...how bodycare upped its game, and how brands I really didn't expect to are using that shift to boost their science credentials. Plus the truth about affiliate links — the good, the bad, the ugly...
Affiliate links are fine. They’re only not fine if they aren’t labelled in the piece somewhere as affiliate links. Martin Lewis moneysavingexpert is often ranked as the most trusted man in Britain and he uses them in his newsletter, so that makes them a-ok in my eyes.
Oh that’s interesting. I didn’t know he used them. And thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am very on the fence still so genuinely interested in what people think
Thanks so much for the mention Claire! For what it’s worth from a brands perspective, the affiliate links matter, particularly when it’s from credible people that can help give “weight” to a brands narrative vs a general reach approach. I’ve always seen it through the lens your credibility is earned by being selective and with clear points of view that you build over time. so if you agree to work with a brand it’s a compliment. As long as the consumer/reader can clearly see it’s an affiliate link I personally don’t see the issue x
The fact the beauty industry, for the most part, throws money at people based on reach, algorithms and virality rather than on integrity, authenticity and, you know, actual broad knowledge of said industry is the bigger issue here. Use the links, make the money, someone else’s discomfort with it shouldn’t be a major factor.
Because, if we’re looking at the long game here, this strategy can only have the effect of minimising and devaluing expertise in beauty.
I think it’s fine to use them! I did on my old NL that I did with a partner. But I chose not to for my current one just because I’m still doing a lot of reporting for other outlets on these brands and companies and felt it was better optics if I just didn’t. I really don’t think people care and would be happy for you to make a lil cash !!
Oh that’s a really interesting take on things. I hadn’t thought about that side of it. (Although when I do, I realise most of the publications I write for use their own affiliate links 🙄)
Totally fine by me for you to use them. It is the non-disclosure that grinds my gears plus the shill for anything. (DMBLF) . You are a professional in your field and work with integrity; I would enjoy your pieces irrespective of what the type of link is!
As a woman of a certain age on gel HRT in the morning, let me tell you not being able to moisturise the top of my arms and inner thighs is really annoying! I have absolutely no loyalty to any body brand and it would be nice to get some goodness in. I love the occasional oil in the evening too.
Thanks for your kind words. (DMBLF?!) By the way counterintuitively oils aren’t as moisturising as moisturisers - I might do a newsletter on that one of these days. It was a really interesting bit of research!
Affiliate links are fine. They’re only not fine if they aren’t labelled in the piece somewhere as affiliate links. Martin Lewis moneysavingexpert is often ranked as the most trusted man in Britain and he uses them in his newsletter, so that makes them a-ok in my eyes.
Oh that’s interesting. I didn’t know he used them. And thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am very on the fence still so genuinely interested in what people think
Thanks so much for the mention Claire! For what it’s worth from a brands perspective, the affiliate links matter, particularly when it’s from credible people that can help give “weight” to a brands narrative vs a general reach approach. I’ve always seen it through the lens your credibility is earned by being selective and with clear points of view that you build over time. so if you agree to work with a brand it’s a compliment. As long as the consumer/reader can clearly see it’s an affiliate link I personally don’t see the issue x
Ah thank you for reading Anna, and for your view on this. Look forward to catching up soon and hearing about your fuure plans X
The fact the beauty industry, for the most part, throws money at people based on reach, algorithms and virality rather than on integrity, authenticity and, you know, actual broad knowledge of said industry is the bigger issue here. Use the links, make the money, someone else’s discomfort with it shouldn’t be a major factor.
Because, if we’re looking at the long game here, this strategy can only have the effect of minimising and devaluing expertise in beauty.
Thank you Em x
I think it’s fine to use them! I did on my old NL that I did with a partner. But I chose not to for my current one just because I’m still doing a lot of reporting for other outlets on these brands and companies and felt it was better optics if I just didn’t. I really don’t think people care and would be happy for you to make a lil cash !!
Oh that’s a really interesting take on things. I hadn’t thought about that side of it. (Although when I do, I realise most of the publications I write for use their own affiliate links 🙄)
I mean, some of mine do too so why I am on this high horse of mine is a real mystery 🤪
🤣
Totally fine by me for you to use them. It is the non-disclosure that grinds my gears plus the shill for anything. (DMBLF) . You are a professional in your field and work with integrity; I would enjoy your pieces irrespective of what the type of link is!
As a woman of a certain age on gel HRT in the morning, let me tell you not being able to moisturise the top of my arms and inner thighs is really annoying! I have absolutely no loyalty to any body brand and it would be nice to get some goodness in. I love the occasional oil in the evening too.
Thanks for your kind words. (DMBLF?!) By the way counterintuitively oils aren’t as moisturising as moisturisers - I might do a newsletter on that one of these days. It was a really interesting bit of research!