Hmm, to be honest, the Rodial products I've used really are fabulous and very effective. I tried the dragon blood range - the eye cream is a dream. I often have allergies around the eye area and dragon blood has such a wonderful cooling and soothing effect.
Also the glam series- the lip balm is fantastic and the multi balm great for dry skin in winter.
As for your problem with the "message" that new body cream might have: isn't each and every cosmetics product about perceived imperfections? You're not using, say, eye shadow just for its pretty colour. You want to make your eyes look larger, more intense, more beautiful. So what's wrong with a cream that's intended to make your body look better?
This is fantastic. Not only do beauty products like this one need to take a look at the message they are sending but magazines also, who make money off the backs off praising celebrities for loosing a bit of weight or cleverly analyse their 'new found curves'.
Agreed on all counts. And I will never understand people who keep believing that a jar of cream will magic their perceived flaws away. I also get annoyed by bloggers (obviously not you!) who 'review' these creams and claim 'well it might work' or 'who knows but looook isn't it purdy?! look at the pretty packaging' etc etc etc. Arghhhhhh.
It's quite sad when a brand becomes known more for their marketing shock tactics than their actual formulations. Have absolutely no desire to look into this product. But then again I'm not that stupid to fall for it either!
I can still remember when Dior took a 15 yrs old's body to sell cellulite cream! Tapping into insecurities to sell cream is just wrong but it's the way many cosmetics companies do things unfortunately.
I completely agree. But I think even worse than the cream itself is the way it's being marketed, I've heard that it's being offered with a diet supplement as a free gift!
Excellent post - what a ridiculous message to be sending, especially at a time when naturally healthy women are finally starting to make an appearance in the media.
I think it's yet again another PR driven name, it's getting everyone talking about the product more because of the name. Would we really be talking about this if it had a PC friendly name? No not really. I don't agree with it all, but it's doing what the PR company cannot pay for, people talking about it.
AMEN! I am in the states and our sizes are larger here. What is a size zero there? Minus?
Never heard of this brand and from what you wrote, have no desire . I love cosmetics because they make me feel pretty, feminine and special. Terrible marketing for them! There is a cream called fat girl slim from Bliss, maybe that is where they are taking inspiration?
Actually US sizes are smaller.I wear a US 6-8 which is UK 8-10.And I absolutely agree with BBB gal,but also sizing needs to be something people need to be educated about.I say this as a former size 0,and its NOT about going down actual inches when you start going down in sizes.I could wear a 0 in one designer that would actually be a 5 in others. Women on both ends of the scale get slated because of so much misinformation.Maybee my next blog subject!But I never dare say that about my own size being a 0 at one time here in the UK,But BBB gal knows I am honest and genuine in my thoughts about the ethics of designers and brands.Designers intentionally cut and list sizes smaller to appeal to ego. We need a campaign for truth in sizing and a universal sizing standard if we really want to have an impact on body image. Wearing a CK size 5 but it actually an 8 in another 'high street' size contributes to the problem. So yes I hate that brands are also now contributing to this when they should be helping us. And as an original fan of nip and fab for its huge impact on some facial scar tissue,and had hoped rodial would be even better,I am saddened to put it back on the shelf and look for an alternative product. Hopefully BBB gal bringing this right to the front will start more people to the sizing issue too. As always,warmest regards,Namaste'LadyRobinBudd
I remember that story and the comments in the online publication's site(everyone's favourite pearl-clutching woman-hating publication) pointing out the girl's real name and occupation but still the paper kept the article on its website.
Rodial is appalling in its claims and I really do not understand how the company gets away with it, especially if a company like Lancome can fall afoul of the rules so easily without making claims that come close to being as unrealistic as Rodial's. I have heard they spend a lot on legal and will jump down the throat of anyone who dares to refute their claims and so with personal lawsuits threatened people back off.
Rodial know what they're doing, it's all PR driven and they know people will talk.
I stopped being a Rodial customer when they called one of their products Skin Bleach. What an insensitive name considering that many women of colour die, burn themselves and put themselves at risk of cancer for the sake of lighter skin? Do they not see how offensive it is? I hope someone takes Rodial to court again with this, it's flipping false advertising.
HI, i love your blog, its funny and informative. Just one question though what is your vendetta against Rodial. Your blogs about them or Nip +Fab are all so personal, much more so than when you write about other brands. would be nice to see you a bit more fair. also if you are going to hate on size zero, you should say a word about BLiss and its Fat girl slim cream.
also, what happened in 2008? you wrote the nicest piece about Rodial's owner, and now hate the brand? if you are going to claim you are unbiased and fair, then perhaps you could do so? I think your site is great, and i honestly do like it, but you should have a bit more integrety...
over priced, over hyped and (unless they can seriously prove it) - uber misleading. No one ABSOLUTELY no one will become a size 0 by rubbing cream over their body!!! Buying 110 of these is the equivalent of a Gastric Band!! Now that DOES deliver the goods!!!
THANK YOU for writing out in a beautiful and eloquent manner what's been swirling around my head every time I saw a Rodial product pop up somewhere. I was outraged for the first time when I saw their Crash Diet "dietary supplement". Their products are all the rage on pro-anorexia sites which says it all to me, really. Sending out a message that says we cannot be beautiful without plastic surgery, starving ourselves to death (oh, and using their products, of course!) is utterly disgusting. There's tapping into insecurities and there's taking the piss.
Hi Krystle.. I have always said I liked the Rodial Glam Balm.. always. Bliss FatGirlSlim sounds all wrong now but when it came out several years ago it was referencing the then very popular DJ, FatBoySlim, so it was a fair play on words. However, you are correct, that these days it should probably look at a re-name. I also think it is fair and reasonable to change my mind about a brand as and when they bring different products out especially when they are named so provocatively. As for my integrity, I think it's rude for you to insinuate that it might be lacking. I haven't visited you and laid insults at your door. Don't read it if you don't like it.
Well said! I think the Size Zero Myth is long overdue for a serious debunking!
This easter, I asked my most slender friend what jeans size she is and she answered 'size 8', which is a US size 2. This is a very health-conscious and sensible woman who I would never accuse of having body issues. She is simply naturally slender and very very physically active (daily horse rides and dog walks along with a hyperactive business life and a penchant for dancing). (Oh, and these physical exertions make her a size 10 on top, as she has a fabulous pair of shoulders.)
All of this adds up to her being the slenderest slenderella of my acquaintance. I know my friends are all on the downside of 30, but not one of them is under a size 10 and most are a 12 or 14 in one area or another.
I have a daughter. And the thought that she will be goaded with the Size Zero cattle prod is horrifying. Size Zero is impossibly and unhealthily skinny as a goal, unless you are naturally as tiny as a bird.
Hi BBB, thanks for your reply. Much appreciated. If you felt insulted....apologies. Rather than make you feel insulted, I wanted you to be fair with your comments. You can of course change your mind about a brand, as is a women's right. I was curious as to why your posts are more personal and almost vicious towards Rodial?
Hi Krystle.. it's not personal.. it's just that Rodial are the only brand that push the boundaries in this way. Skin Bleach, Skinny Sticks and so on. I genuinely don't understand why you can't see that Size Zero is no message to send to anyone. I don't even know anyone at Rodial, so can very genuinely say it's not personal. I shouldn't think they'll mind in the slightest.. Rodial are magnificent at publicity and I guess they will only see this as publicity - if indeed they see it at all. I can't think why they would. And vicious? That is too harsh.. I feel, for a brand that has five upheld judgements against them by the ASA in 2011 alone (do check the site), that I am not alone in thinking they are pushing too hard at boundaries. To have a strong view about the phrase Size Zero is, I think, pretty normal. Anyway, all debate is good, so thank you for your comments.
I really think that anyone who can't understand why Rodial (and Nip + Fab products) rile people so much don't know the whole story about Maria H and the whole history associated with Rodial and Nip + Fab products. That's not a criticism, I'm just pointing out that in my opinion, BBB's views are entirely justified as most people don't know the full story - I didn't a few years ago. Personally as a beauty journalist no other brand or admittedly person winds me up as much those brands, or the people behind them do just because they never learn and because of the tactics they use, which I won't go into because I'd never stop. In my opinion, no other brands plumb the depths they do. So I totally understand where BBB is coming from because she also probably knows more about the two brands than any of us do, and what I know, which is probably more than a lot of people but less than BBB does, is more than enough to get smoke coming out of my ears, whether that's wrong or right. I'm just pointing this out because I can honestly say I've also got no personal vendetta against Maria H or her brands but I think that it really is hard NOT to get wound up when you know the full story - or even a fraction of it. In my opinion no other brands (or company) takes the mickey in the way they do - they're just on an entirely different level when it comes to taking the mickey, and I just feel that most people really don't know the full story, because I certainly had no clue before starting work as a freelance journalist and find out information from people at the brand, from the brand's PR people, etc.
I think it's ridiculous that people look at a name and judge a fantastic product based on this. The product isn't designed to make someone a size 0. Rodial have always used shocking names but in reality this cream is designed to help with body and skin texture and I think you'll find it does. As the old saying goes; 'never judge a book by its cover' - for all the bloggers spreading negative comments, buy it - try it, then pass your opinion around!
You don't have to be stupid. It's a name. And quite frankly I'm angred at the hatred that's been published in these posts. People need to start looking at the ingredients, use it and then form an opinion. I think you'd be pleasantly Suprised......
British beauty blogger! How sad to be shaming a fantastic brand based on a name......
Obviously the brand don't want everyone to be a size 0, to be honest it would be physically impossible. The cream itself is lovely, I have one and it makes my skin look flawless in the more unforgiving areas. Anything to do this is amazing and I'm a real fan. Can I ask you if you have actually trialled this for a number of weeks? Isn't that what bloggers are supposed to do? I don't want to hear opinions on just a name! I want results! I want to read about the product and not just what they decided to call it! For example; I was waking through b&q the other day when I noticed one of those 'no nails needed adhesives' it was called 'sticks like shit....' on first impression I was like ''oh my, how can they get away with marketing this?'' but, really, it sticks like shit..... So who am I to judge?
One little point - it might well "stick like shit" as you so eloquently put it but this product will not make you a size zero and while a product that will "stick like shit" would be great when it comes to hanging up pictures, the point is that being a size zero isn't something which should be promoted as a good thing. Anyway I'm admitting defeat on this one - the majority of people complaining about why Rodial is getting such a hard time are just totally missing the point and perhaps will just never get what that point is, if they don't by now.
I would venture to say that the majority of people complaining about why Rodial is getting such a hard time are totally getting the point, and that they may have more stake in things than they are admitting. Just saying that I find it suspicious that these people seem so personally offended that someone on a beauty blog dares to be critical about some of the products and the marketing around them.
I have used numerous Rodial and Nip & Fab products, and I'm well aware of the ingredients. And I can say without hesitation that they almost without exception fail to live up in any way to the claims made on their behalf.
39 comments:
great great and great. I love your blog and now I love it even more xxx
Can't believe that- I have Nip-Fab in my beauty cupboard.....thanks for the info!!
Well said! They should be ashamed, not us (of our bodies)!
Hmm, to be honest, the Rodial products I've used really are fabulous and very effective.
I tried the dragon blood range - the eye cream is a dream. I often have allergies around the eye area and dragon blood has such a wonderful cooling and soothing effect.
Also the glam series- the lip balm is fantastic and the multi balm great for dry skin in winter.
As for your problem with the "message" that new body cream might have: isn't each and every cosmetics product about perceived imperfections? You're not using, say, eye shadow just for its pretty colour. You want to make your eyes look larger, more intense, more beautiful. So what's wrong with a cream that's intended to make your body look better?
This is fantastic. Not only do beauty products like this one need to take a look at the message they are sending but magazines also, who make money off the backs off praising celebrities for loosing a bit of weight or cleverly analyse their 'new found curves'.
Agreed on all counts. And I will never understand people who keep believing that a jar of cream will magic their perceived flaws away. I also get annoyed by bloggers (obviously not you!) who 'review' these creams and claim 'well it might work' or 'who knows but looook isn't it purdy?! look at the pretty packaging' etc etc etc. Arghhhhhh.
I've never rated Rodial anyway, over priced, over hyped and (for me) totally ineffective.
It's quite sad when a brand becomes known more for their marketing shock tactics than their actual formulations.
Have absolutely no desire to look into this product. But then again I'm not that stupid to fall for it either!
I can still remember when Dior took a 15 yrs old's body to sell cellulite cream! Tapping into insecurities to sell cream is just wrong but it's the way many cosmetics companies do things unfortunately.
I completely agree. But I think even worse than the cream itself is the way it's being marketed, I've heard that it's being offered with a diet supplement as a free gift!
I got this press release and it really ticked me off. Way to body shame a good proportion of people.
Excellent post - what a ridiculous message to be sending, especially at a time when naturally healthy women are finally starting to make an appearance in the media.
www.freshlookbeautyblog.com
Oh goodie, some brands will never learn... I think that the morals in this industry are reaching a new low.
We all know that most ads are edited and faked somehow but aiming at women this way is just ridiculous.
I think it's yet again another PR driven name, it's getting everyone talking about the product more because of the name. Would we really be talking about this if it had a PC friendly name? No not really.
I don't agree with it all, but it's doing what the PR company cannot pay for, people talking about it.
I see where your coming from but isn't that just a funny name?! Like how other brands do it too, like Mama Mio 'Shrink to Fit'......
Great post BBB, and really agree with you on the retailers and stockists, will give 'em a hard time if I come across any. Ax
Is FAT GIRL SLIM okay? Get over it.
AMEN!
I am in the states and our sizes are larger here. What is a size zero there? Minus?
Never heard of this brand and from what you wrote, have no desire . I love cosmetics because they make me feel pretty, feminine and special.
Terrible marketing for them!
There is a cream called fat girl slim from Bliss, maybe that is where they are taking inspiration?
I'm size 16 is this gonna make me a size zero? Nah probs not, a size 12 even, again probs not! I really don't understand how they get away with this!!
Actually US sizes are smaller.I wear a US 6-8 which is UK 8-10.And I absolutely agree with BBB gal,but also sizing needs to be something people need to be educated about.I say this as a former size 0,and its NOT about going down actual inches when you start going down in sizes.I could wear a 0 in one designer that would actually be a 5 in others. Women on both ends of the scale get slated because of so much misinformation.Maybee my next blog subject!But I never dare say that about my own size being a 0 at one time here in the UK,But BBB gal knows I am honest and genuine in my thoughts about the ethics of designers and brands.Designers intentionally cut and list sizes smaller to appeal to ego. We need a campaign for truth in sizing and a universal sizing standard if we really want to have an impact on body image. Wearing a CK size 5 but it actually an 8 in another 'high street' size contributes to the problem. So yes I hate that brands are also now contributing to this when they should be helping us. And as an original fan of nip and fab for its huge impact on some facial scar tissue,and had hoped rodial would be even better,I am saddened to put it back on the shelf and look for an alternative product. Hopefully BBB gal bringing this right to the front will start more people to the sizing issue too. As always,warmest regards,Namaste'LadyRobinBudd
I remember that story and the comments in the online publication's site(everyone's favourite pearl-clutching woman-hating publication) pointing out the girl's real name and occupation but still the paper kept the article on its website.
Rodial is appalling in its claims and I really do not understand how the company gets away with it, especially if a company like Lancome can fall afoul of the rules so easily without making claims that come close to being as unrealistic as Rodial's. I have heard they spend a lot on legal and will jump down the throat of anyone who dares to refute their claims and so with personal lawsuits threatened people back off.
Rodial know what they're doing, it's all PR driven and they know people will talk.
I stopped being a Rodial customer when they called one of their products Skin Bleach. What an insensitive name considering that many women of colour die, burn themselves and put themselves at risk of cancer for the sake of lighter skin? Do they not see how offensive it is? I hope someone takes Rodial to court again with this, it's flipping false advertising.
HI, i love your blog, its funny and informative. Just one question though what is your vendetta against Rodial. Your blogs about them or Nip +Fab are all so personal, much more so than when you write about other brands. would be nice to see you a bit more fair. also if you are going to hate on size zero, you should say a word about BLiss and its Fat girl slim cream.
also, what happened in 2008? you wrote the nicest piece about Rodial's owner, and now hate the brand? if you are going to claim you are unbiased and fair, then perhaps you could do so? I think your site is great, and i honestly do like it, but you should have a bit more integrety...
I think Becki said it all - I've
over priced, over hyped and (unless they can seriously prove it) - uber misleading. No one ABSOLUTELY no one will become a size 0 by rubbing cream over their body!!! Buying 110 of these is the equivalent of a Gastric Band!! Now that DOES deliver the goods!!!
THANK YOU for writing out in a beautiful and eloquent manner what's been swirling around my head every time I saw a Rodial product pop up somewhere.
I was outraged for the first time when I saw their Crash Diet "dietary supplement". Their products are all the rage on pro-anorexia sites which says it all to me, really. Sending out a message that says we cannot be beautiful without plastic surgery, starving ourselves to death (oh, and using their products, of course!) is utterly disgusting. There's tapping into insecurities and there's taking the piss.
Hi Krystle.. I have always said I liked the Rodial Glam Balm.. always. Bliss FatGirlSlim sounds all wrong now but when it came out several years ago it was referencing the then very popular DJ, FatBoySlim, so it was a fair play on words. However, you are correct, that these days it should probably look at a re-name. I also think it is fair and reasonable to change my mind about a brand as and when they bring different products out especially when they are named so provocatively. As for my integrity, I think it's rude for you to insinuate that it might be lacking. I haven't visited you and laid insults at your door. Don't read it if you don't like it.
Well said!
I think the Size Zero Myth is long overdue for a serious debunking!
This easter, I asked my most slender friend what jeans size she is and she answered 'size 8', which is a US size 2. This is a very health-conscious and sensible woman who I would never accuse of having body issues. She is simply naturally slender and very very physically active (daily horse rides and dog walks along with a hyperactive business life and a penchant for dancing). (Oh, and these physical exertions make her a size 10 on top, as she has a fabulous pair of shoulders.)
All of this adds up to her being the slenderest slenderella of my acquaintance. I know my friends are all on the downside of 30, but not one of them is under a size 10 and most are a 12 or 14 in one area or another.
I have a daughter. And the thought that she will be goaded with the Size Zero cattle prod is horrifying. Size Zero is impossibly and unhealthily skinny as a goal, unless you are naturally as tiny as a bird.
Hi BBB, thanks for your reply. Much appreciated. If you felt insulted....apologies. Rather than make you feel insulted, I wanted you to be fair with your comments. You can of course change your mind about a brand, as is a women's right. I was curious as to why your posts are more personal and almost vicious towards Rodial?
Hi Krystle.. it's not personal.. it's just that Rodial are the only brand that push the boundaries in this way. Skin Bleach, Skinny Sticks and so on. I genuinely don't understand why you can't see that Size Zero is no message to send to anyone. I don't even know anyone at Rodial, so can very genuinely say it's not personal. I shouldn't think they'll mind in the slightest.. Rodial are magnificent at publicity and I guess they will only see this as publicity - if indeed they see it at all. I can't think why they would. And vicious? That is too harsh.. I feel, for a brand that has five upheld judgements against them by the ASA in 2011 alone (do check the site), that I am not alone in thinking they are pushing too hard at boundaries. To have a strong view about the phrase Size Zero is, I think, pretty normal. Anyway, all debate is good, so thank you for your comments.
I really think that anyone who can't understand why Rodial (and Nip + Fab products) rile people so much don't know the whole story about Maria H and the whole history associated with Rodial and Nip + Fab products. That's not a criticism, I'm just pointing out that in my opinion, BBB's views are entirely justified as most people don't know the full story - I didn't a few years ago. Personally as a beauty journalist no other brand or admittedly person winds me up as much those brands, or the people behind them do just because they never learn and because of the tactics they use, which I won't go into because I'd never stop. In my opinion, no other brands plumb the depths they do. So I totally understand where BBB is coming from because she also probably knows more about the two brands than any of us do, and what I know, which is probably more than a lot of people but less than BBB does, is more than enough to get smoke coming out of my ears, whether that's wrong or right. I'm just pointing this out because I can honestly say I've also got no personal vendetta against Maria H or her brands but I think that it really is hard NOT to get wound up when you know the full story - or even a fraction of it. In my opinion no other brands (or company) takes the mickey in the way they do - they're just on an entirely different level when it comes to taking the mickey, and I just feel that most people really don't know the full story, because I certainly had no clue before starting work as a freelance journalist and find out information from people at the brand, from the brand's PR people, etc.
So in your eyes, (and Rodial's) size zero is 'better'?!
Catherine
I really hate this brand. That is all.
I think it's ridiculous that people look at a name and judge a fantastic product based on this. The product isn't designed to make someone a size 0. Rodial have always used shocking names but in reality this cream is designed to help with body and skin texture and I think you'll find it does. As the old saying goes; 'never judge a book by its cover' - for all the bloggers spreading negative comments, buy it - try it, then pass your opinion around!
You've obviously not used the products I have! They are great!
You don't have to be stupid. It's a name. And quite frankly I'm angred at the hatred that's been published in these posts. People need to start looking at the ingredients, use it and then form an opinion. I think you'd be pleasantly Suprised......
British beauty blogger! How sad to be shaming a fantastic brand based on a name......
Obviously the brand don't want everyone to be a size 0, to be honest it would be physically impossible. The cream itself is lovely, I have one and it makes my skin look flawless in the more unforgiving areas. Anything to do this is amazing and I'm a real fan. Can I ask you if you have actually trialled this for a number of weeks? Isn't that what bloggers are supposed to do? I don't want to hear opinions on just a name! I want results! I want to read about the product and not just what they decided to call it!
For example; I was waking through b&q the other day when I noticed one of those 'no nails needed adhesives' it was called 'sticks like shit....' on first impression I was like ''oh my, how can they get away with marketing this?'' but, really, it sticks like shit..... So who am I to judge?
One little point - it might well "stick like shit" as you so eloquently put it but this product will not make you a size zero and while a product that will "stick like shit" would be great when it comes to hanging up pictures, the point is that being a size zero isn't something which should be promoted as a good thing. Anyway I'm admitting defeat on this one - the majority of people complaining about why Rodial is getting such a hard time are just totally missing the point and perhaps will just never get what that point is, if they don't by now.
Tam
I would venture to say that the majority of people complaining about why Rodial is getting such a hard time are totally getting the point, and that they may have more stake in things than they are admitting. Just saying that I find it suspicious that these people seem so personally offended that someone on a beauty blog dares to be critical about some of the products and the marketing around them.
I have used numerous Rodial and Nip & Fab products, and I'm well aware of the ingredients. And I can say without hesitation that they almost without exception fail to live up in any way to the claims made on their behalf.
Post a Comment