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!

Interview with Toma from Makeup Masala

I’m very excited to bring you this interview with the lovely Toma from Makeup Masala. Her site is one of my daily reads. She always brings readers the best drugstore finds, so if you like a good bargain (who doesn’t?), make sure to check her site out.
Toma has just launched her own online shop, The Makeup Mix shop, offering her own mineral makeup line as well as products from NYX, Jesse’s Girl, Avon and more.
She was also so nice to extend an offer to all my readers: by using the code GIO, you’ll receive a full-sized Makeup Masala Mineral Eyeshadow free with any $15 order! Simple put the code and eyeshadow shade name in the comment section of your order.
And now, read on to find more about Toma:

1. When and why did you start your blog?
I started my blog April of 2007. I love talking makeup and bargains, so instead of yapping my friends and family to death I decided to let it all out on the web.

2. You’ve recently launched your own mineral makeup line, called Makeup Masala Minerals. What inspired you to create it?
If you saw the stockpile of minerals at my house you would see that I have a sad, sad addiction. So, since I’ve tried so many brands, I’ve been able to compare formulas and chose one that I am proud to put my name on!

3. You’ve also opened your own online store, The Makeup Mix Shop. How did it grow from an idea to reality?
My goal lately has been to work from home, so I thought I would choose a field that I love. I started the store off with just a few products and reached out to customers for ideas on product lines. Within a few weeks, the line expanded from 3 lines to over 7 by the end of February!

4. When did you first realize that you were beauty obsessed?
Probably around 9 years old when I was sneaking to buy Teen and Seventeen magazines.

5. How did you learn how to apply makeup?
I learned by reading every beauty magazine I could get my hands on when I was younger. I also went to school for esthetics and learned a lot about makeup application while there.

6. What is your daily skincare routine?
I wash my face only at night. I’m currently using Yves Rocher’s Inositol Végétal 2-n1 Cleanser + Toner. Then I alternate between my current acne med and Clinque’s Moisture Surge. In the morning I wipe my face with Olay’s Daily Facials Express Wet Cleansing Cloths.

7. Have you found your HG products yet? If so, what are they?
That’s a hard question for a product junkie! I will say that I am now addicted to Urban Decay’s Primer Potion. I couldn’t understand what the hype was about, but now I refuse to apply my eyeshadows without it.

8. What are your favourite beauty brands?
Urban Decay, E.L.F., NYX, L.A. Colors, Yves Rocher…I really could keep going here!

9. What’s in your makeup bag right now?
I have about 6 NYX lipglosses/lipsticks, Avon Glazewear in Teddy Bear, a cuticle clipper, Rosebud Salve in Strawberry (smells like a milkshake!). I think I’m also addicted to lip products!

10. And finally, do you have any beauty secrets you can share?
Don’t shun an eyeshadow because you think the color won’t look good on you. I’ve found that I can wear any eyeshadow shade by pairing it with a shade that compliments my skin. Or, layer the color over a black or white eyeshadow base. This will give a new hue to the shade you thought you couldn’t wear.

Thanks a lot for the interview Toma! And now, make sure you visit Makeup Masala and The Makeup Mix Shop!

Interview with Nikki from Askmewhats

I’ve recently had the pleasure to interview the lovely Nikki from Askmewhats. Her blog is one of my daily reads. Nikki is a beautiful, very sweet girl and her happy, bright personality shines through her blog. Her site features beauty products and restaurants reviews, great tutorials and amazing nail art! Read on to find out more about Nikki:

1. When and why did you start your blog?
I started blogging January of this year! I decided to blog because I have a couple of friends who would ask my opinion on products that I’ve used or encountered and I’ve found myself answering the same questions again and again. So, I’ve decided put my thoughts in writing and ask my friends to read it so I don’t have to repeat myself! hahaha
I am also good with research, so I always ended up buying the “right” product, so I’d love to share that to people who read my blog too

2. What is your favourite thing about blogging? And the least?
Favorite thing about blogging is meeting new people, interacting with them and learn so much about different cultures. I love blogging the best when I get emails, or messages from readers who told me that they learn so much from my blog.
Least favorite about blogging…well cropping photos! LOL

3. What is the best thing that happened to you because of your blog?
I’ve found new friends that I chat or talk to regularly not only about make-up but about LIFE in general!

4. When did you first realize that you were beauty obsessed?
When I was in junior high. I was in -charge for make-up for our school’s Major Play and I found myself enjoying it! I don’t mind that people line up for me to do make-up on them no matter how crowded it is, or how tiring it gets. I just can’t stop smiling!

5. How did you learn how to apply makeup?
Recently, I learned through YouTube and beauty blogs, but all these years, I wasn’t scared to do make-up on ANYONE who wants to! I practice on my friends’ faces and mine (bless them for trusting me).
I also had a short lesson with the Chief Make-up Artist of Paul & Joe (Philippines) Ms. Cherry Pacheco Uy to learn the tricks.

6. What is your daily skincare routine?
Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, Sunscreen.

7. Have you found your HG products yet? If so, what are they?
HG Gel Liner – STILA Smudgepots!
HG Brow Pencil – Paul & Joe no. 2 pencil
I will definitely let you guys know if I found more!

8. What are your favourite beauty brands?
Paul & Joe , MAC, Shu Uemura, MUFE, NYX, Milani, etc… ( I don’t really have specific brands that I would really be loyal to, I just find what’s the best product each brand has to offer).

9. What’s in your makeup bag right now?
A small mirror, tweezers, Joppa finishing silk, NYX lipstick in Tea Rose, Kiehl’s No.1 Lipbalm.

10. And finally, do you have any beauty secrets you can share?
SMILING! Trust me, smiling (genuinely) can make you prettier!

Make sure you visit Askmewhats now! Thanks for the interview Nikki!

Interview with Christine from Temptalia

I am very excited to bring you this interview with the lovely Christine from Temptalia. Christine’s blog is one of my daily must-reads because of her amazing tips, fantastic product reviews, inspiring looks and great tutorials that will turn even a novice into an expert. Read on to find out more about the talented and sweet Christine:

1. When and why did you start your blog?
I started Temptalia in October 2006 as a way to archive all of the looks I had done and planned to do in the future.

2. What is your favourite thing about blogging? And the least?
My favorite thing about blogging is the ability to interact with my readers. I love hearing their opinions, answering their questions, and just learning about them. I really can’t think of a least favorite part! Maybe that I can’t do it more often?

3. What is the best thing that happened to you because of your blog?
The best thing that has happened to me is that I’ve learned where my passion lies–at least presently–and it’s so great. I love what I’m doing!

4. When did you first realize that you were beauty obsessed?
It started when I started college. I discovered MAC, and I fell in love from there!

5. How did you learn how to apply makeup?
Practice, practice, practice. Whenever people ask, the answer is really that simple. Just keep at it, and don’t be afraid to fail. Do crazy looks, try combos you didn’t think would work. You’ll learn what works, what doesn’t, and what’s just plain fun!

6. What is your daily skincare routine?
Because I’m constantly testing out new and different products, it really changes quite often. Currently, I use Dermalogica’s cleanser alternated with MAC’s Volcanic Ash Exfoliator for cleansing in the AM. I follow up with Clinique’s MoistureSurge cream. I’m testing out two eye creams (Elizabeth Arden’s Intervene & Bliss’s All About the Eyes), too. I use Dermalogica sunscreen to keep my face safe from the sun. In the PM, I use Renee Rouleau cleanser followed by the same eye creams, and then NARS’ Hydrating Cream.

7. Have you found your HG products yet? If so, what are they?
I’ve found a few, but not a lot. I love so many products, and there is always something new coming out to try, so I never end up loyal to a product. A few of my staples are MAC Mari-sheeno lipstick, Renee Rouleau’s AHA/BHA Cleanser, and NARS Hydrating Cream.

8. What are your favourite beauty brands?
I know people know me as a MAC girl, but I love lots of brands. I find it hard to keep up with (especially financially!) with tons of brands, which is why I still wear and have mostly MAC products. I’ve loved a lot of the products I’ve tried from Clinique, Estee Lauder, Lancome, NARS… Bliss is great for skincare, as is LUSH.

9. What’s in your makeup bag right now?
Nothing! I don’t keep a makeup bag. I only use my makeup bags when I travel In my purse, though, I have MAC Mari-sheeno lipstick and Cle de Peau’s #2 Gloss. I think I might have a tinted lip conditioner in my purse, too.

10. And finally, do you have any beauty secrets you can share?
iewsThe secret to looking good is feeling good. Even if my makeup is flawless, if I’m having a bad day or feel like crap, it’s still going to show through. It’s so important to take care of yourself from the inside out, and not just focusing on the outside. I don’t just mean eating right or exercising, I mean making yourself mentally fit and happy. Beauty is happiness

Thanks so much to Christine for this fantastic interview. Now make sure to go and check out Temptalia.