Logan Voss
Buying beauty supplies like hair products and makeup online is a great way to save money. One way to ensure you’re buying a quality product from a reputable buyer is to check out online reviews. But what if they’re not who they say they are? Learn the six ways to spot a fake review online to ensure you’re not getting duped.
Scene-Setting
If a review reads like a short story, there’s a good chance it is one. False reviews create scenes as opposed to using more specific words. For example, if a review is about a restaurant, a truthful review would use words that relate directly to their experience like “service,” “bathroom,” or “menu.” Fake reviews attempt to paint a picture using more intangible words like “vacation” and “my wife.”
Overuse of “I” or “Me”
If a reviewer uses “I” or “me” frequently throughout the review, there’s a chance it isn’t legitimate. They are possibly overcompensating by using personal pronouns frequently. Research also shows fake reviews tend to use verbs more than nouns.
Generic Profiles
You can spot a fake profile based on the name and photo. Generally, the names are more general, like Smith or even a combination of only letters and numbers. Most of the time, these profiles also lack a photo. Typically, accounts like these come from companies creating reviews to push inferior products.
Time Frame
If you see a cluster of positive reviews, check the time frame. They are probably fake if they were posted in the same time frame. Usually, companies use false reviews as a targeted campaign and release them at the same time, but there are exceptions: namely, holidays. With new product launches during the holiday season, there is often an uptick in honest reviews.
Spelling & Grammar
Overseas content farms create fake online reviews; this means that English isn’t always their first language, and there are a few misspellings or grammar errors. Also, check for any repeated words or phrases throughout the post; this is another red flag.
Reviewer Profile
Dig deep into the reviewer profile and see what else they reviewed. Tons of five-star reviews and no negative reviews could mean they receive free products in exchange for positive reviews.
The most important thing to keep in mind when researching makeup deals online is to pay attention to reviews that weigh both pros and cons and verified purchases. Understanding the six ways to spot fake reviews online will help you make more informed decisions when buying beauty supplies online!
