Watching this while laying on my bed that I made out of old eyeshadow palette’s and lip pencils

I really dislike companies using young models for a product that is used for older 60 plus customers

Brands don't want the responsibility of producing recyclable packaging so they are pushing unrealistic "upcycling" onto consumers. I hate it. How many bottles with a single flower in it can be reasonably placed on a shelf?

"Babe" and "hun" honestly give me MLM vibes, so whenever someone calls me either of those, I get the ick. Like a big ick.😶

I am an esthetician too and I can NOT stand when we tell brands that their mineral spf leaves a cast ant they proceede to tell us skincare professionals we need to warm it up before or they tell us no don’t add a serum/moisturizer/essence to get it to absorb it dilutes the efficacy. We’re not going to allow our clients of deeper skin tones to go about their day looking like Mark Zuckerberg surfing.

I don't like when brands or companies post memes about being broke but still making a huge makeup haul anyway. Beauty Bay do this a lot and it actually started to put me off them a bit. Not only are they trying to seem relatable and cool but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth making jokes and encouraging people to buy more shit they really don't need all the time when they're broke or should be spending the little they have on bills or other important expenses. With the cost of "living" going even higher it makes it even worse

Some of the captions on IG posts from brands like fenty, morphe, colourpop etc make me roll my eyes so hard sometimes they pop out of my skull

My least favorite is “Hey, bestie”. I agree that the overfamiliarity is somewhat pejorative and I don’t appreciate it! Loved the video!

Agree re: “upcycling”!! This is just another way to keep the responsibility on the consumer, rather than companies. They need to make better, less impactful packaging!

My #1 annoying thing is when someone talks about a product they've never even used before/ when they act like it's their #1 secret for their skin when it's a brand new product *cough* 98% of celebrity skincare lines *cough* whew sorry, had something in my throat there🤣

I tried Lume deodorant a while back and I used it precisely as I was supposed to, not over applying, and when I said on a post that it just wasn’t working for me, a brand rep tried to tell me I must be using it wrong and gave me pointers. I told them, no, I’m using it exactly as you’ve described and it doesn’t work. Please just accept that your deodorant isn’t some miracle product. Like I’m not inept I know how to use deodorant and I didn’t ask for help. I was leaving an honest review/opinion.

I don't know if this bugs anyone else but when a product is marked "sensitive" and it has a load of added fragrance in it. Fragrance isn't evil but when you have sensitive skin it's really likely that fragrance is going to be what's irritating and it often gives me a headache. I've learned to never trust the "sensitive" label and check the ingredients for fragrance before I buy anything.

Omg... brands acting like MLM's with influencers really makes me question who I support.

When I watch charlotte tilbury do a make up tutorial and she's calling someone darling, it feels like that's part of her natural vocabulary. But in a newsletter or as part of product campaign I feel it doesn't work as well and (as you say) comes across a little patronising. X

I wish someone would make a room packed full of empty skincare bottles with individual flowers just to show how silly that upcycle idea is.

When brands use AAVE to market themselves saying " omg slay queen 💅💅😍😝" garbage and then not make a single product suitable for dark skin

I remember reading a really interesting article about upcycling. the short and skinny of it was basically that upcycling is often just delaying that item ending up in the landfill anyway. sure, you might use a bottle as a vase for a few months, even a few years, but chances are you're still going to throw it out eventually 🤷

I agree with all of these! Calling someone babe, hun or darling if you’re not my boyfriend or grandma is a no go and honestly kinda condescending and disrespectful. I’m a paying costumer, that is your business, be professional. Also, I love HelloFresh but if I have to see the adverts and sponsorships everywhere at least let me accumulate the stupid discount codes.

"Petty" James is so great! I HATE it when I see brands push the "non-toxic"/clean crap movement. OR when they point out something that shouldn't be pointed out, e.g., "benzene-free" or "preservative-free" -- the first, um, wth?! the second, um, say it loud: Preservatives 👏🏼 are 👏🏼 good 👏🏼 In America specifically, the way filters and whatnot are used to promote makeup and/or skincare, if the brand is in anyway sponsoring it or the like, it pisses me off. And brands pushing up cycling is reminiscent of what many big companies have done it the past decade: they just point out the spec in the consumer's eye and disregard the plank in theirs.

Ok, I am guilty of keeping SOME pretty packaging. But, I am a miniatures artist, so I have a lot of little bits to store and the pretty packaging looks better on my shelves than little plastic tubs or butter dishes. I can usually get labels off with acetone.

When brands are saying ‘97% of users started seeing results after only 2 weeks!!’ 🙄

I would say that my biggest pet peeve when it comes to brands (literally ANY brand) is popping out themed collection after themed collection. "Limited edition", "special edition", "influencer edition", "nostalgia edition" and so on. STOP REMIXING YOUR PRODUCTS IN DIFFERENT ORDERS WITH DIFFERENT PACKAGING. FFS.

PSA to anyone who wants to wear color lenses please make sure you know how to care for and clean lenses if you buy weeklies or monthlies, otherwise buy dailies only, you only get one pair of eyes ♥️ And never use dailies two days in a row or use lenses past their specified lifetime.

James: I don't want to leave diy shit around the house. 5-Minute-Crafts has left the chat.

I really loathe the ‘prestige’ brands flying a load of good looking, super skinny ‘influencers’ to the Maldives, Paris etc to launch yet another super anti-ageing, fly you to the moon moisturiser, and then thinking that this outrageous display of excess will encourage the average beauty consumer to empty their salary on a marble counter just to conjure up images of the Maldives or Paris or wherever. Would they just stop it, please.

I hate when brands call their tinted SPF "universal". They never are actually universal or inclusive to either end of the spectrum. They are either too orange for anyone with really fair skin (like me) or aren't a color match for anyone with a darker complexion. I would love to use a tinted SPF because it can double as foundation (for me). But I gave up trying to find one that doesn't make me look orange or like I used bad self-tanner.

I would like to add: brands that have this profile of being empowering to women but in reality, they totally exploit their employees and people who apply for jobs at their company (yes Estrid I'm looking at you). And pinkwashing as well.

It's not at all petty, mate. It's a brand's responsibility to ensure their packaging is recycled or upcycled. I dont get why this si so difficult for brands to do. Ask for your packaging back. Give the customer some kind of credit when they bring it back and encourage them. Mac still does it. Why can't all. Take your damn packaging back. We don't need tchotchke lying around after we spend 40$ on a face cream.

I agree totally hun! Brands annoy me so much, and I hate it when they say “oh you can easily pause your subscription “ then you try and they don’t end up pausing it and you end up paying more then you try to cancel and that takes even long and…. Grrrrrr! HELLO FRESH!!! Love Tia xxx

On the memes thing. One of the few brands that did the meme thing well is fenty beauty but others is just cringe. The Oscar slap was the worst offender. When that happened every brand posted and tried to use it. Sooooo annoying

This is a super 90’s thing that brands still do and it drives me crazy. They’ll break and smear the lipsticks and eyeshadows all over a white surface as a swatch. It’s so gross and unappealing

Annoying: Niacinamide in EVERYTHING, it's a no for my skin. But to be more general, the skincare industry latching onto the new IT ingredient and putting it in everything.

I always feel like 'tinted' sun screens and moisturisers etc are just always completely orange. I don't think they work on anyone whether that's people of colour or super fair people like me or anyone in-between! I think the one thing that is the same across all skin types and colours is that oompah lumpa orange doesn't work on anyone... so why do brands treat it as the universal colour? So we can all universally hate it?!

My folks had the same thing happen with a edge grass trimmer last year. It was nearly AU$500. The company were either ignoring my parents emails or saying it's being shipped next week or saying it's out of stock & on back order... 4mths later they told me about it. I went stalking online to find out where they were located, to see if they had other contact details etc... Their online reviews were shocking!!! So many people saying they hadn't received what they purchased, they were getting the runaround, most were still waiting years for items or refunds etc... We're in Queensland, Australia & they were located near where we used to live in Sydney, Australia... So they probably thought there's no way we could do anything as there's a 20hr drive between us... I emailed them saying "I'm flying down to visit family in 10 days. They live near your factory so we'll be coming in to see you to get our money back"... They replied back within minutes saying they were just about to email us to say it's being shipped today..... Yeah 🐂💩 We got the item 7 days later 🤣

As a 33 year old woman with zero desire to have children, I laughed so hard when you talked about kids making stuff at school and having to hang it on the fridge. Same… same… this video was awesome, thanks. Btw, Hello Fresh is great.

Brands ignoring emails and DMs while deleting comments about customer service grinds my gears.

I have to thank you, James! I was complimented at work today! A woman I work with said, "wow! Your highlighter looks amazing!" I said, "thank you, but I'm not wearing any!" I told her some of the products I use and that the glow was likely from my SPF. I finally have that glow from within look and others are noticing! Thank you so much for all your advice!

The Charlotte Tilbury boxes drive me INSANE with their percentage claims - they are completely bonkers, unbelievable and just plain annoying. It has really put me off, I HATE it!! If you are going to quote percentage benefit claims then at least use more than 10 people in the focus group and specify over how long the products were being used - make it honest!!!

Marketing is so wild. The idea that the chemical sunscreen I was using was somehow worse and I needed a mineral one despite how many issues I have trying to find one that works for my skin AND my makeup really got me for a while. They just invent reasons for you to keep buying different things. Thank goodness we can use trash as vases though, that'll definitely make up for the excessive plastic consumption Edit: other things that are pushed like no silicone, no sulfate, green, clean beauty, no parabens, etc. Not even necessary for everyone. My hair is so thin that silicone actual does weigh it down but it just makes it wavy instead of curly and that's not a bad thing. 10 step skincare isn't Necessary. Even if it's nice. I think fair trade, avoiding palm oil for the forests, and using compostable or at least recyclable packaging really helps. Glass is better. But there's a lot of issues with recycling so really, if i want to be conscientious I'm just not going to buy the product.

What seriously bothers me about brands is when they have hyaluronic acid in every single one of their products. Some people are sensitive to that ingredient! It's already in almost everything!

Omg yes thank you about the recycling thing! Like sorry peach and lilly but your small bottles will not function as am eyeshadow brush holder. Literally only one brush fits lmao. I'm showing I'm willing to buy products in glass. As long as the price is reasonable, I'm willing to pay.

the petty rant about diy made by children from school has seriously sent me into a laughing fit 😂 youre amazing james, keep up the great work 💜

I think whenever I see the giant and lavish PR parties it just makes me upset about the amount of waste that's going into that one event. I do think it's important to recognize influencers and staff that has helped advance your brand, but the ridiculous launch parties and events like that seem like a huge waste of money that could have been spent on advancing your product or giving your employees raises/bonus, you know?

:15 I sometimes do this already because I’m just a frugal person. I’ve actually repurposed multiple Glow Recipe containers, I use little jars to store things like loose earring backs, and I use the taller ones to hold things like tweezers, cotton swabs, etc. I would never upcycle them for aesthetic reasons, I just use ones that are easy to clean and repurpose(basically only glass containers) for storage in my bathroom so I’m not wasting money buying plastic storage containers when I can just repurpose ones I have, but that’s all. Also I love Lab Muffin too, her recommendations have always been a boon for me! I’m glad you agree too

i also hate when a certain product or a complexion product's shade range claims to fit ALL skintones... like NO you can't guarantee that you've tested all skintone that exists, saying most or a lot of skintones would've been fine for me

The thing that bugs me about all the overly sponsored companies is that they either only offer discounts or special offers to bring in new customers and don't do anything for existing customers (Hello Fresh) or the discount codes they give influencers don't really mean anything cuz they have a code on their website that offers the same "discount". Like, it's not a discount if that's just the price you charge! It just feels kinda scammy, you know?

I was watching this while cleaning and I heard you saying about not wanting kids because of the stuff they bring home… then you said next product controlled your Sebum and I heard Semen - and thought- that will help with the kid situation.

I actually kept and reuse some skincare containers 😂 If they’re small/compact and well made, I use them to put my skincare when I’m traveling (transfer from a large jar). Travel size formats are just way too expensive. I keep them in my travel basket hidden in the closet.

Yes! If you call me “hun” or “babe” there is a 100% chance I will never buy from your brand.

I hate it when brands say that their foundation/concealer shade ranges are going to work for everyone. I especially hate it when they release light coverage lines with only 10 or 12 shades and say they'll work for everyone because they're light coverage. I can only speak for my pasty ass, but the lightest shade is almost always too dark, and I look like I got a really shit tan. I know it's more of a makeup pet peeve, but I don't get enough opportunities to rant about it.

Love this and couldn't agree more with everything you said. I've actively stopped buying from or engaging with brands that do huge influencer trips and parties. Most of the time they're busy not listening to or rewarding their customers. They're not even slightly inclusive and will have faux-ethical collections. But, they'll spend ££££ to send a bunch of already well-known and sometimes super wealthy people to some sunny location (even locations that have had locals beg for them/ tourists to stop coming) and enjoy their new and often expensive products for free. Like why on earth would that influence me to spend more money with a brand. They clearly don't know how to use the money or value their dedicated customers.

Brands that use AAVE in their marketing but don’t have Black people in their boardrooms… very cringy and offensive

Personally I hate when ads have close up faces (especially eerily smiling ones) or when they literally shove the product in the camera, they even tap the camera like AHH STOP POKING MY EYE It activates my fight or flight response, stop invading my personal space please! 😭

As someone who has a very small monthly budget (im disabled& not able to work, so I live off disability) I *really* don't appreciate when brands announce launches at the last second, especially with limited edition products that won't be available in a month when I get $ next.

I enjoy mineral sunscreens because they don't smell or burn my eyes, like the chemical sunscreens. But I am pasty pale, and even I get a white cast from them. I can only imagine how terrible they look on a person of color! No way it's invisible!

I've had First Aid Beauty and Tower28 send me products, and as a nobody, it made me feel so special omg. I saved the cards with my name n stuff🤣🤣

If I get a “hey, babe” or “hey, hun” in my DMs I immediately delete. It reminds me too much of my days in the distant past as an evangelical, when my group leader would approach me to “go for coffee.” Which was just code for “you’ve done something heathenish, we need to correct you” 😅

Every single skincare / makeup brand PR teams be watching this video realizing every single idea they have is on the “what not to do “ list ✍️

Omg I love how when you were talking about the old suits sitting around the conference table asking how to be relevant, and they say “I know, let’s post MEE-MEES!!” That’s exactly how I was saying it in my head “wishing” you’d say it, and then you did!

Oh the things that brands do that drive me crazy could fill an hour long video...maybe even a series... 🙈

It bothers me when a product claims to be a “miracle” anything. I hate lies.

OMG yes the lack of research! I get that all the time in my space from companies that SAY they love my stuff/what I do... and the product is for self-publishing. Which is great but I'm very clear I'm traditionally published/only knowledgeable in that space so they couldn't even be bothered to click my "about" tab to read my bio, or even GOOGLE ME lolllll. But sure, babe, you're a huge fan of my content.

Fun fact, a friend of mine took fun purple contacts to school, when we were 12 years old. We both put one in each of our eyes. An hour later, I had to go home with pink eye. I’ve never tried contacts again. 🤣

I love when James is laughing and saying "idk if it's just me or....". I'm sitting here laughing along saying no it's not just you! Love these type of videos!

Just being transparent with the customers will go so much farther than gimmicks.. lol. Love your commentary.. 🕉💌

When I started this video I was like “oh no James why have you been crying *hun*??” And then kept watching and realized it was just the cute glint/reflection from the contacts 🙃😅

My biggest annoyance right now is brands putting niacinamide and/or hyaluronic acid in *everything*. They’re already in my routine, I don’t need that much of them, thank you. Totally agree on all of the influencer posts at once when a product launches. I find it really off putting and start questioning whether it’s being talked about because it’s good, or just because it’s new, or just because it’s sponsored.

You’re petty. I STAN 😂😂😂😂

I am a communication major with a minor in digital marketing. Building a relationship is key in PR. And only use memes if you are a young brand that focusses on young people. Agree with all these things. Babe or hun is verry unprofessional.

Working in digital marketing, this video was actually super helpful. There is so much push for content, but I genuinely think it’s important to push back against the barrage of useless marketing. Brands don’t control the conversation anymore, and that’s a good thing imo. There is way more opportunity to actually do relationship building and get a back and forth going with people.

I love the pettiness!! Sometimes it is needed to show how brands are out of touch with reality.

I was talking to my husband about how all the commercials are now lazy cheap ass TikToks. It's not just in the beauty community.

Mine is when brands, and influencers, do those ‘this or that’ poll things on their stories. I could be wrong but I seems like such a thinly veiled reach for engagement. Totally agree with the up cycling thing though! I didn’t realise until you pointed it out 😂 I totally agree with recycling, and reusing bottles when you can, but using it as a vase or something… no. I do buy refills for my washing up liquid, so I reuse that bottle, but that’s because it has a use. An old moisturiser tub does not. I just take it to the recycle bins in Boots.

I even considered putting timestamps for hello fresh ads on every video I watch. I skip right through them

with regard to "hun" "darling" it really depends on the tone of voice and situation. I've once been called "sweetie" by an older gentleman and i thought it was charming because it just rolled right off like he was speaking to his granddaughter. he was immediately embarrassed and i felt bad for him. 😅

Just in response to the micellar water... I ALWAYS rinse mine off my face. When Garnier came out with one of the first, the film it left was AWFUL. I started using their sensitive skin version and I just splash some water on my face to rinse it and it works well! My skin is super sensitive and this seems to work!

The “hello Darling” gives me HUGE Estelle vibes, Joey’s agent from Friends! 😂

This cracked me up so much. It's so true! The comment about the "flower wall" had me dying. I agree with all of these! I try to use duck duck go on my phone so they can't ad attack me with nonsense. Can we please have more videos like this HUN? 😂 jk

lately I just love his videos. He does his research and gives us facts and I like hearing his opinion lol.

Omg I'm done! I'm so with you on the kids DYI crap! I hate having to tell them "oh... its so good" and then they want me to display it. I'm like ughhhhhh.... its just trash on my refrigerator! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Not you not having kids because you don't want to pretend to like their crap art🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I love you so much James omg🤣🤣🤣🤣

"let's post meemees" has me ROLLING 💀💀💀💀💀💀

Brands need to stop filtering their photos & using perfect lighting all of the time. We don't look like that every day so when we buy a product especially one that's expensive we feel we've been tricked. Thank you for the video. ps: I said me mes for a long time & then someone corrected me. I said meh Ill say me mes thank you.😉

When people complain about chemicals in skincare but water is a chemical

Love the pettiness! And I agree on all of this. 💜

You definitely are being petty…. And I’m here for it! I’m extremely petty myself and agreed with every single one of your pet peeve’s. The babes, Huns and darlings are all so condescending to me. But that’s probably because I’m hella petty🤣

As a fellow rosacea-ite, I love that you mention which products/ingredients work with your skin and don’t aggravate your rosacea. Thanks! 😁🤗

I love the "pet peeve" category of content! it's so fun to see what everyone's tastes are

I love me some James, so honest so humble, he makes you feel comfortable and I love the fact that he’s a guru but doesn’t sit in a high horse

You and your brother have the most beautiful voices. I find both of your videos to be so relaxing.

"Who has bottles lying around" haha yes haha who'd do that (let me just go hide my collection of little glass bottles with droppers from so many serums I've used up that I'm oddly attached to). I've literally gone online and checked Pinterest for ideas on what to do with them, but it's just always vases. Goddamn vases.

No one: James: This is the bio derma pink flavor 🤣

Thank you MUCH for saying exactly the way I feel about those “Hey-- “ greetings! I have found them INFURIATING for Years! I find it demeaning as all heck! I may be a bit older, but I feel it is not cute at all. A lot of these brands are saying these tag phrases to women and frankly, I feel women fought way too long and far too hard to NOT be called those words, especially by people we don’t know! I posted a few times on my Twitter about it a few years ago! It just gets under my skin. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with professional demeanor when greeting your customer base! Grow up, companies! And I unfollowed ColourPop bcz of the stinking flooding of useless irrelevant memes on my TL! I don’t think it’s cute! If ya gonna tweet about makeup and releases, wonderful but the senseless crap they filled my TL with burned!

Oh my gosh James you crack me up. My kids are still young and I sneak their art into the recycling bin. Zero guilt! Hopefully they won't catch on (they probably will..)

As a marketing student I appreciate this video soo much! Brands are trying soo bad to be “relatable” that it just feels cringy.

Hi! Absolutely loved this video, I found the insights on the industry so interesting (this is a marketing goldmine, praying brands listen lol), I know you said this was kinda to fill a blank filing day but would love it if you made more! I know Liah Yoo has also been making more industry-oriented videos lately and I've been obsessed with those, obviously still here for all your skincare vids (have been for a very long time) but it's so fun to get to learn something new :) Thanks for sharing!!

I find it annoying when drugstore brand hires a celebrity to promote their products and that celebrity is known for using tons of designer clothes and luxury makeup and skincare. And after you only see that celeb using only that drugstore product. Yeah, sure. 🙄

Hey I actually like that idea of turning my glow recipe PHA bottle into a vase... minus the label of course. Thanks James!

I use the Nip + Fab pad pots (washed and de-stickered) to hold things like tweezers and upright products in my cupboard so they don’t fall down - I’m not out here trying to use my COSRX bottles as vases though. I have actual vases for that very thing

Yes, they act like their packages are so gorgeous that you should display it as part of your home decor.🤦‍♀️😆