Over the past few years, readers have requested that I review the occasional high-end product on my blog. I have always been resistant to this idea because it goes against the theme of what I'm trying to do on Nouveau Cheap (i.e., save you money on beauty products). But recently, thanks to kind comments on this post, I've reconsidered this option. I'm definitely willing to entertain the occasional review (we're talking once a month--never more than that) of a high-end product in the context of "splurge-worthy beauty" or something like that. But I would really like to open this up to you and get your feedback first. So this week's question is simple:
Would you like to see occasional higher-end beauty products reviewed on this blog? Yes or no?
Please feel free to leave a simple "yes" or "no" answer. If you'd like to elaborate or have any ideas about the criteria I should use for reviewing higher-end products, that would be fantastic. "Splurge-worthy beauty" is the first thing that comes to mind, but I'm also kicking around the idea of "There's nothing like the real thing" (since I talk so much about dupes, it could be fun to focus on why the real thing might be the best choice), or something like that. Thanks in advance for your feedback--I look forward to reading your responses!
I think it would be great to know if a highly talked about product was worth the fuss, and worth a splurge!
ReplyDeletelove the idea of a monthly higher end review :]
How pricey are we talking? Once a month (or quarterly maybe?) wouldn't be enough to turn me off. For the most part I use drugstore brands, but I love Clinique Lash Power mascara, and one or two other items that are available at my local mall.
ReplyDeleteI read your blog because it promotes good inexpensive products. That's what makes it different than other blogs. So, if you include the expensive brands, please do it when it's something that really impresses you or is super different.
Definitely!
ReplyDeleteYou do the best reviews and I totally trust you to tell me and everybody your opinions on products, especially when you are going to spend a lot of money on them.
:)
im generally not interested in the high-end stuff, since there is so much amazing makeup at drugstore prices. but if its only once a month, i wouldnt mind that -- especially if it is a high-end product that either doesnt have a drugstore dupe or that really does work that much better than the drugstore stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice if you would review high end products,and let us know the ones on sale or if there are good coupons.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of blogs and videos that already do that but I would keep following this one any way. I want advice on things I have easy access to and can actually afford.
ReplyDeleteI will read and enjoy all of your reviews regardless of price.
ReplyDeleteIn a word... Yes! You yourself have said elsewhere on this blog that you use high end brands on occasion, and i think the vast majority of ppl do too. I use a lot of high end products now (and drugstore too), but when i was younger i'd use mostly drugstore and splurge on one high end product every 2-3 months. I always used high end foundation because i found them so much better. I also loved Lancome's mascara. I wore those with my drugstore blush, eyeshadow, liner, lipstick, ect. I think even the most cost concious among us don't minding spending more occasionally IF the value,s there. So yeah, i'd love to see you tell us once a month about a product that is worth the money and the hype. I don't think it would damage your image as the bargain beauty blogger, it would just be more in line with how most of us shop for beauty items-being thrifty most of the time, but spending more if the product is worth it (and some truly are).
ReplyDeleteI think every once in a while it would be nice to see a review of a high end product.
ReplyDeleteOnce in a while, yes. If it's something that's truly worth the money, or something high end that's on super clearance at the moment. And dupe comparisons are always fun.
ReplyDeleteI agree, 'splurge worthy beauty' would be an excellent theme when it comes towards higher-end beauty products, especially keeping the nearing holidays in mind. That said, if you are hesitant to deviate from the focus of Noveau Cheap, why not review 'splurge worthy' items that are on sale, or can be discounted through the use of coupons?
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a once-a-month feature on splurge-worthy beauty. To keep with the concept of saving money, maybe include sales or special deals where we can get these higher-end products for a little less.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see an occasional higher end review!
ReplyDeleteOnce in a while.. sure.
ReplyDeleteI respect your opinions so if you adored a higher end product sure.
Just don't stop what you do so well.. the lower more affordable end things!
Many thanks for your blog!!
I love this blog, and your reviews. I think high-end reviews would be great. If there is something out there worth the money, I would certainly like to know about it.
ReplyDeleteWhat I get sick of are blogs and youtube contributors that just trot out the fancy products like "of course they are great, they're expensive! You get what you pay for!" GRRR...
I certainly wouldn't get my panties in a bunch if you reviewed a high-end item. Especially if it's something you, yourself, have purchased and love. If it's more of the same that other beauty bloggers are doing in that getting pr stuff and throwing it up on your blog like fifty others...well, I'd be less enthused with that, but that doesn't mean I won't still check it out. :)
ReplyDeleteYes! Did I ever tell you, G, that you were my gateway drug? You were the first beauty blog I read religiously, and I still like the information you provide on cheap products. There is fantastic makeup at the drugstore. But as my cosmetic addiction grew, I grew to appreciate high end as well. I think some things are worth splurging on. And there are nice deals to be had with high end products as well, if you shop smart. Bottom line: I love makeup, you love makeup, and if you keep sharing your love of makeup with us, regardless of price, I'll still read your blog! <3 *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI think it would be fine. I only buy high end when it's in the clearance area, anyways - so maybe you could do a post on finds in the clearance sections?
ReplyDeleteYes! I really like the idea of discussing products that are worth the splurge.
ReplyDeleteI love how you took the idea of reviewing higher end items and immediately made it work with the concept of Nouveau Cheap - a "Splurge Worthy" item of the month (or quarter) would be a cool addition to this blog because if an item is absolutely excellent, it is worth the money. It's also a great idea because you could also declare a more expensive item unworthy because of a readily available drugstore dupe. I think it's an idea that's worth a try! :D
ReplyDeleteI think it would be really nice to see one once in a while! I am on MAC overload as it seems every blog is teeming with it! I personally dont get what is so great...i digress but anyway some high end reviews would be really great! :) also may give you a chance for dupes!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea! Like the other readers said, I trust your reviews and I'd love to hear your opinion on pricier cosmetics. I might suggest, though, that maybe you focus on products that are high value and give you the "biggest bang for your buck" type of thing...i.e, the Naked Palette (but not the actual Naked Palette because lord knows the internet has seen enough of that!)...but basically products that are worth more than they cost if you did the math...does that make sense? Basically I'd be more inclined to read a review about Tarte's new value set than a $47 Guerlain lipstick...
ReplyDeleteHell, who am I kidding..I'd read all of your reviews! But, just a suggestion :)
YES! items worth the splurge or items that are a good value that you like would be great.
ReplyDeleteYes. If items are worth the splurge, but not extremely often.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for it, so definitely! The products I splurge on tend to be products like eyeshadow primers or facial care products, generally products to help drugstore brand makeup go the extra mile or that keep my skin healthy.
ReplyDeleteyes, even if i cannot buy it it would still be awesome to see your opinions on it. :)
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to see "higher end versions" of products as a reference and when there's a little extra as a "treat".
ReplyDeleteOnce a month is fine with me. And heck, if you review a pricey product that I drool over in a way that sounds like it wouldn't be good for me... well then. I'll have saved some money! :D I love the drugstore stuff, but sometimes you just find yourself hooked on the idea of a pricey product...
ReplyDeleteYes i think it would be nice. Who knows it might end up being a product i cant live without.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog for the reviews, sneak peeks, and swatches on the low end products. However, I wouldn't mind you doing a "splurge worthy beauty" product. There are some things you just can't dupe. I just don't want you to lose yourself in the high end products. Which I don't think you won't, but I love that your blog is exclusive to low end products.
ReplyDeleteYes! Do whatever you want, it's your blog. It would be fun and insightful to see what you think is worth a higher price.
ReplyDeleteAn occasional post would certainly be welcome. As you suggested in your post, something on 'why the real thing is the best choice' would be very fun, I think :)
ReplyDeleteNo, no, no! Every other blog and its mom features high-end products (at least it seems that way), which is why I, as a cheapskate drugstore-lover, value your blog so much. I can go to 20 different blogs to read about the latest MAC collection, but there are very few that feature drugstore products.
ReplyDeleteYes Yes Yes!! Your honest opinion is why I read the blog. Especially if it's stuff on sale (like the tinted moisturizer UD has on sale on their website for $6 dollars!)
ReplyDeleteI don't think so. If I want high-end product reviews, I can always check out Temptalia or Musings of a Muse. The reason I love this blog so much is BECAUSE you focus only on drugstore stuff. Just my two cents- I'll still read no matter what you decide :)
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of "splurge worthy beauty"!
ReplyDeleteYes!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your reviews and your opinions on things. I definitely think it should be something that YOU think is worth the splurge and is super amazing.
I think once a month is a great idea!
Frankly, no. I follow a ton of beauty blogs, and the vast majority review mainly high end products. It's easy to find reviews of high end products. I don't need more of them, I need more low end product reviews. I'd rather you devote more money, time and energy to reviewing more drugstore products.
ReplyDeleteyes, great idea!
ReplyDeleteI would like to see reviews of higher end things as long as they're pretty rare.
ReplyDeleteSince starting to read makeup blogs one of the things that has bothered me the most is finding a really good blog that focuses on inexpensive makeup, and then have it slowly put in more and more high end reviews until you barely ever see a drugstore one.
Your blog has become the one I read most often because I can pretty much always afford what you review and I love that. XD
If you are going to do high end reviews, I like the splurge-worthy beauty idea rather than talking about how the real thing is better than the dupes. One of the most exciting things in makeup (for me) is finding really good cheap products. It just makes me feel good knowing I've come up with something that looks like it cost way more than it did. Some things are worth the splurge, but I actually wear my Wet n Wild and Milani eyeshadows more than my Lancome, MAC, or Too Faced ones.
I'd be interested. The more info about a product the better!
ReplyDeleteYes! I love an occasional splurge now and then. Once a month sounds like a perfect compromise.
ReplyDeleteI have to go with No as well. Along with what the others said which I heartily 2nd, personally, the addition of HE does not interest me as much these days, and gets to be overkill. Then it wouldn't be Nouveau "Cheap" anymore which fills that niche in blogland so well that it's far more valuable than other blog and sites that all tout the same things in slightly different tones. I'm also of the "If it ain't broke...." school of thought and I come here to get away from all the MAC-speak and latest pricey collections thrown at us everywhere else. I just don't think it would add more than what is already here. It's yours to do with as you wish but as I see it, why mess with perfection? :)
ReplyDeleteAs others have stated, your blog serves an unique under-served niche: excellent products at reasonable prices. I also subscribe to a plethora of beauty blogs that cover the same seasonal high end products ad nauseum. Of all the blogs I read, yours is the only one I recommend to others. In today's economy, it great to learn of products that are high quality and mark on trendy. With that said, do what moves you. It's what got you the eyeballs in the first place.
ReplyDeleteOccasionally if its a product you feel like its totally worth the splurge, or undupeable.
ReplyDeleteIt would be very cool to see the occasional good splurge. I like this idea. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm mostly leaning towards No, unless something is a tremendous deal, monetary value-wise.
ReplyDeleteLike UD's Naked palette or possibly those multi-packs of the Bene-tints? (Though I've never used the latter.)
I'd only break your rule for an A+ product with a fantastic price. And there aren't really THAT many out there.
YES! And why?
ReplyDeleteBecause I love your in-depth reviews with completely valid reasons as to why YOU love a particular product. You give such detail to your reviews, and you stand behind your decisions as to why you love/hate something.
With that in mind, there truly are some things that just can't be replicated, whether it be for the formulation (which are always changing), a unique color, or what have you, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you consider "splurge-worthy" :-)
Because I know that if you think that it's worth it, it most likely is (you haven't steered us wrong yet!)!
I think if you used the approach of reviewing the high end product, then suggesting a drug store dupe for those who can not afford the high end item and in some cases the item might just be splurge worthy with no comparable drug store alternative. I would enjoy that type of high review.
ReplyDeleteyes, especially if it is something you really like and not found anything like it at the drugstore. i think it would be nice when its a great value and product. look the idea of this.
ReplyDeleteI'm not at all worried that you would turn this into another blog doing the latest MAC collection, that's just not you. So I think you should go for it.
ReplyDeleteI think instead of doing the latest limited edition big thing that everyone else is doing, you would choose items that are available as core products that may not get as many reviews on even the high end blogs. I for one, am curious about what is in your makeup bag! lol and would love to see the high end products you swear by.
It would also be interesting if you occasionally did a post "Why do we care so much about Urban Decay 24/7 liners/NARS blushes/MAC paint pots etc that we must find dupes?" Then explain what made these products breakthroughs in their day, why their quality is magical, and finally list the drugstore dupes you have found for them so that those of us on a budget can still have that quality without having to use the grocery money and be stuck eating ramen all week. lol
Another feature I would love to see in this vein is a weekly "High End at Bargain Basement Prices" and we could help you create the post each week. You would have to create a post similar to "You Tell Me" where we would let you know what's coming up on the Haute Look type sites, what we're finding at Marshall's or TJ Maxx, if there is a big sale or great clearance item at Macys, Stila, UD, Lorac, ULTA etc. Very often, you can get high quality department store products at drugstore prices, all of us know this! But it would make so much work for you if you had to do it on your own, that's why it would have to be something all of us agree to help you with, so that all you have to do is copy and paste what we have discovered for that week.
Yes, but...
ReplyDeleteAs others have said, I would love to hear about high-end products that are on clearance or have clearance sections .
I also want to give you a related Thank You. I checked out the Senna clearance section you recently wrote about and picked up one of the "envelope" palettes and received it today. Thirty Mac-quality eyeshadows and 4 blush/bronzers plus a magnetic palette--all for $50. Much cheaper than drugstore prices!