Editorial Policy

At Hotscope, information about beauty and fashion should be as transparent and honest as the products we sell. This Editorial Policy outlines how we create, curate, and share content across our platforms—from our website and blog to our social media channels and in-store materials.

What Guides Our Content

Core Values

These foundational principles shape every piece of content we publish:

• Accessibility: Beauty and style advice that works for real people with varied needs and budgets
• Transparency: Clear disclosure of how we test products and form opinions
• Inclusivity: Representation of diverse body types, skin tones, hair textures, ages, and genders
• Practicality: Advice you can actually use in your everyday life
• Authenticity: Real results without misleading filters or exaggerated claims

Our Content Standards

When creating content, we consistently apply these standards:

• Accuracy: Facts are thoroughly checked before publication
• Clarity: Information is presented in straightforward language without unnecessary jargon
• Relevance: Content addresses genuine beauty and fashion concerns
• Honesty: We acknowledge both the strengths and limitations of products and techniques
• Respect: Content never shames or creates insecurity to sell products

Product Recommendations & Reviews

Our Testing Process

When we discuss products in our content:

• At least two team members have personally tested every recommended product
• We use products for a minimum of two weeks before forming conclusions (unless safety concerns arise)
• Skincare products are tested for at least 30 days to assess true efficacy
• We test on various skin types, tones, and concerns when applicable
• Fashion items are wear-tested in real-life situations, not just in controlled environments

Affiliate Links & Monetization

• When we include product links that generate commission, we clearly mark them as “affiliate links.”
• Our product recommendations are never influenced by commission potential
• We often recommend products that offer us no financial benefit
• We decline partnerships with brands whose products our team doesn’t genuinely support

Our Relationship With Brands

Sponsored Content

• All sponsored content is clearly labelled as “Sponsored” or “Advertisement.”
• We maintain creative control over sponsored content and decline sponsorships that require misleading claims
• We limit sponsored content to no more than 20% of our total published material
• We only partner with brands whose values align with our own

Product Samples

• We accept product samples for review consideration
• Receiving a sample never guarantees coverage or a positive review
• We disclosed when featured products were provided as samples
• We never accept payment to feature products outside of clearly marked sponsored content

Expert Contributors

• Content requiring specialized expertise is created or reviewed by qualified professionals
• We verify the credentials of all expert contributors
• Guest contributors must adhere to the same editorial standards as our in-house team
• Medical or scientific claims are backed by current research from reputable sources

Our Content Creation Team

• Our content team includes certified beauty professionals, fashion stylists, and experienced writers
• Team members regularly participate in continuing education to stay current
• We maintain a diverse content team to provide varied perspectives
• Our founder, Marlen T., personally reviews all major content initiatives

Corrections & Updates

• When we discover errors, we correct them promptly and transparently
• Major corrections are accompanied by an editor’s note detailing the update.
• Outdated information is regularly reviewed and updated
• Product recommendations are reassessed if formulations change or manufacturing issues emerge

User-Generated Content

• Customer reviews and testimonials are published without alteration (except for profanity or personal attacks)
• We never fabricate or modify customer feedback
• When featuring customer content on our platforms, we obtain permission first
• We clearly distinguish between professional and customer-generated content

Style & Beauty Trends

• We evaluate trends based on wearability, accessibility, and longevity
• We present trends as options to consider, not requirements to follow
• We acknowledge the cultural origins of trends when applicable
• We prioritize timeless style over fleeting fads

Scientific & Ingredient Claims

• Product claims are assessed based on the latest scientific consensus.
• We avoid sensationalized headlines about “miracle” ingredients
• For complex formulations, we seek advice from dermatologists or cosmetic chemists.
• We provide context about realistic expectations for results

Sustainability & Ethical Considerations

• We research and verify brand claims about sustainability practices
• We highlight both positive initiatives and areas needing improvement
• We acknowledge the complexity of sustainability in the beauty and fashion industries
• We provide practical information for consumers seeking more sustainable options

Accessibility Commitment

• We provide detailed alt text for images to assist users who rely on screen readers.
• Videos include captions whenever possible
• We avoid relying solely on colour to convey important information
• We test our digital content for accessibility compliance

Your Feedback Matters

We view content creation as a conversation with our community:

• Readers can report factual errors or outdated information via email at info.hotscoped@gmail.com
• Content suggestions from our community are welcomed and regularly reviewed
• We track comments and questions to identify information gaps
• We regularly reassess this Editorial Policy based on community feedback

Editorial Independence

While Hotscope is both a retailer and content creator, we maintain editorial independence:

• Our content team operates separately from our sales team
• Revenue goals never dictate content decisions
• We feature products we don’t sell when they deserve recommendation
• We acknowledge shortcomings in the products we sell

Our commitment to honest, helpful content reflects the same philosophy that guides our in-store experience: providing straightforward information that helps real people make confident beauty and fashion choices.