Even though the Beauty Brains don’t do traditional reviews, from time to time we like to share new products that we’re trying. We want you to know that we received free samples in exchange for a mention on our blog and that we’re not necessarily recommending you buy anything. We’re just sharing new product news; please do your own research before you buy. This week we have two products to share.
Neova Day Therapy
What the manufacturer says: “Neova
with patented GHK Copper Peptide Complex is a smooth cream base with SPF 30 protection for daily use. Helps improve the appearance of wrinkles while protecting your skin from the sun. Protects the skin from damaging, incidental UV radiation while nourishing it with health-essential copper. Copper peptides work as an antioxidant while stimulating fibroblast activity, resulting in collagen production.”
Somme Institute 5-Step Regimen 
What the manufacturer says: “Somme Institute
contains our Patented technology MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology), a revolutionary protein/vitamin delivery system (A, B3, B5, C and E) which transforms the skin, thus improving its tone, texture and clarity while reducing the signs of aging (for all skin types). Step 1: Nourishing Cleanser (non-foaming/non-irritating); Step 2: Transport (gentle exfoliant); Step 3: Serum (with Vitamin C); Step 4: A-Bomb (moisturizer with Vitamins A and E); Step 5: Double Defense (SPF 30+)”
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Im a fan of your blog but this kind of post is dissapointing, its just publicity, if you are not going to make any real review about the producst at least could post the ingredients list.
@Alejandra: Thanks for your feedback. We’re still struggling on how to handle this kind of post: we don’t want to do product reviews yet we do want to acknowledge samples when we receive them. For now, our compromise is to do these as “extra” posts – since we tend to put up a regular question/answer every other day, we’re doing these review posts on our “day off.” That way we don’t skimp on the real content.
I also like your idea of posting the ingredients – that might be a good compromise.
If anyone else has feedback on these “non-review review” posts we’d really appreciate it!
You guys should put up an ingredient list, and a really quick explanation about how the product could work as is claimed. Then maybe something about the fragrance and texture, unless that would be too close to a review.
If there isn’t anything scientific to comment on, maybe just say how nice it is to use.
I agree with the suggestion that you publish the ingredient lists when you do these product mentions. As a fellow beauty blogger, I understand how much time even a “simple” review can take. Publishing the ingredients will allow us readers to “be our own Beauty Brains”, share our knowledge in the comments, and help other readers that may be less analytical in nature out!
Somme Institute is hands down the best regimen out there. I had perfect skin my entire life and started getting horrible adult acne 2 years ago. I got one of the Vitamin Infusion facials at a Nordstrom spa, got hooked, and started using their product line. Now you would never know I ever had acne! I’ve literally been recommending them to everyone I know!
You might want to give credit for the photo accompanying this post to thebeautydepartment.
I agree with the above comments. As another fellow beauty blogger I can say I sometimes get put off reading a blog that simply cites what the brand told them in a clearly sponsored way. One way you could go about it is to possibly have ‘beauty news’ every week. Just to talk about the latest product launches in the beauty world that might have been sent to you. That way you don’t need to review a product, but are informing readers of upcoming exciting things they can purchase.
Hope that helps.
x
I really enjoy product reviews. After all, everyone is sick of being advertised to, and we look to the people we trust to offer advice on the things they’ve found that they love. Give a nod to the products you receive by telling us what you think of them. That, after all, is the reason those companies sent them to you in the first place. A plug like this one hardly does anyone any good.
@E: Thanks for the heads up about the photo. We didn’t realize it came from another blog so we’re changing it. BTW, thebeautydepartment.com is a very cool new website!
All: We’re still experimenting with our reviews posts. In our latest post http://thebeautybrains.com/2011/09/24/eight-skin-care-and-md-confidential-in-the-beauty-brains-bathroom/ we took Jessica’s advice and added an ingredient list for each product we mentioned. Thanks to everyone for their input!