Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Product Loyalty

I know people have a lot of brand loyalty, especially where cosmetics are concerned. I know there are a lot of ethical considerations involved, as well as simple preference. I, for instance, am a CG girl. I have used Cover Girl products for years, long before America's Next Top Model existed. I have just found them to be the best priced for what I want, and the makeup comfort level is good for me. I've had items from other makers, but the core is CG. I always wore it both in life and on stage.
Despite this problem with my lips, which seems to be related to my CG Outlast lipstick, I hope to continue to use CG, and if possible find a new CG lipstick. Here's why:
I contacted CG in a few different ways over the last few months, starting with a "live beauty chat" with a lady who directed me to the Proctor and Gamble Material Saftey Data Sheets, where I got every ingredient list for my products. The other day, I emailed them asking more specifically about whether there was any chance thimerosal made its way into their lipstick, even though it wasn't indicated on the MSDS. They emailed me back the next day and told me a: they were passing my info along to their health people; b: they would like to follow up with me by postal mail; c: while they couldn't give me further ingredient info personally due to confidentiality, I could have my doctor mail or fax them with the allergies I have and the suspect product. I emailed them back with a few more details, and thanking them for their consideration. They once again emailed back within a day thanking me for the info and restating that they'd be sending me some postal mail--and a check to cover the cost of my suspect product.
Now, I realize companies don't want to get sued, but they didn't have to give me any money and they have been courteous and helpful. I feel that when I do get my allergy straightened out, they'll be glad to know...I also sent them a post from a discussion board I found that described almost the exact same symptoms linked to the lipstick, and I think they'll be interested in that, too. I could be wrong, of course, but it's the fact that I feel they'll care that matters. They have shown solid customer service, and I believe they will be getting my cosmetic dollar for a long time to come.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! Way to go, CG.

Have you tried MakeupAlley.com's product reviews to see if anyone else has had the same reaction to Outlast? It's a huuuuge makeup site with a huuuge and opinionated participant base. Even if no one else has mentioned an allergic reaction, I'm sure others would appreciate your mentioning it.

I have felt recently that since I'm a grown woman, I should graduate a level or two up from drugstore brands because of the purported quality and richer pigmentation of department store brands. I've mostly tried MAC over the years, plus scattered Lorac, Urban Decay, BeneFit, and Too Faced. Honestly, I don't think the quality is such that they should be charging me 2-3x the price of a Cover Girl product.

The department store grade shadows may be a little silkier and more luminous; the lipsticks may be a tad creamier and richer. But I suspect I'm wrong in thinking that drugstore makeup isn't good enough to be grown, successful woman makeup.

It's revealing that although I possess MAC's famed Studiofix foundation, I tired of it and yesterday bought yet another tub of CG TruBlend Whipped foundation.

-SECP

Abs said...

You know, SECP, I respect your makeup opinions more than just about anyone else I know, because I watched you experimenting over the years and really trying stuff out. I learned how to put makeup on from you.
I will check out this site, and as I have some more allergy testing starting next week, I might be able to provide information if we get an ingredient nailed down...I did find someone on a lip message board who had a similar problem in '06, so there are more of us out there!
MAC has a huge following just about everywhere, and from what I've heard they're good products. I do wonder where that price difference comes from--perhaps to cultivate a more grown-up following you need more grown-up dollars? I also think those makeups tend to use more fragrances. A lot of them are so pretty, though!
I don't think there's anything wrong with good drugstore makeup at any age--I, too, am a fan of the Whipped Foundation and haven't found anything better. I seem to remember that Aunt E's product of choice was Ponds cold cream or something of that ilk...nothing fancy, though. Whatever works and feels nice!

Anonymous said...

I'm still struggling with and learning about makeup application. I recently enjoyed Carmindy's book "The 5 Minute Face." Learned some new tricks, including applying loose powder with a manageable blush brush rather than a big pouf. Also learned where to put highlighter, and how to pluck brows properly. Carmindy pushes subtle glow and shimmer rather than a matte face, and I have finally acknowledged that this is more stylish at present. So, a bit of highlighter and less powder in my routine.

Ahh, the good old Fandago compact mom miraculously let me have when I was a kid -- we did so many "makeovers" with it. Good thing I had ample cold cream to remove the ghastly creations.

-SECP