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| Above: Frequently asked questions…answered. |
Before embarking on a week of new product reviews, I thought I would devote a bit of time to answering 10 of the most consistently asked questions I receive here at Beauty Professor…hope you enjoy the discussion!
(1) What do you do for work and how do you find time to blog? As the name implies, I am indeed an educator! As a Communication Studies professor, I cover courses like Mediation & Negotiation, Public Speaking, Small Group Dynamics and Mass Communication; I also run speech and debate and journalism programs at a large urban high school. Needless to say, my work hours are extensive but I love teaching…helping students to become more effective communicators is my passion and I am thankful to be able to get the gift of that opportunity each day.
In light of my work hours, I generally blog in the later afternoon and evenings–once I am finished in the classroom–and, since I take all my own pictures, I am constantly chasing the light so swatching and photography generally takes immediate priority over writing when I get home. It can be a sacrifice (Beauty Professor is never far from my mind…the ability to write 24 hours a day can be a caveat of blogging) but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Every product featured must be photographed, the photos must be edited and watermarked, I must test the product and then do follow up images (generally of the product in action on my face)…then the images are uploaded and captioned. It is only after these steps that the post is ready to be written. This process can take days, weeks or months, depending on the product and it is why I am so selective about what I commit to trying for this blog.
Due to their increase in the last year (I receive approximately 60-100 blog-related missives a day), responding to comments and emails has become more challenging. The interface with readers and brands I love is important (and one of the reasons I started BP in the first place) and I’ve learned that responding eventually is better than (a) not responding or (b) driving myself crazy with the unrealistic expectation of responding immediately. I thank you, my readers, for hanging in there with me as I hone this approach! Finally, I am happily married to a husband with an equally demanding work schedule so we are constantly striving to make sure that we spend “down time” together…isn’t it odd that most of us have to work quite hard to carve away moments to relax?
(2) Why are most, if not all, of your reviews positive? Because my limited time for blogging, I would much prefer to devote my energy to discussing products that I like, rather than channeling efforts into expressing distaste for something. I find that the writing comes much easier when I am loving my experience with the product, and, after a full work day, I need all of the help I can get. That being said, ethics are paramount to the health and well being of BP and I will always give you my most honest opinion of something, good or bad, should I be asked via comment or email.
(3) Is Beauty Professor sponsored by beauty/skincare companies? Absolutely not! I am an independent blog and am at liberty to write about anything I want, whenever I want…schedule permitting ; ) Whenever a press sample is included in a post, I make sure to disclose its presence following the “Bottom Line.” However, it must be stated that for every press sample that receives a favorable review (because I truly LOVE the product), there are many more press samples that simply do not get coverage on the blog because my experience with them wasn’t exemplary. I buy a lot of beauty (it is my fiscal indulgence, above all else) and these purchases have always made up the majority of what is discussed on BP. I love to track down esoteric items and am equally thrilled to share them here.
I am privileged to work with a host of beauty lines that I have adored for years (talk about a dream hobby!) and am also a Beauty Ambassador and contributing writer for Neiman Marcus (truly an honor) and Skincare Ambassador for RoC Skincare (retinol is incredible).
(4) What are some of your Holy Grail products? I am going to exercise extreme restraint here because I need to go to bed soon! Here are 10:
- Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge…reviewed HERE
- La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream…reviewed HERE
- By Terry Densiliss Concealer…reviewed HERE
- Tom Ford Naked Gloss and Nude Vanille Lipstick…reviewed HERE and HERE
- Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quads…reviewed HERE
- Surratt Beauty Relevee Mascara…reviewed HERE
- Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Cheek Blush in First Love…reviewed HERE
- Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow…reviewed HERE
- By Terry Densiliss Primer…reviewed HERE
- Foundations by Tom Ford (reviewed HERE), Clé de Peau Beauté (reviewed HERE), By Terry (reviewed HERE), Sensai (reviewed HERE), Koh Gen Do (reviewed HERE), Shu Uemura (reviewed HERE) and Zelens (reviewed HERE).
(5) What kind of dog is Jethro? Jethro is a Peke-a-Poo…half Pekingese, half Poodle and utterly angelic. My husband and I (as well as the rest of my immediate family) are so thankful to have him in our lives.
(6) What made you start Beauty Professor? I have always had an affinity for beauty products…during college and graduate school, I modeled to pay my tuition and was consistently more interested in the makeup than the actual posing! In my early adult years (when disposable income became more of a reality), I found myself amassing quite a collection of makeup and became interested in reading beauty blogs (long time favorites include The Beauty Look Book and Cafe Makeup) to aid in my decisions. After finishing co-authoring a public speaking textbook with another professor (it was a 2 1/2 year endeavor…we had a publishing deal and the book is currently being sold nationally), I was still in “writer’s mode” and thought that starting a beauty blog would be a fun way to catalogue my collection and interact with other beauty lovers. Three years and one Trademark later, Beauty Professor is still going strong…what a blessing!
(7) What is it about foundation that you love so much? I have some unevenness (delayed sun damage from earlier, sunscreen free years) that I prefer to cover; this struggle definitely heightened my interested in finding the perfect base solution. I believe that if your canvas is looking its best, one is more apt to feel their best! Beauty Professor is laden with full spectrum swatches of dozens of foundation formulas because many of my readers share in this base passion; I am thankful to be able to help individuals find their way to their perfect foundation match every single day.
(8) Where do you shop most often and what are some of your favorite beauty/skincare lines? For makeup and skincare, I find myself shopping at Nordstrom (can’t beat their return policy), Topshop (I always find something), Neiman Marcus (the spectrum of high end brands is superb), Barney’s New York (the cosmetics floor is a whimsical wonderland), Anthropologie (for whimsical staples) and Space.NK (carries everything else I love).
Some of my favorite beauty lines inlcude Surratt Beauty (reviewed HERE), By Terry (reviewed HERE), Clé de Peau Beauté (reviewed HERE), Burberry Beauty (reviewed HERE), Charlotte Tilbury (reviewed HERE) and, of course, Tom Ford (reviewed HERE).
In terms of skincare, I am consistently pleased with SK-II (reviewed HERE and HERE), Radical Skincare (reviewed HERE), LiftLab (reviewed HERE), La Prairie (reviewed HERE) and NUDE Skincare (reviewed HERE).
(9) What camera do you use to take your pictures/film your videos? Who takes the pictures of you? I predominantly use a Canon Rebel SL1 for still images as well as all of my videos on my YouTube channel. Sometimes, when the situation requires, I use my iPhone 6 to capture images spontaneously and also use it constantly for Instagram.
I take all of my own pictures of myself. Managing the angle, finding the right natural light and maneuvering the camera backwards (without being able to see what images are being captured) can be a wild challenge but I’d like to think that process is part of what makes Beauty Professor so authentic!
(10) What is your “beauty aesthetic” and how long have you been growing your hair/who colors it? I feel best with an even canvas (hence the quest for the ideal foundation), a slight bronze/contour/highlight effect, a soft pink blush, a taupe-bronze eye, dark lashes and a pinky nude lip (as depicted HERE). It is classic and polished and easy to acheive on a daily basis…I can usually get ready in under 10 minutes!
I’ve had long hair for most of my life (though it is currently the longest it has ever been!) and I don’t color it (athough it does get naturally lighter in the summer). My mom trims it once or twice a year and otherwise, it is extremely low-maintenance (albeit a challenge to brush these days)!
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this special segment and thank you for being interested (and interesting!) readers. Good things ahead, including new lip color from Rouge Bunny Rouge, fresh products I am experimenting with, some style posts and a HG-inspired post.
By the way, for those of you who love shopping at Space.NK, they are having an additional 20% off SALE items promotion right now through January 26th 11:59 PST.
Simply use the Promo Code: spacesale20 to gain your savings!
Have a beautiful week; I look forward to your comments…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Comments (21)
This post is very helpful to get to know you better. Your list of HG products also partly answers my earlier question about what to splurge on. I really want to try LMdB peau vierge but it seems to be sold out online. Are they only selling the two ounce package for $175? The most I have ever spent on a single beauty product is about $60 for a face cream so that is just out of my reach (though I know it's a deal compared to the 1 oz). Anyway – have a good week!
I find your foundation swatches and reviews the best out there. If I cannot find a brand in store and have to buy online, your recommendations for which shades for which colourings are always spot on.
What an excellent post. It is so good to get to know a bit more in depth those whom we read on a daily basis. I admire your tenacity and commitment to blog after working in the academia and all that teaching, researching, doing service, advising, etc. implies.
I find solace, when everything goes awry, in my daily beauty and perfume reads so I believe there is something really meaningful to the work beauty bloggers do (in spite of and because of the frivolity, which I adore).
Keep on growing. You have accomplished so much!
Now to the advice me please inevitable question: I want to order the terrybly densilis concealer and have no1 and 2 in my cart right now, what color would you suggest for my super pale nc 20.
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Agreed, this is a wonderful post. So glad to get to know you a little better, BP! I just love your strong energy, in addition to your writing. Wefadetogray, I've been using the Terrybly concealer, which I love, and I'm a green-olive (not yellow!) but pale N20. I have it in #1, which I like because it is very neutral, but I have to say it's just a tad fair for me even in winter, so when I replenish I'll try the #2. Not sure if that helps — it's always a challenge when you are between shades in concealer! But I hope you find the perfect shade.
Thank you Robyn!!
per always, love your blog and it's part of my after-lunch reading material haha I feel you on the full time job and blogging though, I also rush home to follow the light 🙂 looking forward to more posts and more product recommendations in 2015!
Miranda M.
Thanks so much, friend! Honored to be a part of your post-lunch routine! I know you can relate to the whole working long hours and blogging schedule…it's a worthwhile pursuit, indeed ; )
Have a beautiful rest of your Monday…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I don't think many people out there appreciate the amount of time that goes into blogging! Thanks for highlighting it! I also follow the light. One day I might have enough money for a makeshift studio but today is not that day 🙂
Hi Clever Girl…well put…thanks! Love that you can relate!
As fabulous as the idea of a makeshift studio sounds, nothing quite beats natural sunlight in my book ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I appreciate that you only blog about the products you like. I think hearing about the things you like/love is much more helpful to me than hearing about things you are not fond of. Thanks!
Thank you, Kristine…so glad my approach resonates with you!
Thanks for reading…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I really enjoyed this post! Your blog is easily one of my favorites, and I'm happy for the opportunity to get to know you better.
Thank you, Ashlyn!
I am honored to be amongst your favorites…thank you for your support!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Rachel, thank you for the background on how all this loveliness happens!
As far as products you don't care for, it might be helpful to your readers to know what doesn't perform up to expectations so we can avoid making a (sometimes) costly mistake. Just be specific in your reasons why–ask your readers for feedback. An occasional critical review would be ok
Hi Sunny,
My pleasure! Thank you for the kind words and I appreciate your feedback!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Great post! Love it! Thank you for writing it. I love photogenic how you are and your posts. Oh, give a huge hug to Jethro for me. 🙂 XO
Hi ChicScience,
Thank you for reading it ; ) I so appreciate the kind words and support…hugs to you from Jethro and me!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP! This was such a great post – your answer as to why you feature only positive reviews was perfect. When considering a new foundation acquisition, I look for your review first and foremost – if you haven't reviewed it, I'll pass!
As it does for you, Koh Gen Do Aqua makes my list of holy grail foundations. The finish is just so perfect! Some days, of course, we (well, I, anyway!) just need more coverage. Do you have any tips for products you might use with the KDG Aqua to increase coverage – a stick foundation, maybe? Or do you tend to simply reach for something else?
As ever, thank you for your expert advice.
I
Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Suzy! I am honored to be your foundation resource ; )
I am so glad you love the KGD Aqua foundation…it is a superb formula and, on good skin days, makes skin look like perfection! When I need more coverage, I may add a pump of the Ardency Inn Custom Coverage Concentrate (relatively inexpensive and also available at Sephora…I have swatches of every shade on my blog) to amp it up a bit. It blends well and works like a dream!
Hope that helps…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks a lot for your posts and swatches, it is so helpful for me. Especially for products which not represent in Moscow, Russia 🙂
My pleasure, Tatiana…thank you so much for the kind words!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor