Featured Blogger: Maddison from Allure by Maddison

Monday 30 September 2013

I recently came across the most beautiful blog, Allure by Maddison.  I've really enjoyed reading Maddison's posts and I think she's a really talented, young blogger.  Allure by Maddison is a beauty & fashion based blog with a beautiful layout.  Maddison's posts are filled with great reviews and beautiful photo's.

I was lucky enough to chat to Maddison last week and she was kind enough to answer a few questions for me to include for you all to get to know her a little better.

Maddison from Allure by Maddison and Allure Blogger Design
Hi Maddi, thank you so much for chatting with me!  What made you start up Allure by Maddison?

I've forever been a reader of blogs and the more I delved into the blogging world the more I was inspired to start myself. Also, having a lot of time on my hands I started Allure by Maddison as a novelty to keep busy, and now I couldn't see myself without it.
 
And have you always been interested in beauty and fashion?
 
Yes, absolutely. I've always been into beauty and fashion, the only things that change over time are the trends, styles and products that I lust over. 
 
Absolutely!  Do you have an all time favourite beauty product?
 
This is a hard one as I'm always buying new and different products to try out, does lipstick count? Because I don't think I can delve into much more specifics than that!
 
Definitely, I think most of us girls can't live without our lipstick!  Are there any bloggers in particular who inspire you?
 
Honestly, every blogger I come across inspires me one way or another. Established bloggers such as Andrea at RosyChicc help keep me motivated as her blog is always filled with gorgeous photographs and content. Bloggers I talk to regularly on Twitter or simply just follow also inspire me, whether their blogs are completely different or extremely alike to mine. Such bloggers include @kateflint89, @BeautyLifeM and @morethanadored.
 
That's great!  What about perfumes, do you have a signature scent?
 
No, alike my buying habits with beauty products I try too many different perfumes to have just one favourite/signature scent.
 
I can definitely relate to that!  I noticed you have a second blog, Allure Blogger Design.  Have you had any training in web design?  Or is it more of a hobby?
 
I definitely have not had training in web design, although now you mention it I wouldn't mind learning professionally. I enjoy learning how to design and update my blog and so my main reason in starting Allure Blogger Design was to share my knowledge into easy tutorials for others to achieve things for their blogs.
 
Well, I think you've done a great job with it and I've learnt a few things from your posts myself, so thank you!  Finally, what advice can you give to any new bloggers just getting started?
 
This is a funny one because I still consider myself to be just 'getting started' however my main advice would be to talk from your heart and post content that you enjoy talking about - as it really shows. Additionally, take inspiration from other bloggers and aspire to grow your blog alike others however don't compare your 'success' with another blog - followers, readers and views will come with time!

Thanks so much Maddison for chatting with me, I wish you all the very best with both of your lovely blogs and future endeavours!

Please go and check out Allure by Maddison at www.allurebymaddison.blogspot.com.au and show your support by following x
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I've Been Hacked

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Just a quick post to let you all know that my Twitter account has been hacked!  At the moment I'm unable to access it, so until I get things sorted, please don't take any notice of any posts etc. that may (or may not) appear on my account.


Hopefully I'll be back in Twitterland very soon! x

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Update: I have set up a new Twitter account: @stephanierblog  So I will begin using the new one and see what happens as to whether I'll be able to get the old one going again or not.  I would really appreciate if you would all follow my new account, as it will really help me out x

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Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

Monday 16 September 2013

Recently, I was rummaging through my makeup drawer trying to find something when I came across an unopened pan of Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder.  I have no idea when I bought it, and why I never used it, but I was excited to give it a try.  I love pressed powders, and I use them all the time - either to set my foundation or concealer, or just on its own.

This powder is a great one!  It goes on seamlessly and is buildable, which I love.  I've been applying it with a brush and it's so great as a setting powder over my Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation.

If I'm having a "no makeup, makeup" kind of day, I just put it straight over my moisturiser and buff it in until I'm happy with it.

 

I'm wearing: Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Ivory, Maybeline Fit Me Concealer in Fair Clair, Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara and NYX Lipstick in Peach Bellini (My lipstick looks a little wonky and fluro because of the filter I used for this pic.)

It stays on great and really does give a nice matte effect.  I find if I apply it in the morning, I only need to reapply to my oily areas once during the day to keep me shine free.

I really love this powder and absolutely recommend it if you're keen to give it a try! x
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Self Esteem, Insecurities, Anxiety and Depression

Monday 9 September 2013

I've mentioned before my struggles with depression, anxiety and all that goes along with these things.  I always find it so lovely that I seem to get such positive responses whenever I post about these topics, or mental health in general.  At the same time, it makes me really sad to know that there are so many of you out there suffering the same way I have, doing it tough.  Mental and emotional health issues are so common nowadays, yet there is still so little understanding from people in general when it comes to these illnesses or issues.  There really is no way to explain, or make others understand, unless they have been through the same thing themselves.  For that reason, most of us feel so incredibly alone, even when we do have support from family and friends.  This is why I choose to write about my own experience from time to time - because I feel like maybe by sharing with you all, and refusing to be ashamed - maybe I can help someone purely by doing this and letting them know "you are not alone".

One of my biggest issues has always been my self esteem.  I've always had self esteem issues, but once the depression and anxiety set in, it got a lot worse.  I can't tell you the amount of times I feel like such a hypocrite for running a beauty based blog and giving beauty advice, when I myself feel ugly, fat and ashamed.  The truth is, I've always loved all things makeup, skincare and beauty, but when I look in the mirror I feel that no amount of these things will ever make me beautiful myself.  I have no trouble seeing beauty in others, but myself - nope!

I have a lot of trouble shopping for clothes, because I always assume that the sales assistants are looking me up and down and laughing at me for thinking I could possibly look good in their clothes.  Add an anxiety disorder into the equation and shopping trips can often lead to running to the bathroom to be sick!  For that reason, I tend to shop online wherever possible, because that way I don't have to face anyone.  No one can laugh at me, or judge me if they can't see me, right?

I'd be a hypocrite to give advice here on how to cope with these insecurities, because the truth is, I haven't figured that out for myself yet.  But I wanted to share a little of this with you, because I feel that a lot of people think of beauty bloggers as being conceited and full of themselves - when in reality that's not always the case.  Certainly in my case, that couldn't be further from the truth!  I long for the day I can walk through a shopping centre with my head held high, or look at a photo of myself without cringing or wanting to cry.  It's tough when you don't feel equal to those around you - when you feel that you'll never be as pretty, or as skinny, or as smart, or as nice as everyone else.  When it's constantly playing on your mind, you start to wonder "why do I even bother?" - and that's where the mixture of this, with depression and anxiety can become really serious.  I have been suicidal a few times over the years, and that's a scary place to be.  It's so easy for others to say "no, you're not fat" or "you're really pretty", usually followed by "don't be silly!" - but what they don't realize is how deeply rooted these feelings are.  A lot of people tend to think we are just seeking praise or attention by putting ourselves down.  If only they knew how much it hurts, and how genuinely we believe these things about ourselves.  In our minds, these things are facts.

As I said, I'm not in any position to give advice on this subject - however, one thing I can do is offer understanding.  I get it - I know how you feel and how badly it hurts.  I know how desperately you just want to feel ok about yourself - not even great, just ok!  So please do contact me if you would like to share your experience with me, or if I can offer some support.  You don't ever need to suffer alone! x
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