Subliminal marketing on Mumsnet

[OhYeahLucky]

Has anyone else been wondering if certain companies have been sneaking a few cheeky “influencer” type posts onto certain threads on MN in the Style and Beauty section in order to sell more of their goods??There’s one group of threads in particular that I’ve been following for quite a while and I’ve seen the content change quite considerably, now becoming dominated by mainly one or two brands. Maybe it’s just a coincidence and a few of the posters just do really like those brands but the conspiracy theorist in me can’t help but wonder if a few of them are either being paid or receiving free goods in exchange for a bit of subtle marketing.

I think MFP has millions of users, and it's basically calorie counting - so presumably works - but on that front, I always side-eye when people here mention Styled By Susie which sounds suspiciously like a cult to me. I also wince a bit at House of Colour. Any time an OP says they've lost their way style-wise someone always pops up to recommend one of these two things. And I know that's just the nature of the beast, I'm sure these people are genuine, but it feels like the equivalent of LTB when an OP's husband forgets to put the bins out.

I do sometimes wonder what it would do to my mojo if I did the full MN makeover that always get touted on here of:

Good cut and colour (as if these posters have somehow completely sidestepped the problematic issue of finding a hairdresser that excels at both and is just found randomly found by stepping in any random salon)

Getting my colours/seasons done (because that wasn't already considered a bit old fashioned when my mum was young, but if it works for you it works for you)

A Bravissimo bra fitting (I'm not a massive fan of the boob or bust cult on here either, it suits some but not all)

John Lewis personal shopper (not everyone is a JL shopper but every 'new me' MNer apparently is ) or the Styled by Susie nonsense which I gather is just tucking in everything, belts, and chunky sneakers. Isn't this just the new Breton top skinny jeans?

Full makeup makeover at Bobbi Brown (it's not my thing as it's all very eye heavy and I have hooded eyes so tend to keep it light but I get other people love it, but again, it's hardly a place that caters to all).

I'd be so miserable 🙈

I've used MFP for years and I think I just used it because it was the most highly rated calorie tracker in the app store at the time and had the largest library that wasn't wholly US focused. No one ever recommended it to me 🤷 I've tried others and they were never as good.

Judy I'll recommend House of Colour if people are discussing being done or are interested in finding out more about which colours and styles suit them, mainly because I believe you can't do it yourself, you need someone else to analyse you if you're going to do it properly. I would start a thread about it though! Bo I'd have said it was outdated too, until I had it done! It makes so much sense and I'm not as dedicated to it as some people but I do only ever wear my colours and I know what styles suit me and why. One of the issues I have with Styled by Susie is that the analysis isn't done in person and they get told they can wear black....which they can't! Either do it properly or don't bother.

That should read, I wouldn't start a thread......

frugal, I am admittedly a very privileged person for whom colour comes naturally, so it's never ever been an issue. When I had to study colour theory, understanding the hues, clarity, undertones, etc. as part of my studies I was really surprised people actually needed theory to grasp/see it. It's definitely a case where I'm blind to how easy it doesn't come to everyone. Ergo, if it works for you, great, but I do question how much it moves with the times as the use of colour in fashion and makeup is a lot more sophisticated than it was even five years ago. When I'm in a vintage shop I can definitely see the difference in colour choices and how those are limiting and far more likely to be unflattering on a variation of people whereas these days most things will suit most. I've also wondered how inclusive they are, in my mother's days the theory and diagnosises were definitely for white people only.

My entire knowledge of Styled by Susie is from a thread slagging it off on here but I've always wondered how she's not getting sued for colour/season diagnosing people while not being a consultant for those patented systems alongside the use of other people's images ripped from the internet.