Depends, honestly. I generally know when I will like something or not like something, but I will read reviews to make a final decision, always. I sometimes do not trust reviews and go with my own judgement, however. There are a handful of reviewers, though, whose opinions I trust. Amber loves reading reviews, even more than me actually, so she will see something expensive, read reviews on it, then want it. It makes me nuts, she does this for all products. HAHAHA!