Favourite Blogs #4: Thrift Thick

Ahh, my first blogger from across the pond! I adore Thrift Thick and the stunningly beautiful blogger who runs it. Cassie's posts are filled with her witty sense of humour and I always find myself smiling as I read them. She also incorporates big, beautiful photos and it's just a joy to explore her work. Whilst I carry on inwardly worshipping Thrift Thick, I'll let Cassie introduce it for herself!

Thrift Thick's Banner, Starring Cassie's professional photobombing cat, Galileo.

Hi everyone!! My name is Cassie; I'm a 22 year old college graduate currently earning my MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in drawing and painting. I have a love and passion for all things fashion and beauty so I created a blog to further indulge my obsession. "ThriftThick" is essentially just a place where I can be myself and share my honest views on cosmetics (I tend to focus my thrifting and fashion on my YouTube channel of the same name) and simultaneous spam my viewers with photos of my cat, Galileo :)

Why did you start blogging?

Though I didn't realize it at the time, I think I started blogging because of my dream to be a

teacher. I love studying up on things and then sharing what I know with others so blogging was pretty much the perfect way for me to do this; reading other people's blogs helped me to research and discover products while starting my own blog allowed me an outlet to share my own opinions... which reminds me: I also wanted to create a blog that was nothing but 100% honest. I hate blogs that are full of nothing but PR samples and misleadingly positive reviews!!

A stunningly beautiful Tarte Blush (that I've been lusting over forever)

What's your favorite thing about blogging?

Hands down: the beauty community. I can't even begin to express how amazing it has been to interact with people from all over the world of so many different ages, backgrounds, etc. just because of a common interest in cosmetics. People have been so unbelievably kind to me (and I'd like to think I've been the same to others haha) and really motivate me to continue being myself both online and in real life :)

If you could choose just one holy grail product, what would it be and why?

Oh gosh... how do you pick??? If I had to pick skincare it would absolutely be the Acne Free Severe Terminator 10 Spot Treatment (it has cleared up my acne better than any other product and, as a girl who has suffered from acne for 10+ years now, that means a lot!!). 

However, if I had to pick makeup I would definitely pick Estee Lauder's Double Wear Light Foundation (I wear Intensity 2.0); beautiful skin is one of the quickest ways to feeling beautiful and confident and this foundation is the best I've ever used!!

Cassie's base products from her "How Much Is My Face Worth?" post! Lady with expensive taste.

Do you have any tips for new bloggers?

I feel like everyone says this, but: ignore the numbers. I didn't get my first follower until over a month into my blog but, since I loved what I was doing, I kept at it and now have some of the loveliest and committed followers (some that I can now call friends) that dreams are made of. 

Oh, and don't be the spam commenter on other people's blogs... you know, that person who leaves a comment like "Lovely! xx insertname&bloglinkhere". It's beyond obvious that you just copy and pasted that comment from a sticky note on your desktop and people will basically hate you and not want to check out your blog haha.

Describe your personal style?

"Grab bag". I honestly don't know that my style fits into just one category (and I've always been told that I'm one of the hardest people to buy for *sob*) since I love so many facets of fashion so a grab bag seems like an appropriate comparison. That probably comes from my thrifting obsession as well (I kind of go nuts for a good grandpa cardigan or man sweater)!!

One of my personal favourite OOTD's from Cassie. All the way back from July! Looking utterly stunning.

Do your friends and family know about your blog?

Yes and no. My closest friends and family know about (and silently stalk) my blog but I have the hardest time telling other people in my day-to-day life about my internet life... I don't know what it is but it's just too strange to tell others!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat to me Cassie, I couldn't agree more with the things you've said! I'm definitely a firm believer in beautiful skin making me feel confident and it really is so important to blog for no one but yourself! Please, please, please go and check out Thrift Thick and say hi to Cassie, I promise you won't regret it!

Lauren

Favourite Blogs #3: Water Painted Dreams

One of the blogs that I've been reading for quite a while is Water Painted Dreams by Hayley. Water Painted Dreams is my relaxation bubble. I always read the "What Makes Me Happy" series when I'm feeling stressed and it just literally brightens my day! I always feel inspired afterwards. I also really love her style and fashion posts and she gives me serious fringe envy. She's kindly allowed me to ask her a few questions and introduce her blog to you lovely people! Without further ado:

Introduce yourself and your blog:

 Hello, I'm Hayley and I'm a 16 year old blogger living just outside Edinburgh. I'm currently in my 5th year of high school, studying English, maths, physics, chemistry and human biology. I hope to go on to study chemical engineering or pharmacology at Edinburgh University. Despite being a 'science person' academically, outside of school I love to read, play guitar, bake and of course, blog! My blog, Water Painted Dreams, is a bit of a mix between a beauty and a lifestyle blog with a few other things thrown in as well. I also work part time in an aquatic pet shop which I really love.

Hayley's review of her first MAC Lipstick in the beautiful shade Dubonnet

Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging in January 2012 because I used to watch a lot of beauty gurus on Youtube, I wanted to make my own videos but after I discovered that people also beauty blogged I thought that it was a lot more suited to me and decided to try it out.

What's your favourite thing about blogging?

Being able to talk to other bloggers about things that I love and finding that people also feel the same way about things. I love interacting with other bloggers, whether it be through comments or through the #bbloggers chats on twitter, I'm in this for the people!

One of things that makes Hayley happy (and me happy too!)

If you could pick just one holy grail product, what would it be?

Soap & Glory's Scrub Your Nose In It, it's the best scrub I've ever tried. I've been using this nearly everyday for more than a year and it's improved my skin so much. It also smells amazing.

Tips for new bloggers?

Don't comment saying 'follow for follow' and use the #bbloggers chats on Twitter to interact with other bloggers. Network, network, network!

Thank you so much Hayley! I really couldn't agree more with your tips, networking is so important and it feels amazing to meet like-minded individuals. I urge you to go and have a look at Hayley's blog and give her a follow! Even more incentive for you, Hayley is currently holding a giveaway to celebrate her 500 follower milestone (Congratulations lovely!) where you can win a much coveted Sleek i-Divine Storm Palette. Get entering!

Lauren

Favourite Blogs #2: Misellyre

Another offering from my ever-expanding blog roll! I actually discovered Misellyre after being directed to her  giveaway on Twitter. In a wonderful twist of fate I ended up winning it! As soon as I started following Ellie's blog I found myself going through all her posts and just loving everything she does. She's a beautiful, lovely girl who's just so kind and sweet and it's a joy to go exploring in her corner of the internet. Take it away Ellie!

Introduce yourself Ellie!
I'm Ellie, a 22 year old born and bred in Leeds! My blog is my own little place where I can share reviews about beauty products, tidbits about what I get up to in my day-to-day life and occasional fashion posts. 

Ellie's amazing shoes from her Sales Haul. Probably my favourite photo from a blog ever. I actually already creepily had this in my inspiration folder because I just love it so much.

Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging after following several others for a few months, and wanted my to have my own input in the beauty world. I also wanted to talk to other girls like me that are just as obsessed with beauty, as none of my friends are into it quite as much as I am!

What's your favourite thing about blogging?
It's got to be the community; I've never been part of one before where there is so much support when you need it. I know that there is always someone out there who is just as happy nattering about the latest beauty product as they are with helping others with their blogs. Everyone is welcomed right from the beginning and that is pretty special.

Ellies Top 5 Winter Nail Polishes

If you could choose just one holy grail product, what would it be?
Ooh, difficult! It would have to be my Revlon Colorstay, since I discovered it last year I haven't stopped using it. It's the only foundation I've found my perfect colour match in and lasts all day!

Thank you so much Ellie! I'll definitely have to try out that foundation. I think a whole ton of people should immediately go and see Ellie's blog. Her pictures are literally stunning, she's my photography inspiration. I dream of photos like these! 

Lauren

Favourite Blogs #1: Wanischa S

One of my New Years Resolutions was to start a blog roll of all my favourite blogs, and I thought what better way than to start up a regular feature? I've been reading Wanischa S for a while now and I find searching through her archives so addictive! It's run by a really lovely blogger who's always up for a chat and luckily, she's let me ask her a few questions about her and her blog!

Introduce yourself Wanischa!
Hello, my name is Wanischa and I run a blog by the name Wanischa S (I know, I'm very imaginative). I'm currently studying Spanish and Chinese at a University. In my blog, I mainly write about my beauty finds but I also talk about my university experiences such as being a fresher and house hunting as a student.  However, occasionally I posted some outfit of the day (so, I guess that my contribution in the fashion department). Check out my blog if you enjoy reading blogs that has a bit of a personal touch. 

Wanischa's gorgeous Boxing Day FOTD

Why did you start blogging?

Honestly, I started blogging because last summer I was obsessed with reading blogs which I found through searching for foundation that is suitable for dry skin that also gives dewy finish (I brought MAC Studio Sculpt and MAC Mineralized Skinfinish because of this). I was also watching beauty gurus such as FleurDeForce and missglamorazzi on youtube. I was tired of spending money on beauty products that I ended up hating. So, it pretty much  began on research with me wanting to save money but it ended up being the reason why I started spending so much money since after reading so many good reviews of some things, I always go out and buy it (oops!). However, you probably already know that what works for one person might not work for another and I just wanted to give my opinions in my own web space. 

What's your favourite thing about blogging?

My favourite thing about blogging has to be the social side of it. It's nice to be able to talk to fellow beauty lovers because my real life friends aren't that interested in those sort of things. I also really like the Wednesday and Sunday #bbloggers chat although I always forget about it but when I do remember to take part it has always been amazing. I really enjoy #bbloggers bloghop too because I love looking for new blogs to read. 

If you could choose just one holy grail product, what would it be?

The first post I ever made on my blog which is SteamCream is definitely my holy grail item. I don't think I could ever live without it. It has really help me with dry skin. I'm guilty of collecting the tins as well because they are so cute. 

  SteamCream from Wanischa's first ever post

Thank you Wanischa! It was a lot of fun getting to know you better. I urge you all to go and check out Wanischa's amazing blog. Especially look out for her beautiful Summer picture backgrounds (like the SteamCream) - they give such an adorable secret garden feel which I love.

Lauren