I didn't consider myself a blogger until very recently. You may laugh now and ask what I had been doing with more than five years of my life then, and probably a couple months ago, I would have shrugged, avoided your eyes and mumbled something about studying, work, being a housewife, and liking to read books in my free time; at which point I suppose anyone I'd talked to came to the conclusion that I generally lack any interesting hobbies, initative or passion in life - in short, that I'm a terrible bore.
And somehow that was (sometimes still is) preferrable to looking people in the eye and saying 'I'm a beauty blogger. I have a website where I review make-up and skincare products'. When I started this blog, I opted for a nickname and kept it a secret from all my friends and family, with the exclusion of my husband. I only blogged at home, alone, and avoided asking anyone for help with photos or website design, even when I really needed it. Looking back on it, I should have joined a 'Bloggers Anonymous' support group, who'd meet after dark at abandonded cementaries, chanting 'We love blogging, we love blogging' in a trance to the sound of rhytmic typing.
I'm not sure why I should feel so bad for being a beauty blogger. When trying to dissect my feels, I did find true what Gummy and Larie have recently written about society (mostly of the female kind) putting other make-up wearing women down for being vain, selfish, or obsessed with their looks. I don't want to be regarded as superficial; I've always been the best student, the ambitious, the brainiac - I don't want to disappoint! What if my family and friends knew and thought beauty blogging was silly, and a waste of time? Wouldn't that be so much worse than them just not knowing altogether?
But as life would have it, the cat got out of the bag soon enough; in an inspired, touchy-feely moment I spilled the beans to my brother, who then spilled them some further to my parents and even some cousins, therefore completely removing the 'going public' decision from my control. And you know what, the reaction really was not something I expected: my parents were impressed that my posts looked so professional, one cousin suggested I could earn some money from monetizing the blog, and another admitted that it's very interesting and that she, too, enjoys girly beauty stuff and even dreams of becoming a hair stylist and opening her own salon.
These days I can honestly say that my immediate family and close friends are incredibly supportive. My Polish dad routinely asks how my blog is doing and reads my machine-translated posts through Google. My English-speaking brother reads my posts and follows me on Instagram, and he's of the opinion that my writing is good enough for me to become a journalist. On a recent vacation in Morocco, my mom visited not only an argan oil expeller to score me a bottle of the genuine stuff, but also a Moroccan pharmacy, where she inquired about Rhassoul clay and different types of soaps and oils, so she could bring me all the deets from the very source. My best friend once spent an entire afternoon at work going through my old posts, and often checks the blog to see what's currently rocking my boat.
So I'm not enirely sure why, even when people around me have long accepted the fact that I'm a beauty blogger, I should still struggle so much to admit it. I have now realized that the biggest part of it is that I don't feel good enough a blogger to actually call myself one - because you know, it's not like I make my living from it, or have thousands of readers. Like maybe I'd like to be a beauty blogger, but for now I'm just a wannabe.
I have now come to the conclusion however that there IS truth in this simple piece of advice: 'Want to become a writer? Then write'. Because I'm already doing it: I blog every week, sometimes every day. When I'm not blogging, I'm gathering ideas, planning my posts, shooting and editing photos, testing products, or networking on social media; I breathe the blogging stuff. I currently have the luxury of just being a housewife, and blogging takes up most of my free time, which is substantial. So why shouldn't I call myself a beauty blogger, a writer, a photographer, if that's truly what I do? Does it matter if I make money from it? Does it matter if people love it or hate it? I give it my best - shouldn't it be all that matters?
It's hard work, but I'm now trying to allow myself the privilege of being called a beauty blogger. I even recently told some new girlfriends that I had this beauty website, and some of the things I'd been posting on it, and the challenges I'd been facing. And... they said it was awesome, and at least *looked* interested! I haven't quite delivered on the promise of sending them my link though - I'm a work in progress, you guys. I'm trying.
So please, tell me - do you call yourself a beauty blogger? Have you told your friends and family about your blog? Do they read it? Do you mention it when people ask about things you enjoy doing in your free time? Or are we beauty bloggers all just a bunch of weird, introverted, embarassed online fanatics in denial of our passion? Or is it just me? TELL ME.
Hey Monika, what a thought-provoking piece! When I first started my blog, I didn't really tell anybody. I wasn't even sure what kind of blog it would be, and I didn't know if I'd stop after two posts. Then it got a little more serious at some point, so I told some friends. They're all wonderfully supportive! My brothers know as well, but not yet my mom and my extended family. I'm just not sure how my mom would react to this, since she really didn't raise me to be a girly girl (whatever that might mean) at all. It's funny because this is still one of the last things I prefer to tell people about myself, and I'm not sure why. I guess the stereotype does play a role here, or maybe having some sort of separation between my blog and real life just makes me feel safer? I don't know ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Sunny, thank you for reading and commenting, I always see your comments among the very first on every post <3 I guess when I first started blogging it was just to try it out too, I didn't know if it would become a more long-term hobby. I have a feeling a lot of us 'beauty bloggers' weren't raised to be very girly, maybe that's also the reason we became so interested in the beauty industry? I think sometimes separation is good, but on the other hand, I spend so much time on my blog (and I'm sure you must be spending a lot of time on yours, it just shows!) that avoiding to talk about it openly as a 'passion' may be a symptom of some deeper feelz.
DeleteInteresting post, Monika :) I'd say I'm more willing to tell people I'm a beauty blogger or at least a blogger, when I'm in the scene eg attending an event. In real life, I don't consciously tell people I blog because most people know of my full time job instead and I think it might be awkward because it's so different from being a beauty blogger. Still I don't consciously hide it, I just don't talk about it so my immediate family knows and some other close friends but that's mostly it! :)
ReplyDeleteI think obviously all of us would only share the fact of being a beauty blogger when it's relevant; if you work in a completely different field, I guess most people wouldn't really be interested to know about it. But it's good to share with family and close friends!
DeleteWell, you know. I would have been underneath one of those hooded cloaks in that secret society chanting right along next to you. I haven't even shown my face until just recently.
ReplyDeleteWhen I finally "came out" to my friends, everyone was actually really fascinated and excited, although I can count on one hand the number of people who actually tune in to the blog on a regular basis after the initial hoopla. It's not because they don't care about me but that they really have very little attention span for cosmetics and "beauty things." This lack of common interest was the main reason I turned to blogging anyway, so it doesn't bother me at this point. But you have such tremendous support from your family and they're much more engaged in a way that mine aren't. I think you'll find that core support very important as you continue to open yourself up to new people. Validation by others means something, no matter what we say to ourselves at the end of the day. We don't necessarily need it to function but it helps.
As for what makes someone a writer, I always remember what an old friend once said: if you write, you're a writer. Being published or having a blog doesn't make one any more of a writer if you're writing consistently. Just because people don't know doesn't make us any less either. :)
Oh, Liz <3 Yes, having some sort of validation definitely helps, and it's great to have some sort of support system of family and/or friends with whom you can share your frustrations, challenges and successes. I think that's also a reason bloggers from our extended community like to hang out together from time to time - being able to openly talk about our common passion and share & exchange experiences is invaluable. Btw, I'm still looking forward to hanging out with you in New York! :D
DeleteHi Monika! I'm a pretty new blogger -- have only been at it for about three months. I've only told my partner and a couple of friends about it, but I've linked to posts in my personal Instagram which a handful of "real-life" friends see, so I'm sure there are a few that have had at least a peek at the blog. I'm kind of at a weird phase in my life right now where I'm finishing a thesis and have only been seeing a few really close friends, so no comments from others yet about it! I definitely haven't posted about it on Facebook... and don't feel quite ready to do so. It's weird, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa! Hah, I actually only have Twitter and Instagram accounts just for the blog, I don't have separate personal ones for real life friends. And I also don't share about my blog on my personal Facebook - I actually don't post anything on Facebook at all, but I definitely don't want to come out to everyone on FB! I think we all draw a line somewhere, between the people we want to share the blog with and the people we don't want to know.
DeleteVery well written, Monica! I can see why you feel the way you do... Glad that your family is so supportive! You ARE a beauty blogger, a great and passionate one at that! You work hard on these posts and your writing is enjoyable. You write about what the essence of beauty is, and that's what makes it so fun. More power to you!
ReplyDeleteI am not a beauty blogger, but am quite passionate about skincare and makeup, and here's what I have felt all along- some people will always judge you/comment upon your choices. There was a time when I never wore any makeup and a seemingly well meaning friend so casually said to me that it was due to my lack of self-worth!! And now that I wear makeup, some other friends just have to comment. An itchy eye due to allergy or some acne, and yes, it's because i wear makeup.
But I am glad that those who are close to me understand me and accept me for who I am. Like Sunny above (hi Sunny!), I wasn't a girly girl to begin with and I still struggle with gadgets like straightening irons and curlers. But my Mom loved fragrances and I have inherited some of that love :). My Dad is often my sounding board when i end up feeling bad or guilty (but why should I) for such things... The mistah understands my passion too. So it's all good :).
Hi Musical (gosh, I really feel I should know your name, you always leave such wonderful comments)! Thank you for your kind words :) Hahah, I find it really interesting and heart-warming that your Dad and your partner are both supportive of your love for beauty products - why do I feel that oftentimes, it's women (well-meaning 'friends') who like to put other women down the most, and guys have a much more laid back attitude?
DeleteHi Monika, my name is Sangeeta :). Thank you! You deserve every bit of the love you get from the audience, and then some!
DeleteYou're absolutely right, often it's women putting down other women... It totally breaks my heart to read some posts on celebrity fashion blogs (mostly women ripping other women apart, based on how they look and what they wear) :(.
Hi Sangeeta! That's such a coincidence - I've just met a friend of a friend (my brother, whom I mentioned in a different comment, was just at their wedding in Goa) whose name is Sangeeta as well :) Yeah, gossip columns and online forums are pretty harsh, they harbor so much negativity it's sickening :/
DeleteWow! Quite a coincidence indeed :). Hope your brother had a great time! Goa is lovely!
DeleteI mainly followed this one blog to see how Indian fashion is evolving... sadly, the comments have completely turned me off and away :(
I find myself a lot in what you wrote here, Monika. And actually I'm still not out of the closet LOL. Not sure why. Perhaps I wanted to keep this little thing for just myself. Probably I didn't want my colleagues to find out or that sort of thing. Like Sunny I think it makes me feel safer to keep things apart.
ReplyDeleteHi Monica, what a well written post. I can see your dilemma and I assumed, that you consider yourself as a beauty blogger already. when I first started blogging, I actually never thought, that someone would even read or take a look at what I post there. I mean, there are so many bloggers out there. I never wanted my blog to be a beauty only blog either but as it happens, I blog mostly (only?lol) about beauty (which is going to change). my mum, brother, my ex and some friends know about my blog and they are all positive about it. but I don't feel the need to share this hobby when someone asks me 'what do you like doing? hobby?', though, I don't hide it either and when someone knows it is ok, I am not ashamed of it, or wonder what other people may think.people always judge (referring to your mention to larie and gummy), be it about makeup, or other things, be it in real life or online (gossip is everywhere). but I am not near your blog, you blog for a long time. I think I would question myself more about that (do I tell someone or not) when it would be my full time job to blog, or if I would blog for a long time, like you do. but I blog for fun and because I like it, and I don't have many posts either. and as I said earlier, I simply just don't feel the need to share my hobby with everyone. I also think, when you are hiding your passion/hobby beauty/makeup in real life, it may be even more difficult to 'come out' as a beauty blogger. / Claire xxx
ReplyDeleteI KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEEEELLL!!!!
ReplyDeletei always feel self conscious telling people about my blog but have forced myself to do it just to make myself get over the fact that its nothing to be ashamed about and that being a beauty blogger shouldn't make me feel like a 'dumb brunette'. and the reception i've received has been surprisingly positive as well! the asian mother still doesn't get it but my cousins have told me they were impressed by the quality of my blog and that i should keep doing it. the bf listens to all my blogger anxieties and helps me edit.
and
i agree with liz point. i realized the insecurities come from wanting to be validated and wanting ppl not to jumpt to conclusions about the type of person i am just because i blog about something less serious. esp w/ the education and career choices, i felt like if i wasn't doing something 'serious' i wasn't reaching my potential or cultivating a more meaning lifestyle but wtf, who cares, we all need a break and this has been flippin' fun! i'm working on the self-consciousness haha
I think most of us beauty blogging introverts need some help in the self-consciousness and confidence department! Musical has a very good point in her comment - we women are often judged either way, either for being too girly or for not paying enough attention to our looks. So why should we care so much about what others think? Yes, it's just too much fun doing what we do to care :)
DeleteI don't call myself a "beauty blogger" mainly because I feel the title is for someone who have accomplished something (Ok, monetarily or in terms of popularity). Most of the time I just tell them I write about random products I have seen and tried (and complain about them), it's more relaxed that way that I don't have to worry about a set posting schedule, sponsors (don't get any anyway) and all the other things "beauty bloggers" worry about.
ReplyDeleteA great post, Monika! I never thought of telling people that I'm a beauty blogger, but my family knows, my husband supports me, and some of my friends know. I guess it's because I consider it a personal thing (and I only get personal with a handful of people!). I mean, if I thought it's a job, then I'd broadcast it and get friends and family to spread the word, but no. So, I'm a closet beauty blogger then?? LOL!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful piece, Monika. I do identify myself as a beauty blogger nowadays, but I'm still often embarrassed to do so -- I was raised to be a gender-neutral minimalist; an academic. But, at the same time, I am always surprised by how supportive my friends and family have been over the years. There is an undeniable mystique to the beauty industry that even those who aren't makeup-wearers can engage with, I think; a side of things that deals with artistry and chemistry; the analysis of beauty ideals and the idea of a luxury market.
ReplyDeleteI think what we forget, sometimes, is that there are many levels to being a beauty blogger, and that those around us are sometimes more able to remember that than we are. I think what makes a great beauty blogger is someone who sees the industry as more than its surface level (like this post is doing), and because we are so often surrounded by those like us, they too are able to see that we engage on more than one level.
x
Thank you Rae-whale! I was definitely raised to be an independent professional as well - which is what I did for a couple years working as a language teacher and translator - but that's not where all of my passions were. I guess now I still feel I'm being independent and professional, blogging is just not a set 'job' for me - which also has a lot of perks to it, like being able to expand my creativity and work with my own schedule. But the subject matter itself is different, more 'superficial' and 'frivolous', which sometimes makes me feel more embarassed to share what I do.
DeleteBut you are so right that there are many layers to the beauty industry, I think that's what makes it so interesting to all of us, and our loved ones can see it too, and that's why they're so supportive and often enthusiastic about what we do. Maybe sometimes, they can even see that more clearly than we can ourselves, like you said - and remind us about it again.
One of the biggest reasons I became a beauty blogger was because no one in my "real life" has the same passion for makeup as I do. More than just the enthusiastic shopper, I have a deep appreciation for texture, color, and nuances between shades. I never had anyone to talk about it with until I realized there is a community of amazing people known as beauty bloggers. So I started one. No one (not even Mr. M) knew I had one. It was never meant to be a secret of something I felt ashamed of, but rather something I wanted to protect because it was important to me and no one else was going to care. I didn't feel like explaining this passion to people who will never get it. Blogging wasn't a real hobby right away, but rather a way for me to talk to people. I blogged about health, food, life, and makeup. It rapidly evolved into just makeup and when I realized I wanted more - to learn the art of photography, share on social media, and learn about design - I told Mr. M about the people I had met and the "journal" I had. He was blown away that beauty blogs exist and instantly wanted to see my little project turn into something I could really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteFrom there it was a matter letting myself open up to other people. Most of the people I mention my blog to still don't get it...that includes a lot of people close to me. But it is so encouraging when someone I know comes to me with beauty questions because this is what I "do." And I love that through blogging and social media I've learned about beauty parties and classes that let me chat with other "real life" enthusiasts.
Am I a career blogger? Maybe someday. But for now I'm just happy to have a place where I can be me!
Yes, I definitely had a similar motive to starting my own blog as well; I wanted to talk about make-up and I didn't have any friends who shared the same passion. It's great that now you have the support of your husband, even if some of the people close to you don't really get it. And the opportunities that become available to us through blogging and being on social media are fantastic - it's one of the perks of our community for sure!
DeleteMonika, what an eye-opening post! And I've surely enjoyed reading all the comments here, thank you for bringing up such a thoughtful issue out in the open.
ReplyDeleteI perhaps come from the "opposite" side of blogging: I hardly consider myself a blogger, when the weather is sunny outside (you know how it is in Seattle!), I much rather go out with my son and play rather than taking pictures. I rarely think of things to write about, I write in a whim, when I have time -- thus my posts are really sporadic, erratic, perhaps not well-edited.
Actually, I started blogging after conversing with a few other mom friends about what to do when our children naps. They all know my blog (don't know if they follow/still read them), all my family know I'm "blogging" but tbh I don't think they really care that much. Writing about beauty kinda fell naturally in place for me, so is about cooking and other things.
I didn't realize that blogging about beauty brings up issues such as insecurities, which now I am beginning to appreciate and understand. I certainly am glad to have met such wonderful people in this blogosphere community and grateful for the support & readership.
Even though I don't post enough or have a lot of readers to even consider "blogging" as a career or anything, it has been a great hobby and place to just let out random thoughts. It was originally just a way for me to keep track of what my experiences. Having readers and followers has just been a plus. Since people around me aren't really into the whole beauty stuff, being able to communicate with people who are is really helpful.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand the feeling of being weary of how others would think of me for having a blog. I think to this day I've only told one of my closest friends. There may be some who (I think) may know but haven't asked me about it directly. Even if they asked, I would be hesitant to admit.
It's so great that people around you are so supportive! It must have been a pleasant surprise. Don't worry about people's thoughts about if you introduce yourself as a blogger. I think your content and posts are nothing to be shy about :D
I make a similar distinction to Citrine and would never call myself a 'beauty blogger', though I am 'out' IRL; instead, I tend to say, 'I have a beauty blog' or 'I blog about fluffy things'. To call myself a 'beauty blogger' feels like a claim to a professional identity (or at least aiming at such) I have no interest in inhabiting. With my logical mind I’m totally with you on the ‘blogging about beauty’ = ‘being a beauty blogger’ verb collapsing into noun thing, but my feels, they are not always rational….
ReplyDeleteUnlike many of the commentators on this thoughtful piece, I've always been (openly) interested in clothes/makeup/caaaake as well as less obviously ‘gendered’ passions, so no-one who knows me at all was/would be surprised, but blogging is my way to get unashamedly enthusiastic about the geeky details and meet like-minded folks <3 Since that also means my nearest&dearest are more often spared my latest effusions on a magical-BECAUSE-it’s-totally-invisible!!! primer, they’re VERY supportive, even if they don’t read it :)
Thank you for starting this conversation with your as-always lucid post!
Hah, Kate, I feel like you're almost getting at something that has a lot to do with the actual language usage, which is definitely NOT logical. Now that I'm thinking about what you said, and what Larie said below, it seems that the noun 'beauty blogger' would collocate the idea of being focused more on the results (thus more formal), and a verbal phrase like 'blogging about beauty' focuses more on the process (thus more personal, less defined). I think I meant a little bit of both in my post - even when one prefers the verbal phrase, there's still a choice in disclosing (or not) this fact about oneself to people around you.
DeleteHahaha, I love the idea that your nearest&dearest are very supportive of your blogging because it spares them having to listen to the particularls :) I guess a lot of people in my social circle made me feel pretty early on that talking about beauty stuff is quite superficial, so I wasn't even trying - I guess with that in mind, I kept my beauty obsession under the radar so well that most people weren't even aware of it, lol.
I have a lot of similar thoughts - thank you for an eloquent post, Monika. I think many of Kate's comments above apply to me as well - I've worn makeup and liked pretty things, etc., so maybe people wouldn't be surprised, but I don't tell many people, either. Just one or two of my friends know (as well as S., of course), and I'm happy to keep it that way. I think my parents would be horrified with the idea of plastering my face all over the internet (and the amount of money that goes into the blog, LOL), so we shalln't tell them just yet, haha.
ReplyDeleteI call myself a "blogger" casually but not maybe a "beauty blogger," because I don't do it professionally and I'm not into cameras and fancy pants equipment or whatever. But "blogging" used to be a much more casual thing, I feel - everyone and their long lost cousin had an online journal account, etc., at one point in time, no? So maybe we would fall under the category nicely. But I think it's up to personal preference and what we are comfortable with. No need to put more labels on a person, imo.
I think it has a lot to do with what you feel comfortable with in terms of sharing, and how I believe the importance of having a blog as a hobby will differ from person to person as well, and as a consequence the importance of sharing it with people close to you. On one hand, one may want to keep things private to avoid being judged, but on the other, at one point (at least it did to me) it may feel silly to keep a substantial part of one's life a secret from the loved ones.
DeleteI guess the point of my post wasn't to plaster a label to anyone, including myself, but to allow myself to call a spade a spade and enjoy being a part of the blogging community. The point was mostly to remind myself that just doing something is enough, that the blogging process is enough, there isn't necessarily some sort of outcome or milestone that I have to reach in order to validate my blogging. But on the other hand, yes, maybe 'beauty blogger' is just another label, and we can do without, as long as we're confident in ourselves - which more often that not, I'm not :)
I didn't mean that you were forcing labels upon us all ;) Just that, as you say, sometimes the act of doing is enough, no matter what it is called or who calls it that ;)
DeleteNo worries, it just made me think about what I've written from a different perspective - which is great! :)
DeleteI’m popping out of the woodwork again to say that I think you’re more of a beauty blogger than you give yourself credit for. You write from the heart. I know when I read your blog I read your truth, and in my opinion as a reader, I believe I can count on your honest opinion on a product more so than someone who I know is getting paid to promote a different product every few weeks. You should be proud of your blogging, and you are better than you think.
ReplyDeleteI can completely understand where you’re coming from on your hesitation about telling others you’re a beauty blogger. One of the frustrating things about our society is the way we frivolize femininity and beauty, as if someone is less because they care about how they look. I’m not a blogger and admire the time, effort, work, and energy spent in creating and maintaining a blog. I recognize that it is a lot more than just sitting down in front of a computer and typing and that things are rarely as simple as they seem.
(Can I also throw out there that you’re not “just” a housewife? Putting a “just” in front of anything belittles it, and I don’t think taking care of the heart and home of one’s life a “just.” That’s a pet peeve of mine.)
Thank you for your very kind words, I really appreciate you taking the time to write this comment. Comments like yours just now are the stuff bloggers' passion is made out of :)
DeleteAnd you're absolulety right saying that putting 'just' in front of housewife is already assuming it's something less - I guess it's a sentiment I still struggle with. I'll work on saying it differently from now on, accidental use of a phrase like that reflects something of us and actually ingrains it even more in our consciousness - no more of that! I can be a proud housewife :)
I felt EXACTLY the same way when I first started blogging, because for some reason, for the longest time I had a set conventional/stereotypical view of what a beauty blogger should look like, and I didn't exactly conform to those looks. 'Beauty blogger' also evoked ideas about being shallow/narcissistic (points that Jenn made), and for that reason, I didn't call myself a beauty blogger for a long time, but rather, just another person who blogs about beauty (you summed up the distinction between the two pretty well in your response to Larie). I also feel the term 'beauty blog' is a bit constricting topic wise. There's more to a person than just their obsession with beauty, but now that I'm in a place where I'm more comfortable blogging, I feel more comfortable introducing non-beauty related topics.
ReplyDeleteBut when it comes down to the nitty gritty, technically all of us are beauty bloggers. It's now become a term I'm comfortable identifying myself with. You are really really lucky to have such a supportive bunch though! I've told my mom, brother and a few friends about the blog, and though my friends are cool with it (though some are telling me to monetize, much to my annoyance because I still think it's a hobby and keeping it free from that kind of route), my mom is a bit indifferent to it. WHATEVES.
(In other news, I've mentioned this once before, but I genuinely do enjoy the more serious pieces on your blog. They really do identify and speak about the problems none of us really write about)
Obviously the term 'beauty blogger' feels quite constricting given all the topics that we blog about on our blogs - but also, like Rae mentioned, because the beauty industry has so many levels that none of it seems straightforward these days. I think a lot of our blogs document some sort of personal journey; we are more focused on the cosmetic side of things but we also do talk about other things close to our hearts. I think that's what makes it interesting!
DeleteSome of the people I've told about the blog are a bit 'yeah, whatever' too, which is why I don't really mention it if I sense someone's reaction wouldn't be very enthusiastic. I don't generally enjoy being judged so sometimes I prefer withholding some pieces of information about myself :)
Thank you for the kind words, Vanessa! I'm trying to make the 'serious' pieces on beauty blogging a bit more of a regular feature, but they're much harder to write - so I have to act when inspiration strikes :)
Ah, I do understand what you're saying about the "shame" of being interested in such a "shallow" hobby; I rarely talk to anyone but a few close friends and my husband about my beauty interests. I'm a voracious blog and youtube viewer, reading, researching, investigating, plotting, planning, comparing....I don't know why I love beauty stuff so much but I do :) I'm grateful for people like you who have a writing skill and share that skill with the rest of us to enjoy and feed our need for more! Please know how much you are valued and appreciated and keep on blogging! :)
ReplyDelete