thebeautyholder

Hey Loves,

Happy Thursday! Although it may not very well be Thursday when you read this post. So let’s just go with happy day of the week you’re reading this!

I’ve been looking at the content changes to my blog over the last couple of years which coincide with the directional changes in my lifestyle and thought it would be a good time to answer some of the questions I get asked A LOT. Now, considering my brand is ‘The Beauty Holder’ it seems fitting to answer the beauty related questions first. So consider this a 3 (three) part mini-series (you’re so dramatic Donna-Marie) that will cover the following:

Beauty (make-up, skincare etc).

Fashion

Lifestyle (weightloss, veganism work etc).

Thank you to everyone who messages/ emails/ texts/ calls with questions. There may be some overlap because of the social nature of things but hopefully not too much. The aim of this is really to explain my absence in some areas and for those who like tea/ gossip/ comess, gist- sorry, there isn’t really any here for you. Just answers.

• Where are all the beauty posts? I loved your reviews and makeup looks but they are non-existent at the moment.

This goes hand in hand with the question below but I will answer each in their own right. I have been unsure about the beauty content I post because the response and engagement is often lower than the fashion ones. I know that I need to be more consistent with them as that is what I started with and what people enjoy reading. Like many bloggers, however, I go through periods of being hot and cold with my blog. It sometimes feels as though you put so much into a post but it doesn’t seem to capture the audience in the way you hope and you get deflated. There is also life, work and the big crazy world around me to contend with and as much as I would like to blog more, it truly is not always practical.

They are coming back though but not necessarily in the way they were before. Watch this space!

• Do you even wear makeup anymore? The pictures on your instagram are often makeup less and you have mentioned it in posts before about not wearing it as much. 

Honestly, I haven’t worn a full face of makeup for a very, very long time. The most I wear is brows, highlight and gloss. Not even lipstick and we know I am a hoarder/ keeper of lipsticks. At last count we are nearing over 700 lipsticks- read more (pleh dnes)!

There is no deep dark reason other than I just really want to look after my skin and less is definitely more for me. As I am older, the more makeup I apply the harsher I find I look. I just like the way my skin looks and feels without it. A light beat if I am going out works for me and it is just a personal preference. You can look more ‘made up’ with a few products than a whole bunch. It’s all in the application.

(My everyday/ even going out look)!

When I first got into make-up it was as a mask, some sort of protection almost. I don’t need that mask anymore and wear makeup for the fun of it. One of the things I don’t like it the stigma attached to those who chose to wear make-up. I have said it time and time again. People wear makeup for many reasons and they should not be bashed because they wear less or more than what you think is acceptable. I don’t think I am anymore beautiful than someone who wears a full face of makeup or someone who doesn’t. Beauty is unique and it is something we all possess.

• Are you still a professional make-up artist? Where can I see your work?

I sure am! I am booked, busy and very happy! I have some amazing clients, get to work on some exciting gigs and am learning more and more about the business with each job. It’s funny, whilst I am not a big fan anymore of making up my own face, there is such a joy when I work with a bride, model or client. I really love the interaction and connection I am able to build when teaching, talking or explaining to someone how to achieve a certain look without having to change their whole face. The inner confidence is what makes the outer beauty truly most beautiful, in my opinion. 

I post when I can (and when I remember) here or on my FaceBook page. Please understand that not all brides want their personal pictures on show and not all brands, clients provide images quickly. I do have the love/ not a lot of love (hate is too harsh) for social media and I sometimes just chose not to post what I am doing. My work has been stolen in the past, I have not been credited or images used without my permission so I am a little more cautious what I put online. I have an online portfolio that I keep with me that I show potential clients who are interested in my work.

• What about your YouTube channel? How do you feel about the beauty community, sponsorships?

YouTube is a whole other animal all together. Much like this blog it requires consistency and dedication and whilst is is easy to assume you just put a camera on and press record, there is more to it than that. A little contradiction though, if you do want to put on a camera and press record, you can. I have many ideas but not the time and it is important to me to put out things I am proud of. I am grateful to all who have subscribed to my channel and I appreciate the support, I am working on doing things my way and that for me is the only way.

The beauty community is saturated with products, artistry, drama, clickbait and the like. With any and everything there is good and bad. I come from an era that did not rely on social media and so where so much activity is online, you have to stay true to what you believe in. I cannot force products on people or expect people to go out and buy new makeup or skin care every other day because it is the next ‘best thing’. This applies to products I am sent or buy. My opinions are always my own and that will never change. There are some wonderful opportunities that I have been a part of but it will not come at a price of my integrity. More on that at the end of the blog. 

Do you only use vegan/ cruelty-free makeup now?

I try very very hard to. My kit is pretty much vegan and the make-up I use on myself. I do still have lots of product and items which are not and I have mentioned before that I am transitioning my make-up to be 100% vegan. Lots of brands are committed to ethical conditions where animals are not harmed for beauty and I support this fully. I am still educating myself about vegan beauty, skincare and makeup and I hope to share more of this with you when I do. 

What is your current skincare routine?

My skin has been going through a metamorphosis of its own. I have been using homemade scrubs on my face a lot more (at least 3 times a week) and oils. I will do a more in-depth post in the coming weeks.

I also have a good friend who is looking to shake up the skincare world with some new products that target specific issues. She is an awesome make-up artist and cosmetic scientist who is deeply passionate about skin. Check her out on her socials: @ameliamaysun.skincare you should find a link to a post we co-wrote about skincare myths! There will be a lot more to come from her soon.

Apart from product specific queries, those are the main questions I get about makeup and beauty. The majority is for the return of the beauty posts, features and overall goodness. So you asked, and I listened! I am looking forward to bringing things back full circle and I hope you will too.

(Brows, gloss and highlighter girl)!

So in the spirit of the bringing beauty back to ‘The Beauty Holder’ I will be doing a beauty giveaway. The giveaway details and rules will be announced on here and my FaceBook page on Saturday 1st September 2018. 

I often close with thanks and appreciation but I can’t ignore how blessed and grateful I am for the support. You already know. Hope you enjoyed this post.

Stay tuned for the fashion q&a in part 2 next week!

Besos 💋

TBH! xoxo