MEET THE #BBLOGGERS PART 4

Ah, we have now reached part 4 of my Meet the #bbloggers series!

Natalie is a journalism student from Surrey - currently residing in Nottingham who aspires to work in PR or for a Woman's magazine. She describes herself as obsessed with beauty and spends most of her time experimenting with different makeup and nail art trends - definitely a girl after my own heart! 

1. How would you describe your blog? 

A way of sharing my insights with people. You know when you get home from a shopping trip and immediately want to show everyone what you've bought and get their opinions on it? For me that's what my blog is for (I live with four boys so they're often not interested). I do regular street style posts from my uni but the rest is mainly 'omg look what I bought today! bargain!' or 'aah look at my nails they're so sparkly'.

2. I am always interested in how people come up with the names for their blog, how did you ome up with yours?

I really struggled to think of a name at first. I thought about using a name generator but it just didn't seem me as none of  the suggestions reflected my blog or my personality. In the end I decided to use 'floral' as I am a huge fan of floral prints and am always wearing them or decorating my room florally. Then it was just thinking of something to go with it..so I googled around to check I wasn't nicking any other names and in the end came up with 'republic'!

3. How would you describe your style?

In a word, simple. I stick to staple items and wear them in different ways. I'm usually in skinny jeans or leggings with dolly shoes and a chunky cardi. I know what suits me and what doesn't so I don't impulse buy the latest trends as I know not everything other people are wearing will look good on me. There are some things I wish I could pull off by I think my classic style is more a reflection of my personality. 

4. If you had to pick either an endless supply of clothes or an endless supply of makeup which would you choose?

Makeup! If I had too many clothes it would take me twice as long to get ready in the mornings as I wouldn't know what to wear. i can never get bored of makeup theres always so many different things to experiment with.

5. What prompted you to start blogging?

I've always been interested in fashion and makeup and gave advice on products to my friends, I realised a lot of this could benefit other people so decided to put it on the internet so I could share it with everyone and see how other people reacted. 

6. Whats the one product that you regret buying?

A bronzer that only came in one shade (orange) when I was about thirteen and didn't have a clue how to apply it.

7. Do your family and friends know about your blog and do they read it?

Some of my friends know about it, I doubt they read it as they hear most of the stuff from me before I post it. To be honest I feel more comfortable with strangers reading my blog than friends - it means I' branching out and other people are enjoying what I have to say.

8. Can you remember that first item of makeup you owned? If yes, what was it?

Rimmel Superlash Mascara

9. What was the first blog that you started reading?

The Topshop blog. When I was browsing their site I'd always go on it and have a nosey to see what they were up to!

10. Tell me your absolute, hoy grail product, the one you buy again and again! 

Batiste dry shampoo! Can't live without it.

11. What part of blogging do you enjoy the most?

If someone comments saying they can relate to something I've said or they're going to buy a product because of my review it really means a lot. I love knowing that my blog has some kind of effect on other people and it's not just pointless rambling. 

12. Finally, tell me your favourite blogs that you read religiously?

Gh0stparties.com, etcllymlrs.com, tattooedtealady.com. icovetthee.com, fbtemity.blogspot.com, letstalkbeauty.co.uk - definitely daily reads for me!

A big thank you to Natalie for taking part! I urge you all to head over to Natalies blog by clicking the link below!

MEET THE #BBLOGGERS PART 3

This week pays tribute to the lovely Sarah from Flowers at Dawn. Sarah is a 20 year old student studying PR whilst working part-time in Lush. Originally from Scotland Sarah is hoping to make the big move to the South East (my neck of the woods) a brave move! Sarah blogs at Flowers at Dawn which hosts some amazing reviews along with a pretty cracking header if I do say!

1. How would you describe your blog? 

My blog is almost entirely beauty-focused, with lots of product reviews! I love to try new products and share my thoughts on them, especially when it comes to hyped up products because sometimes they're not worth the hype they receive. I like to think my blog is an honest source of information. I try not to take anything too seriously either, my blog is a hobby and an outlet for my feelings and expressions. I'd hate to feel restrained from writing what I really think. 

2. I am always interested in how people come up with the names for their blog, how did you ome up with yours?

I'm not really sure! My YouTube account had the name flowersatdawn which I made when I was about 14, and I think I just thought of that when I was trying to think of a name and thought it sounded okay. And it's just stuck!

3. How would you describe your style?

That's difficult! I'd say casual, but that implies trainers and I don't even own trainers. Then again, I'm a girl who hates heels and sparkly dresses. Probably laid back but I try to keep it "trendy" - emphasis on the try! Make- up wise, my style is quite understated - I like a flawless base, rosy cheeks, neutral eyes and the occasional bold lip for a special occasion. 

4. If you had to pick either an endless supply of clothes or an endless supply of makeup which would you choose?

Probably clothes. I'd end up with too much make-up that I didn't get along with, whereas clothes are easier for me to like!

5. What prompted you to start blogging?

Honestly, I was unemployed over the summer and I was sitting at home bored nearly every day with nothing to do. I wanted a hobby, and I had been reading a lot f beauty blogs so I thought I'd give it a shot! I've always wanted a hobby but I've never really been passionate about anything, I'm not sporty. So, beauty blogging it was!

6. Whats the one product that you regret buying?

Ooh, this is tough! I bought quite a few Soap and Glory 'slimming' creams to use before I went on holiday. I probably used them like 3 times max, and now they just sit in my cupboard untouched. I'm useless with things like this that take a good while to see results - I'm impatient, I want immediate results!

7. Do your family and friends know about your blog and do they read it?

I've only recently started telling "real life" people about my blog. I was really nervous and embarrassed about it, which is crazy! My friends are actually really supportive of it, and its great being able to keep them updated with it. 

8. Can you remember that first item of makeup you owned? If yes, what was it?

I have no idea! Probably a super cheap and nasty lipgloss that came free with Shout or Mizz magazine...

9. What was the first blog that you started reading?

I think it was Zoella or Gh0stparties. 

10. Tell me your absolute, hoy grail product, the one you buy again and again! 

Probably Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation. I don't even wear it everyday, but I need to have it in my makeup collection for those days when my skin just isn't co-operating and I need full coverage. I haven't been without a bottle of this since I was 16!

11. What part of blogging do you enjoy the most?

The blogging community, definitely. I love interacting with people who love beauty as much as I do, and I've met some truly lovely people through blogging. I  love receiving comments from my followers and knowing that people are interested in what you write is just amazing.

12. Finally, tell me your favourite blogs that you read religiously?

Gh0stparties.com, etcllymlrs.com, tattooedtealady.com, icovetthee.com, fbtemily.blogspot.com, letstalkbeauty.co.uk - definitely daily reads for me!

To find out more about Sarah head over to her blog for some amazing product reviews and tips by clicking the link below. 

http://flowersatdawn.blogspot.co.uk/

MEET THE #BBLOGGERS PART 2

This week as part of Meet the #bbloggers I am introducing the lovely Georgina from Makeup-Pixi3! Georgina is a gamer with a love for makeup. She describes her blog as a welcoming place, which I can vouch for is completely true! Her blog is a mix of beauty fashion and lifestyle with her recent post on handmade cards being a personal fave! 

So as usual get yourself comfy and let's see what Georgina has to say :-)

1. How would you describe your blog? 

I would describe my blog as a warm, honest and welcoming place where you can find reviews of mostly makeup, but other fun things too, as well as random lifestyle posts, and loaaaads of photos :)

2. I am always interested in how people come up with the names for their blog, how did you ome up with yours?

Well, this goes back quite a long way! For years now a lot of my online names have been TwinklinPixi3 (its a gamer thing), so things like my Twitter handle is TwinklinPixi3 and loads of other stuff. When I was thinking of a name for the blog, I wanted something along the same lines, but that would be obvious that it's a beauty blog - and thats how Makeup-Pixi3 was born :)

3. How would you describe your style?

Well my style as a writer is above all honest, and I like to write in a tone that feels like we're siting down having a coffee and a chat, I often miss the mark, but it's what I aim for :) As a person my style is... hmm, not sure there's a word for it, I suppose...well it used to be very alternative, but it's not so much like that now. I love purple (and black), but I also love rose gold (hence the watch!), I like high quality things (not that I can usually afford them though!). As a person I'd say I'm a cat loving, vegetarian who adores sushi, loves married life, gaming, heavy metal and of course, makeup :) and smiles :D. 

4. If you had to pick either an endless supply of clothes or an endless supply of makeup which would you choose?

Hmm, well I was automatically going to put makeup, bbut I'd get pretty cold without clothes (let's face it, after years of wearing the same things, they's fall off eventually!), so surprisingly I'd say clothes (assuming that the other option would disappear after a while) :)

5. What prompted you to start blogging?

It really was a natural evolution from my YouTube channel, I still put up about 1-2 videos a week, but there's something I think, more intimate about a blog, about writing and sharing your considered words.  I'd also been reading lots of blogs at that time and wanted to get involved. It took a while, 6 months before I'd amassed 50 followers, but in the first few months I didn't blog much and hadn't discovered the beauty community on Twitter either :)

6. Whats the one product that you regret buying?

Easy, Estee Lauder Double Wear, man alive I hate that. It's like the worst product for my skin. It's too heavy for starters, it cracks like hell under my fine lines and needs constant baby sitting and it's nightmare to remove. I don't understand how anyone who doesn't have beautifully young skin is able to wear it, if my experience is anything to go by that is :)

7. Do your family and friends know about your blog and do they read it?

They do! To start off with, I didn't tell anyone other than my hubby, but then I told my friends/family on Facebook that I knew were really into makeup, then I told all my family, then I just told everyone :) I'm not shy about it at all now, quite the opposite, I'm really proud of my blog, nothing makes me happier than someone who's read a post, making a comment :)

8. Can you remember that first item of makeup you owned? If yes, what was it?

Hmm, the best recollection I have was of my dad's girlfriend buying me makeup just after my parents split up, so not a great memory. I remember feeling like she was telling me I needed makeup, I was 11. I remember it being a combination of Rimmel and Collection 2000, there was Rimmel powder in it and concealer, a Collection 2000 lipstick (a light sparkly pink one) and I can't remember what else. I do remember that it was all rubbish though, and the lipstick smelt :p Oh how they've both come a long way now!

9. What was the first blog that you started reading?

I'm not 100% sure, it was one of the following three! Either Emily Noel (Beauty Broadcast), Sprinkle of Glitter or Fleur De Force. I think it was probably Emily Noel because I think I discovered the others after Emily :)

10. Tell me your absolute, hoy grail product, the one you buy again and again! 

That's super easy (I really should write a blog post about it!), it's the Chanel Ecriture liquid eyeliner. I've been re-purchasing it for around 8 years now. It's the best liquid liner I have ever used, nothing else comes close for staying power, blackness and ease of use . It's a great format, a firm but flexible tip and it's super dark black, and it will last until you decide to take it off :) I've been on the quest for the last year trying to find a decent dupe for it, and haven't been able to find one that comes close to being a dupe. 

11. What part of blogging do you enjoy the most?

Hmmm *deliberates* It's hard to say... I love writing the posts, and putting my thoughts into something a little more structures, but I also love talking to other bloggers and beauty addicts on Twitter, reading comments etc - it's sort of the 'whole package' deal I think. 

12. Finally, tell me your favourite blogs that you read religiously?

There's a few! Well here goes! Tattooed Tea Lady, The Black Pearl Blog, A Day in the life of a Scottish Lass, Sprinkle of Glitter - there's a mass, and I mean loads of others I read on a weekly basis, but those mentioned are my daily ones :)

A big thank you to Georgina for taking part in this interview! 

To find out more about Georgina and read some more of her amazing posts then I urge you to head over to her blog here!

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MEET THE #BBLOGGERS PART ONE

Clara is a beautiful Irish girl living in England and writes a somewhat amazing blog called Countess du Blush! Despite being only 18 years old she speaks well beyond her years. Her blog not only showcases her amazing style and taste but also gives us an insight into her personality! A budding history student she describes herself style as the by-product of Marie Antoinette and chums. Something tells me that this girl will go far! 

So grab yourself a brew and enjoy the interview which Clara kindly took part in for me!

1. How would you describe your blog?

A corner of the internet where analogies are generally historical, superficial things are unconditionally appreciated and Maria Antoinette, Edie Sedgwick and Vivienne Westwood are somewhat worshipped.

2 I am always interested in how people come up with the names for their blog, how did you come up with yours?

My blog is called Countess du Blush. I'm an A level student looking to study history at university in 2013 with a particular interest in the 17th-18th Century history. One of my favourite court characters is Comtesse du Barry, a fairly scandalous mistress of Louis XV. I'm not giving myself a title out of arrogance, rather I am showing a nod to the court ladies I love in history who used clothing and fashion to make a statement, political or just egocentric. As for Blush, I love a bit of rouge and a glass of Pinot doesn't turn me off either. 

3. How would you describe your style?

If Marie Antoinette and her best friends were in a bubble-gum punk-pop band, shared a flat with Vivienne Westwood and Lily Munster and Edie Sedgwick was the land lady; I'd be the by-product. My style is all about contrast. Sugar-sweet pastels with monochrome. Straight laced school-girl wear with flowing chiffon. And the word 'clash' is not in my vocabulary unless Joe Strummer is involved.

4. If you had to pick either an endless supply of makeup or an endless supply of clothes which would you choose?

Probably makeup. My old dad instilled some fairly strict financial principles in me and, though the blogging world has lead me wayward, I can never buy backups of essential stuff because I hate spending money on old hat, boring stuff! Boring economical reasoning but i'd love to own the whole MAC lipstick line one day...

5. What prompted you to start blogging?

A part of me loved the community and I admired those involved, but another part of me knew there was something that I could offer. I grew tired of reading blogs with no personality. Like it or loathe it, you can read my blog and learn a lot about me from it! Its something I like about my own style and wanted to share it with others as well as meet great people. 

6. What's the one product that ou regret buying?

Clinique Three-Step System. I was in the height f my skin worries and it only made it worse, unfortunately. 

7. Do you family and friends know about your blog and do they read it?

My family and friends know I do this but I respectfully ask that my family in particular doesn't read it, just because its a personal space for me and I'm not sure they'd really understand, if that makes sense? I think blogging as a whole is weird unless you're active in it, but everyone is really nice about it. 

8. Can you remember the first item of makeup you owned? If yes, what was it?

Probably something from No. 7. My mum always gave me those gift sets when she got them, the gift with purchase?

9. What was the first blog that you started reading?

I don't really remember. Most of my blog experience has been flitting from blog to blog, usually motivated by the images/writing style of the person. I will say I have followed Muhsine from Bubblegarm for years. I've loved her blog for ages. 

10. Tell me about your absolute, holy grail product, the one you buy again and again!

CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara is the best. By far. I would also repurchase MAC Studio Fix powder, I've had three or four and it's not perfect but its coverage and texture is amazing! NARS Blushes in Madly and Taj Mahal would rank very highly, too!

11. What part of blogging do you enjoy the most?

I love creating the whole aesthetic of my blog through Outfit photos, if that makes any sense? I love those posts the most because a lot of work goes into them and I like creating beautiful things where possible (I haven't much to work with, only ol' me!) But on a social level, I've really enjoyed speaking to others and finding a community of folk who can be as superficial as me about beauty and fashion but still have wonderful hearts and amazing interests. 

12. Finally, tell me your favourite blogs that you read religiously?

Leanne Woodfull of Thunder and Threads and Tara from Tar Mar Tales will always be cited as my favourites. They're both irish girls, like me, and have wonderful personal styles and amazing personalities. And I can't go a day without checking Temptalia, It's like Cosmetics BBC News really , isn't it?

I urge you all to check out Clara's blog Countess du Blush by clicking here!

A big thank you to Clara for taking part and being the first to be featured!

Clara kindly gave me permission to use images from her blog and is taking part in a 'meet the #bbloggers' series. This is going to run for 5 weeks - all the #bbloggers have been chosen and depending on how well this is received may become a regular Friday post!

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