Dominique Baker Medge Beauvoir Jane Daly Janine Falcon Katherine Garbarino
Zeba Khan Jillian Lansky Eileen Lazazzera Eugenia Ragas Angela

Question 1

What motivated you to start blogging?


My husband suggested that I start a blog. I was going to a lot of fun events and love beauty and fashion, so it seemed like a great idea. That was five years ago, and I've never looked back!

Question 2

What keeps you passionate about your work or who is inspiring you right now?


My supporters who follow my blog, YouTube and Instagram keep me motivated! They are the most supportive bunch of people, and I am so honoured that what I post both educates and inspires them. Also, so many of my supporters have become friends! A major pay-off right there.

My close circle of friends are so smart and driven. They inspire me daily. They are killing it with their side hustles and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Question 3

What is one thing people don’t know about you?


I first met my husband in Grade 2. He sat in front of me and I remember being amazed at how blond his hair was! In fact, we used our Grade 2 class picture as the cover for our wedding rehearsal dinner invites!

Question 4

Which beauty product could you never live without and why?


Concealer - for sure. It makes me look awake, and I can spot treat other areas! Can I have a second product? LOL! I love tinted balm!

Question 5

What is the best piece of advice you could offer beauty bloggers that are starting out?


Many beauty bloggers feel that they don't have enough makeup to review, good enough camera equipment or makeup artistry skills. My best piece of advice is just to get started! Review the make- up you already have and if you aren't confident with your makeup applications skills, take a course or watch beauty tutorials on YouTube. And don't worry about fancy cameras - use your smartphone

Question 1

What motivated you to start blogging?


I started blogging as a creative outlet for me because I hated my job at the time (lease administration for a property management company). Blogging was something I did on evenings and weekends to have fun and I looked forward to it! It was my passion project! And then I went on maternity leave and really didn’t want to go back, so I had to make it work!

Question 2

What keeps you passionate about your work or who is inspiring you right now?


Everyday women inspire me. I love seeing how beauty, whether it’s skincare or makeup, can give such confidence! My kids keep me passionate! I want them to see that with a lot of hard work, you can live out your dreams. It doesn’t just happen overnight. I’m nowhere near where I want to be, but I’m going in that direction and I love that they’ll be able to see that progression.

Question 3

What is one thing people don’t know about you?


I’m very shy!! I’m like an introverted extrovert. Love meeting new people, but one on one is my comfort! Any more than that, my armpits are sweating! Even doing stories makes me nervous!

Question 4

Which beauty product could you never live without and why?


SkinCeuticals glycolic brightening renew overnight! Makes my skin so soft and glowy in the morning! And Tata Harper’s resurfacing serum! This is new to me and I’m obsessed!

Question 5

What is the best piece of advice you could offer beauty bloggers that are starting out?


Comparison is the thief of joy! It’s hard because we see other people’s success, but stay focused on you and what you’re putting out there! Do what you love, stay consistent and the rest will come! It sounds so cliché, but there's only one you, and that’s your super power. And also make friends and support each other!

Question 1

What motivated you to start blogging?


I have a huge passion for beauty & fragrance. I’ve worked in the industry for years - behind the counter for Estée Lauder, in the fragrance department on to working with a distributor. The MakeupAlley fragrance board, around 2006, led me to amazing blogs that inspired me. I’ve gone through life led by my nose, so I started with fragrance reviews & grew from there. From working to build a fragrance brand, then ultimately launching my own perfume, Eau de Jane.

Question 2

What keeps you passionate about your work or who is inspiring you right now?


Try as I might, I can’t get bored of fragrance, skincare & beauty. New & innovative product launches always interest me, as well as finding & exploring new brands. I have two daughters that love beauty, skincare & fragrance as much as I do. I’d probably get depressed if I couldn’t talk about perfume to anyone who will listen!

Question 3

What is one thing people don’t know about you?


I’m a bit of an over-sharer so there’s not much I don’t talk about online. I love driving. A solo road trip, in a fast car on long highway roads? Perfect.

Question 4

Which beauty product could you never live without and why?


Oh that’s definitely perfume. I have a huge collection of perfumes & apply them morning & at bedtime. Finding the perfect scent for my mood can energize me, relax me or soothe me. Can’t imagine not having a bottle of perfume!

Question 5

What is the best piece of advice you could offer beauty bloggers that are starting out?


Find out what you love & share that. Use your authentic voice, write as you would speak. Don’t try to fit into a certain style or aesthetic, find your own. Readers can tell when your writing has true passion vs just offering advertising. They’ll come back for YOUR voice.

Question 1

What motivated you to start blogging?


Facebook. Yeah, I said it. In the beginning of FB, the brief status updates became an enjoyable creative challenge. Eventually the freedom to write how/what I wanted about "beauty" and grooming in a space more accessible than print became irresistible.

Question 2

What keeps you passionate about your work or who is inspiring you right now?


For a while it was the newness, the excitement of creating something new and being able to speak directly to readers who had input or questions. Now it's about a renewed commitment to helping others cut through the marketing-speak, made-up-terms and fear-mongering. Misinformation is EVERYWHERE.

Question 3

What is one thing people don’t know about you?


I didn't start using sunscreen diligently until my early 30s when a friend shamed me into it! (That was in my early days in the magazine industry, about 20 years ago.)

Question 4

Which beauty product could you never live without and why?


If I were only allowed to have one thing for my skin, I'd choose petrolatum. That I haven't said "sunscreen" will be a bit of a shock for some but here's why: I am completely indoors-y. I can hide from UV like nobody's business. But my skin is chronically dehydrated. Petrolatum would at least prevent moisture loss, and in fact a study suggests that it can actually boost skin's thickness and improve skin health. But PLEASE don't make me live in a world in which I can only have one thing. I would rather have petrolatum in a well-formulated moisturizer than use it straight up on my skin. And I'd still like to have sunscreen!

Question 5

What is the best piece of advice you could offer beauty bloggers that are starting out?


Learn how to factcheck and refer to sources who are accredited and esteemed experts in their field. Get to know cosmetic scientists, chemists, formulators, dermatologists, estheticians and any other superstar people whose education and interests mean they already do the research and publish information you need to make sure you share real, accurate information. Do not fall victim to the Dunning-Kruger effect.

Question 1

What motivated you to start blogging?


I was always sharing tips with the people around me. I was that go to person for all beauty & wellness questions. When Instagram started with Stories, I started organically sharing my tips and it just snowballed from there.

Question 2

What keeps you passionate about your work or who is inspiring you right now?


I am extremely passionate about feeling amazing both internally and externally. I thrive off having high energy and I want others to know they can feel the same with small changes. Everyone wants to feel good but it feels overwhelming to know where and how to start! I want to be that person for them, the one who breaks it down and makes it easier.

There are so many people that inspire me. Currently I am loving Jesse Itzler, Joe Dispenza and my naturopath Christian Limoges and of course my parents!

Question 3

What is one thing people don’t know about you?


I am an outgoing introvert and I don’t love attention. I kind of like to be alone and beat to my own drum. Once I get talking, I am very sociable but for the most part I like to keep to myself.

Question 4

Which beauty product could you never live without and why?


Vitamin C serum and SPF: for all the glowy, plumping and anti-aging effects!

Question 5

What is the best piece of advice you could offer beauty bloggers that are starting out?


BE AUTHENTIC. Do it because you love it, share it because you use it! Don’t try to mimic what the next person is doing. Being yourself is INNOVATIVE. What others are doing has been done so be YOU! Share what you want to see and take in and that will resonate with others!

Question 1

What motivated you to start blogging?


I love reading about beauty and fashion - my favourite topics are anti-aging techniques and how to look stylish on a budget. I wanted a place to share all the tips and tricks I was learning during my research, so I started Ellaprettyblog.com.

Question 2

What keeps you passionate about your work or who is inspiring you right now?


I love blogging because it’s a job that feels like a hobby. There’s so much to learn - it’s so satisfying to try new things, put all my thoughts together and discuss it with people who share my passion. I’m inspired by my friends and fellow content creators - I’ve made so many good friends through blogging and they add so much value to my life.

Question 3

What is one thing people don’t know about you?


I have a Masters in Economic History from the London School of Economics.

Question 4

Which beauty product could you never live without and why?


This is a difficult question - there are so many must-haves... and I never travel without a big bag of skincare and makeup! But in terms of what has made the biggest impact recently - always applying Hyaluronic Acid serum on wet skin before sealing it in with a moisturizer.

Question 5

What is the best piece of advice you could offer beauty bloggers that are starting out?


There’s a spot for everyone, so don’t think you have to buy products and equipment to join in. You can start by photographing with your phone and writing about the products you already use. As you get more comfortable, spend time researching blogging and photography tips - but you don’t have to be perfect from the start!

Question 1

What motivated you to start blogging?


It was more a lack of creativity and purpose than anything. I was in university studying Psychology and I needed a creative outlet. I loved fashion and had a feel for trends, so I started my blog and Instagram. This further inspired me to do what I really wanted so I switched to Fashion Merchandis- ing and the rest is history. I've now been blogging as a full-time job and career for almost 5 years.

Question 2

What keeps you passionate about your work or who is inspiring you right now?


It's really tough to get inspired right now with the pandemic and I think first and foremost, not forcing creativity is important. It's tough to be innovative on a timeline. I usually turn to Pinterest for inspiration on a look or photoshoot. Whether it's a magazine editorial or a blog photo, I'm always so inspired by others' creativity and it pushes me to be better, work harder and get the perfect shot.

Question 3

What is one thing people don’t know about you?


I'm super sarcastic and I love a dry sense of humour. I'm also really good at laughing at myself - my husband and brothers in law make sure I do it a lot :)

Question 4

Which beauty product could you never live without and why?


I think it would be sunscreen. I wear it 365 days a year - it's the best way to protect your skin and keep it looking even and youthful and protect against skin cancer.

Question 5

What is the best piece of advice you could offer beauty bloggers that are starting out?


Figure out what makes you different. There are so many blogs out there, so figuring out your niche is so important in setting you apart. And be yourself! It sounds cheesy, but it's true and it takes time to open up and be vulnerable on the internet. People don't want to see the perfect highlight reel. I always relate to bloggers who share personal stories.

Question 1

What motivated you to start blogging?


I started blogging as an outlet to share my creative ideas and love for fashion and beauty. Each of my posts tells a small story of my life and my goal is to put a little inspiration in everyone’s day. My ultimate goal is to inspire women to feel better, do better and live a better lifestyle.

Question 2

What keeps you passionate about your work or who is inspiring you right now?


When it comes to beauty products, I love learning more about all the latest advancements in the field. I think there's so much technology and science that's incorporated into skincare and beauty these days. And I'm just fascinated by new products and ingredients and how far they've come.

Another aspect that drives my passion is knowing the way that beauty can make women feel. The great power of beauty is that it allows us to be the best versions of ourselves, and where all of us can find ourselves, get to know ourselves, discover ourselves. And I love sharing about products that can make other women look and feel their best as well.

Question 3

What is one thing people don’t know about you?


I used to hate waking up early, but about a year ago I taught myself to be a morning person. Now I love waking up at sunrise and starting my day early. I feel like I get so much done when it's early, plus I love getting to enjoy the city when it's still quiet and peaceful.

Question 4

Which beauty product could you never live without and why?


That would be the Biolumin-C Vitamin C Serum from Dermalogica. I find that Vitamin C is one of the most effective serums for my skin when it comes to caring for it. It keeps my skin looking healthy and glowing and while protecting it from future damage.

Question 5

What is the best piece of advice you could offer beauty bloggers that are starting out?


My best piece of advice to new beauty bloggers is to just start trying products and writing. So many people get caught up with thinking about all the different ways they could do things they never even get started. Your first blog post doesn't need to be perfect and neither does your blog design. My advice is to get started, work hard and you'll find your own path soon enough.

Question 1

What motivated you to start blogging?


10 Years ago my husband mentioned that I should think about starting a beauty blog since family & friends were always coming to me for beauty advice. He then dared me to go ahead with it but he never believed I would. I had no idea what a blog's purpose was, let alone how to go about starting one, but I immediately began my research. The very next day, my blog was up and running. Proving him wrong sure felt good!

Question 2

What keeps you passionate about your work or who is inspiring you right now?


I've been passionate about beauty from my earliest memories; my mom likes to say that I was born with a mascara wand in my hand, lol. I also happen to be passionate about beauty in all forms -- from art (I both paint and draw), writing (poetry and a few other projects I'm working on), photography, and music (I play piano).

Fashion is another love, as well as interior design -- I guess you might say I'm a creative right-brain person. But in answer to your question, the fact that the beauty industry is always evolving -- whether that's through ingredient improvements or scientific formulations -- makes this a field that is constantly moving forward and thus infinitely interesting, at least to me. Just when I think that there aren't any new colours or products left to innovate, the industry manages to surprise me ... usually in a very good way.

As to what inspires me right now, it might sound strange but when the pandemic hit and everything locked down, it was as though something was freed inside me and I've never felt more creative. It might have something to do with the fact that for the first time in a long time there were no "distractions" and I was able to just go with all the ideas I've had percolating in my head. That’s one perk I hadn’t expected but am very grateful for. So in a way, I guess you can say that I turned to myself for inspiration.

Question 3

What is one thing people don’t know about you?


That's a tough one; because I've been at this for over 10 years now, many aspects of my life have been documented via social media but I'd have to say that most people don't know that I am a classically trained pianist (I also taught piano for over 11 years) and that I also have a degree in Interior Decorating.

Question 4

Which beauty product could you never live without and why?


Vaseline. Basically this one product (which, I have to say, has definitely gotten an ill-deserved bad reputation) can be used as a lip balm, moisturizer and general salve. It's inexpensive, readily available, and produces results. My lips tend to dry out very fast and while I've tried tons of lip balms, the one I keep coming back to is always Vaseline for the job.

True funny story: one year when I had a cold, I asked my husband to rub Vicks Vapo Rub on my chest, but he mistakenly grabbed the Vaseline jar from the medicine cabinet instead. I didn't realize it until the next morning when I woke up and saw it on my nightstand, but I can tell you that the skin on my chest never felt so soft & smooth!

Question 5

What is the best piece of advice you could offer beauty bloggers that are starting out?


For anyone who's thinking of starting a blog, my best advice would be to just do it. Just start. Don't stress trying to get all the details right (writing style, photography, content) because it will always be a work in progress. If you check out my very first blog post and compare it to what I do now, it's definitely night & day, so yeah ... we all have to start somewhere.

The other important fact to remember is to be true to your own voice and don't try to look/sound like anyone else. Sure, you can draw inspiration from other bloggers you admire, but ultimately your voice needs to be your own. One thing I've always felt was key to who I am both as a person and as a journalist, is my integrity; I never write about a product unless I feel I can stand behind it. That said, my last piece of advice to anyone starting out in this field, is to not fall into the comparison or numbers trap; do what feels right and you'll definitely be recognized for it.

Question 1

What motivated you to start blogging?


I’ve always loved sharing beauty and lifestyle tips with others and I enjoy reading blogs to keep myself up to date on the latest products and trends. It finally dawned on me that I could start my own blog and share all the tips, tricks and much-loved products that have really helped me on my beauty, health and self-care journey.

I think it’s really easy to let kids, work, age and life in general drag you down over time, but there’s a lot we can do for ourselves to make things better if we just know how to do it or what we need to get there.

Question 2

What keeps you passionate about your work or who is inspiring you right now?


I always set goals for myself whenever I start a new project or endeavor. Once I started blogging, I knew I wanted to learn as much as I could about the blogging world to improve on the quality of my content and photos and reach as many people as possible.

I want to reach farther each year than I did the last. Looking back on when I started my blog and seeing how much I’ve improved always pushes me to do even better.

Question 3

What is one thing people don’t know about you?


Only one thing? Well, I’m a part-time beauty blogger whenever I can find some time to myself and a full time Chartered Professional Accountant by day.

Question 4

Which beauty product could you never live without and why?


This is such a heart-wrenching question for any beauty addict! But my answer would probably be foundation. While my skin has greatly improved over the last several years, I rely on foundation to give me an even complexion and minimize my pores. I would probably crawl into a hole if for some reason I was banned from using foundation!

Question 5

What is the best piece of advice you could offer beauty bloggers that are starting out?


I would tell them that blogging is much harder and more time consuming than you probably think it is! I never expected how much time it would take to set up a website and create well thought out posts with properly lit photos and eye-catching pins. There’s a lot to learn about blogging and I wish I had taken the time early on to get my Pinterest game and SEO skills firmed up right off the bat instead of learning them later on and struggling the first few years trying to get pageviews.