Tips For New Beauty Bloggers

Hey Dolls,

This post was inspired by a post from http://missbeautyobsession.blogspot.co.uk/ and it got me thinking, what things did I wish I knew when I first started this blog? 

1: SOCIAL MEDIA IS GOD. 

You can not function as a Blogger without social media and the people on them. Twitter especially is a fantastic tool in the bloggers tool belt. Treat your followers with kindness and respect and more will follow. It is a fantastic place to keep your readers updated on what you're up to and new posts, as well as shameless self promotion.

2: Good Photography.

I think high quality photos is vital, especially in beauty related Blogs, after all, what is the use in swatching products if you can't see their true colour?

3: Blog Design.

Make sure your blog has a unique design that fits its content and your style, think of it as your shop window. 

4: Be HONEST.

When writing reviews always be honest. If a brand sent you the products for free then state it in your review. People are spending money on products due to your recommendation, so always be honest. 

5: Vary Your Content.

Write different kinds of posts, don't just write reviews or post tutorials. Make sure to post different kinds of posts, lifestyle updates, fashion posts, beauty regimes anything your heart desires. 

6: Talk To Other Bloggers (aka Social Media Is Got Part 2)

ALWAYS talk to other Bloggers, we are a friendly bunch and are usually happy to answer any questions, provide tips or just have a good chinwag. Anyone wanting any advice or to have a natter can contact me on Twitter at @Gothinista

Lush Dirty Shaving Cream Review

Hey Guys,  

Today I am reviewing a shaving cream by Lush which is called 'Dirty'. 

When I heard Lush had shaving creams I immediately wanted to try one of them, because when it comes to skin care my ethos is natural is better. I have tried shaving foams, gels and creams by most brands and all have left my skin dry, sore or irritated. This is due to most having a soap base and if there is one thing soap does, it is DRY OUT YOUR SKIN!

This cream by Lush is packaged in the brands standard black pot, I paid £5.50 for a 100g tub although I am told you can pick up 225g for £9.50 (which is better value). 

The ingredients in this cream are vegan friendly and include oat milk, honey, shea butter and Safflower oil. 

As such it smells of, putting it bluntly, herby porridge. 

However, this stuff leaves your skin SOFT. I almost thought I had been shaving with moisturiser instead of shaving cream. It leaves your skin smooth, calm and free of all irritation from shaving. The only downer is it does clog the razor a bit. 

I also bought this for some of my female friends to try on their legs and they testify it works brilliantly on the legs and underarms too! 

Sugarpill Chromalust Pigments Review

Hey guys, 

Sorry I have been so inactive of late but I am in the middle of a break up which has happened suddenly and without warning, hitting me hard. It is fair to say I am not in my best frame of mind.

Today I am reviewing two of Sugarpills Chromalust loose pigments. I picked these up from Cyberdog in Camden when I was in London last with my partner (it feels too hard to use the word 'ex') 

I decided to get Asylum (a deep rust red) and Royal Sugar (Velvet Blue with aqua glitter).

Both these pigments are packaged beautifully and are both vegan. You get 5g of pigment in each jar which is amazing value. 

The jars are sturdy and designed beautifully as with all Sugarpill products.  

Both colours have been swatched over NYX White Eyeshadow Primer. Asylum is definitely more pigmented than Royal Sugar but both pigments perform exceptionally and I adore the multi coloured sparkles that Royal Sugar offers. 

This is Asylum used on my model. It is coupled with Sugarpills Soot & Stars (black shimmer). 

I wish I could bring myself to use these pigments more in my work but at the moment I'm finding it hard to remove association with my partner from the pigments. 

The Spider Shop Review

Hey Guys, 

Today I am reviewing a fantastic company The Spider Shop. I am aware that some of you may be wondering why the holy hell a BEAUTY Blogger is reviewing a company that sells large venomous spiders, but I have loved and kept spiders and scorpions since I was 8 and find them incredible animals.

I ordered a  Damon variegatus (Giant Tailless Whip Scorpion) on Bank Holiday Monday and she has arrived promptly this morning. 

I have ordered most of my tarantulas from The Spider Shop and all have been beautiful animals. From my first Mexican Red Knee to my scorpions to my BEAUTIFUL juvenile Venezuelan Sun Tiger Tarantula which I bought from Lee as a tiny 2cm spiderling two years ago. 

They also sell a large variety of tanks, heating options, tank decoration, live foods and quite importantly MASSIVE forceps so you don't have to put your hand anywhere near a grumpy/murderous spider. 

Every single animal I have received from The Spider Shop has arrived securely packaged and in perfect condition. 

This is the gorgeous Tanzanian Tailless Whips Scorpion that arrived today in fantastic condition. Whilst I am not sure that I would relish the challenge of unpacking an adult tarantula that has been through Royal Mail unpacking even the fastest spiderlings is very easy and they are packaged VERY securely. (I live in constant fear of opening a shipping box and a loose Colbalt Blue leaping at my face). 

A huge thank you to The Spider Shop for the incredible animals they have supplied me with. I can honestly say they are one of the best suppliers of arachnids I have come across. They also readily give out advice on caring for specific species which is FANTASTIC for the novice keeper. 

I certainly have my eyes on one of their Martinique Pinktoe spiderlings but alas funds are tight for this student and I am not sure I can warrant the money to buy another spider (no matter how gorgeous) 

You can browse their fantastic collection of spiders and equipment on their website http://www.thespidershop.co.uk/ 

Morganville Vampires Daylighters Review

Hey guys,

Today I am reviewing the 15th and FINAL book of the Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine. 

I have followed this series loyally since I randomly picked up the first book Glass Houses by chance, since then I have avidly read every book in the series multiple times. 

Caines characters are beautifully developed and fantastically witty. She has a brilliantly descriptive and entertaining writing style that I have fount unmatched. 

I was saddened to discover this is the last book in the series I have loved so much but I suppose if you don't end a series after FIFTEEN books when do you? 

  All of the books in the series have been flawless and this one is no exception, it is fast paced, entertaining, witty and exciting and most importantly a fitting end to the epic series. 

I am genuinely saddened to say farewell to the unique characters of Morganville but the fantastic ending means that a future visit to the world of Morganville is not impossible.

I can not rate this book enough and I fully encourage anyone to check out this fantastic series. 

Illamasqua Freak Review

Hey Dolls,

Today I am reviewing the first fragrance that was released by Illamasqua, the aptly named Freak.