I was considering so many options for my next interview, when I decided to do a series on the skincare community on Instagram. I want to be able to ask questions that people want to ask to a community that has never been so popular and might very well be the next big thing.
Part one begins with one of fastest growing pages I have seen: OVER GLOW EDIT. Who, herself, has a beautifully curated blog and Instagram!
How did you get into blogging?
I feel like I’ve been blogging since my teenage years back when Livejournal and Xanga were a thing, but in different formats that hadn’t really stuck until now. I used to blog about my life, fashion, travelling, food – I always had an impulse to write about the things I was interested in, and I feel like its been a long evolution process that I’m honestly still going through.
What did you do before blogging/is blogging part time for you even now?
Before blogging I was working in social media managing content and accounts and all that.
Blogging is still part-time for me because I work on other freelance unrelated to my own
work, but I do love getting to take on different projects that push me to try things I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. It pulls me out of my comfort zone.
What has been the biggest advantage to blogging?
Getting to choose my own schedule and having creative control over what I put out and who I work with.
I have a tiny, blog too but sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming for a hobby – do you ever feel like quitting and if so what keeps you going?
Blogging is definitely overwhelming at times, and I can hit creative walls and all sorts of
frustrations, but the thought of quitting never crosses my mind. I’ve been wanting to do this for so long, and when I think about what a huge privilege it is to get the chance to talk about things I love and connect with people about it, I wouldn’t want to give that up. I used to work in an office and have a buttoned up, pre-set structure, and that’s not the professional life I feel like I can personally thrive in. I know that blogging and the freedom it gives me is the only thing I want to pursue.
Have you ever had any bad experiences with brands?
From a customer perspective, I can’t think of any particular instances, and from a blogging perspective, sure. There are some rude or pushy people, but I think my least favorite are those who are unresponsive. Shout out to people who respond to their e-mails.
Which one of your pictures is your favourite?
Ah, this is so hard because I find that once I post my photos I rip them apart on how I
could’ve done better. If I had to choose it’d probably be this one:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgLzZVPnnRZ/?taken-by=overglowedit
Who are your favourite beauty bloggers?
Gothamista and Temptalia – does Temptalia count? She’s been a resource for swatches and reviews for me for SO long, and she’s so consistent and to the point.
Can you list your perfect skincare routine? This may be the hardest question you’ll ever be asked
Assuming this is a nighttime routine:
First cleanse: Moss Buerre Celeste Cleansing Balm
Second cleanse: Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
Mask: May Lindstrom Honey Mud
Toner: Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner
Essence: Skin Food Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence
Serum: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
Moisturizer: Kahina Giving Beauty Face Cream
Eye cream: Amorepacific Intensive Vitalizing Eye Essence If you couldn’t tell – I have dry skin, haha.
How do you consider the success of product? I.e. is this product good enough to
recommend?
I consider a product worthy of recommendation if it legitimately wows me – it’s that feeling of trying a new night cream, waking up the next morning and seeing a version of your skin that’s visibly different. I do lots of reviews on products, and most are good but there’s a difference between good and great. If a product makes a positive difference and I feel like I couldn’t live without it, that’s when I’ll actually recommend something. But most of the time I just suggest testing things out or grabbing samples because everyone’s skin is different.
What is the best advice you have for someone just starting out in the world of beauty blogging?
Starting is the hardest part! Also, don’t compare yourself to others – you have to set your
own goals and focus on what you’re doing without constantly looking in your rear view
mirror.
Lastly, what do you think about the longevity of beauty blogging? Can you see yourself doing this 10 years?
I think beauty blogging will continue to be around, but it will probably evolve in different ways. I used to only really hear about beauty products in magazines, then the internet came, blogs, Youtube, Instagram – it’s changed so much even in 2 years. I think as new platforms pop up and new ways of communicating, people will still be talking about beauty products, but in different formats. I can definitely see myself doing this for 10+ years, and I’m excited about it because my skincare in 10 years and the products that come out will look completely different than what they are now. New technology, new ingredients and new knowledge, it’ll be a whole different landscape and I want to be there to cover it.
