With an aim to be followed, not be followers”, Tammerly Robinson set up the Spoilt blog back in 2009 after becoming hooked on posting beauty product reviews. The blog has since gone from strength to strength, so much so that named Robinson its It Girl” in 2012. To find out more about Spoilt, beautydirectory sat down with Robinson to discover what makes her blog stand-out in an industry where we are spoiled for choice.
Can you describe your blog?
Spoilt is a lifestyle blog that focuses primarily on beauty and fashion. It contains over 700 honest beauty product reviews as well as the latest news, campaigns and interviews. Spoilt was originally solely a beauty blog called Pink Diva Beauty (named after my make-up artistry business) but now includes fashion as I have always had an interest in this industry and the two go hand-in-hand. Spoilt is a light-hearted, easy read – perfect to scroll through on your lunch break. I am drawn to beautiful visuals and so there are lots of gorgeous campaigns and shots featured.
What made you decide to be a blogger?
I discovered beautyheaven.com.au when it first launched online and became obsessed with reviewing cosmetics which I had used. Even then I had dabbled with so many beauty products and after discovering their forum, I enjoyed offering advice to users about make-up and skincare. This was my real introduction to blogging.
How did you get your start in blogging?
In 2009 I offered to assist a popular blogger, and once I understood how a blog worked, I became hooked. Soon after, the work slowed and so I created Spoilt. It was my own little corner where I could share advice and my love of the industry with like-minded people.
What were you doing before you were a beauty blogger?
Previously I worked in retail and make-up artist roles for Sussan, Dermalogica, Chanel, Kit Cosmetics and . I also ran a part-time make-up business for seven years.
Is blogging your full-time career or do you also have another job?
It is my night-time and weekend job. For the past four years I have worked full-time as a marketing co-ordinator for a prestige holiday rental company on the Central Coast.
How do you juggle the two roles?
Bloggers who work full-time and blog part-time don’t get enough credit for what they do, but at the end of the day, we absolutely love it! My family and friends know how important Spoilt is to me and just how committed I am, so they understand and support me – even though I can’t make every social event because I am meeting a deadline instead.
How do you source story ideas for your beauty articles?
For me, I prefer to blog about beauty campaigns, collections and post honest beauty reviews, so I keep my eye on social media and make contact with those in my address book.
Who has been the most interesting person you’ve ever interviewed?
Definitely Napoleon Perdis because he was so flamboyant and friendly. I had made myself sick with nerves before we started the interview, so it was a lovely surprise to find he was so approachable. I also really enjoyed interviewing Rae Morris – she is a lot of fun, really sociable and has a great sense of humour.
Have you always had a passion for beauty?
As a teen I had no idea about make-up and didn’t really start to wear it until I was 19. At age 16, I wanted to become a beauty therapist but my family didn’t approve to start with, so I waited until I was 19, left my job and studied full-time. It was there that I found my love for make-up artistry.
Do you think technology is changing how people gain access to beauty information?
Absolutely. At one point in time we relied solely on magazine features and stocking up at Gift with Purchase-time, but now we can Google and discover beauty pages and brands from all over the world. Plus, the likes of Ry.com.au, Adore Beauty, Kit and Mecca have helped us to discover international brands which we may have never discovered before.
What advice would you offer people wanting to get into beauty blogging?
Patience, passion and pride are the key ingredients for a beauty blog. Focus on a core area that truly interests you and then build the blog content around this. It can take a long time to gain loyal followers and to network with the right people, but it will happen. There are millions of beauty bloggers out there, so try to understand why you want to blog and how you will keep it interesting for readers.
Can you describe the blogging industry in Australia?
Australians took time to understand the blogosphere, and so it didn’t gain momentum for a few years. With social media being so powerful, blogging is certainly growing in popularity both from a reader and a writer’s perspective. Instagram has really opened doors for bloggers – we have a stronger outreach than ever. I am just enjoying the ride and will continue to learn as it evolves.
