Interview with Jami from Bionic Beauty

I am really excited to bring you an interview with Jami from Bionic Beauty! Her blog is one of my daily-must reads and features beauty samples, freebies and bargains, great and honest reviews and lots of fabulous tips to achieve powerful beauty! Read on to find out more about Jami:

1. When and why did you start your blog?
I started Bionic Beauty on July 4, 2007. A few months prior to that, I had been stuck at home and was looking for ways to save money but still indulge my craving to try new shampoos and lotions. So I started hunting down free samples available on the internet. I was emailing my friends and family constantly with new freebies. Bionic Beauty was born because I “thought” blogging would be easier than emailing… (little did I know, ha!).

I also wanted to create a place that wasn’t solely focused on beauty products. I am a very strong believer that women are powerful creatures. We sometimes need reassurance and a boost, so I created my weekly Powerful Beauty series so ladies from across the globe can share what they think makes them beautiful. The results have been amazing!

2. What is your favourite thing about blogging? And the least?
Hmmm… my favorite thing about blogging is my readers. And meeting new blogging buddies. I have cultivated some truly amazing friendships via blogging. These ladies are some of the strongest and best role models I have in my life.

On the other hand, my least favorite thing is some nasty comments I get. I try to laugh them off, but some people are just plain mean-spirited. I can’t fathom what drives people to say things like “you smell” and “you need to get a life”. That baffles me – plain and simple.

3. What is the best thing that happened to you because of your blog?
Ahhh! I have an upcoming mention in Ladies Home Journal! Bionic Beauty is scheduled to be in the July issue, so keep your eyes peeled. I literally danced around my house when I found out.

4. When did you first realize that you were beauty obsessed?
I was a late beauty bloomer. I didn’t really become a beauty addict until my late twenties (I’m 32 now). Before that, I wore some makeup and took great care of my hair, but my biggest indulgence was nail polish. I have always painted my toes since I was in high school. My beauty bug bit suddenly and late.

5. How did you learn how to apply makeup?
Let’s just say I learned how *not* to apply makeup during my high school years… from there, I stuck with the basic browns and neutral eyes for many years. I was afraid to branch out. But when I got my confidence back in my mid-twenties I started experimenting with color- brighter eyes, glitter (yes, it can be your friend.), dark lips, etc until my technique’s were improved. I’m always learning or playing with a new way to apply makeup. I believe practice makes almost-perfect. And the rest is confidence.

6. What is your daily skincare routine?
In the morning I wash with plain water and lightly buff my face with a “chamois” style wash cloth. Then I use Murad’s Blemish Spot treatment on any trouble (i.e. pimple) areas. I then use an all-natural Zinc spray for SPF protection.

In the evening, I remove my eye makeup with my homemade safflower & water makeup remover. Wash with Terra Andre’s Jojoba Cleansing Lotion, tone with Terra Andre Neroli Oil Toner, and apply Mario Badescu’s Buffering Lotion across my cheeks and forehead. I use YBF’s Correct serum on my eyes. After everything has soaked in for about 15 minutes, I apply 1-2 drops of jojoba oil over my entire face for moisture and balancing.

7. Have you found your HG products yet? If so, what are they?
Some of them! My favorite foundation is Purely Cosmetics’ mineral makeup in California Blonde- I didn’t really understand the whole mineral makeup phenomenon until I found Purely Cosmetics. Her makeup is my perfect fit! I also am a huge fan of Purely’s gel eyeliner in Black Cherry.

I also love Priia’s Complexion Enhancer in Angelic- it’s perfect for a soft, summer glow on my face.

My holy grail mascara is Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear in Ultra Black (I freaked out a year ago when I couldn’t find any in my local stores- now I keep a stockpile at home just in case).

Once a week I make a face mask using Aztec Secret green clay mixed with Apple Cider Vinegar. It helps keep my skin in check. I can’t use Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide to treat my acne- so I have turned to Mario Badescu’s Buffering Lotion and Murad’s Blemish Spot Treatment (both are sulfur-based treatments which have saved my skin).

Other items I cannot live without: Milani’s eyeshadow in Java Bean (Best brown eyeshadow. Ever.), Herbaria Soaps (every person I give these soaps to becomes an addict), Y-Y’s 1000 Crane’s body lotion, YBF’s Restore face serum, jojoba oil, Three Custom Color’s Watercolors for Cheeks in Wallflower (I use it on my cheeks, lips and eyes), Three Custom’s Doubles lip gloss, and my locally made face wash, toner & moisturizer by Terra Andre. Oh, and I simply ADORE my PedEgg!

8. What are your favourite beauty brands?
I like to think of myself as an individual and not a slave to expensive marketing. I typically search out smaller, lesser-known brands that don’t get the media attention other brands do. Who wants to look like everyone else anyway, right?

My top brands are Three Custom Color, Purely Cosmetics, Priia, Milani, Cactus & Ivy, Spell Cosmetics, Herbaria, and Garden Girl.

9. What’s in your makeup bag right now?
Well, since my actual “makeup bag” is a fishing tackle box (I’m not kidding! They are cheaper, better constructed and hold more than true “makeup cases”), I will list what’s in my purse right now…
Lancome’s Piha Black lip gloss (major Bionic Beauty love!), Three Custom Color’s lip gloss in Whisper (this is one of those rare colors that will work for everyone), Bobbi Brown lip tint in Black Cherry (SPF 15 is perfect for the beach!), Pin Up Balms lip balm in Coconut, My Lip Stuff lip balm in Rainbow Sherbert, Smashbox O-Plump lip gloss/plumper (I’m testing this out for the blog), and a teeny pot of Y-Y’s 1000 Cranes lotion for my hands.

10. And finally, do you have any beauty secrets you can share?
The basic one is to open your mind to new brands. You might find a more economical option that is higher-quality if you step outside your normal box. Besides that- SMILE! And wear what makes you happy. If you love vampy nails in the summer (I do), trends be damned. Wear it, and rock it. Be a Powerful Beauty!!

Thanks so much to Jami for the interview! Now that you know more about her, go and read her blog!

Tagged as: beauty bloggers