I recently enacted a “limited swag” rule for myself when I go to previews. Over the seven or so years I’ve been serious about blogging, I’ve gone to tons of events – mostly previews – and have received many, many bags. Most of the time, it just stays in my office, cluttering up space and I end up throwing everything out. People always ask me why I don’t give them away. Most beauty and hair care items aren’t WORTH it. Sure, they can go to a shelter, but by the time I have enough items to send, some would have already expired or are close to expiring. There are some items I would take – media kits (especially media kits, since it has important information), for one (though they have to include USBs since I do not have a DVD player connected to my computer. I also take chocolate, tea, coffee and gift cards, but am not a fan of large items.
Media event swag/samples often come in shopping bags like these
So why don’t I take beauty or hair products? I’m a very simple, low maintenance girl (especially for a lifestyle blogger). I’d rather spend time trying a new beauty product by booking an appointment with a brand so I can speak with them in more detail than just playing with the product at a preview. If I want to play with a product, I can go to Sephora. As for hair, I just don’t use product. I don’t even own hairspray. I shampoo and condition. I might use a hair mask or hair “CC cream” sometimes, but no more. I blow dry only when I have to (e.g. after showering at a gym, at the salon or if I have to attend an event). I’ve never even coloured my hair other than spraying temporary colour for a sporting event or Halloween. That’s just who I am and probably what makes me “different” from everyone else. Most style/lifestyle bloggers seem to look like they take at least 45 minutes to get ready each morning. Me? Maybe 15? It doesn’t take that long to brush one’s teeth, wash one’s face, put on some CC cream/tinted moisturizer, shadow, mascara and lipgloss. Hair just gets brushed and tied back. Showering at night certainly helps! And really, what’s the deal with giving us full sized items to try?
Now this brings me to large items. In 2014, I attended three previews in a row – all holiday-related. In each, I received huge bags. I ended up having to Uber to the final location and then Uber again back home because it was too difficult to carry all three on transit. Not every blogger will be driving to events – it’s not like parking is all that easy in downtown Toronto, anyway. And in addition, I much prefer to walk and do so whenever I can. It’s not abnormal for me to walk from, say, King and Spadina to Yonge and Bloor when the weather is nice. I know, some people think this is crazy, but that’s me. I am more likely to take transit, though. I don’t Uber or cab unless I really have to.
So why am I writing this? I’m just asking PR companies to take bloggers’ situations into consideration. Don’t assume that we are going to be walking short distances or driving. And don’t assume that we’re all high maintenance types just because we write about fashion. Or that we like free stuff. Some of us just want to attend previews to learn more about products and perhaps try them later. Or get them on our own (that’s where gift cards come in). Others (and I am one of them) will only take items for SPONSORED, COMPENSATED REVIEWS. And I’d gather to say that most of us hate clutter.
Image credit: monticello/Shutterstock
