I was first properly introduced to Emma at an Indeed Labs event (they were launching their Bakuchiol Pads). She was hosting the very informed panel and she was completely at ease with the whole situation. Exuding confidence and ease – something very unfamiliar to my anxious self. And so naturally I thought she would be a perfect addition on science and skincare, the right opportunity to gain much valued insight into what it takes to be successful in the world of skinfluencing.
I think good photography is capturing how you see the world so that others can see it that way, too.
Where did the inspiration for your blog come from?
I started my blog when I was at university in 2009 as a creative outlet to my studies. It was a visual platform where I could share my favourite images, and ended up creating my own.
How did you get started in the world of Instagram?
I started instagram when I was working as a Beauty Editor. When I left London and moved to Australia I travelled a bit on the way so posted shots from these travels and then when I arrived in Sydney began mixing my love of travel with beauty on both my blog and my instagram.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a skinfluencer?
Trying products! I want to try so many products at the same time but I know that my skin will react – or I won’t be able to tell what does
what. Massive first world problem.
I know you put huge emphasis on educating your followers on how to look for the right products for them but what do you think kick started the movement toward educating consumers?
I asked myself what I could give rather than what I could take. So I decided to share the insights I have from years of working in the beauty industry and talking to the experts all the time. It’s been the best thing I ever did as I now feel like I have a little community who I speak to everyday and get people more interested in ingredients and how best to maximise their products.
How does that effect your personal choices with which brands you work with?
I only ever work with brands that I truly believe in and who’s products (and ingredients!) I’ve tried and tested myself.
When it comes to your skincare routine, which products can you not live without?
A good balm cleanser – there is nothing like the feeling of taking your makeup off after a long day and massage the balm into an oil on your face. My favourites are Emma Hardie, Elemis and Neal’s Yard. I love all
things hydrating and serums so I always use a hydrating serum both morning and night. My favourites are Estee Lauder ANR, Skinceuticals HA intensifier and Neutrogena Hydro Boost.
Do you have any advice for someone just starting out in blogging?
Do something that you love, don’t just do something because it seems to be ‘the trend’ or what everyone else is doing. Create your own style and type of content. Don’t see it as a money making task. When I started out ten years ago I did it because it was a real passion of mine and I loved taking photos and sharing, I think now so many people go into it thinking they’ll be millionaires overnight and then get upset when they’re not immediately successful.
Your Instagram gives me serious travel envy, where in the world has been your favourite place to visit?
Vietnam and Mexico are my favourite places.
On the Instagram envy note – what camera do you use and were you always so good at taking pictures?
I use a mix of cameras – my Canon6D for my self-portraits and some travel ones, Olympus Mju II as my film camera and even my phone sometimes too – I don’t think you need a fancy camera to take good photos. I work as a photographer alongside running my blog and so I’ve had years of practice teaching myself to shoot and turning it into my job. I was obsessed with photography from a very young age and have always been very visual so I guess this is what lead me to develop my eye. I think good photography is capturing how you see then world so that others can see it that way, too.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Hopefully running my own studio, with a small team and creating beautiful imagery for clients.
