUR PRODUCTS IN DIFFERENT ORDERS WITH DIFFERENT PACKAGING. FFS.

[@michelledailey8505]

I hate when brands call their tinted SPF "universal". They never are actually universal or inclusive to either end of the spectrum. They are either too orange for anyone with really fair skin (like me) or aren't a color match for anyone with a darker complexion. I would love to use a tinted SPF because it can double as foundation (for me). But I gave up trying to find one that doesn't make me look orange or like I used bad self-tanner.

[@veruschkadahmer1805]

I have this issue with BB Creams (so, tinted SPF moisturizers yeah) I love the idea of using one product to moisturize, color-correct and protect the skin but the "universal" or "light" shades are always too warm on my fair skin. Ughhh

[@DimaRakesah]

Same! I am very fair with neutral undertones and I am so tired of orange tinted sunscreens that are being sold to me as "universal" um... no.

[@MissCaraMint]

@@DimaRakesah I find Korean brands often have a better selection in this area. Missha had a pretty fair neutral BB cream if I remember right.

[@DimaRakesah]

@@MissCaraMint Yes, that's actually what I've been using for a while now, hiw funny! Right now I am loving Numbuzin's tone up beige. It's like a tinted sunscreen but with actual coverage for pale people!

[@Galworld761]

I am quite olive and my derm recommended a tinted sunscreen for face because it protects more when I am outside. She said “it says universal tint, I would strongly debate that but great for sporty folks”. They are not universal….

[@frenchiemakeup]

When brands are saying ‘97% of users started seeing results after only 2 weeks!!’ 🙄

[@stealthis]

*blind users

[@pinkbubblesnake]

*based on a trial of 21 people

[@kris.........]

@@pinkbubblesnake 21 is generous 😂

[@hi_rya]

Instead results 😑

[@lovegianttacos117]

I agree with all of these! Calling someone babe, hun or darling if you’re not my boyfriend or grandma is a no go and honestly kinda condescending and disrespectful. I’m a paying costumer, that is your business, be professional. Also, I love HelloFresh but if I have to see the adverts and sponsorships everywhere at least let me accumulate the stupid discount codes.

[@Laura-xn2uh]

The hello fresh ads have made me never want to order from them... They use the most annoying people in the ads 😂

[@esmeraldagreengate4354]

@@Laura-xn2uh Hello fresh is so over priced.

[@esmeraldagreengate4354]

I hated it when I worked in retail and women my own age would call me sweetie I'm was serving them. Sweetie is what I call my kids and my young nephews not a 37 year old woman.

[@stealthis]

What about calling you grandma? Can I do that?

[@canesugar911]

@@esmeraldagreengate4354 are you American?

[@PersianPowergirl]

It's not at all petty, mate. It's a brand's responsibility to ensure their packaging is recycled or upcycled. I dont get why this si so difficult for brands to do. Ask for your packaging back. Give the customer some kind of credit when they bring it back and encourage them. Mac still does it. Why can't all. Take your damn packaging back. We don't need tchotchke lying around after we spend 40$ on a face cream.

[@mjjulian72]

Or they could at least partner to do a recycling campaigns with Terracycle to recycle their packaging into something! (I remember a Garnier campaign with them about ten years ago that turned their hair products packaging into park benches.)

[@arbitrary_raspberry]

I am not a huge fan of Lush Cosmetics anymore but they nowadays give 50 cents per empty pot/bottle that you return. Last week i returned 29 bottles & black pots 😅

[@Qawp]

Upcycling is a great concept but should not be an excuse to keep producing useless plastics. Invest in packaging that can be biodegradable and you have my attention 😊

[@orlaporlypuddinnpie]

Hmmm I don’t want to shatter any dreams here but MAC don’t recycle their packaging either. A friend of mine works for them and they just bin the old containers with the general waste from their work canteen bins at the end of the night. It’s all a lie. I was devo when she told me (and actually use to wash out my old containers before returning them until I learned this). I still take my empties back for the free lippie though lol **disclaimer this might just be one store that has this practice…but I dunno…she said she can see no avenues for how to get the old containers back to somewhere to recycle them and I feel like that’s something that would be highlighted in an induction or something**

[@purpurina5663]

I cannot agree more -all I think when a celeb or anyone launches a whole line I just think "oy, trash" -not the product necessarily but the amount of plastic packaging. Some of the packaging is really overdone, to boot. Why can't they do refills, glass, biodegradable, taking to back... ugh (of course this goes too for cleaning products, clothes in individual plastic bags, etc., but we're not talking about those).

[@itstia552]

I agree totally hun! Brands annoy me so much, and I hate it when they say “oh you can easily pause your subscription “ then you try and they don’t end up pausing it and you end up paying more then you try to cancel and that takes even long and…. Grrrrrr! HELLO FRESH!!! Love Tia xxx

[@rachelpainter5202]

James: I don't want to leave diy shit around the house. 5-Minute-Crafts has left the chat.

[@jzh877]

As a 33 year old woman with zero desire to have children, I laughed so hard when you talked about kids making stuff at school and having to hang it on the fridge. Same… same… this video was awesome, thanks. Btw, Hello Fresh is great.

[@strawberryfields1094]

I have to thank you, James! I was complimented at work today! A woman I work with said, "wow! Your highlighter looks amazing!" I said, "thank you, but I'm not wearing any!" I told her some of the products I use and that the glow was likely from my SPF. I finally have that glow from within look and others are noticing! Thank you so much for all your advice!

[@sirkusar]

I would like to add: brands that have this profile of being empowering to women but in reality, they totally exploit their employees and people who apply for jobs at their company (yes Estrid I'm looking at you). And pinkwashing as well.

[@bobsburgers8497]

This is one of the many reasons I hate summers Eve and douching products & brands

[@mollloooooo]

Yesss agree, every kardashian brand btw

[@z.c.m9908]

Pinkwashing?? What is pink washing?

[@sirkusar]

@@z.c.m9908 for example companies doing a rainbow version of their logo during pride month but in reality they do nothing for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s sometimes called rainbow-washing as well.

[@sarahelizabeth7547]

I always feel like 'tinted' sun screens and moisturisers etc are just always completely orange. I don't think they work on anyone whether that's people of colour or super fair people like me or anyone in-between! I think the one thing that is the same across all skin types and colours is that oompah lumpa orange doesn't work on anyone... so why do brands treat it as the universal colour? So we can all universally hate it?!

[@SydneyFromCanada]

This!!! So frustrating as someone who is the colour of a white wall.

[@DimaRakesah]

Same! Although lately I've been able to get away with using Australian Gold tinted in their lightest tone because it's not oompaloompa orange, thank Talos!

[@londonmellow]

the petty rant about diy made by children from school has seriously sent me into a laughing fit 😂 youre amazing james, keep up the great work 💜

[@emmagatewood3898]

I was sitting outside the bagel store & started laughing maniacally at that part😂😂 I'm also a parent of small children and am drowning in a sea of broken toys and crayon drawings that I have to throw out when the kids aren't looking. The house already looks like an episode of Hoarders. If I started putting flowers in my empty skincare bottles, it will really complete the decor😜

[@onednp]

I let them pick their favorite art of the week week and pop the rest in the recycle bin. They don’t seem traumatized by it, though I’m sure it will wind up in an early chapter of the memoir on how I ruined their lives.

[@shortcake66]

You could photograph them and make a virtual ‘album’ that they could look at when they’re older. And just keep the one or two that are so bad they make you laugh

[@shellyf5456]

Annoying: Niacinamide in EVERYTHING, it's a no for my skin. But to be more general, the skincare industry latching onto the new IT ingredient and putting it in everything.

[@emermurphy6230]

Hyaluronic acid for me. Can't buy anything without it these days

[@shellyf5456]

@@emermurphy6230 Toners and moisturizers must be super hard for you.

[@emermurphy6230]

@@shellyf5456 and eye creams. All the ones I used to like now have it 🤢😬

[@shellyf5456]

@@emermurphy6230 I don't even know your skin type but the aveeno oat gel moisturizer I use doesn't have hyaluronic acid. Also Byoma's face mist and 2 moisturizers are hyaluronic acid free, I think. Haven't tried those yet but their reviews seem good.

[@eleanorhunter6359]

@@shellyf5456 oh byoma and aveeno are so gentle i loved them

[@jazwhoaskedforthis]

Marketing is so wild. The idea that the chemical sunscreen I was using was somehow worse and I needed a mineral one despite how many issues I have trying to find one that works for my skin AND my makeup really got me for a while. They just invent reasons for you to keep buying different things. Thank goodness we can use trash as vases though, that'll definitely make up for the excessive plastic consumption Edit: other things that are pushed like no silicone, no sulfate, green, clean beauty, no parabens, etc. Not even necessary for everyone. My hair is so thin that silicone actual does weigh it down but it just makes it wavy instead of curly and that's not a bad thing. 10 step skincare isn't Necessary. Even if it's nice. I think fair trade, avoiding palm oil for the forests, and using compostable or at least recyclable packaging really helps. Glass is better. But there's a lot of issues with recycling so really, if i want to be conscientious I'm just not going to buy the product.

[@adafihj6439]

On the memes thing. One of the few brands that did the meme thing well is fenty beauty but others is just cringe. The Oscar slap was the worst offender. When that happened every brand posted and tried to use it. Sooooo annoying

[@olgaszumilas1471]

now they do the same thing with Johnny Depp trial! it was trial about domestic abuse, have some self awareness

[@roseb2277]

@@olgaszumilas1471 Amber lawyers used a Milani palette only as an example of what kind of makeup palette she would use to hide her bruises, & Milani jumped at the chance for for publicity by making a tiktok about how she couldn’t have used the palette since it wasn’t released till after the relationship ended. Yet none of Amber’s team said that was the exact palette used, or actually mentioned any brand, but Milani just wanted the clout & in turn made people think Amber lied about it.

[@ashinode]

@@roseb2277 that was disgusting. i'm glad i never bought anything from them.

[@Stormith]

:15 I sometimes do this already because I’m just a frugal person. I’ve actually repurposed multiple Glow Recipe containers, I use little jars to store things like loose earring backs, and I use the taller ones to hold things like tweezers, cotton swabs, etc. I would never upcycle them for aesthetic reasons, I just use ones that are easy to clean and repurpose(basically only glass containers) for storage in my bathroom so I’m not wasting money buying plastic storage containers when I can just repurpose ones I have, but that’s all. Also I love Lab Muffin too, her recommendations have always been a boon for me! I’m glad you agree too

[@maireadweaver8952]

The Charlotte Tilbury boxes drive me INSANE with their percentage claims - they are completely bonkers, unbelievable and just plain annoying. It has really put me off, I HATE it!! If you are going to quote percentage benefit claims then at least use more than 10 people in the focus group and specify over how long the products were being used - make it honest!!!

[@Queenofcats36]

I can't stand the words, and the prices are ridiculous for something I can get elsewhere.

[@laurawarden6036]

What seriously bothers me about brands is when they have hyaluronic acid in every single one of their products. Some people are sensitive to that ingredient! It's already in almost everything!

[@debcollins8231]

Thank you for saying that. I thought it is just me who has a problem with that ingredient. I have a rash on my neck from it.

[@laurawarden6036]

@@debcollins8231 I recently tried centella asiatica and all of my irritation completely went away. Hyaluronic acid may have been super irritating, but I at least found SOMETHING to help. Maybe you should give it a try? It could help.

[@debcollins8231]

@@laurawarden6036 Thank you so much. The rash has mostly cleared but I will get some to get rid of it completely. Have a lovely day.

[@mariahbrown4830]

This is a super 90’s thing that brands still do and it drives me crazy. They’ll break and smear the lipsticks and eyeshadows all over a white surface as a swatch. It’s so gross and unappealing

[@privatecocky8971]

That's so Avon catalogue

[@SO-vw8nx]

I feel like this is still going on because of the rise of Asmr type videos. Brand pages for makeup and skincare take this to the extreme on Tiktok and get a lot views from it

[@sumlem]

The spilled foundation, the smears of lotion, random oil drops lol

[@DimaRakesah]

I actually don't mind this because it gives me an idea of the texture of the product.

[@MadMaxine1979]

My folks had the same thing happen with a edge grass trimmer last year. It was nearly AU$500. The company were either ignoring my parents emails or saying it's being shipped next week or saying it's out of stock & on back order... 4mths later they told me about it. I went stalking online to find out where they were located, to see if they had other contact details etc... Their online reviews were shocking!!! So many people saying they hadn't received what they purchased, they were getting the runaround, most were still waiting years for items or refunds etc... We're in Queensland, Australia & they were located near where we used to live in Sydney, Australia... So they probably thought there's no way we could do anything as there's a 20hr drive between us... I emailed them saying "I'm flying down to visit family in 10 days. They live near your factory so we'll be coming in to see you to get our money back"... They replied back within minutes saying they were just about to email us to say it's being shipped today..... Yeah 🐂💩 We got the item 7 days later 🤣

[@me_as_marta]

Brands that use AAVE in their marketing but don’t have Black people in their boardrooms… very cringy and offensive

[@kenzielane21]

What does AAVE stand for?

[@jameslozano6913]

@@kenzielane21 African-American Vernacular English

[@patheticmortal373]

@@kenzielane21 African American vernacular. Words created, or commonly used by, the "black community" in the US. Some brands use words or phrases to be trendy, but don't actually interact with people who use it. There is the issue though that AAV is not all encompassing for what all black people say, not creating all of what's associated with it, resulting in misguided anger. There's phrases in the UK that are from poorer areas that people then associate with being African or Carribbean, which is offensive in of itself. The automatic assumption of poor=black. Also black people outside of the US, i.e African countries, Oceanic countries, many don't have the opinion of "black" words being only for certain people like they often do in the US.

[@stepahead5944]

Yessssssssssssss!

[@mile_851]

Cringy? yes offensive? not really, that's more like a personal thing I guess

[@Pandulse123]

Omg yes thank you about the recycling thing! Like sorry peach and lilly but your small bottles will not function as am eyeshadow brush holder. Literally only one brush fits lmao. I'm showing I'm willing to buy products in glass. As long as the price is reasonable, I'm willing to pay.

[@emmamontoya5684]

I think whenever I see the giant and lavish PR parties it just makes me upset about the amount of waste that's going into that one event. I do think it's important to recognize influencers and staff that has helped advance your brand, but the ridiculous launch parties and events like that seem like a huge waste of money that could have been spent on advancing your product or giving your employees raises/bonus, you know?

[@dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

I actually kept and reuse some skincare containers 😂 If they’re small/compact and well made, I use them to put my skincare when I’m traveling (transfer from a large jar). Travel size formats are just way too expensive. I keep them in my travel basket hidden in the closet.

[@ambersmith2612]

But do you put a single flower in it 🤨

[@dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

@@ambersmith2612 lol no!

[@emmibruce]

Brands ignoring emails and DMs while deleting comments about customer service grinds my gears.

[@shaunacorrigan9372]

The thing that bugs me about all the overly sponsored companies is that they either only offer discounts or special offers to bring in new customers and don't do anything for existing customers (Hello Fresh) or the discount codes they give influencers don't really mean anything cuz they have a code on their website that offers the same "discount". Like, it's not a discount if that's just the price you charge! It just feels kinda scammy, you know?

[@memnailss]

Love this and couldn't agree more with everything you said. I've actively stopped buying from or engaging with brands that do huge influencer trips and parties. Most of the time they're busy not listening to or rewarding their customers. They're not even slightly inclusive and will have faux-ethical collections. But, they'll spend ££££ to send a bunch of already well-known and sometimes super wealthy people to some sunny location (even locations that have had locals beg for them/ tourists to stop coming) and enjoy their new and often expensive products for free. Like why on earth would that influence me to spend more money with a brand. They clearly don't know how to use the money or value their dedicated customers.

[@auliaazizah3718]

i also hate when a certain product or a complexion product's shade range claims to fit ALL skintones... like NO you can't guarantee that you've tested all skintone that exists, saying most or a lot of skintones would've been fine for me

[@blaah9999]

Yes! If you call me “hun” or “babe” there is a 100% chance I will never buy from your brand.

[@manifestationsofasort]

I hate it when brands say that their foundation/concealer shade ranges are going to work for everyone. I especially hate it when they release light coverage lines with only 10 or 12 shades and say they'll work for everyone because they're light coverage. I can only speak for my pasty ass, but the lightest shade is almost always too dark, and I look like I got a really shit tan. I know it's more of a makeup pet peeve, but I don't get enough opportunities to rant about it.

[@ValleyOakPaper]

Pasty McPaleface reporting for duty. Don't get me started on tinted sunscreens.

[@krystalpresland3723]

I normally go for porcelain or lightest shade. When 001 is Ivory its usually too dark. I am currently mixing two cos I bought one that for the first time ever is too light for me. I liked the formula so got the next shade up. Too dark. Too orangey. So i mix them.

[@DimaRakesah]

I actually bought a white foundation to add to foundations that are too dark.

[@ashleygardner4104]

I enjoy mineral sunscreens because they don't smell or burn my eyes, like the chemical sunscreens. But I am pasty pale, and even I get a white cast from them. I can only imagine how terrible they look on a person of color! No way it's invisible!

[@rebeccareid89]

I was watching this while cleaning and I heard you saying about not wanting kids because of the stuff they bring home… then you said next product controlled your Sebum and I heard Semen - and thought- that will help with the kid situation.

[@petraingenbleek7497]

Best comment! Had me laughing so hard. Thanks

[@kelly1827]

🤣🤣🤣

[@marinac9339]

I love when James is laughing and saying "idk if it's just me or....". I'm sitting here laughing along saying no it's not just you! Love these type of videos!

[@allieren]

If I get a “hey, babe” or “hey, hun” in my DMs I immediately delete. It reminds me too much of my days in the distant past as an evangelical, when my group leader would approach me to “go for coffee.” Which was just code for “you’ve done something heathenish, we need to correct you” 😅

[@kimflaherty5327]

Haha this is SO accurate 😂

[@kai_maceration]

Personally I hate when ads have close up faces (especially eerily smiling ones) or when they literally shove the product in the camera, they even tap the camera like AHH STOP POKING MY EYE It activates my fight or flight response, stop invading my personal space please! 😭

[@texastornado9918]

Omg I love how when you were talking about the old suits sitting around the conference table asking how to be relevant, and they say “I know, let’s post MEE-MEES!!” That’s exactly how I was saying it in my head “wishing” you’d say it, and then you did!

[@melissamcglothlin3550]

Just being transparent with the customers will go so much farther than gimmicks.. lol. Love your commentary.. 🕉💌

[@marilynmeyer3733]

Working in digital marketing, this video was actually super helpful. There is so much push for content, but I genuinely think it’s important to push back against the barrage of useless marketing. Brands don’t control the conversation anymore, and that’s a good thing imo. There is way more opportunity to actually do relationship building and get a back and forth going with people.

[@Destinyirus278]

Every single skincare / makeup brand PR teams be watching this video realizing every single idea they have is on the “what not to do “ list ✍️

[@c309176]

My biggest annoyance right now is brands putting niacinamide and/or hyaluronic acid in *everything*. They’re already in my routine, I don’t need that much of them, thank you. Totally agree on all of the influencer posts at once when a product launches. I find it really off putting and start questioning whether it’s being talked about because it’s good, or just because it’s new, or just because it’s sponsored.

[@Just.a.girl.named.Kristy]

I love the pettiness!! Sometimes it is needed to show how brands are out of touch with reality.

[@AlexaDonne]

OMG yes the lack of research! I get that all the time in my space from companies that SAY they love my stuff/what I do... and the product is for self-publishing. Which is great but I'm very clear I'm traditionally published/only knowledgeable in that space so they couldn't even be bothered to click my "about" tab to read my bio, or even GOOGLE ME lolllll. But sure, babe, you're a huge fan of my content.

[@Letsmakeart321]

lately I just love his videos. He does his research and gives us facts and I like hearing his opinion lol.

[@JamesWelsh]

Thank you so much 🥹💜

[@222beau]

I am a communication major with a minor in digital marketing. Building a relationship is key in PR. And only use memes if you are a young brand that focusses on young people. Agree with all these things. Babe or hun is verry unprofessional.

[@sandranicolle4534]

Hi! Absolutely loved this video, I found the insights on the industry so interesting (this is a marketing goldmine, praying brands listen lol), I know you said this was kinda to fill a blank filing day but would love it if you made more! I know Liah Yoo has also been making more industry-oriented videos lately and I've been obsessed with those, obviously still here for all your skincare vids (have been for a very long time) but it's so fun to get to learn something new :) Thanks for sharing!!

[@margaretcampbell1432]

When I started this video I was like “oh no James why have you been crying *hun*??” And then kept watching and realized it was just the cute glint/reflection from the contacts 🙃😅

[@wrv6927]

It bothers me when a product claims to be a “miracle” anything. I hate lies.

[@_.mxggxn._]

Mine is when brands, and influencers, do those ‘this or that’ poll things on their stories. I could be wrong but I seems like such a thinly veiled reach for engagement. Totally agree with the up cycling thing though! I didn’t realise until you pointed it out 😂 I totally agree with recycling, and reusing bottles when you can, but using it as a vase or something… no. I do buy refills for my washing up liquid, so I reuse that bottle, but that’s because it has a use. An old moisturiser tub does not. I just take it to the recycle bins in Boots.

[@lorenaarnette6395]

Fun fact, a friend of mine took fun purple contacts to school, when we were 12 years old. We both put one in each of our eyes. An hour later, I had to go home with pink eye. I’ve never tried contacts again. 🤣

[@stancexpunks]

That’s exactly why you don’t share contacts between people, and why you need to make sure your hands are clean and the contacts are cleaned as well

[@roycesaful]

Oh the things that brands do that drive me crazy could fill an hour long video...maybe even a series... 🙈

[@jalia9980]

Lol, same.

[@katimius]

with regard to "hun" "darling" it really depends on the tone of voice and situation. I've once been called "sweetie" by an older gentleman and i thought it was charming because it just rolled right off like he was speaking to his granddaughter. he was immediately embarrassed and i felt bad for him. 😅

[@AKbaby89]

I've had First Aid Beauty and Tower28 send me products, and as a nobody, it made me feel so special omg. I saved the cards with my name n stuff🤣🤣

[@furuyakeifu]

Why did they send it/how’d you get it?

[@AKbaby89]

@@furuyakeifu first aid Beauty sent me a big box just because I tagged them in posts and stories, and then tower28 sent me their new SOS serum to review because I had left reviews on their site for the SOS spray.

[@Francelmo23]

I use the Nip + Fab pad pots (washed and de-stickered) to hold things like tweezers and upright products in my cupboard so they don’t fall down - I’m not out here trying to use my COSRX bottles as vases though. I have actual vases for that very thing

[@revelphotography_pa]

As a fellow rosacea-ite, I love that you mention which products/ingredients work with your skin and don’t aggravate your rosacea. Thanks! 😁🤗

[@DISCUSSTING]

I love the "pet peeve" category of content! it's so fun to see what everyone's tastes are

[@jenniferbryant8138]

Love the pettiness! And I agree on all of this. 💜

[@AKbaby89]

As someone who has a very small monthly budget (im disabled& not able to work, so I live off disability) I *really* don't appreciate when brands announce launches at the last second, especially with limited edition products that won't be available in a month when I get $ next.

[@Disturbd_76]

Same here and I also hate when products are advertised/featured and do NOT do what they say and I spent $ I really didn’t have on it. Disability money is so small we have to really stretch/sacrifice to get these products

[@NovaMarx]

Agree! It's incredibly insulting to assume that just anyone has that kind of spare money lying around. Most people need at least one month of warning to set the money aside for anything out of the ordinary. It's like they are unintentionally gatekeeping their products from most everyday consumers, just because the brand thinks "surprise limited" is cool.

[@AKbaby89]

@@Disturbd_76 yeah, I research everything I buy before buying it, so I really don't buy anything on launch day other than Adept Cosmetics palettes that I like the color story of. I don't return things because I don't like to be wasteful, so I don't like only being able to buy something on launch day when there's no reviews from real people to go off of or anything like that.

[@AKbaby89]

@@NovaMarx yeah, I know in the US before covid 51% of the US was living paycheck to paycheck, and I can't imagine that number has gone down. I just don't get why they wait until the last second, I'm sure lots of people must feel this way

[@stephaniemoura9325]

As a marketing student I appreciate this video soo much! Brands are trying soo bad to be “relatable” that it just feels cringy.

[@SheReaDelSol]

You’re petty. I STAN 😂😂😂😂

[@prettykitty9350]

Just in response to the micellar water... I ALWAYS rinse mine off my face. When Garnier came out with one of the first, the film it left was AWFUL. I started using their sensitive skin version and I just splash some water on my face to rinse it and it works well! My skin is super sensitive and this seems to work!

[@shortcake66]

Never occurred to me to leave it on as it feels drying (I have very dry skin) and I assume it has a similar molecular action to soap. I use it specifically to remove makeup and then use a nice hydrating wash-off cleanser to actually clean and treat my skin.

[@Brb13252]

When people complain about chemicals in skincare but water is a chemical

[@platosfriend]

I find it annoying when drugstore brand hires a celebrity to promote their products and that celebrity is known for using tons of designer clothes and luxury makeup and skincare. And after you only see that celeb using only that drugstore product. Yeah, sure. 🙄

[@shainaannx17]

This cracked me up so much. It's so true! The comment about the "flower wall" had me dying. I agree with all of these! I try to use duck duck go on my phone so they can't ad attack me with nonsense. Can we please have more videos like this HUN? 😂 jk

[@JelenaP991]

I have kept some packaging from travel sized skincare and use it for traveling to repackage my big toners and cleansers. If they are easy to clean this is great way to upcycle

[@chanelfitzgerald]

My pet hate are celebrities saying using a certain product has made their skin what it is. Are we stupid? Honestly, JLo uses botox, she uses facialists etc because she has the money and can do. Oh and babe and hun are a definite no no even when I know you! Hate it and everyone in the UK is so " you ok Hun?" ughhh ffs.

[@aletablakely4229]

You definitely are being petty…. And I’m here for it! I’m extremely petty myself and agreed with every single one of your pet peeve’s. The babes, Huns and darlings are all so condescending to me. But that’s probably because I’m hella petty🤣

[@IQRA-w7x]

My skin improved cos of James...big up James 😭❤️

[@Elizabethselby]

I absolutely love the way you are always so nice. It's refreshing

[@Jess_Smith0903]

The “hello Darling” gives me HUGE Estelle vibes, Joey’s agent from Friends! 😂

[@AshleyKarys]

You and your brother have the most beautiful voices. I find both of your videos to be so relaxing.

[@Minale__]

"Who has bottles lying around" haha yes haha who'd do that (let me just go hide my collection of little glass bottles with droppers from so many serums I've used up that I'm oddly attached to). I've literally gone online and checked Pinterest for ideas on what to do with them, but it's just always vases. Goddamn vases.

[@ambergianello]

Every purpose my glow recipe jars because they’re so nice but I use them for other skin care products so it’s OK if there’s a little moisturizer left in the jar even though I rinse it really well but I’ll use it for my serum‘s with a dropper that is a pain in the STUs when I have very little counter space and it’s easier to just pump it into my hand but otherwise I don’t save packaging.

[@ghoulchan7525]

i re-used a dropper bottle from something as a way to re-wet my watercolors. so i saved money on not having to buy a separate dropper tool.

[@megancorwin290]

I keep glass bottles. I mix oils in them and witchy stuff. Plastic? Nah.

[@veruschkadahmer1805]

@@megancorwin290 Same! I keep glass containers to do hoodoo or to store crystals and herbs. So useful lol

[@Squeebbles]

Glow recipe has a page on their website about how to recycle every bit of their packaging! Some can be recycled at home and the rest they have a program for where you can send in the rest that cant be done at home (they also have infographics showing what to recycle at home and what to send in via their program) Like sure you can upcycle the glass jars. But you can also just recycle them. And their lids you can send back in to them.

[@noprogressionisregression6854]

So my pet peeve right now is the 'hey bestie' trend. I see it all over social media and I can emails from brands, "Hey bestie, buy our shit"... BTW, Paula's Choice has the best customer service for a skincare brand, hands down.

[@furuyakeifu]

Paula’s Choice !!!😍😍

[@kaitlinpb9371]

I love that you’re using the BioDerma Micellar H2O!! It’s the only one my skin likes as well.

[@vampgaia]

#1 Assuming I’m stupid and I can’t tell when a photo is manipulated or the person paid to promote the product knows nothing about the product.

[@katmal8090]

I hate the word "obsessed "..but literally I'm. The way how you teach values and easy way how to transmit knowledge...wow.

[@FatimaMariam1]

Thank you MUCH for saying exactly the way I feel about those “Hey-- “ greetings! I have found them INFURIATING for Years! I find it demeaning as all heck! I may be a bit older, but I feel it is not cute at all. A lot of these brands are saying these tag phrases to women and frankly, I feel women fought way too long and far too hard to NOT be called those words, especially by people we don’t know! I posted a few times on my Twitter about it a few years ago! It just gets under my skin. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with professional demeanor when greeting your customer base! Grow up, companies! And I unfollowed ColourPop bcz of the stinking flooding of useless irrelevant memes on my TL! I don’t think it’s cute! If ya gonna tweet about makeup and releases, wonderful but the senseless crap they filled my TL with burned!

[@jenniferwhitaker969]

These sorts of videos make me so happy! We all need petty sometimes. Never change!! 💚

[@AKbaby89]

Not you not having kids because you don't want to pretend to like their crap art🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I love you so much James omg🤣🤣🤣🤣