Burberry Kisses Lipstick Samples Social Media Nomination Program Review

The Burberry Kisses lipstick sample program represented a unique promotional approach by the luxury brand, utilizing social media networks to distribute complimentary samples of their new lipstick collection. This initiative allowed consumers to receive free product samples through a friend nomination system, creating a viral marketing campaign that leveraged existing social connections. The program offered participants the opportunity to experience Burberry's new lipstick range before purchasing full-size products.

Burberry Kisses Sample Program Overview

The Burberry Kisses lipstick sample program operated through a social nomination system that required participants to be invited by an existing user. According to available information, individuals interested in receiving a sample could not directly request one; instead, they needed to be nominated by a friend who had already participated in the program. Once nominated and after ordering their free sample, participants gained the ability to nominate up to five additional friends, creating a cascading effect that expanded the program's reach through social networks.

The samples distributed during this initiative were not simple sachets or dime-sized portions. Instead, recipients received miniature versions of the actual Burberry Kisses lipstick products, complete with the brand's signature packaging. The samples featured the same Burberry check embossing on both the lipstick tube and the bullet itself, maintaining the premium quality and aesthetic of the full-size products. This attention to detail in the sample presentation reflected Burberry's luxury positioning and likely contributed positively to recipients' perceptions of the brand.

Available Shade Selection

During the program's operation, Burberry offered four distinct shades of the Kisses lipstick for selection by participants. The available options included:

• Red
• Pink
• Nude
• Sepia (described as a pink nude)

Each recipient could select one shade based on their preference and suitability for their skin tone. Multiple sources indicate that Sepia was a popular choice, described as an "easy everyday shade" that would suit most individuals. The shade selection process allowed participants to choose a color they believed would complement their personal style, increasing the likelihood of a positive experience with the product.

One blogger specifically selected Sepia, noting that it was "kind of a 'your lips but better' mixed with a berry shade which makes for the perfect everyday lip color." Another participant also chose Sepia, recognizing it as "an easy every day shade that I knew would suit me." This shade's versatility and universal appeal may explain its popularity among sample recipients.

Product Formula and Quality

The Burberry Kisses lipstick formula was designed to provide flexibility in application and intensity of color. According to the product description provided with the samples, the formula is "effortlessly buildable," allowing users to achieve multiple lip looks with just one shade. The weightless formula delivers a customizable makeup result, with application intensity determining the final appearance:

• A single kiss of color provides understated luminosity
• Two applications offer moderate color
• Three applications create intense depth and vibrancy

This buildable quality allows users to adapt their lip look throughout the day or for different occasions, maximizing the utility of each shade. The formula's weightless texture suggests a comfortable wear experience, which is particularly important for lipstick users who may dislike heavy or sticky formulations.

Sample recipients consistently reported being impressed with the quality of the product. One blogger noted that the sample was "pretty generous" and came in the "signature gunmetal tube with the embossed Burberry logo stamped on it." Another remarked that the quality of the sample was "exactly like the full size products," indicating that Burberry maintained its commitment to quality even in promotional sample formats.

Nomination Process and Social Integration

The Burberry Kisses sample program was deeply integrated with social media platforms, particularly Twitter. The nomination process occurred through Burberry's app and Twitter, creating a seamless connection between the brand's digital presence and the sampling initiative. Participants could nominate fellow bloggers and social media connections, extending the reach of the program through existing online networks.

One blogger described receiving their nomination through Twitter from @jadeamberblog, noting they "obviously jumped at the chance as it's not only a super cute idea based on sharing the love and having the opportunity to nominate your own friends but also FREE LIPSTICK!" The combination of social sharing and complimentary product created an engaging promotional mechanism that encouraged participation and sharing.

The program's social integration extended beyond the initial nomination. After receiving their sample, participants were encouraged to share their experiences on social media platforms, further amplifying the brand's message. This user-generated content provided authentic testimonials about the product, serving as additional marketing material for Burberry.

Participant Experience and Feedback

Based on the available blog posts from sample recipients, the Burberry Kisses sample program generated positive feedback from participants. Several bloggers expressed appreciation for the opportunity to try a high-end product without financial commitment, noting they typically avoided purchasing luxury lipsticks due to uncertainty about suitability.

One participant explained: "I've always tended to avoid splashing out the cash on high-end lipstick as I've found from previous experience that they tend to be the ones that either never end up suiting me, or the texture and consistency of the lipstick is a bit off, so when I heard about Burberry giving away free mini samples of lipstick in celebration of the new Burberry Kisses collection, I thought 'why not?' and decided to give one of their shades a try."

This sentiment was common among bloggers who had previously been hesitant to invest in premium lipstick products without testing them first. The sample program provided a low-risk opportunity to experience Burberry's quality and determine whether the brand's products met their personal preferences and standards.

Participants also reported satisfaction with the shade selection process, noting the value of being able to choose a color specifically suited to their skin tone. Unlike some sample programs that send random products, Burberry's approach allowed recipients to select a shade they believed would complement their coloring, increasing the likelihood of a positive experience.

Product Evaluation and Impressions

Bloggers who received Burberry Kisses samples provided detailed impressions of the product quality, color payoff, and wear experience. While individual preferences varied based on selected shades, several consistent themes emerged across reviews:

1. Quality Assessment: Multiple reviewers noted the premium quality of both the product and packaging, with one specifically stating the sample was "exactly like the full size products."

2. Shade Satisfaction: Participants generally expressed satisfaction with their selected shade, particularly Sepia, which was described as versatile and suitable for everyday wear.

3. Formula Performance: The buildable formula received positive mentions, with bloggers appreciating the ability to customize the intensity of their lip color.

4. Value Perception: Despite receiving only a sample, bloggers recognized the value of the full-size product, which was noted to retail at £25.

One blogger who selected Military Red expressed enthusiasm, stating "a girl can never have too many reds floating about in her collection," while another described Sepia as "the perfect everyday lip color." These positive impressions suggested that the sampling program successfully demonstrated the product's quality and desirability, potentially influencing future purchasing decisions.

Program Effectiveness and Marketing Strategy

The Burberry Kisses sample program represented an innovative approach to product sampling that combined traditional promotional sampling with social media marketing. By requiring nominations from existing participants, Burberry created a mechanism that naturally expanded the program's reach while simultaneously leveraging social proof and personal recommendations.

The program's structure encouraged sharing and participation at multiple levels. Not only did recipients share their positive experiences with their social networks, but they also became active promoters of the brand by nominating friends. This created a viral effect that extended the program's reach beyond Burberry's existing marketing channels.

The limited shade selection (four options) likely served multiple purposes:

1. It simplified the decision-making process for participants
2. It ensured consistent product quality across distributed samples
3. It focused the program on shades with broad appeal
4. It may have reflected Burberry's market research on which colors would perform best

By coupling high-quality samples with a social sharing mechanism, Burberry created a program that generated authentic user-generated content while simultaneously expanding its customer base. The approach was particularly effective in reaching beauty enthusiasts and bloggers who were likely to share their experiences with wider audiences.

Limitations of Available Information

While the blog posts provide valuable insights into the Burberry Kisses sample program, several significant limitations should be noted when evaluating this information:

1. Source Reliability: All available information comes from blog posts rather than official Burberry communications, making it difficult to verify program details or official brand statements.

2. Temporal Context: The program appears to have taken place in 2015, meaning the details may not reflect current Burberry sampling practices or product offerings.

3. Geographic Availability: The sources do not indicate whether the program was available in the United States or limited to specific regions.

4. Program Duration: There is no information about how long the promotion ran or whether it was a limited-time initiative.

5. Official Terms: The blog posts do not mention official terms and conditions, eligibility requirements, or any restrictions that may have applied to the program.

6. Follow-up Purchases: There is no data on whether sample recipients subsequently purchased full-size products, making it impossible to evaluate the program's conversion effectiveness.

7. Participant Demographics: The sources primarily represent beauty bloggers and social media influencers, not a general consumer population.

These limitations suggest that while the Burberry Kisses sample program appears to have been a successful promotional initiative, a comprehensive evaluation would require additional information from official brand sources and broader participant data.

Conclusion

The Burberry Kisses lipstick sample program represented an innovative approach to product sampling that leveraged social networks to distribute complimentary samples. By requiring nominations from existing participants, Burberry created a mechanism that naturally expanded the program's reach while simultaneously leveraging personal recommendations. The samples provided were high-quality miniature versions of the actual products, featuring the brand's signature packaging and available in four carefully selected shades.

Participants reported positive experiences with the samples, appreciating the opportunity to try luxury products without financial commitment and expressing satisfaction with the product quality and shade selection. The program's social integration, particularly through Twitter, facilitated sharing and discussion, amplifying the brand's message through user-generated content.

While the available information provides valuable insights into this specific promotional initiative, significant limitations exist regarding source reliability, temporal context, and program details. Future research would benefit from official brand communications and broader participant data to fully evaluate the program's effectiveness and strategic implications.

Sources

1. Burberry Kisses Review
2. Burberry Kisses Complimentary Sample
3. Burberry Kisses Lipstick Military Red
4. Burberry Kisses Lipstick in Sepia Review