[purchase] So, here we are. From the horrible debacle that was the affiliate nightmare, I’ve finally got a set of the things that caused all the problems in the first place. I’m sure I don’t need to recap but do want to clarify that the reason I needed order numbers from everyone (skip past this if you’ve no idea what I’m talking about!) was because the affiliate agency demanded proof that orders had been made. Little did they know that with the bit between my teeth and the kindness of people who had actually ordered through my link I would send them over 300. It uncovered that affiliate agencies are not able to see how many orders are placed with the brands that they agent for and rely on the honesty of the brand in question to feedback to them so they can pay out on the brand’s behalf. If a brand hides orders from them (which seems to be what happened) they have no way to know which is something none of us knew before. It all seems to me like a huge problem for anyone who uses affiliate links and full of transparency issues. Anyway, Pat McGrath Labs neatly solved any future problems by ensuring that nobody from the UK can affiliate link to them any more.
To add insult to injury, my order of the balms didn’t go through for some reason. So, I swallowed my pride and made another order and I have to admit that I am very pleased with the mini trio. I’m a bit of a sucker for mini things anyway, and visually these are ticking all of the boxes, especially for ten quid, all in. For personal preference, I’d rather have had coral or pink/orange tones but both the colours suit me okay and as something to pop in a pocket at approx. £3.33 each I have zero complaints. The balm is nicely balmy and there is enough colour to them that it’s evident on the lip. It’s not a high shine balm so will suit anyone who doesn’t like high gloss lips – in fact, the palest one is the most ‘glossy’ and gives a light-catchy, dewy lip look.
The two colour shades are Flesh 3 and Blow Up. You get a small amount of course but if you want to venture into the Pat McGrath brand, I think the set is a good entry point. They’re still available at £10 (reduced from £20) HERE.
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Transparency Disclosure
All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
17 comments
Jane
Hope you are well in this heat? I was going to buy more but they did not respond when I complained about ridiculous amounts of plastic packaging and pointless sequins. Why would you put plastic sequins in when they could biodegrade?!?Why do they not have good customer service!!?? Such a shame as beautiful products
Thank you so much
Sarah
You’re not the first to object to the sequins – I hastily tipped mine into a plastic bag with some vague Christmas recycling thoughts. They really don’t need to be there.
It’s great that you didn’t just let this go, Jane. Thank you for forcing some transparency – it’s very cheeky of the brand and has really put me off, no matter how good the products may be. I’d rather buy from somewhere with better ethics. Is there a way of ensuring Pat McG is aware of what’s going on?
I have tried – am still trying – to ensure that someone at the top of the tree knows about it but I’m so small-time for them that I don’t think they’d care. It’s important to de-mystify affiliates I think.. it’s not a secret that a percentage of sales goes to the content creator so why shouldn’t consumers be fully informed. It’s why I always offer a non-affiliate link – so people can make informed choice and steer clear of affiliate if they’d rather. It honestly doesn’t matter either way to me.
I’m so disappointed with this entire saga, it’s completely put me off the brand forever. I was one of the people using the affiliate link. Once they finally arrived they were a huge disappointment. The colours are meh and the quality shocking. 2/3 broke and ended up like a gooey mess. Abit like the brand itself. Never again
You know what, one of mine broke and I assumed it was because it was so hot and the package had probably been sweltering over-night in a van – those are tough conditions for any lipstick formats which is why I didn’t count it as a quality thing but now, you’ve made me wonder if it’s an all-round issue.
Have to say, the clear one of mine broke too, so I am not on my own I am pleased to hear. I agree about the sequins recycle for Christmas . On the whole bit disappointed with them, not sure I would purchase again. At least they are only testers which is what the minis are for.
Seeing how you and the uk affiliates have been treated has really put me off from purchasing anything ever again from her brand.
The thing is, it’s not Pat herself – who I admire enormously… it’s just a narrow minded system that only really plays to the US and not the ‘small-fry’ out-liers. It’s a shame, and it is off-putting, I agree.
I bought these directly as a result of seeing your post Jane. I also don’t get the amount of sequins in the packaging which are currently finding their way all round my house… As soon as I used the clear balm it was very flimsy and broke but they refunded me immediately for that purchase so I have another set as a gift for a friend..
Oh gosh… seems like breakage is a problem.
One of mine broke too! I had been using it carefully, as it’s so small, and this happened before the heatwave. I sent an email to them about the OTT packaging and got no reply,
oh no…
I ordered these as well and LOVED the look of them, but they are so fragile! 2 of mine broke just from the first try on my lips. Really disappointing as I loved the consistency and colours.
That’s infuriating.
Yup that’s what happend to me.
Two of them broke on my first attempt of trying them on. I didn’t bother trying the third but chucked them all with their ghastly goldy sequences in the bin. Never again.
Yep I have bought the mini lipsticks before and they have all broken until I read this I thought it was me. Sequins are so out of date and need to go. I love her eyeshadow but can not justify the price of the large palettes.