Every week, I post a Weekend Roundup with exciting features written by our beauty blogging friends. We thought it would be a great idea if you got to know each of us a little better to find out what drives the beauty passion we share. This week, we meet Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews. Kelly is a fellow animal lover, almost a neighbor (she lives in Baltimore), and has great swatch photos. Just last week, I found swatches of a Tarte product that had interested me; I wish I had seen Kelly's review before I placed my order with QVC! I would have purchased it.Here's Kelly in her own words.
When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging in 2009 as a way to share my favorite things with my friends. I was always being asked to go to cosmetic counters and stores like Sephora with my friends, so I thought it would be fun to start writing about makeup, hair, and skin care.
Every blog seems to have a special voice - what's the message on your blog?
I love to write about color, but I also love to research ingredients to find out what works and what doesn't. Instead of sounding like a professor, I try to relate to other beauty lovers like their friend. I assume they understand my quirks and goofiness and don't hold it against me. Every now and then my sarcasm, silliness, or oddball comments anger some people. If you're one of them, I'm sorry. My blog probably isn't for you.
I always try to approach makeup like someone who is a serious fan, not someone who is all about fashion and the role that makeup plays in that world. I love drugstore finds, as well as higher-end goods. Don't get me wrong, I love to embrace (or mock) trends, but I don't live or die by the latest words of WWD. I'm more of a real woman, who struggles with things like growing my hair, finding a mascara that actually lengthens my lashes, and the perfect peach blush. It's all an adventure I enjoy writing about and sharing.
Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life for you? What made it blossom?
I have loved makeup for as long as I can remember. I was even a makeup artist for a short amount of time at a local spa and did some TV and print work. Nothing makes me more giddy than a good "before and after." Makeup can have a powerful effect on your mood and how you see yourself. It's like having the power to be a chameleon. I am inspired by people and things everywhere. It's fun to have an outlet to build on that inspiration.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am married with five pets. I watch way too much television, and I produce television ads at my day job. I also founded a non-profit called Karma Dogs, where we help rescue dogs become therapy dogs. They help kids do lots of things, like learn to read, work on goals set by a therapist, and teach kids how to take care of a pet. My ultimate goal would be for the kids who participate in our programs to grow up to be good pet owners.
What's your daily beauty routine?
My beauty routine takes too long, but I truly enjoy the "me" time I spend every morning! I start by washing my face and sometimes using my Clarisonic. I then use two eye creams, a serum, moisturizer, and an SPF. I then usually use between 10-25 different makeup products each morning. The whole shebang (not including the hair) takes about 25 minutes. But it's one of the few times I get to spend time focusing on me, so I love it. It's a very Zen time for me, when I'm not rushing around.
If we were to invade your beauty closet what surprises would we find?
I have more makeup than any one person could ever use. I still have the M·A·C brushes that I bought more than 10 years ago, and I use some them every day. I also have a huge collection of faux hair that I used to wear daily. Wigs, falls, ponys, and hair extensions - it's a lot of hair. I also have a mild obsession with peach makeup. I have almost every peach blush and lip gloss known to man. As my blogger pal Anne from BeautyXposé can tell you, I take my peach collection very, very seriously.
How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time?
It's embarrassing. I have no fewer than 20 lip products in my purse at any time. Most of them are peach.
What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?
A long time ago, a makeup artist I really respected told me I could wear any color. It makes me bonkers when people tell me they are only a warm or cool tone (or even worse, a season). It's all about how you use a color, and done right, you can wear anything. More importantly, wearing a daily SPF is the one true, proven thing you can do to keep aging at bay. No magical cream can undo all the damage a good sunscreen can prevent. I'll never forget meeting Leslie Blodgett and having her be really surprised at my age. I can't say it often enough or loud enough - wear a sunscreen every day the sun rises!
What is the most surprising thing you've learned since blogging?
When I started blogging, I thought paying more than $40 on a foundation was nuts. My idea of what is expensive and what is reasonably priced has now totally shifted. I am also genuinely surprised each time I get a comment from readers that I am not related to. When I started this, my only readers were my close friends and a cousin. I can't believe so many people take the time to check in with me and see what's new. I am so happy to have made so many new friends through my blog, and I love it when they comment on something I've written.
How often do you actually go to stores or events to research new product or releases?
I probably make a point to go hunting for new goodies specifically three or four times a week. I usually go to Sephora the day (or the day before) the new products hit the shelves each week. I can't go into a department store without checking out what's new in the makeup department. I'm on a first name basis with everyone who sells makeup within a 10 mile radius, which is great, and sometimes a little embarrassing. I have two younger sisters-in-law who are always suggesting and requesting reviews, not to mention all the texts from friends across the country asking me for on the spot advice when they are at the makeup counter. I have to stay on my toes! I'm a little obsessed. But in a good way!
You can learn a lot by reading Kelly's Gouldylox Reviews. Head over now to see what's featured today!