Confessions of a Beauty Girl

They get to play with makeup all day long. And when they aren’t writing or blogging it, they’re jet-setting around, attending launches, drinking champers and munching on macaroons. Beauty bloggers, beauty editors, beauty writers; these are girls whose jobs are envied by all. But, how did they start their careers and what are their favourite, favourite makeup goodies of the lot?

Over the next couple of days, I’ve asked fellow beauty bloggers and beauty editors to send me their confessions. An exciting series, revealing what it’s like to work in the beauty industry. None of them have seen each others confessions. I gathered all of their answers before posting today’s blog, so you know each response is completely unique.

Lets kick off this series with my beauty confessions shall we?

How did you become a beauty blogger?
First off let me just say, it’s very weird answering my own questions! Ok, now that that’s out the way, lets get into it… I guess that would be through StyleScoop! I started the blog in September 2008 after getting bored with my wedding blog. I mean, after you’re married, you’re really not interested in bridal stuff anymore. As a writer, I loved the idea of blogging and sharing what I found and so I started StyleScoop. It was a great way for me to find and explore the sweeter stuff in life, and now I have a bigger platform to continue sharing this advice with you.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Of course, I love all the freebies. Every day I get to play with new beauty products and I am one of the first to try out new products that haven’t hit the shelf yet!  There’s a lot of unglamorous shooting and product testing that goes on behind the scenes, but I only share the fun, exciting stuff with you guys :). You won’t ever see the spilt nail polish on my brand new jeans, the lipstick stains on my camera or the mini tantrums that happen behind the screen.

There is also the beauty launches… I love going (usually) to Cape Town and mixing with my fellow beauty babes. It’s a great opportunity to meet the man or woman behind the brand and twice now I’ve flown with the Sharks Rugby team. Yes, I know, I’m a beauty girl who loves Rugby! But, I’m sure there are more of “us” out there. Right?

Most common questions girls ask you?
“Can you get me…” and “do you have a job for me?” Once people find out that I review beauty products for a living they almost always ask if they can either work for me or get to trial some products. It all sounds glam and exciting, but its not all fun and games. Beauty bloggers and beauty ed’s do some serious work too (between the macaroons and champers).

A lot of people think it’s a no effort job, but give them one product to review, and you’ll find that it takes time and you really do have to think about what you’re doing. It’s not about scribbling words together, you actually have to give your readers an inside look at the product, otherwise what’s the point of doing a review?

What are your top five beauty products right now?

1. Dr Rey Sensual Solutions Inhibitox cream. I’ve used a lot of “anti wrinkle” type products and nothing works quite like this one,
2. Sally Hansen Miracle Nail Hardener. Does exactly as it promises,
3. Lee Stafford Treatment For Hair That Doesn’t Grow Past A Certain Length. Watch out for my review soon!
4. Clipinhair hair extensions – even if you’ve got long hair like me, these give you more volume when you really want “wow” locks,
5. Chanel Teint Innocence foundation. It melts into your skin and gives you a lovely, glowing summer complexion.

What are your all time fave products? 

• D&G the Original fragrance. I’ve been wearing it since I was about 17 and wore it on my wedding day,
• Bio Oil – I use it every day on my skin and I’m convinced that I’ll really appreciate it in 10 years time when my skin still looks supple and glowing,
• ghd Styler – It’s one of those true investment pieces and every girl should have one,
• BioDerma PhotoDerm MAX SPF 100, because the sun is your skin’s worst enemy.
• Philip Kingsley Vented Paddle Brush. It’s lightweight, doesn’t damage your hair and great for blowdrying.

Favourite blogs and websites you visit:

1. thinkthrufashion.com – a great blog if you want to get innovative style advice. I love that it’s updated daily!
2. TheShoeGirl.Blogspot.com – a shoe designer with the most amazing collection of shoes,
3. Style.com – The mother of all stylish websites
4. I love these South African fashion and beauty blogs

What was the last thing you purchased?
You know the Dr Rey Inhibitox I told you about? Well Edgars had this killer special on a pack. Inside was the Dr Rey Cleanser, Day Cream, Night Cream and the Inhibitox for only R1399. The Inhibitox cream on its own costs R1399, so it was a real score!

Favourite nail polish for summer?
OPI “Hot & Spicy” a gorgeous bright orange for summer and Tip Top Nail Chic “Cotton Beige” for a beautifully sophisticated nude.

Favourite scent for the season?
Thierry Mugler Womanity – Is the absolute essence of summer. The smell of coconuts automatically puts me in holiday mode and a smile on my face.

What’s your beauty secret/ tip?
First and foremost, I take care of my skin. Secondly, I love trying out different makeup looks instead of the same old, bland and boring shadow with black eyeliner… Makeup is so much fun! I didn’t wear any until I was about twenty, but now I love trying out different looks.

I also think it’s important to have the right tools – you can’t get a professional looking finish if you’re using the wrong tools. Invest in brushes! MAC make the best ones and totally worth the price tag.