The Beauty Blogger's Tag

I am not much of a beauty blogger, but I like blogging about make-up and beauty and things, does that make sense?

With that in mind, I saw that Sophia of Tattooed Tealady fame created her own tag, so I thought I'd give it a go...

Why did you start blogging and how long have you been blogging for?

I started this blog last October, as a way to help me cope with the stress and anxiety I was feeling at the time. I used to teach, but I then realised it wasn't for me, and for a while I couldn't sleep, cried all the time and felt like I couldn't cope, so the blog helped me to vent a little bit. Over time it's morphed into a beauty blog, since I needed a place to talk about make-up, boys don't like talking about fluffy stuff like that...

Whose blog did you fall in love with first?

The first blog I fell in love with was my friend Claire's blog, Eyelining Obsessions. She is open, honest, and her recent posts on her cosmetic surgery have been brilliant, especially since quite a few bloggers I've read have been a bit sniffy on the subject of surgery (judgy-wudgies:P) 

What was the first blogosphere hyped about product you bought and was it worth the hype?

My first Sleek order was probably the first time I caved to the hype. I bought Original, Storm and PPQ palettes, and a Lip Paint (the much-hyped dupe for OCC Lip-Tars). And they were well worth the 3 weeks I had to wait until they arrived. My most recent caving was prbably buying a MAC lippie, again, worth it!

What are your favourite five things about blogging and being a beauty blogger?

1. I love the honesty of bloggers. It's the best way to get an honest opinion on a product. For the most part at least...

2. I love the fact that I've been introduced to so many different brands through writing and reading blogs, I'm becoming more aware of indie brands too.

3. I love the fact that most bloggers have twitter, and that they're all lovely to chat to and will often give you great advice if you ask politely :)

4. I've become more aware of offers and companies giving away samples or products via Facebook and Twitter. For example I was very lucky to win the chance to test 3 full-size products from Dainty Doll because I follow the Debenhams Beauty Club on Facebook. 

5. Most of all, I just like having my own space to be a bit girlie. Living with my boyfriend 60 miles away from the majority of my friends and family means I don't get the chance to be girly with my gal-pals too often, so the blog helps me vent that a little :)

What have you learnt from being a beauty blogger?

I've learned that just because something costs more doesn't necessarily mean it's better or will work for you, and that equally some of the cheapest make-up can be utterly amazing!

Have you changed anything since being a beauty blogger?

Yes, I'm now more aware of skincare and trying to take care of my skin. I also use brushes more in my make-up routine, and I now see the importance of keeping them clean too!

What advice would you give to a beauty blogger just starting out?

I am kinda just starting out myself ahaha! I think my advice would be to be honest, talk about what you like, what you think and don't feel like you should have to apologise for it. Also, get talking to other bloggers, they're lovely!

Name your top five brands!

For high-street make-up, it's MUA hands down, you just can't beat the prices and the quality. For designer make-up, my favourite is Chanel. I always feel that little bit classier when I have some Chanel make-up on!
For bath and body-care, I absolutely love Lush. The smells, the quality and the value, all are amazing.
I haven't found 1 skincare brand that I particularly love over all others yet, but for hair-care my 2 favourite brands are Aussie (great value, leave my hair in a great condition and smell great) and Bumble and Bumble (more pricey, but still great value and I want everything from their website!)

Recommend your top five favourite beauty products!

1. Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub.

2. Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Matte Lip Colour.

3. MUA Immaculate Collection.

4. Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara.

5. L'Oreal Studio Secrets Resurfacing Primer.

Tag other beauty bloggers to do this tag!

Anyone who wants to do this tag to be honest. Give it a go, go on go on go on!