There's been a fair bit of media coverage about beauty blogs of late, and most recently, an article in the New York Times all about beauty blogs has gotten some beauty bloggers pretty riled up. Perhaps you've seen it? If you haven't, the piece focuses on a few of the rockstar beauty bloggers out there and sort of paints the picture that we're all product-hungry swag hoarders. While I wasn't as bothered by the article as some in the community, (since, the way I see it, bad press is better than no press at all), in the interest of sharing with you, my valued readers, I thought it was only apt that I reveal why I started this blog.
Firstly, I started SugarShock Beauty because I wanted a creative outlet first and foremost. In the beginning, I didn't know that SugarShock was going to be about beauty, just that I wanted to write about something, and, since I've always had a profound love for fashion and beauty, it only made sense that I focus on those topics.
And yes, I get free products. I don't think there's many beauty bloggers or editors out there that don't. While I haven't previously revealed that I get products for free, I didn't see a need to, since I thought it was assumed that this was the case. (There's no way I'd be able to afford to buy that many products and still be able to survive.) So, do I speak negatively about products that I get for free? The short answer is no. And it's not because I'm afraid of the corporate giants – it's because I only want to bring you the best, (and there's already enough negativity in the world!) and I only write about products that I love.
Free products are a perk, yes, but since this blog is a labor of love and not the mega-moneymaker that I'd like it to be, I figure it all balances out in the end. My readers and the feedback you give are what inspire me to keep this thing going. Would I accept trips to Paris to cover beauty launches? I'd have to say, if given the opportunity, I wouldn't turn it down. And I wouldn't berate anyone else who did so either. But keep in mind that most beauty bloggers, myself included, are not rockstar bloggers – lavished with gifts, press trips and the like. We're pretty much like you, dear reader. We have day jobs. And we also happen to dearly love writing about beauty.
So, I'm not a rockstar blogger. Though some day, maybe I will be. Hence, my photo of Blondie. Doesn't she have amazing style?
Check out what other beauty bloggers are saying, including: Beauty Addict, Jack and Hill, Tia Williams of Shake Your Beauty and a fellow Canadian, Canadian Beauty.
And let me know your thoughts in the comments.
8 comments:
Very nicely put, KV! I love what you bring to Sugarshock and you should be admired for only wanting to promote the best items. It really shows in the quality of your site!
Bravo!
I agree with you about not turning down the perks - why not take advantage of the opportunity? After all, the companies are basically getting free advertising and good press, so... A little reciprocity is just fine, as long is it doesn't make you unethical.
Thanks for keeping your integrity and your standards!
thanks Ms. P&C! and thank you for the Product Porn Award! (I tried to leave a comment for you on www.poeticandchic.com but for some reason, it wouldn't let me...)
Well said, sugarshock! So glad you are also a Eats, Shoots & Leaves enthusiast! Thanks for your support against Jezebel. I mean, tell me I'm fat and ugly, or even that you don't love my grammar usage or my spelling... but my punctuation? Knife through my HEART. xoxo
Well put!
As a fellow beauty blogger you hit all the necessary points. You and I are not making money off this. It's a labor of love and the free stuff we get is a small perk. For me, seeing my stat numbers go up and my comments roll in that makes it worth it.
Good post! :)
Fabulista - yes, it's too bad about Jezebel. I quite liked them before, but now I'm in full-on boycott mode (for now, at least!).
Lydia - my sentiments exactly! it's those emails from readers that make it all worth it. It's amazing to have that connection with them and to know you're not just rambling to yourself!
I completely agree with you. And you know, you're right--bad press is better than no press at all. :-)
Hey - I liked what you had to say, especially about writing about products you don't like. Considering the fact that we're putting in our own valuable time to talk about products, it doesn't make sense to waste it on products that don't deserve it. The only time I talk about products I don't like is if they've really under-delivered on their promises.
Take care!
Henna - you're so right. the only time I'll mention a downside of a product is when it's not specifically geared to my skin or hair type. In that case, I'll focus on its merits, but that it might be better suited to another type of skin. but yeah, on the whole, it's much more interesting to focus on the good things rather than blathering on about the bad (which can be annoying!). :)
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