Ratings on Cosmetics
| Ratings on Cosmetics Everyone likes to get the most for their money and cosmetics are no exception. Choosing from the many brands and types of products is not easy partly because there are so many decisions to make and products to consider. One tool for wise decision making is the use of cosmetics reviews that helpful information about various brands of cosmetics. Unfortunately, there are as many reviews and ratings of cosmetics as there are product and brand choices, so even picking your source can be tough. |
One reliable source of ratings on cosmetics is a nonprofit consumer rating organization that makes unbiased ratings of all sorts of consumer products and services. They do not receive funds from the sellers nor do they sell advertising, so the reviews are as fair as possible. They have their own labs and scientists and ratings are quite thorough. The only problem with this rating source is that they will only review a tiny percentage of products and may only have a few cosmetics ratings a year. Check there first in case what you are looking for just happens to be one they chose.
Almost as reliable are ratings by the big beauty and health publications in their print magazines or on their websites. They have a subscriber and reader base who expects accurate information and have a reputation to guard. Be on the lookout for any magazine that has half of its advertising from one company whose product just happen to be highly rated. You should also be leery of ratings from beauty salons and spas that sell only one product. Both may have gone with excellent products, but you cannot expect an unbiased rating. The recommendations of a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon would have the same cautions. Again, the products they personally sell may be wonderful, but get a second, independent opinion.
The least reliable ratings would be those found on cosmetics companies own websites. It is highly unlikely that XYZ Company will have a really bad rating of an XYZ cosmetic. You may find things like “lab tested” or “clinical trials” but without the actual references to who tested or how or when or where. A rather good source of ratings will come from word of mouth from friends, coworkers and family, and from other ordinary consumers who write online product reviews. These tend to reflect a person’s authentic experience with cosmetics and whether they would recommend it or not. As with any anecdotal reporting, you must remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person will fail for another. Look for trends in ratings of the same product and see if they are mostly favorable or unfavorable. One you have found and read reviews, try to sample the product before you have to buy. Most manufacturers have free or inexpensive sample available at department store make up counters or by mail or by request on the company website. If that is impossible, stick to brands that have satisfaction guarantees and who will refund your money if you are unhappy or allergic.
Finally, with all the concerns for purity and safety lately, check the US government website to be certain there are no recalls affecting your products. Then you can try out the brands and types of cosmetics you have found with the best ratings and the best prices. Good ratings will make certain you get value from your cosmetics dollars.