When did you start blogging and why? It started with a hard-to-find brand called Le Métier de Beauté. I'm curious by nature and when I noticed something new on neimanmarcus.com I googled the brand, but I could find no reviews or real photos anywhere about their products (except their mascara). I took a risk and ordered some glosses sight unseen over the phone. I was very nervous spending $30+ a tube on something I never had seen before, but I fell in love! Karen at Makeup and Beauty Blog was asking for guest writers at the time and she published my first blog review! She was so supportive and I had so much fun I was inspired to start my own. I hoped that in writing about my discoveries and featuring comparisons, other women would be able to get a better idea of what a certain product looked like rather than relying on over-the-phone descriptions or sketchy online retail swatches.
Every blog seems to carry a special voice. What's your special message on your blog? The main focus is on the things I like; high-end luxury brands, some hard-to-find brands, a few outfit features here and there. I try to feature things in a new and creative way, such as my color-focus features or monthly highlights.
Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life and what made it blossom? At the age of 2 - I was a beauty disaster (aka every mother's nightmare). I would pour shampoo down the toilet, twist up my mother's lipsticks and smash them, and draw all over the wall with beauty products. I once cut my mother's hair while she was napping! At age 4 I cut my 2 year old sister's hair when my dad was "babysitting" us. Of course I don't remember any of this, but apparently I had a "thing" for scissors. In my teens I only wore makeup for ballet recitals and swore I'd never wear makeup or anything pink off stage. Then I hit the age of 17 when I discovered Stila and MAC and my obsession with beauty products took off. I'm not exactly sure why the drastic change, but I went from being anti-girly to girly overnight.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. I'm 29, married, and just finished my master's degree. I currently work full-time as a finance and marketing analyst. No kids, but we have our pets (2 dogs and a cat). I enjoy baking and cooking when I have the time and like watching TV. My must-see weekly shows are 30 Rock, The Office, Fringe, Bones and The Closer.
What's your daily beauty routine? It usually takes me about 45 minutes to get ready in the mornings. I'm not a morning person, so I have to admit, sometimes I'm running out the door with only powder/foundation and finish the rest in my car at stop lights. When I do have my act together the routine is: straighten hair, wash face, prep skin with something (different every day), foundation/powder, Edward Bess highlighter or bronzer. Next comes eye makeup. I usually do the lips the last thing after breakfast or morning coffee.
How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time? Probably 4-6. There are times when I clean out my purse and find 10 different lip products. I usually throw in a couple per weekday, sometimes I forget to take the previous day's lip items out and gets out of hand.
What's the best beauty advice you've ever received? "It's just makeup, have fun, if you mess up you can always start over," from one of my favorite Chanel makeup artists.
What's the most surprising thing you have learned since starting your blog? There are good angles and bad angles for taking pictures, not just for your own face, but for products as well.
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It was really interesting to read about you! Thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy the weekly roundup. I read all of you, if not daily, at least often enough to feel a connection. The roundup gives you lovely ladies a well deserved break and it gives me the opportunity to catch up on interesting things I might have missed.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one of the ones I read daily. From your frank and honest reviews to you comparison shots, to your fashion looks, to the peak inside your purse, I enjoy it all. You're obviously an intelligent, thoughtful, and caring person, Sabrina. It comes across in your writing.
How fun! I love "getting to know" bloggers. ;)
ReplyDeletebtw, I absolutely agree with most of your tv shows - I fell out of love with the Office last season, though, and have never watched the Closer. I should put it in my queue!
Loved this getting to know you post - your blog is one of my favourites - your posts are always so well-written and classy!
ReplyDeleteI was cracking up thinking about products having "bad angles" for photos LOL!
I'd love to see more accessories posts - you have exqusite taste!
Always a joy to read your blog, Sabrina!
ReplyDeleteI give you (and the other ladies) much admiration for being open enough to (repeatedly) place yourselves out there and offer your genuine opinions and reviews while maintaining a consistency to what you do seek out. Much credit to you for all the labor-intensive hours invested into this blog--definitely a labor of love!
Many, many thanks.
Sorry, forgot to mention how organized your blog is, very big thank you! *SO* easy to read and sift through! Probably number one reason why I continually return to yours (other than the great pics, variety in products, honest reviews, etc...)
ReplyDeleteI am such a huge fan of your blog. Your color focus features are some of my favorite posts and I love your impeccable taste in colors, textures, and brands.
ReplyDelete