The Beauty Blogger Tag

So there are a lot of bloggers doing TAG posts at the moment.. especially the 'Confessions of a Blogger Tag'. I didn't feel like I was qualified enough to be able to answer those questions as I've only been blogging for such a short while. I did however find a Beauty Blogger Tag which I liked the look of, so decided to jump aboard another bloggin' bandwagon (yeeeeeeehaaaaaaah)

Why did you start blogging and how long have you been blogging for?

I started blogging, because I'd read beauty blogs and watched YouTube videos for nearing on two years.. and decided that I had the same overwhelming passion, drive and interest to be able to create my own. I also knew that I own a huge amount of beauty products.. so I'd have plenty of products to talk about! It was quite a spur of the moment thing.. on the evening of December 16th 2012, through boredom.. and Miss Makeup Magpie was born.

Whose blog did you fall in love with first?

This is such a hard question, as I don't remember the blog I first fell in love with. The first blog I started reading every day was Makeup Savvy, I just loved the way Fee wrote her posts (and obviously still do..), her photography and honesty when reviewing products. I would recommend her blog to anyone who loves beauty.. it's an incredible blog.

What was the first blogosphere hyped about product that you bought? Was it worth the hype?

I think this would perhaps have to be the Revlon Lip Butters. Everyone on any blog, or YouTube video was raving about how great they are... so I had to indulge in one, two.. (or 7 as I have now). I think they are worth the hype.. I love them, they're so easy to wear and the colour range is quite good too. Although I don't think every product which is hyped necessarily deserves to be.. like the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation?

What are you five favourite things about blogging and being a Beauty Blogger?

1.  Meeting like minded friends! In such a short time I've talked to, and become friends with quite a few different people. I love that we share the same passions (and obsessions!) and you can talk to them about anything beauty related without them yawning.. like your friends and family.

 2. I love watching my blog grow every single day, looking at the numbers increasing and seeing which countries are visiting. It really fascinates me, that you can communicate with people all over the world who share the same interests. 

3. I love writing blog posts, and taking photographs.. I think it's important to enjoy writing the posts, and not see it as a chore, otherwise what is the point in blogging? Your readers will be able to tell if you enjoy doing what you're doing, through your tone of writing.. If I ever find myself dreading and resenting having to write a blog post, it will be the time to finish my blog. 

4. I really enjoy the #bbloggers chats on Wednesdays and Sundays. They're (mostly) so positive, and everyone is so helpful. If you need any advice on a blusher shade, or a make up brush you'll get at least 6 or so bloggers tweet you with their advice. It's lovely to be able to interact with people you've not spoken to before.. and obviously talk about beauty!!!! It's such a good way to discover new blogs to follow too.

5. Maybe a bit of a cheeky one but.. I love having an 'excuse' to *have* to buy makeup for review purposes of course ;) 

What have you learnt from being a Beauty Blogger? 

Through having my blog, I have learnt about how important integrity and honesty is when accepting blog samples and writing reviews. I have learnt about blogging etiquette, what to do and not do with other blogs/bloggers. It has also taught me that I need to use a Thesaurus more to stop repeating the same words through a blog post.. *pet hate*

Have you changed anything since becoming a Beauty Blogger? 

Just my camera I suppose.. I tried to use my phone to take the photo's, but the quality just wasn't good enough. Now I have my DSLR I can really notice a difference in my photo's which for me, is important as that's what I look for on other blogs. I'm not, however.. saying that using a phone camera is a bad thing.. it's just my particular phone camera wasn't up to the job. There are some blogs that have amazing pictures taken by a phone camera.. but due to living in a dark house with no direct sunlight (I promise I'm not a swamp dweller!), even the best phone camera wouldn't have been able to cope.

What advice would you give to a beauty blogger just starting out? 

NEVER compare yourself to other bloggers and blogs. It is sooooo important for blogs to be unique, as no one wants to read carbon copies of other blogs. Make sure you stay honest with your reviews, and if you get pressure from a company or PR on how you should write a post, don't be afraid to decline their proposition. You and your blog will gain more respect for it.. no one likes to read posts written like it could be an advert for the product, in words nothing like your own. 

Write your blog how you want to, don't listen to other people on how it should be done.. there are no rules when it comes to blogging. 

What are your top 5 makeup brands?

Urban Decay.. because every single product they release is amazing. Revlon.. I feel that all of their products are excellent quality, and they ColorStay foundation in Ivory is the only true match of foundation I've found for my pale skin. Barry M.. possibly a controversial one, but their polishes in my opinion are the BEST. They're all under £5 and they are constantly bringing out new innovative designs and finishes which rival any other nail polish brand. L'Oreal.. I don't know what it is, but I just love L'Oreal packaging. It's always so sleek, and their products are always readily available and generally good quality. MUA.. How could I not mention them? 16 Lipsticks in their range for £1 each? Eyeshadow palettes for £4 that are EXACT dupes for Urban Decay palettes? Just amazing.. A couple of their products are hit and miss but as a whole, it's definitely a brand to have a look at.

Recommend your top 5 beauty products.. 

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Mushroom.. a beautiful taupe coloured eyeliner which doesn't budge, that is the perfect waterline shade for any eyeshadow look. 

MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette.. I am yet to review this beauty on my blog, but wow!! It's just incredible to think that it's £32 cheaper than Urban Decay's Naked 2!

Revlon Colorstay Foundaion.. I mentioned above, the range of foundation shades is extensive.. perfect colour match, and it has brilliant staying power! I just wish it had a pump though, apart from that.. it's just the best foundation. It comes in 2 varieties too.. depending on your skin type; Dry, Oily, Normal & Combination.

 Rimmel Glam Eyes Liquid Eyeliner.. I have worn liquid eyeliner since I was 14 years old (11 years now.. scary!) so I have tried and tested an abundance of liquid liners. This is the best liquid liner, in my opinion. It lasts for ages in the bottle without drying out, the wand is easy to hold in your hand for ease of application, the liquid is pure opaque black- so you only need one swipe to get the perfect line. It doesn't irritate sensitive eyes, and stays put throughout the day! I will always stay loyal to this eyeliner.. until it's discontinued anyway.

 Stila In the Light Palette.. It's just the most gorgeous eyeshadow palette I own, it has a beautiful selection of eyeshadows, varying in finish; matte, shimmer and satin. You get a gorgeous shimmer stick included, which on its own is pretty special. I really want more of the Stila In the.. palettes as they're such amazing value for £25!

Soooooo that's the tag complete! I hope I haven't bored anyone to death... I would like to tag anybody who would like to do this tag? I think it's brilliant.. as you learn a lot about the blogger, and it's fun at the same time. If you do, do this tag.. please comment below with your post as I would love to see it and leave a comment on it :)