These eyeshadows in their proper packaging cost £32. The pan inside is the same size as the refill so it is small (although pictures of it in the casing led me to believe it was considerably bigger). In the casing the cost is £26.67 per gram of product. If you consider that a Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadow is £9.17 per gram and a MAC eyeshadow is £7.33 per gram you will begin to get my point. Even the Le Metier de Beaute Le Cirque Kaleidescope at £65 for four eyeshadows represents much better value for money.
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| Le Cirque Kaleidoscope, Kjaer Weis Wisdom, RBR Solstice Halcyon |
I should point out that I haven't even swatched these eyeshadows yet. They might well blow me away. This is an organic range and I appreciate that will have an impact on the price but I do question why it is more expensive and much smaller than other lines? All of this pondering has left me wondering, where do I draw the line? I suppose I already know that I wouldn't have paid £32 for eyeshadow in the pretty pot. I don't think any of this will prevent me from enjoying the eyeshadows but it might make me think twice about recommending them.
So, what is your take on it? Do you have a cut off point? At what price does something go from luxury to overpriced? I'd really love to know your thoughts?
I don't even look at brands like Le Metier, RBR & Becca... It's just ridiculous to pay that kind of money. Especially as I KNOW as much as I love it the day I get it, the next week it will be in my big box of tricks will all the other crap and probobly won't see the light of day again.
ReplyDeleteI'm becoming a bit of a tight arse in my old age!
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Personally, I draw the line at the pricing of high end brands like Chanel etc (mainly because I 'm sucked into the brand name, quality comes a close second) and RBR (which I think offers eyeshadows of a-mazing quality for their price), anything more than is bordering on overpriced and I wouldn't give it a second look!
ReplyDeletePlus, I think that anyone paying beyond that amount pays mainly for the status/luxury appeal of the brand, packaging etc, not for the product itself...
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Given that the vast bulk of the price goes on the branding, packaging, distribution costs etc and not on the raw materials of the product, selling a pan of that size seems exceptionally cheese paring. It would have probably cost very little extra in a marginal sense to provide more product.
ReplyDelete@Karleigh: The brands you mentioned are definitely expensive but I do have a few bits of each. I seem to be able to justify their price points on the whole. I’m really careful though to try and only get expensive things that I know I’ll use. It’s the next leap on that I tend to struggle with: Terrybly and Chantecaille for example. It is interesting to try and work out at what point it becomes too expensive for me to consider. In this case I think it’s the size that’s so surprising!
ReplyDelete@tina_mbc: It sounds like you’re limit is about the same as mine. I agree that RBR is expensive but the quality is there. I will be really interested to see how the KJ compares in terms of quality and formulation.
@GreatSheElephant: It’s an odd move isn’t it? As you say, the raw materials are rarely that expensive. I know a lot of people would argue that there’s plenty of wastage and maybe the reason for the size is their refill system. I think they could have been a bit more generous though!
Well I can't afford any of those kind of brands at the moment anyway but I definitely think that they are OK value given the quality-well, from what I read on blogs of course. But yes, such a small product as this does make me think that it's more than I could ever justify.
ReplyDeleteI can't justify the prices of these brands really, but this brand in particular, Kjaer Weis seems completely ridiculous in its pricing! That doesn't mean I covet them any less though!
ReplyDeleteI think NARS is the highest price tag I will pay, and I pay it with resentment.
ReplyDeleteI know you pay for quality a lot of the time, but other brands can achieve decent quality for a decent price. I couldn't pay chantecaille prices, there are things a lot more important than make up, such as feeding my fat face, so I'll take my MAC, and my cake too thank you.
I have to say I'm also becoming more and more tight and comparing products and prices right, left and centre. Why even buy a MAC eyeshadow if Inglot has the same (or better) quality for a much lower price? Why buy high-end lipsticks if the drugstore ones are often amazing? But then, there's the packaging, the luxurious feeling... I think I initially enjoy those expensive products more, but in the end just use the best, no matter the price I paid.
ReplyDelete@Primp and Preen: I do have a taste for the expensive and most of my treats I’ve been very happy with. On the whole you find that the more expensive brands are quite generous with the sizes. I’m shocked though that this is half the size of Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadows! It really was worth getting this as on the refill rather than the pot form.
ReplyDelete@Charlie: You know me, I do like the high end stuff. I do feel that the products needs to justify at least some of the extra cost though. These eyeshadow has a lot of pressure on it to perform now!! May I just take this moment to say congratulations again on winning the Tom Ford lipstick. How very exciting :)
@Kelsey: You made my day with this comment. Fabulous! I’m a fan of cake (my waistline will attest to that!). If I had to pick food or make up it might be a tough choice though. I’m pleased to see you’re getting a good balance ;)
@Rocaille: Great comment. I want luxury but the product has to perform. I know that’s why I love RBR as although it’s expensive, it’s very good. Even within a line though you get some variation. I spend a lot of time researching and reading reviews like you. I don’t have a big budget but I have a fondness for high end so I prefer not to make mistakes. It’s an error to discount cheaper alternatives. More expensive doesn’t always mean better quality.
Have you ever done a post on your budget favourites/alternatives? I’d love to read that!
Jane x
i agree with rocaille. I have become savvier when it comes to make up shopping and more critical of brands, high or low end. I am tired of the relentless launches (ie mac) and also I am more critical of the hype. so many products are overhyped. I believe though that women are not stupid. it is smt is worth the money, they will go for it. if not, no.
ReplyDeletere:skincare: i had a heart attack when I paid 60 quid for a guerlain serum and I d say that would be my cut off point.
Thank you, I'm a bit excited! And thanks for today's post too x
ReplyDeleteI regularly use Molton Brown shower gel which is £17 for 300ml. I used to work for them and I've seen it being made and I know because it's made in the UK I'm paying for English wages etc. Molton Brown has lush packaging but they don't advertise anywhere so I know I'm not paying for that. I think £17 is worth it for the quality that I'm getting.
ReplyDeleteI supposed my ceiling price for any one item would have to be £40.
I think with Kjaer Weis part of the brand is the packaging if you get what I mean, I knew I was paying over the odds for the fancy packaging but was happy to do so as part of the pleasure was the innovative design and I love brands that have a different slant.
ReplyDeleteI do have a limit, but it doesn't seem to be the same as everyone else it would seem, I’d rather spend around £30 on a eyeshadow than go for a night down the pub for example, just personal preference, makeup is my indulgence.
@Charlie: You’re very welcome.
ReplyDelete@Skin Scrubs: That’s a really interesting point about the English wages. Molton Brown is a brand I’ve actually never bought from. I think £40 item sounds like a pretty fair cut off. I think I confuse myself with what is and isn’t acceptable! I think in this case it’s the size that grates.
@Replica: I’m really hoping I haven’t caused any offense. Hopefully you know me well enough that you know I have a thing for the luxurious item. I was just taken aback when I saw the size and spent some while trying to work out why it bothered me and whether or not I had a particularly obvious limit myself. I’m still not convinced that I don’t have some double standards. I want a Tom Ford lipstick yet I’m moaning on about an eyeshadow which I bought in refill form….
I think we all have our personal cut offs though. I’m still trying hard to work out at what point it becomes “too expensive” for me. It’s difficult to put a figure on it as some items are more appealing than others. It changes depending on the brand too (and what sort of a week I’ve had). As you say, a different slant can be appealing too.
Jane x
@leinti nti: I think being critical is good thing. There’s plenty of information out there so researching before you buy is a lot easier. Hopefully I will be able to write a review of these eyeshadows which help others researching their purchasing decisions. Out of pure nosiness, how did you find the Guerlain serum? I keep wondering about the Midnight Secret treatment!
ReplyDeleteJane x
I dont actually have an upper limit - I just know that I only have a certain amount to spend every month and I can either spend £25 on eyeshadow and just have that or I can spend a fiver on cheaper (and often better) eyeshadow, squeeze in a trip to the cinema and get a nice hot chocolate and a muffin with the change! For me it's always a question of whether or not I feel it is genuinely good value for money - I'm not cheap but I hate feeling like I'm being ripped off!
ReplyDeleteAlthough your extremely expensive eyeshadow does look absolutely lovely :)
Tom Ford...I'd love to try his lipsticks but I cannot justify £35 for one lipstick which I no doubt will add to my stash and forget about!
ReplyDeleteHi Jane,
ReplyDeleteno offense taken, I have recommended the KW shadows to you so naturally would hope you would like them as much as I do. In terms of the price I think what ever product you buy whether its makeup, handbags even food you are rarely going to pay the actual real "cost" of the product x
Hi modesty brown, I actually bought the aqua serum, because my skin is dehydrated. Having overcome the initial shock of the price, I start using it cause I have combo skin but dehydrated. In the beginning I didn't like it but having used for three months, and especially now that is so cold, I appreciate it more. My skin is clearer, has a nice shine and less dehydrated. I d suggest it for winter only. Overall I am very happy with it. A very nice product for some extra tlc. Didn't break me out. During august I used it inky as a moisturizing mask. Very nice product. I d love to try the other serums. I think with skincare you kind of prefer to give a bit more money. Midnight serum I have never used, but I can tell you that the super aqua serum works wonders for my skin as a night treatment as well compared for example to super hyped lancomes genifique.
ReplyDeleteSetting a price limit is such a -very- subjective point, is it not?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am happy to fork out if a product gets me excited in terms of innovation, quality, claimed benefits, originality and, even, design. There are brands I would trust with my eyes shut, no matter what the price of their products, and others that I find are over-hyped and using overpricing as a selling point and part of their brand image. The latter I will avoid on principle, even if it means losing out on a few good products.
Bottom line, if it entices me enough and I don't feel that I am being used in a marketing strategy, then I will buy it so long as I can afford it...
Have a great weekend Jane!
Nina x
@All Made Up: That is a very interesting way to view it. I have a feeling that mentally that is what I do, decide on what’s feasible at the time according to finances. With more expensive items I tend to ignore them but if I keep looking and longing, I know that it’s probably something I’ll really love and get it. It has to pass the more than passing fancy test! I tried the eyeshadows today and I guess I was unsurprised to discover that they are beautiful. I still think they could have gone for more product or a cheaper price tag…
ReplyDelete@Hell Candy Make Up: I know what you mean about the Tom Ford lipsticks. I decided that I would ask for one as a Christmas present from my husband. I don’t feel I can justify buying it for myself but will be happy to receive it as a gift!
@Leinti nti: Thank you so much for the information on the serum you used. It sounds very interesting. I am always tempted to try a night treatment. I agree that with skincare it’s easier to justify spending that bit more.
@Nina: Yes, very subjective! I still haven’t reached a conclusion as to whether I actually have a personal cut off. I think it does really depend on what it is, the brand and whether it’s something that will have skin benefits. The Peau Vierge is a good case in point, if I was working I would definitely buy it as I’m satisfied that it would actually do something and be a lovely product to use.
Of course, I used the eyeshadows today and they are lovely. Rich pigmentation, very easy to use with a beautiful finish. I can’t fault the formulation at all. I do feel that this line would have seen better sales if it had been at similar price to other high end brands.
On a totally different note, I went and bought Splash today. I’m hoping to give it a test drive tomorrow. I have £15 on my Debenhams Beauty card and I toyed with getting a Rouge G. I had some small people and the husband with me so there was no time to browse. I think I need to do a bit of research now. Do you have any recommendations?
Jane x
@Replica: I have tried the eyeshadows now and they are lovely. I was sure I wouldn't be disappointed by the quality. I do think they could have been a little more generous on the amount though. I don't want much do I?!!! ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree that you're never going to pay the real cost of a product and in all honesty I got this for a bargain price. I do think the line has struggled to attract attention because of the price point though. I can see it going the way of the Kashuk brushes.
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Oooh, I hope you enjoy Splash. I've used it almost every day since I got it and I think it's lovely!
ReplyDeleteI'm going back for a second bottle of PV next week, as I'll be away for six weeks or so (back home to Athens for an extended xmas holiday) and I don't want to be caught without...man, that stuff works. I'll be negotiating Echo blush too while I'm there, and the Nude serum as Grace's excellent review sold me to it...oh dear!
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Hey nice link. i like your link very much. till now i am not sure whether brand names are really useful or not.I think brand names are only increasing the value of the product only. But it is true people buy products according to their cosmetic brand name.
ReplyDeleteI know that it’s probably something I’ll really love and get it. What I’m really driving at is to say that the world of cosmetics and skincare is a small one. If a product achieves cult status or is known to be good, then there will always be followers. Lower end brands will try to high the texture, color or formula to cater for the mass market.
ReplyDeleteBest Mineral makeup
It's a tough one. I usually research ingredients and then make a decision on the price. I'm into Natural cosmetics but I like good textures, quality, smell. Most natural brands have boring make up colours and ugly packaging. Kjaer weis is different: the textures and colours are divine with a point if difference and so is the packaging. Given that these come in refills I can totally justify the price. You are paying it once so that's cool with me. I have had the eyeshadows for over a year now (daily use) so the size is ok for me.
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