If you think over the past year, have there been any brands who have captured heart? Perhaps, they're brands that you just were introduced to, or brands you were just "ok" about, but now you love. Why?
What about brands who have let you down? Are there any brands that used to "wow" you that have fallen flat? Why?
Please let me know in the comments below!
* I also want to keep this in relation to you as a consumer to these brands. I understand many bloggers have PR relationships with brands, but I'm not interested in PR relationships to brands. I'm interested in how you has a person who buys from these brands feels about them*
My answer:
I want to forewarn that these are my opinions only. I want to say the same for the people who comment on this post. If someone has a differing opinion from you, it's totally fine, just no flames guys!.
Brand Wins- OPI, Essie, & Zoya
OPI- When I first got into nail polish, I only owned one bottle of OPI. OPI never seemed very innovative to me color wise, so I just backed off. I'd say over the past year I've accumulated so many OPI's. It seems to me OPI has started to mix in classic colors with innovative ones. I've been impressed with all of their collections this past year. They've given us shatters, sorbets, glitter bombs, and etc. They've really set the trends this year.
Essie- A lot of people scoffed at the idea of Essie going retail, but I love it. I've never been able to really shop Essie before and see their selection until now. My Essie stash has grown, and I'm really impressed with the formula and the brand overall. I love shopping Essie at CVS because I can use my extra bucks on them and make them less expensive!
Zoya- Zoya has really paved the way in social networking for polish brands. I've always considered them a favorite as far are color selection and innovation. They've really stepped it up though with offering various promos and accumulating an amazing fan base. They're very engaging has a company which makes them popular and successful!
Brand Let Downs- China Glaze, Wet n' Wild, Milani, & Zoya
China Glaze- I am *majorly* disappointed by China Glaze. When I first got into nail polish China Glaze was the "it" brand. They were the trendsetters and the risk takers as far as colors and finishes. Now, I find that they have lost their spark. I find other brand surpassing them when it comes to uniqueness. They have a few wins in their collections, but what I've found is a lot of their stuff just seems "dupey". I get a very "been there done that" vibe from many colors in their collections. I also feel they are lacking in keeping themselves relevant amongst other major brands in the social networking world. I see other brands surpassing them in this, and I think it is hurting them.
Wet n' Wild- I've heard it tons of times it's up to the individual store on what products they chose to put out. I swear the entire state of Florida has been axed from getting LE collections. I'm convinced other locations have as well. It sucks to see amazing LE collections being put out, and not having any access to them whatsoever. It also stinks that they don't sell these products online. I feel like they're missing out on a lot of business from people who would be willing to shell out the money for their products if they could get their hands on them.
Milani- Last summer Milani released probably 5 small LE collections. The colors were on point with what was trendy that year and the selection was awesome. This summer they've had one collection of fast drying non-exciting colors. I don't know what happened? I used to consider Milani my #1 drugstore brand because they used to step outside the box. After One-Coat Glitters, I haven't seen anything really new or different from them. They're fading into the background
Zoya- Yes, Zoya was also in my win my section, but they also have some faults. I find that they overwhelm themselves with their promos which causes orders to get mixed up, polishes to run out, and people waiting long periods of time for their orders. I feel like they should be better prepared. Also, this REALLY ticked me off, the colors Valerie and Jem. As far as I'm concerned this is absolutely no difference between these colors, yet they've both been released within in maybe 7-8 months of each other. This is a major no no in my opinion, and I don't know how that go overlooked. Why make your customers buy 2 of the same color? Not cool.
Please share with me your wins and let downs!
Happy Tuesday!
