Sometimes I just browse the Internet and bookmark pretty images, which is why I thought 'A Week of Pretty' needed to be born. For the days I'm lacking the words and all I do is collect images that make me smile.
Each week I will post 'A week of pretty' with a different theme and include the links and names of the artist/blogger/photographer so you can find more of their work if you like.
It's simple but I hope you enjoy it.
1.Bruce Mozert (photo created in 1983 would you believe!) 2.Elena Kalis 3.Zena Hollaway 4.Pool image (here) 5.unknown 6.Zena Hollaway 7.Bruce Mozert 8.Elena Kalis 9.House in Cape Town (here).
Feel free to tell me which you like the best!
Fee x
So, I have my crazy lady head on again! But I promise is won't be that crazy as it's actually about skincare which I hope some of you will find interesting.
But if you don't then you can just look at the pretty pictures.
For quite some time now I've been trying to treat my skin nicer - no more harsh toner, natural face masks and only organic/natural facial washes and scrubs and I have seen a difference. It's more calmer and pretty clear for the most part however I do seem to have a problem with dead skin cells and the turnover of them. Which means my skin can look a bit blah and dull at times.
So I decided to do a bit of research into AHA's as I had seen this word along side dead skin cell removal and peels etc I also knew it was something to do with fruit acids. Here is what I found out...
Fruit acids loosen the bond between dead skin cells and most fruits are great for acne/spots.
Warning - I did also found out that when using fruit acids/AHAs your skin can be lightened (from the citric acid) and can also be more sensitive to the sun, so suncream is a must!
However there is no need to start mixing up different messy face masks full of mashed banana and honey! All you need is the fruit, which you directly rub onto the skin and you can actually do this in the morning whilst eating the fruit!
So ever since I've been rubbing half a strawberry over my face two mornings a week which I grow directly from my little patio. The strawberry not only smell good but also feels so good and cooling on the skin. Plus I have noticed a difference especially around my nose where I did have a build up of dead skin cells. I also been experimenting with all differen't types of fruit and have been doing a bit of research into which fruit contain what.
Here is a list of wha fruits contain which acids, what they do and how often you can use them (the waffles and ice-cream are an optional extra!)
Strawberries - The main natural acids in strawberries are citric and malic acids which help promote skin cell turn over and even age spots. Strawberries also contain salicylic acid which is found in many topical creams that are used on acne. To use this on your skin, just use either a chopped off head of a strawberry or half of one, run all over the face and leave for 10 minutes. Strawberries can even be used to whiten the teeth naturally if you leave it on for a minute over the teeth! If you don't fancy the idea of rubbing half a strawberry over your face then a Strawberry face scrub is the an easy less hippy alternative. Just grab a few strawberries, half a cup of sugar and a table spoon of olive oil and mix together well with the back of a spoon.
Best for - Spot prone skin. Use 2-3 times per week max.
Apples - The main AHA in apples (green ones are best) is malic acid which again helps cell turn over and also helps to give a more even skin tone. Use half an apple or even just a slice of it, twice a week is enough to give softer more even skin. Another alternative is to pour some pure apple juice into an ice cube tray and use one all over the face in the morning as this will help remove dead skin cells and also the chill of the ice cube with reduce puffiness around the eye area. Plus it smells nice!
Best for - Skin that suffers from redness. Use twice a week.
Tomatoes - Tomatoes contain lactic acid with is known to be the mildest of AHA's so can be used on sensitive skin. This is good for both moisturizing the skin and also reducing the size of pores. To use, cut half a tomatoes (can even be a small plum tomato) and rub all over the face concentrating on the areas with most blackheads, leave on for a few minutes and then wash off. I have only done this once as I cannot stand the smell and hate tomatoes in general but this does help reduce pores especially if the tomato has been stored in the fridge.
Best for - As an anti-aging treatment and to tighten pores. Use three times a week max.
Grapes - The main AHA in grapes is the lesser know tartaric acid which again is more suitable for sensitive skin and helps with the tone and texture of aging skin. Grapes can be used as a natural skin cleanser by running a few halves over the skin and leaving for 5 minutes before washing off with cold water. For a more anti-aging face mask crush a handful of grapes and drain most of the juice so that you are left with mainly the skin and seeds. Next, mix with equal amounts of natural yogurt and then a table spoon of honey and olive oil. Spread over the face and leave for up to 30 minutes.
Best for - Wrinkles and toning the skin.
Lemons & Oranges - Lemons, limes and oranges are all good sources of citric acid which do mean you do have to be wary of photosensitivity (to the sun) and also applying these to broken skin or open spots. The juice of any of these can be used dabbed on the skin or you can use the squeezed out empty rinds on the skin which should help to exfoliate the skin. As citric acid is quite astringent this should only be left on for 10 minutes and not used on sensitive skin.
Best for - Oily and acne prone skin.
Of course none of the fruits above will be wonder cures for skin problems however with a good cleansing routine and the ease of just cutting open a fruit a few times a week and applying it to the skin instead of using a shop bought face mask, will within a few weeks start to give results, though your skin should feel instantly softer after washing the fruit off after each use.
As all the fruit contain different types of Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) you will notice smoother skin from the fruit acids breaking down the bond of skin cells to penetrate the skin and decrease the number of dead cells to give that smooth look and feel.
Of course smashing a strawberry around your face mid-lunch break whilst reading Heat magazine and eating a Greggs pasty isn't advised... mainly because you will be wearing makeup! So I'd suggest keeping it as morning breakfast affair or while watching TV at night.
It does feel slightly mother earth like I must admit, but it is actually quite empowering! Knowing that the product on your face hasn't got a long list of un-pronounceable chemicals in it but it's just good for your body inside and out! Plus it's practically free if you use the normally wasted part of the fruit.
I did mention about tomatoes about but again the same applies with vegetables, they are also just as good for the face...
Potatoes - Okay, maybe not Mc Donald's fries! I was feeling a bit peckish when looking for images of potatoes.
I would say using vegetables is slightly messier and it doesn't smell that great on the face, especially with your nose being at the centre of the face! But one that isn't that bad at all is using half a potato on the face.
It's not messy in the slightest and it doesn't have a smell to it really. It's also in fact really good for soaking up excess oil on the skin, so it can be applied over the face to mattify the skin before getting ready or even use over makeup slightly instead of powder. Yes, it sounds crazy but it actually works and I have tried it. You can even use the excess water that you boil your potatoes in as a toner (on a cotton pad) for the face or you can just wash your face in it! Just store it in the fridge after cooking and usr within a day or so.
Other vegetables that you could use - Cucumber (for sensitive, dry skin and tired eyes), Pumpkin (never tried this as pumpkins freak my out!), carrot (for dull looking skin).
It does take some getting use to and for it to feel like it's not that strange of a thing to do. However I promise it's a fun and free thing to do that will help your skin no end!
I'm also still very much trying out different recipes from the Carla Oates' Feeding Your Skin book (link) but will post some of my favourites in a few weeks.
I've finally been inspired!
My last nail art post was back in March and since then the most I've done is simple leopard print nail. But my amazing Asos Digital Rainbow dress arrived and I instantly thought the print would look good on my nails.
Now for some odd reason I've totally missed the crackle trend (I haven't a clue why) and so I don't even own a single crackle nail polish! I know... as a beauty blogger this does make me question myself! So as I didn't have a white crackle and I did want a softer look I decided to try an idea out and I actually really like the results.
It isn't every one's cup of tea much like how crackle nails aren't loved by everyone and their dog!
But personally I think it's really summery (even though the weather is far from it) and it kind of reminds me on the middle on ice lollies that have ice cream in them! I'm sure someone will know what I mean... they sadly aren't around anymore though!
But if you don't like these have a scooch down the page and have a look at the nails I did yesterday, just to try out the idea. I'd say it looks even more like it has a white crackle nail polish over it but it is quite girly and nice.
Anyway, they are super duper easy all you need is nail polish and some remover. But I think I'll try out some different shades and do a quick tutorial next week for anyone that is interested!
As for my dress... I'm in love! I took a bit of a risk as it's for a wedding in August and it is pretty bright to say the least, but I love the watercolour effect on it and that it's one-shoulder and mid thigh, so gives a nice shape and hangs rather nicely. Here is a link to the dress if you want to see all of it and it's still actually in stock and only £25.00 in the sale.
Though I'm playing safe with the rest of my outfit and wearing some nude patent heels and a nude clutch bag. It's not a church wedding so I'm sure I won't be the brightest there!
Would love to know which nails you prefer - I think I personally like the more colourful ones as they are keeping me feeling summery... the weather is currently like a monsoon as I type.
As for the glasses, and why I'm holding them! It was the closest thing to hand to rest my nails on, plus the pattern is pretty similar.
Hope you all have a fab weekend... even if it does rain!
Fee x.
Fee x.
Hair care comes hand in hand with beauty a lot of the time! So why have I never really talked that much about it?!
Well anyways I'm here now, talking about hair... which to be honest could be quite boring as I do have boring hair (see image, right)!
Some hair history I feel is needed for this! From the age of 13 to 18 I pretty much abused my hair, it went from red to blonde (well, more ginger) to black to red again... I was a serial hair dye-er and also a compulsive hair straightener. So much so I developed quite a thick section of hair near the front that was so coarse and just total frizz if I didn't straighten it. I tried hair masks, hot oil treatments but it literally stayed the same and looked awful! Which actually taught me a lesson.
By the age of 19/20 I actually gave up straightening my hair as much and also letting it dry naturally and for once I dyed it every 6 weeks a more normal shade of brown and I did see a slight improvement. However it's only in the last two years that my hair has dramatically changed for the better which is why I felt I should ramble about it on here.
I now only use Sulfate (SLS) free shampoos and have done for well over a year and I really put that down to my hair changing and finally becoming so healthy. I've also noticed my hair grows very fast these days when a few years ago I did have quite a lot of hair loss in the shower and quite fine hair around my hairline.
Some hair history I feel is needed for this! From the age of 13 to 18 I pretty much abused my hair, it went from red to blonde (well, more ginger) to black to red again... I was a serial hair dye-er and also a compulsive hair straightener. So much so I developed quite a thick section of hair near the front that was so coarse and just total frizz if I didn't straighten it. I tried hair masks, hot oil treatments but it literally stayed the same and looked awful! Which actually taught me a lesson.
By the age of 19/20 I actually gave up straightening my hair as much and also letting it dry naturally and for once I dyed it every 6 weeks a more normal shade of brown and I did see a slight improvement. However it's only in the last two years that my hair has dramatically changed for the better which is why I felt I should ramble about it on here.
I now only use Sulfate (SLS) free shampoos and have done for well over a year and I really put that down to my hair changing and finally becoming so healthy. I've also noticed my hair grows very fast these days when a few years ago I did have quite a lot of hair loss in the shower and quite fine hair around my hairline.
Shampoo
Of course easing up on applying direct heat to my hair has helped (I know straighten my hair 2-3 times a week) but I truly believe making the switch to using more natural shampoos that are free from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate has really made the most difference. I now feel I'm cleaning my hair in such a less harsh way and not stripping my hair.
You can read more about Sodium Lauryal Sulfate here.
You can read more about Sodium Lauryal Sulfate here.
Here is what I use
Tigi Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-free Shampoo (£6.95/200ml Cheap Smells) - This is definitely without a doubt a treat for me due to the price but it is the best sulfate free shampoo I've tried so if you can afford it, try it! It smells and reminds me of strawberry milkshake and foams up really well (sulfates create the foaming effect in shampoos and lots of other toiletries) it also cleans the hair well without leaving the hair tangled.
Naked Shampoo range (£4.07/250ml Boots) - I'm not going to give specific shampoos here as I have tried most from the Naked range now as this is my constant shampoo of choice, so when I run out I try a different one. For no real reason other than as I'm so limited on the high street trying to find an SLS-free shampoo and haven't that HUGE choice of shampoos anymore, I resort to trying the different types in the Naked range so I don't get bored. The range isn't amazing, the formula can be on the watery side and you do have to use more than your normal amount of shampoo to create a good enough lather, plus it does tend to leave my hair tangled (but conditioner does sort that out). However I can push that all aside as it keeps my hair in healthy condition and my hair never clogs up the plughole or gets wrapped around fingers any more. So the positives definitely out weigh the negatives... and it is actually the only sulfate free range in Superdrug and Boots!!
More in depth reviews of both products here.
More in depth reviews of both products here.
Conditioner
I may be wrong but I think most people buy whatever shampoo is on offer or one that is around the £2-3 mark and then they spend that bit extra on their conditioner that they repeatedly buy. Well that is what I'd say the majority of women do and that is what I use to do, as I really did see shampoo as a necessity to clean my hair and then conditioner as the product they really helped my hair to be healthy. However my spend habits are now the opposite, I spend on my shampoo and don't stray and I buy whatever conditioner I like the look of when shopping as I find most softens my hair and remove tangles the same, but it's the shampoo that makes the biggest difference.
Even though it does change every few months
here is what I do like to use
here is what I do like to use
Timotei Conditioner (£1.69/300ml Superdrug) - The Copper Radience conditioner is a new one for me as I just pick up whatever I see from the Timotei range or one that is on offer at the time so I've tried around four of the different fragrances though all have very similar results. It does help detangle the hair and also leaves it nice and soft.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor (£4.69/250ml Boots) - This is the only conditioner that I'm loyal to and that I purchase again and again. It leaves my hair super soft and smells great! There isn't much to say about it as it's just does the job and is a joy to use, so if you haven't tried it alteast buy a travel size next time you're at the supermarket! It's also worth noting that it's more cost effective and you receive more product for your money if you purchase a few travel sized ones instead of the standard size.
I do buy lots of other conditioners as I go through quite alot as I have long hair but I do avoid over chemically smells conditions such as ones from Tresemme and the Infusion range by Herbal Essenses.
Styling Products
Now I say I have boring hair as it is all one shade at the moment and I tend to wear it up in a messy bun most days or down straight or wavy so it doesn't look THAT boring (see here) but I could be more adventerous! Though my main aim is to keep it looking shiny and healthy.
Here is what I use to keep my hair looking frizz-free and shiny
Supersoft Detangling Spray (£1.93/150ml Auravita) - Long hair is renowned for tangling when wet and my hair is no different, if anything even with conditioner after being wrapped in a towel it tangles like a beast. So even before I discovered detangling spray for kids my Tangle Teezer didn't help that much (though it didn't pull hairs out like a normal brush). But now I have this in my life tangles are something that are sorted in minutes. A few spritz in wet or damp hair and the knots can be brushes out with ease. I really couldn't live without this now!
Tangle Teezer (£9.30 Amazon) - I'm tempted to say this is a slightly overrated product for the price but with the spray it works wonders and it is a brush that teases out tangles (like the name states) instead of tugging at them and pulling out hairs. So I can imagine for the hair sore or for children this would be great and also for the average person who hasn't got overly knotty hair. I do really like how light weight the brush is though and also how easy it is too remove the hair from the brush. I didn't love the price tag but I wouldn't be without it.
Naked Style Extra Shiny Finishing Serum (£4.99/50ml Naked) - I tend to stay away from finishing sprays and serums as they tend to smell of chemicals and weigh down my hair but this product is the opposite! I use the product through the length of my hair when using my conical wand to define the curls slightly and near to the roots when wearing it up to flatten down the frizz!
Once dry the product cannot be felt in the hair and smells great. It also gives the hair a really nice shine! Again another product I couldn't be without.
...and that is it! My pretty simple hair care routine!
I hope I have inspired a few of you to look into going SLS free as I really believe it leads to a healthy scalp and very happy hair!
If there was only one thing I was allowed love about nail polish I would fail miserably! I love that nail polish on the high street is relatively low cost, I also love the huge amount of shades that are available, I also love my miniatures and gift sets... especially at Christmas!
However at a push my most favourite thing is finding £1 nail polishes in the likes of Poundworld that aren't even available in the UK - it literally makes my heart miss a beat!
I remember when I found my now very cherished Revlon Nude Chic (now discontinued - swatch) in Poundland. It was hanging behind all the dusty Sally Hansen and Maybelline products circa 1998, the most perfect nude shade for my skin tone. But most important of all it was just £1, not sold anywhere else anymore and was going to be mine! A few weeks later just before last Christmas I found another two in a different Poundland branch.
It is pretty sad that is makes me so excited isn't it? But then again I feel Makeup Savvy is the most spot on name for my site for reasons exactly like these!
Nail Polish memoirs aside!
My luck was in again this week when I popped into a newly open Poundworld and found the beauty that is the nail polish above - Rimmel's Lasting Finish Pro in 320 Electric Pink. Now I instantly knew the Lasting Finish Pro line wasn't available in the UK as I'd never seen it in any Boots or Superdrug and I'd also only seen swatches and reviews on American and Canadian blogs, so you can imagine how much my eyes lit up!
Sadly there wasn't any other shades except for Midnight Blue which was a dark metallic blue that I didn't really fancy. But I'm definitely going to keep checking in-store for more shades as I already love the Electric Pink shade plus I need Violet Metal (swatch) in my life. I also love the brush! Which instead of being cut straight across like most, is curved and so as you place the brush near the cuticle it fans out to give that really clean look around the nails, which is especially great it you apply nail polish in a rush like me or you suffer from the shakes the moment you start painting your nails!
Though as it wasn't as glossy as I'd of liked I finished it off with a thin topcoat of 17 Lasting Fix nail polish in clear which is a definite bargain if you need a nice but cheap glossy top coat - £2.99!
Also as it is fairly mean to show you swatches of a nail polish that is pretty rare in the UK, here is a link to an eBay seller that stocks Electric Pink and other shades for £3.80 inc p&p.
I also picked up two other Rimmel nail polishes - Tequila Sunrise and Desert Beauty again both £1 each.
But presumed as I recognized the bottle design that both nail polish shades are sold in current lines in the usual stores, which I was wrong about! After a quick google when I got home it was clear to see that again the two shades are only sold in places such as Walmart and Ulta.
Rimmel 60 Seconds Desert Beauty (eBay £3.20 inc p&p) - This is described as a one-coat polish which it definitely isn't (unless you want a very sheer coat) but is does look great within 3 coats though slightly streak-a-rama if you don't apply a good base as it is one of those lovely metallic shades that show every imperfection and brush stroke. But overall a lovely, lovely shade for day wear or under a glitter nail polish.
Rimmel Lycra Wear 10 + Minerals Tequila Beauty (Amazon £2.65 inc p&p) - Now this is one I'm excited to try out as I love the sound of a 10 day lasting nail polish at the moment! Though I have swatched it to see what the formula like and it is on the watery size which to be fair isn't such a bad thing as it does stop it being a gloppy formula that is hard to apply. This is definitely one for on the toes with my new purple sandals that I picked up from Tesco this week!
There is something very pleasing and satisfying when you're able to pick up nail polish at only £1 each which are actual good quality and even rare at times. Has anyone else picked up any rare bargains?
After so much nail polish talk I think it may be time I wrote a nail polish collection post and show my stash!
It is pretty sad that is makes me so excited isn't it? But then again I feel Makeup Savvy is the most spot on name for my site for reasons exactly like these!
Nail Polish memoirs aside!
My luck was in again this week when I popped into a newly open Poundworld and found the beauty that is the nail polish above - Rimmel's Lasting Finish Pro in 320 Electric Pink. Now I instantly knew the Lasting Finish Pro line wasn't available in the UK as I'd never seen it in any Boots or Superdrug and I'd also only seen swatches and reviews on American and Canadian blogs, so you can imagine how much my eyes lit up!
Sadly there wasn't any other shades except for Midnight Blue which was a dark metallic blue that I didn't really fancy. But I'm definitely going to keep checking in-store for more shades as I already love the Electric Pink shade plus I need Violet Metal (swatch) in my life. I also love the brush! Which instead of being cut straight across like most, is curved and so as you place the brush near the cuticle it fans out to give that really clean look around the nails, which is especially great it you apply nail polish in a rush like me or you suffer from the shakes the moment you start painting your nails!
Though as it wasn't as glossy as I'd of liked I finished it off with a thin topcoat of 17 Lasting Fix nail polish in clear which is a definite bargain if you need a nice but cheap glossy top coat - £2.99!
Also as it is fairly mean to show you swatches of a nail polish that is pretty rare in the UK, here is a link to an eBay seller that stocks Electric Pink and other shades for £3.80 inc p&p.
I also picked up two other Rimmel nail polishes - Tequila Sunrise and Desert Beauty again both £1 each.
But presumed as I recognized the bottle design that both nail polish shades are sold in current lines in the usual stores, which I was wrong about! After a quick google when I got home it was clear to see that again the two shades are only sold in places such as Walmart and Ulta.
Rimmel 60 Seconds Desert Beauty (eBay £3.20 inc p&p) - This is described as a one-coat polish which it definitely isn't (unless you want a very sheer coat) but is does look great within 3 coats though slightly streak-a-rama if you don't apply a good base as it is one of those lovely metallic shades that show every imperfection and brush stroke. But overall a lovely, lovely shade for day wear or under a glitter nail polish.
Rimmel Lycra Wear 10 + Minerals Tequila Beauty (Amazon £2.65 inc p&p) - Now this is one I'm excited to try out as I love the sound of a 10 day lasting nail polish at the moment! Though I have swatched it to see what the formula like and it is on the watery size which to be fair isn't such a bad thing as it does stop it being a gloppy formula that is hard to apply. This is definitely one for on the toes with my new purple sandals that I picked up from Tesco this week!
There is something very pleasing and satisfying when you're able to pick up nail polish at only £1 each which are actual good quality and even rare at times. Has anyone else picked up any rare bargains?
After so much nail polish talk I think it may be time I wrote a nail polish collection post and show my stash!
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| {You may not know it and he may not look it... but that man IS a beauty blogger and he's clearly selling himself short!}* |
Last week a pretty well known Youtuber made a television appearance which in my book is a pretty amazing achievement however within days of her appearance the odd comment or two appeared on her Facebook page stating that they thought she was a 'sellout'. Which is pretty far from the truth, as I'm sure she was taking up an amazing opportunity that rarely comes along to hopefully further her career and why not, she is amazing at what she does and she works very hard at it.
However this got me thinking about actual beauty bloggers that sell themselves short knowingly but most of the time un-knowingly and how we could all be aware of it so we don't all fall into the trap!
I mean I even know I've sold myself short in the past with my blog. I reviewed and hosted a giveaway of a Sugababes fragrance, it smelt okay but the bottle was awful and I don't think I would of bought it even if it was reduced to £5, but this was over 8 months ago when I didn't think my blog was anything special (not that I think it is now). Though in a perfect world I would of stayed true to myself and valued my blog more than I did... but that is hindsight for you. Of course it wasn't the worst thing ever, but I have learnt from it!
I mean I even know I've sold myself short in the past with my blog. I reviewed and hosted a giveaway of a Sugababes fragrance, it smelt okay but the bottle was awful and I don't think I would of bought it even if it was reduced to £5, but this was over 8 months ago when I didn't think my blog was anything special (not that I think it is now). Though in a perfect world I would of stayed true to myself and valued my blog more than I did... but that is hindsight for you. Of course it wasn't the worst thing ever, but I have learnt from it!
I receive PR e-mails, daily, the same that many other beauty bloggers receive, but I hit delete on most as most are trying their luck... but 9 times out of 10 I will see the PR's request fullfilled on a beauty blog the next day, sometimes even within 30 minutes of receiving the e-mail. But of course I'm not here to say what is right or wrong in blogging as we all write our own rules, which is one of the true beauties of blogging.
But here are some of my thoughts on PR/brand practices I've seen in the past that I have personaly learnt from...
With all the scenarios below I really believe they are all a result of not valuing the power of our own blogs and also underestimating our hard work as a blogger.
Scenario 1
You receive a press e-mail with a press release of a new fragrance (plus 'exclusive' images) the PR is asking if you would like to feature the new fragrance plus the images on your blog. Right at the bottom it also mentions that you can e-mail for more enquiries, samples etc.
The reality - A PR-blogger relationship isn't built on 'I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine', it's built on trust and mutual respect. So in reality if your blog isn't the type that suits press releases the PR company won't mind one bit if you don't mention the release. Equally the PR agency won't mind if you show some interesting in the fragrance instead via e-mail and request a sample to possibly review.
The true reality of how some bloggers feel - I've seen this time and time again... within sometimes ten minutes of receiving a mass press release, I see a handful of posts with them 'exclusive' images in them. Why? Because most of the time the bloggers see posting the press release as an exchange for asking for a sample - even sometimes to encourage the PR company to send them the fragrance or to even make themselves feel better about asking for it. But 1. The PR company wouldn't of sent you the e-mail if they didn't want to work with you/offer you the fragrance and 2. If you are genuinely interested in the product and want to review it on your blog then you should never feel guilty or feel like you need to justify why you are asking for the sample. You have been sent that e-mail because the PR agency see you as a valuable source of free advertise (yes I know that sounds bad... but it's true) which also means you are valuable source of free publicity in the form of reviewing the product for them.
Scenario 2
You have been blogging for some time, your page views are good and so you decide to look into placing advertising or affiliate links on your site. Though you really haven't a clue if you will make £1.00, £10,00 or even a miracle £1,000!
The reality - It's hard freakin' work to make anything - yes, even a measly pound for most people! But that aside, the true reality is 25% of your readers will think it's great that you are trying to earn money from something you love doing, the other 25% just won't care and then the other 50% if they knew you were trying to earn money from blogging wouldn't like it for whatever reason (forcing a hobby into something it isn't, not being true to your readers... blah blah yadda yadda).
The true reality of how some bloggers feel - Now I can't talk for all bloggers that are thinking about offering advertising or even the ones that are already doing so. But I do believe we all know that a lot of readers don't love it so we are faced with the whole 'should I, shouldn't I mention it' dilemma and I think quite a few resort to spilling the beans via a post and then actually end up explaining why they are putting advertising on their blog and almost defending there own choice/right . But the reality is it won't make any difference to the readers that don't believe in advertising on blogs in the first place. But what will make a difference is if you start to think 'why shouldn't I earn money if I can for something I'm good at and having built up and spent a lot of time over'. Again it's all about appreciating your blog and feel it would be nice to earn some pennies for your hard work... as it truly doesn't affect your readers especially if you are going to be modest about the size and positioning of the ads.
Scenario 3
You receive a product for review purposes from a well known brand via PR agency. You like the brand on the whole but you hate the specific product. Not because you are allergic to an ingredient or it doesn't suit your skin type but because it's basically a crap product that doesn't do what it's marketed to do.
The reality - If don't mind writing quite negative product reviews then you simply grit your teeth (as lets face it no one loves being that negative) and you write it with honestly and if it makes you feel better you may decide to e-mail the PR company prior to the review going live stating your dislikes with the product in hope that they relay it to the product brand in question... just don't ask if they want you to post the bad review as of course most will say no! OR if you don't like posting negative reviews you just don't review the product! Course there is high chance of the PR company e-mailing to see how you are getting on i.e when are you going to review the product and in reality you would tell the truth stating that you don't love the product and therefore won't be reviewing it. It really is that simple!
The true reality of how some bloggers feel - You want to be honest so you decide to write the review so you can warn your readers of the product but you also don't want to knock down the relationship you have built up with the PR person/company. So you write a review that is somewhere in between the two - you mention the key point of why you don't like the product (so you are being honest) but then you mention the benefits of the product and what there is too like about it i.e maybe the price or the application. But you know you are only doing this for the sake of keeping a rapport with the PR company and not for your readers sake as in fact your review will actually come across as slightly confusing and/or boring and it will also bore you writing it. But in actual reality an honest (non-offensive) review should be seen as fair by a PR company - that is even if they read it! But if you don't ever hear from them again or they even ignore future e-mails then they are definitely not a company worth dealing with. Like I mentioned before you need to care about your blog, be true to yourself and know that you are providing content that people appreciate so that you can make the decision to be honest even when a product is bad and then you will not feel bad about it!
Last but not least if a brand asks something specific of you - to maybe post within a certain time frame, to include a link or to include a specific image after they have sent you a product... then of course if you want to do it, then you do them the favour and fulfill the request. But if you don't feel it's needed then simply ignore it!
For example two weeks ago I got sent something without being asked, it just landed on my door mat. In the press info attached it stated how they wanted the brand name to be spelt (with a mixture of capital letters). Now this may be the way they spell out their brand name but my job as a blogger is to review the product honestly and to make it search-able for people via search engines, which spelling it their way wouldn't change anything one bit. So I will be typing the brand name with just a normal capital letter at the beginning and if they don't like it, then it's tough! I haven't got the time,energy, incentive or need to remember how they want their brand name to be spelt on MY post!
My main point is that lowering our standards really has nothing to do with PR companies, they are there to get the word out about brands in the form of free and paid advertising - so they are never going to change. If anything they are going to ask more of bloggers in the future as they recognize how big of an impact we actually make online and at the most offer payment in the form of gift vouchers or more free products! But in actual reality some bloggers are charging companies to host giveaways on their own blog and in parts of Europe making a full time wage through blogging is the norm... so even if we all get savvy with it, we are still considering ourselves small fry.
So it really is just about not being naive even if you are new to blogging and it's about appreciating our own hard work and really valuing own blog so that we write the content we want and to the best of your ability.
If you really think you have an audience for 'X' product, ask for it. If you don't like press releases, don't post them. If you get offered to review a product and you don't like the look of it, refuse it!
But most of all don't think PR companies are doing you a huge favour.
*How the hell could I find an image for this topic!
It's not often I go on a spending spree but when I do I always make sure it's around this time of year (and also just after Christmas) as I know I will be able to pick up most items half price or less! Which is more than satisfying as I love saving on products - though that does mean I am that girl at the till asking for 10% off due to a deodorant mark on the dress I'm buying!
The first very creased dress I bought (above) I purchased at the bargainous price of £10 in the Asos sale (it is out of stock now but here is the link). I would of preferred it in navy but when again I can't have everything!
The shade does slightly remind me of Velma from Scooby Doo but with geek chic being in and all that I'm thinking of playing it up with some geek glasses (that I actually need to see with) and my hair down, it would look quite nice. It's also very flattering on stomach and hips due to the pleating to the front of the dress which I really like.
The shade does slightly remind me of Velma from Scooby Doo but with geek chic being in and all that I'm thinking of playing it up with some geek glasses (that I actually need to see with) and my hair down, it would look quite nice. It's also very flattering on stomach and hips due to the pleating to the front of the dress which I really like.
Saving - £14.00
Clothing aside for a second I've also found some really good bargains in Boots recently on the clearance shelves, which actually always seem to be at the back of the store, hidden away from the rest of the cosmetics and hair products... which is nice as it's not contaminated with 10,000 germs! Though I do have one gripe and that is with the labels - yes they peel off nicely but they don't show the original price, which is what normally lures you in, in the first place. However without the original price I knew the haircare products were a steal.
I picked up Tresemme Naturals Weightless Volumising Mousse for £1.35 (full price product here), Toni & Guy Brunette Shimmer Mist for £1.75 (full price here) and a bottle of Toni & Guy Dark Brunette Conditioner for £1.45 (full price here) which even though it stinks of chemicals actually helps with my root situation a slight bit.
I also picked up...
... some Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover which I'm sure would of been quite pricey at full price, though after a quick Google search it looks as if it's being discontinued (you can find it here for £2.99) as I could only find it on discount websites. Which I'm not too sad about as I will never buy it again as it's actually for my boyfriend and his nasty hard cuticles! I really don't think I could ever bear to remove mine or even make them thinner.
Saving - £15.28
Back to clothing! Now seriously these outfits just show why I should never do outfit of the day posts as I just don't have any style... I just wear what I feel like, plus how do I look so manly wearing that hoodie?! I mean I have a cleavage and still look a bit butch, I promise you I never stand like that in real life!
So firstly I bought the scarf with wonderful tassels in Tesco's clothing sale for £3.50 (from £5.00) but other than accessories and underwear I do have to say the Tesco sale was a let down! Just rows upon rows of dodgy embroidered pastel tops. I also purchased a hoodie which is actually a dress, in the Asos sale for £12.00 and is still in stock here! It is quite flattery even though it doesn't appear that way in the photo above (as I purchased it a size too large) so I've not too sure if I will wear it out that much but as it's so comfy I'm thinking it will be lazy Sunday attire!
From Asos I also picked up the most perfect cardigan for Autumn by Vila, which contains 30% Angora wool, so really soft and a total bargain at £12 down from £40 (still in stock here!). It has lovely cropped sleeves which would be perfect for with a black long sleeved top come October and also has a very flattering draped look when worn unbuttoned.
Last but not least from Asos I bought this pretty Rosary Necklace (£5.00 - here) it was only reduced by £3.00 however I had to buy it as recently my favourite green rosary cross necklace broke which I bought in Ireland many moons ago and was very sad to see break. So this was a last minute gem!
Saving - £50.50!
I also did my annoying habit... of placing another order a few days after placing my first sale order at Asos (does anyone else do this?) but I guess it doesn't really matter as it is free delivery after all ! But it does mean for now I can only show you the stock image. I did seem to miss the dress above first time round which is no surprise as there were over 5,000 dresses at the beginning of the summer sale!
Now I'm hoping (fingers and toes crossed) that the dress will fit/be fairly good quality as I'm planning to wear it to a wedding in August... my dad's to be precise! I'm still not 100% percent sure on it, however it's not a church wedding and I think once paired with some nude heels and a nude clutch and fascinator of some kind it will look more like a wedding outfit than something you would see on a night out! Again a total bargain at £25 down from £55 and is amazingly still in stock.
Saving - £30.00
Are you getting bored yet?! I have more to show!
Back to high street shopping and back to Tesco but no more clothing but instead some great savings on a couple of lipsticks and a mascara.
Now it seriously must of been my lucky day as I was in Tesco Home last Saturday as I spotted the reductions lady finishing of the cosmetics and placing them all in a little basket - yes actual germ free clearance makeup, I couldn't believe my eyes! So I knelt down and like a little beaver building a dam I quickly found a Bourjois Sweet Kiss Shine lipstick in Rose Scintillant, a Maybelline Colour Sensational in Shimmer Pink and my first ever L'Oreal purchase, with the Telescopic Explosion Mascara in Brown for my lower lashes at an incredible £2.55 down from £11.29!
Saving - £20.22
What a huge saving on only three items... I really cannot believe how much the price of lipstick and mascara has inflated in the past 10 years.
What a huge saving on only three items... I really cannot believe how much the price of lipstick and mascara has inflated in the past 10 years.
Last but not least I found a lovely skincare set in TK Maxx in the clearance section from a brand I'd never heard of before, however my eyes lit up when I saw that the cleanser contained no sulfates as I had been mourning the death and discontinuation of my favourite facial scrub/cleanser from Naked. After searching for Laidbare online I did find that the products had recently undergone a packaging makeover and that the range was quite small - you can find both products here & here. So far I've used both products a few times and love them, especially the DIY! cleanser with my Botanics facial brush - it also smells like Limeade!
Saving - £7.00
So my savvy saving total actually came to £137.55 which is such a huge amount as I wouldn't say I bought that much!
But it just goes to show how much you can save by sale shopping at the right time.
So my savvy saving total actually came to £137.55 which is such a huge amount as I wouldn't say I bought that much!
But it just goes to show how much you can save by sale shopping at the right time.
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