In the last few years, blogging has gone from strength to strength - with bloggers claiming a spot in the front row action (and we’re not just talking about at fashion week). Here we take a look at four blogs that have really grabbed our attention...
- Christine Wang
Why did you decide to be a blogger?
I was working as an engineer in Malaysia when I started blogging about beauty in 2007 (I started a personal blog a couple of years prior to this). It was a male-dominated field and it was difficult for me to only be able to chat with a tiny handful of ladies about skincare and make-up. I needed a creative outlet that would allow me to talk about the things those male colleagues of mine considered frivolous. Thus, Beautyholics Anonymous was born.
What sets you apart from the others?
I’m honest and thorough in my product reviews. I don’t sugarcoat bad products, even if they were sent to me for editorial consideration. Every Wednesday, I write a series on blogging called Bloggie Wednesdays. It was something I started on a whim in 2011 and it remains the most popular series on the blog to date. I’m also consistent in my blogging, which my readers really appreciate.
What has been your blogging career highlight?
Being one of L'Oréal's official bloggers for the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2013 (now known as the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival), which involved interviewing Megan Gale and Barbara Palvin, getting front row seats at fashion shows, going to drinks and parties afterwards... I'd say that was one heck of a blogging career highlight! Oh, and hosting my very own beauty event with L'Oréal for my readers - that was a major highlight, too.
What would you say is your biggest strength?
I love helping others. Whether it’s helping to answer a beauty-related question or to help troubleshoot blogging problems, if I can help to resolve them, then I’m more than happy to lend a hand. I’m also very honest in my product reviews, which I’m sure has gotten me into a bit of a pickle with certain beauty brands. My priority on the blog is my readers and they deserve to know if the product is good or just so-so.
What’s coming up next for your blog?
I’ll be heading to Asia soon and, needless to say, I’ll be bringing back a lot of Asian cosmetics which I cannot wait to try and review on the blog. I’m particularly interested in sharing the weird-yet wonderful Japanese beauty contraptions that will supposedly create wonders for the skin.
What are your top tips for being a beauty blogger?
Be honest when it comes to product reviews. If the product didn’t work for you, don’t say that it did. Be consistent. Consistent blogging doesn’t mean you need to blog frequently. If you’re only blogging twice a week, stick to a schedule (e.g. if you’re going to blog only on Mondays and Thursdays, then make sure that you do). Your readers will come to expect blog posts from you on those days.
- Jenna Moore
Why did you decide to be a blogger?
I’d been a beauty and wellness editor for print magazines (Next, NZ Women’s Health, Fitness Life, New Idea) for over 15 years and I saw a huge change occurring in publishing. I’ve always wanted to run my own ship and found myself enamoured with the ‘net myself - it seemed like a natural progression.
What sets you apart from the others?
I have lots of years of experience in writing about my subjects and am actually trained in many aspects of it.
What has been your blogging career highlight?
Way back in the early days, reaching my first 100 subscribers! It’s lots more now, but that first 100 was like ‘yee-ha’. It would also have to be getting to feel like I know some of my readers. They’re great!
What would you say is your biggest strength?
Knowing science when it comes to beauty: ingredients, anatomy and physiology.
What’s coming up next for your blog?
Lots of changes, actually. We’re going back to our roots: beauty and wellbeing. I have always believed the two go hand-in-hand, and after having a life-threatening illness last year, I’ve got even more respect for the value of our health.
What are your top tips for being a beauty blogger?
Realise the decision to go digital is not a walk down easy street. It’s hard work and enormously time-consuming, so create an editorial calendar and diarise your writing times.
- Kayte Corcoran
Why did you decide to be a blogger?
I’d been reading blogs for a while and felt my obsession with beauty products and previous experience as a make-up artist gave me something to add to the world of beauty blogging. It gave me an outlet to rave about my favourite beauty products without boring my friends and family.
What sets you apart from the others?
Along with many others, I think integrity and honesty is hugely important in blogging. Along with this, I always try to review products in a short, succinct way so readers can make a quick and informed opinion on whether a product is suitable for them or not.
What would you say is your biggest strength?
I’ve been obsessed with beauty products since a young age and went on to study make-up artistry after school. I believe my biggest strength lies in my passion for beauty and my need to find the very best products not only for myself to use, but also for others around me.
What’s coming up next for your blog?
My goal is to focus more on reviews that are quick and easy to read, detailing the main points of products with beautiful pictures.
What is your top tips for being a beauty blogger?
Honesty, honesty, honesty. I’m a blogger but I’m also a reader and I’ve become very cautious when reading reviews that sound like a direct repeat of a PR release. Readers love personal stories and want to know how a product worked for you. Taking the time to have beautiful photos will also make a huge difference.
- Kathryn Wilson
Why did you decide to be a blogger?
I started up my blog while I was a uni student. I started buying a lot of my make-up online (to save money and to have access a wider range of brands) and I became really reliant on blog reviews and swatch photos to decide what products to buy and where to get them. After a few success stories and fails, I decided to start my own blog so I could share my opinions with other people.
What sets you apart from the others?
I have noticed that I get a lot of people commenting on how great it is that I am not scared to provide both pros and cons when I write my reviews. I think a lot of blogs fall into the trap of providing glowing reviews of products so that companies can send them more products. I have always thought that honesty and providing a balanced review is the job of blogger.
What has been your blogging career highlight?
It doesn't happen often, but it is a highlight when followers of my blog come up to me to say hi if they see me in person.
What would you say is your biggest strength?
As a blogger or in general? Well the answer to both is probably my honesty. People either love it or hate it.
What are your top tips for being a beauty blogger?
A picture says a thousand words. I love reading blogs that have a lot of clear photos and swatch photos. Even if people don't agree with your review, they will appreciate seeing good photos of the product. If you don't have photos (or very unclear photos), I find that it's very hard to hold someone's attention.
