Confessions of a Beauty Blogger Tag: Part 2

I saw this tag on Hello Octobers blog (one of my favourite bloggers) whilst looking through her archives (because I'm a massive blogging creep). I actually really love reading these and think you get to know bloggers a lot better behind their usual posts - so here's part two! (If you want to read part on you can find it here). 

When did you start your blog?
I started a beauty blog around a year ago now on Tumblr but I felt I wanted a more professional looking platform and something that was entirely my own creation. I moved to Blogger only a few months ago back at the end of July. 

Have you had any past online presence before (other blog, YouTube)?
Yes - as above I had a Tumblr beauty blog but it never really turned into what I wanted it to be/wasn't what I ultimately wanted to go for in my blogging life. 

Why did you start a blog?
I had done so previously but really I was in need of a hobby - I've just started working full time this year after graduating last year. I now have far more free time (third year uni was killer - weekends were a distant memory...) a new camera as of last year and a growing love for all things beauty. That, along with more disposable income than I'd ever had previously made me re-consider blogging. What made me actually start I was (again...) on Suzie's blog and read this post, it really inspired me to bite the bullet and get onto it.

When did you become serious about starting a blog?
I guess when I started this blog - it's still definitely a work in progress and probably always will be but I really wanted it to be something to be proud of. I set my mind to posting three times a week and being as "myself" as I could. 

What was your first post?
My first post aside from my introductory one was a first impressions of Frank body scrub - if you're a regular here you know that Frank is now a regular visitor in my shower haha.

What has been your biggest challenge about blogging?
Trying to fit it in can be a challenge - but then I love writing and taking photos etc. so it's not really a bad thing. The hardest bit for me is probably photos - I think I've improved a lot since I started but I still have a long way to improve.

Where do you see your blog in one year?
Hopefully a lot bigger and better than it is now - I expect a new theme, hopefully more readers, I'll be using social media more. In terms of the posts themselves I can never tell - I plan things a few months in advance as I always have new or different ideas, but I can't see myself getting bored of writing them any time soon! 

What is the most rewarding thing to you about blogging?
I think just having a creative outlet in my life and knowing there are a few people that seem to be regulars and come back now and again to check in. I absolutely love when someone comments that something I've posted has helped them in some way or that they enjoyed reading it.

What is the most discouraging thing that happens to you?
I don't really find anything discouraging (yet). I suppose new readership is hard to find at times but I know I could probably change that if I utilised twitter and instagram etc. a lot more. I'm really just doing this because I enjoy it.

What's your lasting inspiration or motivation?
Reading other blogs, trying new products, reading magazines, finding new things or tricks that work. A whole lot of things really. Reading the tips sections in big blogs like Nouvelle Daily Blog, Gh0stparties and The Lovecats Inc. really help remind me I have only been at this a few months and give me new ideas for posts, how to better my photos etc. Really though, I've said it so many times already, I just love writing about things I'm enthusiastic about, it never feels like a chore and I don't really need any other motivation than that it's a lovely way for me to discuss and share something not a lot of people I know are interested in.

(I feel like I said "blog" too many times in this post...)

Claire x

What's in my Handbag

I had been looking for a leather hand bag for a long time, I found this one in Country Road. The price was a little steep (around the 300 dollar mark). In the end I went back because, well hell I'd been hunting for bloody years for a bag I loved as much as this and Country Road only releases a few of each bag before they change the designs. Turns out I was fortunate with my loyalty program and 25% off specials and got it for $120. It's the perfect size and a nice length. If I buy too big a bag I end up filling it with too much stuff. This one is juuust right. (Looking at the contents...can you tell I like green?!)

On the inside:

My mouse notebook and an ejector pencil - I often have little ideas at work, when I'm out and about and need a space to write them down. I prefer pencil because I hate having things crossed out (so this pencil has a rubber too...). It's filled with blog post ideas and photography tips.

A little mirror - Everyone needs a wee mirror in their bag, whether it's to apply your lipstick or check your teeth after a pesto lunch they're always handy. I've had this one for years and it's the perfect size.

Ray Bans Aviators - As soon as I saw these green aviators nearly a year ago and felt like I needed them. I used a decent portion of my first pay at my current job on these babies and I don't regret a cent. I needed a new pair of sunglasses as I tend to destroy the cheap pairs I've bought and these fit the bill.

MAC lipsticks - I usually have a few in my bag at a time, at the moment I have the shade Brave and Myth. They mix really well and can dress a look up or down - one being a nude and one being a berry colour.

Hurraw lip balm - This one has an SPF so is great for New Zealand sun, it's a physical barrier lip balm and creates a nice base for lipstick too.

A Tangle Teaser - Light and great for easily tangled hair such as my own and can be used on wet hair. Much more portable and durable than my boar bristle brush I take this with me everywhere.

Keys - Gotta have my car keys, house key and a swiss army knife. Never know when you might need to snip a loose thread or cut off a tag.

Wallet - I bought this Rip Curl wallet a few years ago, just right for all the cards I have and isn't too clunky, fits in the inside pocket of my hand bag just right.

Nars (very abused) Multiple - This is a great portable bit of makeup - as the name suggests, it has multiple uses. I can use it as a lipstick and freshen up my blush after a day at work.

Anything you keep in your bag that I'm missing?

Claire x

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger Tag

Seeing as I feel a bit of a tit writing an about me page and don't really know what exactly to write about myself, I thought a tag would be a good way to do it. I'll be back to my "usual" posts tomorrow!

1. How many hours a week do you spend planning/writing/uploading posts?

Hard to say but probably around 4-6 hours a week? Maybe more? Including taking photos, editing and the like it does take a while even if it's only three posts a week!

2. Are you a spender or a saver?

Bit of both. I live at home so I can save more presently. I save about half my income and the rest is gas money, car repayments and of course the "fun stuff" too read as: makeup, clothes and food. 

3. When is it easiest for you to write your posts?

I think in the weekend, I have more time, I can take photos with daylight around (rather than after work when it's getting a bit duskier) and I can really relax and make it as perfect as I can get it. 

4. What makes writing posts comfortable for you?

I think knowing I have time up my sleeve to write, having new products or topics to write about and when I can just chill out with a chai tea and little or no makeup on...!

5. What’s your worst make up/hair habit?

Makeup habit - I don't think I'm actually terrible with my makeup, I never set my makeup though and I touch my face more than I probably should...oh and I don't wash my brushes enough! Hair...I never really style it. I let it dry naturally and that's it haha. Occasionally I'll french plait of sock bun it. 

6. What’s one quote you wish the world would live by?

I don't think I have a quote to "live by" as such more a reminder, I really like the quote "Nothing in permanent" because somehow I think that's quite a comforting thought.

7. How long do you spend getting ready everyday?

I think around 25 minutes? Including washing my face and doing my makeup, I'm pretty fast at it now. During the weekend I definitely take longer because I like to put more effort in/try new looks. 

8. What’s your favourite post on your blog?

To be honest I like all my posts, if I didn't I wouldn't publish them but maybe my First Impressions post on Anastasia Beverly Hills dip-brow. I put a lot of effort into that one especially. 

9. Who is a beauty blogger that you think deserves more subscribers that they have?

I think Sarah from The Beauty Break Down, she's a great blogger and YouTuberand I think she has the potential to get really big on the internet. And she's lovely and always replies to comments etc. 

10. What’s one this you’re excited about in the coming year?

I'm planning on having an overseas holiday next year, so that will be amazing. I've not been overseas in what feels like a very long time. 

11. What’s been your favourite blogging moment?

I think just when I started this blog and started getting views really. Obviously I haven't got a lot of traffic but the fact that some people seem to come back to read my posts on the days I say I'll publish is really lovely. 

12. How long does it take to prep for a post?

Prep as in to plan a post...? Including trying the product, photos and planning maybe an hour or so per post...? 

13. Are you wearing jeans/skirt right now or are you wearing pyjama bottoms?

I'm wearing my usual Levis jeans...

14. What are you most proud of in your life?

The fact that I have a job, have bought a car and finally got my license this year woo hoo!

Hopefully this little quiz has been of some interest to someone reading my blog, I'll be uploading part 2 of my "All About That Base" series tomorrow. 

Claire x