Story of Cosmetics

I actually stumbled across this site when I was researching this program and looking at where some of the alum are now working. Since I found out that Bradley Mu started working there, I started following Free Range Studios. I’m slightly obsessed with a lot of their work because it is very similar to what I want to be doing after the program. However, this post is about the Story of Stuff, not my love for Free Range Studios, so I digress.

Let me just take a second to say how much I appreciate the style in which these videos were created. I would like to know (but also be terrified to discovered) how long it took to develop each of these works. They are pretty awesome. Now that is out of the way, I am a beauty and healthcare geek. I read at least one story each day about the cool new products that are best for your skin, add the most shine to your hair, easiest to take your makeup off, etc.

I also worked for a natural foods supermarket for 5 years of my life, so I have a natural inclination to pursue the au natural route as far as beauty products go. I want to make sure that what I’m wearing or using is as good for me as possible.

However, I know many people have not had the same experience as me and have absolutely no idea what kind of awful “stuff” is being put into their everyday care products. This video is effective because not only do you have her talking, but you have the animation to illustrate what she’s talking about. This method only reinforces these ideas more so that the next time we find ourselves browsing the isles of the pharmacy, we can think twice about what we’re actually about to buy.

I also really enjoyed how the icons below the video were clickable to different sections of the video, featuring a blurb about what each section of the video is about. Overall, I really enjoyed these videos and I think they are effective in conveying the message to the audience, that they need to think about what effect the products they are buying has on them, and the environment.